Trees Are Key

#TreesAreKey – it’s a basic truth. Trees aren’t the only key but they are so important that they deserve better understanding and care. Listen this week as we look back over the last 6 seasons in our final episode. Species Spotlight This week's tree is large, deciduous tree of the prairie that reaches heights of 80 feet or more. Tune in to learn more about bur oak, quercus macrocarpa.

#TreesAreKey to healthier, happier and safer communities. They make our cities and towns not only livable, but survivable. Tune in as we explore "Keys to Urban Forestry". Species Spotlight This week's tree is a Texas native that grows up to 70 feet tall. Listen as we discuss Montezuma Baldcypress, Taxodium mucronatum.

Join us in this week's #TreesAreKey episode as we explore why trees are key for addressing climate change. This week's #SpeciesSpotlight is a Texas native typically seen in East Texas, west to Austin and Dallas. Tune in as we discuss the Easter Redbud, Cercis canadensis, or the Judas Tree.

Last year really brought to surface that #HealthyTreesHealthyLives is not a minor or aesthetic issue - but one of quality and quantity of life. Join us this week as we explore why "Equity is Key". Species Spotlight This week's species spotlight performs best on well-drained soils in East Texas but can be found in almost every botanic garden or arboretum. Join us to explore Maidenhair, Ginkgo biloba.

We deal with succession in leadership and our organizations just as we do in our forests and landscapes. Every natural (or unnatural) disaster can ‘reset’ succession, and the landscape starts marching through the steps of moving to it’s climax state. Species Spotlight Listen to this week's episode to learn more about Red Buckeye, Aesculus pavia var. pavia. A deciduous Texas Native, Red Buckeyes are a beautiful flowering tree that blooms in April or May - but have already begun blooming in Texas, this year.

Recent storms have reinforced our understanding of the importance of branch attachments. Please join us this week as we explore how “Branch Attachments Are Key”. Species Spotlight Listen to this week's episode to learn more about a great, deciduous Texas native that is important to wildlife and is used for cooking fires. Black hickory, Carya texana, is also known as Texas Hickory.

“If I had an hour to solve a problem and my life depended on the solution, I would spend the first 55 minutes determining the proper question to ask… for once I know the proper question, I could solve the problem in less than five minutes” - Albert Einstein. Join us this week as we discuss, “Questions Are Key”. Species Spotlight This week's tree can be confused with live oak, but may be a little more cold hardy. Listen to this week's #TreesAreKey to learn more about Gum Bully, Sideroxylon lanuginosum.

After last week's storm, it may be hard to sit around and do nothing, but more often than not, patience is key. Listen to this episode of #TreesAreKey to learn more about why you should be patient and take time before doing anything drastic with your trees. Species Spotlight This week's species is one of the trees that we expect experienced damage due to our hard freeze. Crapemyrtle, Lagerstroemia indica, is a, generally, well-adapted species. Please let us know if you notice different amounts of damage based on varieties or microclimates.

We interrupt our scheduled topic to address what many of us are dealing with particularly across Texas and the South. This historic winter storm has and will affect our trees. Listen to learn more about how to care for our trees during this critical time. Species Spotlight - This week's tree isn't common across Texas, but is a great example of the diversity of trees that can grow across this great state. Listen to learn more about Rocky Mountain Douglas-Fir Pseudotsuga menziesii var. glauca.

Join us this week as we explore how “Prescriptions Are Key.” From bespoke fertilization and plant health care plans to pruning specifications, our prescriptions are key to efficient and effective tree care. Species Spotlight This week's tree can light up the landscape with its beautiful white blossoms. White fringetree, Chionanthus Virginicus, is a beautiful small tree that can be found in the shade.

Recently, we talked about how “Leveling Up is Key” and one way to do that is to improve your fitness. Join us this week as we discuss how “Fitness is Key” in arboriculture and forestry. Species Spotlight Chinkapin oak, Quercus muehlenbergii, is a great oak for more alkaline soils like we have in central Texas. Listen to this episode of #TreesAreKey to learn more about this great medium to large tree.

We're in a new year, but still dealing with many of the same challenges 2020 brought. One result being a break down in the commons. Join this week as we explore why “The Commons Are Key.” Species Spotlight This week's tree does well in moist areas and have year round visual interest because of it's bark. Listen to this episode of #TreesAreKey to learn more about river birch, Betula nigra.

Join us this week as we discuss how to keep progressing in the game of life. That’s right, we’re discussing personal and professional development in episode 300 “Keys to Leveling Up.” Species Spotlight This week's tree is a small flowering tree from South Texas. Listen to this episode to learn more about Anacahuita aka Cordia boissieri aka Mexican-Olive aka Wild Olive.

Trees are Key Pests, disease, invasive species, fragmentation can all affect Forest Health. Join us this week as we discuss the “Keys to Forest Health” and what you can do to help. Species Spotlight This week's tree is very popular. Not only is it evergreen, but it has large showy blooms. Listen to this episode of #TreeAreKey to learn more about Southern magnolia, Magnolia grandiflora.

We hope you were able to look back on 2020 and prepare for the transition to 2021 over the holiday. Join us this week as we talk about planning for change in “Transitions Are Key”. Species Spotlight This week's tree is one of my favorites because they can almost glow in the landscape. Deciduous holly, Ilex decidua, is a tough and tested Texas native.

2020 has been quite the year. Who else is ready for 2021? Let’s not jump ahead too quick. Join us this week as we wrap up 2020 by ruminating on some of the lessons we’ve covered this year in “Rumination is Key”.

Light can have an impact on our trees including security lights, Christmas lights and landscape lighting. Do you need to worry about how they will affect your trees? Listen to “Keys to Trees and Lighting” to learn more. Species Spotlight This week's tree is somewhat unique in much of Texas. It's a beautiful flowering tree, but it is also evergreen and attractive year-round. Listen to this episode to learn more about Texas mountain-laurel, Sophora secundiflora.

We’ve talked about how “Your Crew Is Key” and about “Keys to Being a Crew Leader”. This week, join us as we talk about “Keys to Crew Cohesion”. Species Spotlight - This week's tree is much maligned, but it is a tough, Texas native that does well in arid environments. It also produces important product for humans and animals. This this week's #TreesAreKey to learn more about Honey mesquite, Prosopis glandulosa var. glandulosa.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Join us this week as we explore the history of Christmas lights and how to safely use them in decorating this year in “Keys to Christmas Lights”. Species Spotlight Listen to this week's #TreesAreKey to learn about an evergreen tree that does well in drier, alkaline areas. Afghan pine, Pinus eldarica, might be a good choice throughout central and west Texas.

We recently talked about how ‘Crews Are Key’, join us this week as we discuss how 'Crew Leaders Are Key' and what we can do to improve as a crew leader. Species Spotlight This week's tree could make a great living Christmas tree in many area's across Texas. Arizona Cypress, Cupressus arizonica ssp. arizonica is a tough evergreen that can add fun texture and color to our landscapes.

This week really kicks off the holiday season and we can certainly use it this year. Join us as we explore how “Trees Are Key for Holidays”. Species spotlight This common evergreen can be seen as a weed, but it's also an important landscape species with beautiful heartwood. Listen to this episode of #TreesAreKey to learn more about Eastern redcedar, Juniperus virginiana var. virginiana.

Do you have a crew? A go-to team to lean on when you have a job that has to be done right? Join us this week as we talk about why "Crews Are Key” and how to improve them. Species Spotlight This week's tree can be beautiful in the fall. Winged Sumac, Rhus copallinum, is a shrub or small tree commonly found in East Texas west to the San Antonio River.

Know an individual, program or organization that is doing a really great job in your field? In Arboriculture and Community Forestry, we have award programs to recognize these accomplishments. Join us this week to learn about the Texas Community Forestry Awards and find out who the 2020 Award winners are. Species Spotlight Listen to this episode of #TreesAreKey to learn about a magnolia you may not know about. Sweetbay magnolia, Magnolia virginiana, is semi-evergreen and can be found in swamps in southeast Texas.

It feels like fall and we’ve officially entered prime tree planting season. It’s also time to celebrate #TexasArborDay! Learn how we're celebrating this year in “Keys to Celebrating Arbor Day”. Species Spotlight This week's tree is a fast growing and fairly long-lived species that may not be native to Texas, but is very well suited for many locations. It's also what we're planting as part of our Texas Arbor Day celebration in Harker Heights on November 6th.

Join us this week to find out “Is GOST Key?" I know, this time of year, you may think of G H O S T, but I’m actually referring to a planning/writing model that will help you organize and produce a plan by establishing Goals, Objectives, Strategies, and Tactics. Species Spotlight Checkout a picture of this tree and you'll know where it got its name. Alligator Juniper, Juniperus deppeana, is a tough West Texas native.

It’s beginning to look like fall in many areas, at least in between the 90+ degree days. For many, that means taking a drive to check out the fall color. We’ve talked about what makes leaves change color before, but this time let’s talk about where to find a great view. That’s this week on “Keys to Scenic Views”. Species Spotlight This week's tree can be a visual treat this time of year. Blackgum, Nyssa sylvatica, typically has vibrant fall color and their flowers contribute to a special sweet treat, tupelo honey.

Have something you need to do but just don’t want to? Want to invest in yourself, but not sure what you really want to do? It’s important to plan, but it's just as key to break inertia and take that first step. Join us this week as we explore how “The First Step is Key”. Species Spotlight This week's tree is small but colorful. This is a great time of year to notice them. Flameleaf sumac, Rhus lanceolate, is also called prairie sumac and can be used to create a refreshing drink.

It’s easy to overlook key actions when you get “busy”. But, how do you make sure you are doing everything you need to? Join us this week in “Checklists Are Key” to learn more. Species Spotlight This week's tree has, fairly, reliable fall color and a culinary use or two. Listen to this episode of #TreeAreKey to learn more about sassafras, Sassafras albidum.

It’s Fall in Texas which means that our deciduous trees are starting to lose their leaves. We tend to get more calls from tree owners that are concerned that their tree might be dying. Join us this week as we revisit how to figure out if something is wrong with your trees and cover a new tool that may be able to help. This week on “Keys to Diagnosis”. Species Spotlight This week's species is great for pollinators. Honey locust, Gleditsia triacanthos, commonly comes armed and is native to central and east Texas. Listen to this week's #TreesAreKey podcast to learn more about this great tree.

One word can have multiple meanings. Join us this week as we explore this concept while we discuss how a word means one thing in forestry and something completely different in arboriculture… and yet, can actually mean the same thing in both. Listen to see if we can answer the question “Is Thinning Key?” Species Spotlight This week's tree is the foundation of the South which is has been refered to as the wood basket of the United State. Loblolly Pine, Pinus taeda, is one of the Southern yellow pines and very important for wood production in the United States. Listen to this episode of #TreesAreKey to learn more about this important tree.

Are you ready to level up? Have you found the right power ups for your life and career? Do you play a single player game or do you prefer a massive multiplayer game? Join us this week as we look at how “Gamification is Key” for arboriculture and forestry. Species Spotlight This week's tree is from a large family, but can perform better in hotter, drier, and more alkaline settings than many of it's cousins. Listen to this episode of #TreesAreKey to learn more about bigtooth maple, Acer grandidentatum.

It may not feel like it yet, but we are getting closer to fall and it will be planting time before you know it. There are so many trees out there that have special names. We’ve talked about them some in the past, but join us this week as we explore more in “Keys to Hybrids”. Species Spotlight Let's look at an intriguing hybrid this week. Do you love citrus, but think it's too cold where you are? Check out this week's species spotlight to learn more about a Texas Superstar called 'Artic Frost' satsuma.

Many are using this time of less travel, work, and outside activities to increase our skill set and maybe even earn a new credential. This week in "Keys to Studying" we'll discuss a new guide out from International Society of Arboriculture, including the section on how to prepare for an exam. Species Spotlight This week's tree isn't common, but it does produce a fruit with a familiar flavor. Listen to this episode of #TreesAreKey to learn more about paw paw, Asimina triloba.

We’ve talked about innovation recently and even touched on a few ways we can facilitate it. Join us this week as we delve a little deeper into one method. That’s this week on “Incubators Are Key”. Species Spotlight This week's tree is a large Texas native usually found along water ways in East Texas, but can be found in a few areas of central Texas. Carolina Basswood, Tilia americana var. caroliniana, has soft yet tough wood that is valued by woodcarvers. Listen to this episode of #TreesAreKey to learn more.

Recently, we discussed how water is key to our trees. However, there’s also a strong connection between trees, forests, and our water sources. This week, join us as we delve into why “Trees Are Key For Water Quality”. Species Spotlight This week's tree is closely associated with this week's topic. Eastern cottonwood, Populus deltoides ssp. deltoides, is common along streambanks, riverbottoms, and sandbars. This tree is often one of the tallest trees in it's area. Learn more by listening to this episode of #TreesAreKey.

Who else is tired of hearing about the ‘new normal’ or that 2020 is a crazy tough year? I know I am. But, there is an element of truth to both. Let’s celebrate our resilience by looking at the new ways we are doing things to adapt to the current situation. That’s this week on “Innovation Is Key”. Species Spotlight This week's tree is native to East Texas, has a distinctive bark and can help make tasty barbecue. Listen to this episode of #TreesAreKey to learn more about shagbark hickory, Carya ovata.

Water is Key to life for us and our trees. Join us this week on "Water Is Key" as we explore several of the ways that water is vital for our trees and review the best way to supplement their water when Mother Nature is being stingy. Resources: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/03/180313084227.htm https://academic.oup.com/treephys/article/37/1/18/2680809 Species Spotlight This week's tree has an affinity for this week's topic. It's also a tree that gets large and can pose a risk in an urban environment. Water oak, Quercus nigra, is a Texas native you should know. Listen to this episode of #TreesAreKey to learn more.

Are there things you do the same way every time? Are there places that you go the same day every week? Are you in an organization that does things the same way every year at their annual conference? Join us this week as we explore why “Rituals Are Key”. Species Spotlight This week's tree is a small, Texas native that has nice fruit that birds love. Listen to this episode of #TreesAreKey to learn about Carolina buckthorn, Frangula caroliniana.

We’ve talked about planning in previous episodes including #186 “Planning Is Key”. This week, join us in "Action Plans Are Key" as we discuss our Texas Forest Action Plan which helps guide our agency’s efforts for the next 10 years and how you can help us with Urban Forest Sustainability, Woodlands Conservation, Forest Resources, Water Resources, and Wildfire and Public Safety. Species Spotlight This week's tree is, usually, well armed and has been introduced to Texas. Black Locust, Robinia pseudoacacia, is a tough tree that can thrive in depleted soils because it is a legume.

We’ve talked about photosynthesis many times including episode 213 “Photosynthesis is Key” and episode 266 “Glucose is Key”. We also looked closer at respiration in episode 270. Join us this week as we delve even deeper and explore where most energy is released during respiration in “Keys to the Krebs Cycle”. Species Spotlight Listen to this week's #TreesAreKey episode to learn more about one of our Texas native evergreens Rocky Mountain Juniper, Juniperus scopulorum.

Join us this week as we explore the world of dicots. What makes trees different from grasses? Well, one of the differences is obvious from the point of germination. That’s this week on “Keys to Dicots”. Species spotlight This week's tree is a beautiful, blooming import. Goldenraintree, Koelreuteria paniculata, can grow in a variety of soils and has a cousin that may do better in South Texas. Listen to this episode of #TreesAreKey to learn more about this great tree.

Keys to the Infinite Game Many games like poker, basketball and risk are finite games. We know the players, the rules and the objective of the game. Join us this week as we explore another type of game in “Keys to the Infinite Game”. Species Spotlight This week's tree loves water, can be found in many areas of Texas, and was a folk remedy for head aches. Listen to this episode of #TreesAreKey to learn more about black willow, Salix nigra.

Keys to Respiration Photosynthesis is key for our trees as we’ve talked about many times, it's how they feed themselves. Join us this week as we explore the ‘opposite’ of photosynthesis in “Respiration is Key”. Species Spotlight Listen to this episode to learn more about a Texas native . Texas ash, Fraxinus texensis, is one of many trees that are under threat from emerald ash borer (EAB). EAB is a pest that is expanding it's range across Texas.

Is Overlearning Key? This has been a good time for many to increase knowledge, skills and abilities. Let’s continue to explore the how to of personal and professional development. Explore the question “Is Overlearning Key?” in this week's episode. Species Spotlight This week's tree is a Texas native that can be easily confused with a common non-native invasive tree in many areas. Western Soapberry, Sapindus saponaria var. drummondii, is a tough tree that does have one pest, in particular, to keep an eye out for. Listen to this episode of #TreesAreKey to learn more about this cool tree.

Keys to Phloem We recently looked at how “Glucose is Key” but once solar energy is captured and turned into the chemical form of energy known as sugar, the tree can transport that energy. Join us this week as we explore that pathway in “Keys To Phloem”. Species Spotlight In this episode we learn more about a tough, beautiful flowering Texas native tree. Desert Willow, Chilopsis linearis, isn't a willow and is very drought tolerant.

Metacognition is Key While areas begin to open, you may still have unplanned down time. This is a great time for us to learn new skills, read books or just take time to think. Have you thought about thinking? Join us this week as we explore the world of thinking about thinking in “Metacognition is Key”. Species Spotlight This week's tree is a Texas native that is rare in the wild. American Smoketree, Cotinus obovatus, is often seen as a shrub or small tree and has a unique inflorescence that give it the common name smoketree. Listen to this episode to learn more about this fun tree.

Glucose is Key Join us this week as we look closer at one of the products of the photosynthesis process and what it means to our trees. That’s this week in “Glucose is Key”. Species Spotlight Listen to this episode to learn more about a Texas native tree that produces food for wildlife and tough, beautiful wood. Juglans microcarpa is also known as Texas walnut and is a tree worth knowing.

Keys to Chlorosis Wow, there is so much going on. We’ve heard from many arborists that they slowed down a bit at the beginning of the lock down, but that business has picked up as people are venturing at least as far as their own backyard. They are paying attention to their trees and calling for help when needed. Join us this week as we explore a visual symptom that may indicate your tree is in trouble in “Keys to Chlorosis.” Species Spotlight is back This week let's look at an oak tree that can be a great alternative to its more chlorosis-prone cousin, pin oak. Shumard oak, Quercus shumardii, is a beautiful Texas native red oak. Listen to this episode to learn more about this tough tree.

Our 5 Senses Are Key with Cindy Scott Join us as we continue our conversation with Cindy Scott with a virtual guided forest therapy session that you can use in your own backyard, local park, or state or national forest. That’s this week on “Our 5 Senses Are Key.”

Keys to Forest Therapy with Cindy Scott This week we are joined by a guest to help us take another look at how Trees Are Key to human health. The connection between trees, people, and health is an exciting subject, and we hope you can join us as we explore more in "Keys To Forest Therapy with Cindy Scott." Resources: Association of Nature and Forest Therapy https://www.natureandforesttherapy.org/

Keys to Fungi This episode, we take a closer look at another microorganism that can be an ally or enemy when it comes to growing trees. We’ve looked at specific subsets of it in previous episodes, including recently in “Mycorhizae Are Key” and “Anthracnose Is Key.” Join us now for “Keys to Fungi.” Species Spotlight From West Texas last week to East Texas this week, Texas trees are as diverse as our landscape. Listen to this week's #TreesAreKey to learn more about cherrybark oak, Quercus pagoda.