Coordinator’s Corner — August

Isn’t summer great? We get to slow down a bit -- spend more time outdoors, more time with family, more time in the garden… While you are outside this August, perhaps enjoying the shade of your trees or watering those you planted this spring, the Washington Invasive Species Council encourages you to take the time …

A Tree to Try–Chinese Pistache

Chinese Pistache, Pistacia chinensis Okay, since you’re all wondering… yes, this is technically a pistachio tree but no, it isn’t the pistachio tree. Those delectable green nuts are actually the seeds of Pistacia vera, a close relative. Nonetheless, the Chinese pistache stands on its own merits as a landscape specimen. For starters, this is yet …

State Asks You to Check Trees for Invasive Pests in August

The Washington Invasive Species Council and a consortium of agencies and universities are asking residents to check trees and swimming pools in their yards for harmful bugs as part of the national Tree Check Month in August. August is the peak time of year to find invasive bugs like citrus longhorned beetles, emerald ash borers …

Timely Tree Tips – Symptoms of Drought Stress

Drought is a very real threat to plants in Washington, even on the ‘wet’ side of the mountains. Here are some classic symptoms to be on the lookout for, in order from slight to more severe: Leaves are pale, dusky or yellowish in color. Water is a key ingredient in photosynthesis. If water is limiting …

From the Field: Update on Seattle’s Tree Canopy

Seattle has a long-standing commitment to its urban trees. Because of the many environmental, social and economic benefits these trees provide, they are essential to enhancing the community’s quality of life, especially as Seattle grows. The collective impact is significant: Seattle’s urban forest removes 725 metric tons of pollution from the environment and sequesters carbon at …

Cultivating Resilient Communities, reserve your seat today!

This year's program uses community trees and forests as a lens through which to view the important, community-wide issue of resilience. We feel this topic is best suited to planners, administrators and other decision-makers, though we expect others will find value in it as well. Here's a preview of what's in store for those who …

Coordinator’s Corner — July

Washington state’s Urban and Community Forestry Program provides technical, educational, and financial assistance to local governments, citizen groups and volunteers to help them plant and sustain healthy trees and vegetation in communities throughout our state. We are able to provide these services thanks to funding from the USDA Forest Service. In recent weeks, we’ve learned …