Mediterranean oak borer (MOB), Xyleborus monographus, is a novel and major concern for Washington’s urban forests and oak tree population. Learn how you and your community can become more prepared and stay in the loop about MOB by registering to attend the online workshop hosted by Washington State University. The workshop will focus on the biology, … Continue reading Preparation and Response to Mediterranean Oak Borer in Washington State: Register Today!
Capitol Campus Celebrating Arbor Day and the Importance of Tree Species Diversity
By Julia Kast & Em Roberts Arbor Day provides us an excellent opportunity to celebrate trees, our urban forests, and remind ourselves of the importance of taking care of the impressive mature trees throughout Washington. This year’s Washington Arbor Day Celebration will be held April 26 starting at 10:30 am at 11th Avenue SW across … Continue reading Capitol Campus Celebrating Arbor Day and the Importance of Tree Species Diversity
Aspirations For Pest Readiness in Washington
By Rachel Santa Olalla In partnership with the Recreation and Conservation Office’s Washington Invasive Species Council (WISC), the Urban and Community Forestry Program's WA Urban Forest Pest Readiness project work planned for 2024 is intended to enhance Washington’s community’s readiness for urban forest pest challenges. The partnership will be providing resources, outreach and engagement opportunities, … Continue reading Aspirations For Pest Readiness in Washington
USDA Reveals New Plant Hardiness Zones
By: Rachel Santa Olalla For the first time since 2012, the United States Department of Agriculture has updated the Climate Hardiness Zones Map, a well-used resource for any landscape professional. Most growers, gardeners, designers, arborists, and related professionals use the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map as the standard to work with when selecting plants and … Continue reading USDA Reveals New Plant Hardiness Zones
Pine Cones, Pine Cones Everywhere!
By Em Roberts, Urban Forestry Technician - Western Region Well…not everywhere. Even though we all do it, few of us realize we are generating disinformation. Pine cones, we call them, indiscriminately. But, have you ever stopped to notice from which tree that cone has fallen? Not all cones that fall from conifer trees are pine … Continue reading Pine Cones, Pine Cones Everywhere!
During Planting Season, Consider Trees for Climate Resilience
The spring planting season is officially upon us, meaning that homeowners, tree advocates, urban foresters and other natural resource managers all have the opportunity to make a positive impact on their local community by planting new trees. When choosing which species to plant, the decision may be tougher than previously imagined. In a new study … Continue reading During Planting Season, Consider Trees for Climate Resilience
Caring for Trees in the Urban Landscape
By Em Roberts, Urban Forest Technician for WA Western Region Young leaves emerge on green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica) in spring 2021 (Chelan, WA). Photo by: Daria Gosztyla/WA DNR The turn of the season from winter to spring here in Washington state brings with it many exciting experiences to life such as longer days, changes in … Continue reading Caring for Trees in the Urban Landscape
A Tree to Try: Persian Parrotia or Persian Ironwood
By Daria Gosztyla, DNR Urban Forest Projects and Outreach Specialist (newly appointment Inventory Specialist) One recent weekend I was caught at the Edmonds Ferry Terminal for an extended period due to only one ship running the route at the time, and I did what any arborist caught sitting in a parking lot for over an … Continue reading A Tree to Try: Persian Parrotia or Persian Ironwood
Timely Tree Tips: Rainfall interception in urban areas
These large London plane trees along the waterfront in Poulsbo, WA help intercept and slow down rain water. This spring we have been encountering some extraordinary rainy weather. Since March we have been hearing about the rain setting records throughout Washington—for instance, in the entire month of June, Seattle usually averages 1.45 inches of rain. … Continue reading Timely Tree Tips: Rainfall interception in urban areas
Timely Tree Tips: Tree Owner’s Manual
Think back to the day you planted your latest tree. It may have been during Arbor Day, which recently passed in April, or during the fall planting season. You did your research to find the perfect planting spot for your perfect tree. You properly planted the tree, mulched around it and topped it off with … Continue reading Timely Tree Tips: Tree Owner’s Manual
Timely Tree Tips — Assessing Damage After a Winter Storm
Recently, it seems like the whole state was blanketed with winter storm activities, which has now left some parts of Washington experiencing flood risks, avalanche warnings, and post-storm tree damage. When winter storms sweep through, they can leave behind wet, heavy snow or thick layers of ice. If a tree is weak, diseased or previously … Continue reading Timely Tree Tips — Assessing Damage After a Winter Storm
Urban and community Forestry in Washington State 