Tree of the Month: The Desert Willow Learn about this drought-tolerant, Central Texas tree and how to identify it Growing plants in the Texas summer heat can be a difficult task.  Many plants that flourish in other parts of the country have a hard time with our clay soils, 100+ degree days, and low rainfall. …

How the Urban Heat Island is Impacting North Texas With the Texas summer in full swing, residents of urban areas are dealing with something their rural counterparts may not: Urban Heat Islands. The Urban Heat Island (UHI) Effect occurs when built surfaces, like roads, parking lots, and roofs, heat up during the day and slowly…

Three Important Tips for Watering Your Tree Learn about when and how to properly water your tree We all know that trees need water, but when and how much do they need?  Well, depending on who you ask, it may be more complex than you think.  According to The Arbor Day Foundation, there are many…

How to Identify Abiotic Stress in Your Tree Learn to recognize these common symptoms that may save your tree We think of trees at as stalwart sentries, watching over our yards and weathering any storm with us. Though they seem impervious to the changing world around them, like us, trees can become stressed. Stress in…

How to Identify Biotic Stress in Your Tree Learn to recognize these common symptoms that may save your tree We think of trees at as stalwart sentries, watching over our yards and weathering any storm with us. Though they seem impervious to the changing world around them, like us, trees can become stressed. Stress in…

How Outdoor Learning Improves Child Development Outdoor spaces improve mental and physical health while shaping children for the future There is a tremendous body of research surrounding the benefits of both structured outdoor education and unstructured outdoor play for children. The positive effects of spending time in nature are far-reaching—from mental and physical health improvements…

Tree of the Month: The American Smoke Tree Learn about the origin of the Central Texas tree and how to identify it The American Smoke Tree, also known as Chittamwood, can be grown as a small ornamental tree or as a large shrub.  It is not a well-known plant and can be hard to find…