Tag Archives: tree

A Spot in the Shade: Summer Shade Trees

Summer is just around the corner in Westchester County! The summer months can surely bring unbearable heat at times which cause so many to run to their air conditioned houses. Let’s look at a way to escape the summer heat while still enjoying some fresh air. We waited all winter to get outside so let’s not lock ourselves back up indoors! An obvious escape from the high sun is to find a shady spot. When thinking about your landscape design, it is a good idea to incorporate some Shade Trees. Typically these are deciduous trees that produce a thick leaf coverage in the warmer months of summer then shed their leaves upon the arrival of the cooler seasons.

Let’s take a look at some of the shade trees that can help to offer a “cool spot in the shade” and also improve the overall appearance of your landscape design. This is definitely something to think about as you are designing the layout on your property. Maybe some of these trees are already on your property and now you can see them in a new light!

Weeping Willow Tree
Besides their obvious charm and elegance, Weeping Willows also serve as a fortress from the blazing sun during the summer months! The weeping willow is a medium to large-sized deciduous tree that has the potential to grow up to 60 feet tall. They tend to grow rapidly, but unfortunately have a short lifespan. The beautiful shoots are a yellowish-brown, with very small buds. The leaves are patterned and spirally arranged. They are light green, with finely serrate margins and long tips. A cool summer breeze tends to animate these gorgeous trees and they are a very sought after addition to any landscape design!

White Birch
The White Birch Tree, also known as the European birch, can grow up to be 30 to 60 feet tall and features “drooping” branches. These trees have smaller leaves that offer a nice diffused shade. Birch trees in general are tolerant of most soil and climate conditions. They do, however, like moisture during the dryer summer months. Birch trees grow very fast, which is a plus if you are planning a new layout design while the peeling white bark can stand out in a landscape.

Silver Maple
The Silver Maple is the fastest growing of the Maple trees. Its branches spread out, producing a gorgeous canopy in the hot summer months! They can grow in upwards to 80ft and have a “wingspan” of up to 40ft! It is a very adaptable tree but it does require the most sunlight out of all the maples. The leaves are simple and palmately veined with deep angular notches between the five lobes. These trees are often planted for ornamental purposes because of their rapid growth and ease of propagation and transplanting. They are highly tolerant of urban situations and are frequently planted next to streets.

So get out there and enjoy the beautiful weather that mother nature is serving up! Plan a picnic or grab your favorite book and find your spot in the shade under your shade tree of choice! Plus, by turning off the air conditioners we are saving money and energy which helps reduce your carbon footprint. Enjoy your summer!

What is Dendrochronology?

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Decode a tree’s life with the help of dendrochronology. What is dendrochronology? It’s the dating and study of a tree’s annual rings.

An unusual tree in Confederation Park, Fergus Ontario

Dendrochronology: The Life of a Tree

via Trees Are Good

There is so much to learn from a tree. Dendrochronology, or the study of a tree’s rings, can provide useful data from years past. A tree’s rings can help us understand environmental factors of the past, therefore assisting us with making better decisions for the future. Scientists and historians alike find the study of a tree’s rings useful for giving historical artifacts a timeline.

Counting the Rings: A Myth?

You may have head you can find the age of a tree by counting it’s rings. This is not completely true. Through numerous studies, dendrochronologists have discovered that counting a tree’s rings can lead to inaccurate conclusions. When searching for an accurate date, various techniques are required to “cross-date” artifacts and wood samples. Learn more about gathering information from tree rings with the UA Laboratory of Tree-Ring Research here.

What Trees Tell Us About Temperature

Trees are a great indicator of the Earth’s past climate and local environmental patterns. Scientists can even gather information about climate and temperature pre-dating climate documentation with the help of a very mature tree’s rings. Learn more about dendrochronology with this kid-friendly guide from NASA.

The color and width of tree rings can provide snapshots of past climate conditions; via climatekids.nasa.gov/tree-rings/

Did You Know: Tree rings grow wider in warm, wet years and appear thin during cold, dry years. If a tree has weathered stressful conditions like drought, a tree may have very limited growth during those years.

Fun Activity: Listen to a Tree

Have you ever wondered what tree rings would sound like when played like a record? You can listen on YouTube here.

Anatomy of a Tree

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How knowledgeable are you when it comes to the anatomy of a tree? Being able to identify parts of a tree is helpful in identifying tree illnesses and safety hazards. Tweet your tree anatomy questions at us: “@westchestertree”.

tree-trunk-westchester-tree-life

Starting from the Bottom: The Root System

A healthy root system makes for a healthy tree! The purpose of the tree’s root system is to anchor the tree, as well as absorb water and minerals from the soil. There are two kinds of roots, large perennial roots and small, short-lived “feeder” roots.

Did You Know: Tree roots are typically found in the top three feet of soil.

The Five Parts of a Tree Trunk

westchester-tree-life-tree-trunk

Did you know a tree trunk has five parts? A tree trunk is comprised of the outer bark, the inner bark, the cambium cell layer, sapwood and heartwood!

The heartwood is the innermost layer of the tree trunk, and acts as the supporting pillar of the tree. Though the heartwood is technically dead, it does not decay or lose strength while the outer layers of the tree are intact. Heartwood is a composite of hollow, needlelike cellulose fibers which are bound together by a chemical-like glue, lignin, making it almost as strong as steel.

The layer which covers the heartwood is the sapwood, which later hardens and turns into heartwood. Sapwood acts as the trees pipeline for water, helping it move up to the tree’s leaves.

After the sapwood is the cambium cell layer. The cambium cell layer annually produces new barn and wood in response to auxins, the hormones which are passed down through the tree. Auxins stimulate growth in cells and are produced by leaf buds at the ends of a tree’s branches.

Next is the Phloem, or the inner bark, which acts as the pipeline for food. The Phloem only lives for a short time before turning to cork; this cork is part of the tree’s protective outer bark.

Lastly is the outer bark, which protects the tree from the outside world. This outermost later helps keep out moisture and prevents the tree from losing moisture; the outer bark also insulates against extreme temperatures.

Branches, Twigs and Leaves

tree-leaf-westchester-tree-life

A tree’s branches and twigs spring out of the trunk and are the supportive structure for leaves, flowers and fruit. Through the process of photosynthesis, leaves make food for the tree and release oxygen into the air.

American Chestnut Trees

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American chestnut trees accounted for a large portion of forest specimens pre-1900’s. Once a pathogen was introduced to American chestnut trees due to the importing of Japanese chestnut trees, American chestnut trees began to disappear. Since the decline of these majestic beauties communities and scientists have teamed up to create organizations to preserve, protect and bring awareness to the amazing American chestnut trees!

(Credit Vicky Sawyer)

The Tallest American Chestnut Tree in North America

The tallest American chestnut tree in North America is rooted in Maine and is 115 feet tall. This amazing discovery prompted members of the American Chestnut Foundation to visit the tree and gather information. Forest scientist Brian Roth estimated the American chestnut tree to be around a century old after examining the specimen.

Tallest American Chestnut Tree Susan Sharon MPBN

via Susan Sharon MPBN

Scientists have sampled DNA from this tall American chestnut tree to preserve in a living gene bank; information gathered will assist in research to restore the chestnut to its historic range. Read more about the tallest American chestnut tree in North America via NPR here.

The American Chestnut Foundation

Committed to the conservation, protection and expansion of America’s forests since 1990, The American Chestnut Foundation has planted more than 45 million trees! The American Chestnut Foundation has also replanted forests destroyed by both human action and natural disasters.

The Benefits of Urban Parks

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There have been some interesting studies in recent years regarding the benefits of time spent walking in nature, out among the greenery. Taking a break during the day to go for a walk can improve your mood and increase your memory and attention, whether you choose to walk down a few city blocks or stroll through a wooded area. However, research has shown that people who enjoy their walk in a green space experience a significantly greater improvement than those who take their walks among buildings and traffic.

Spending time in nature improves memory, attention, and mood across all ages. The benefits to children with attention disorders and adults suffering depression seem to be the most dramatic. Why is a walk in a park more beneficial than a walk down a city street? Scientists believe it’s due to the overstimulation a city street causes. In this environment, your mind is constantly busy, navigating around other pedestrians and avoiding traffic. A walk in the woods, on the other hand, gives your mind a break. You can simply walk and use a more relaxed form of attention that allows the brain to refresh itself.

The sad truth is, many people don’t have access to a green space where their brains can rest and recharge. Making sure people of all ages and abilities can get to a park or other green space should be a priority when planning our cities and determining where to place parks. More green spaces will improve the lives of everyone from, from business men and women on their lunch breaks to preschoolers taking a recess.

If you’re interested in getting involved in your town or city’s park system, contact your Parks and Recreation department or ask the nearest Land Trust organization how you can support their efforts. You can also research non-profits in your area that work to add greenery and access to parks to the community.

You can read more about the benefits of urban parks here.

American Yellowwood Tree

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The American Yellowwood Tree (Cladrastis kentuckea) is a very pretty tree that’s rather uncommon in the Northeast. Although the Yellowwood is hardy to Zone 4, it is more likely found from the Southeast with a range that extends as far west as Oklahoma and south to Alabama.

American Yellowwood Tree

This uncommon tree get its name from the yellow color of its heartwood. The bark of the Yellowwood tree is an attractive, smooth light grey. Early in summer, the tree produces fragrant, white, pea-like flowers. This tree also produces fruit in the form of pods, each containing a few seeds. The foliage ranges from bright green in summer to a show mix of yellow, orange, and gold in the fall. The Yellowwood is a medium sized tree, growing to 33 to 49 feet tall.

Yellowwood Summer Foliage

Yellowwood Flowers

Yellowwood Tree Fall Foliage

When adding a Yellowwood tree to your yard, choose a spot in full sun with well drained soil. This tree needs to be pruned every summer, so keep that chore in mind when deciding if this species is good for your yard. You may need to protect the tree from sun scald and wind during the harsh winter months.

Another positive aspect of the Yellowwood tree is its health. This particular tree is free from major diseases and pests. If you are looking for a beautiful ornamental tree that will thrive in a suburban, or even urban, environment, the American Yellowwood Tree might be right for you!

Yellowwood Tree in Bloom

American Dogwood Tree

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The American Dogwood Tree, Cornus Florida

The blooming of the American Dogwood tree is a tell-tale sign that spring has arrived. These trees reach a height of 30 feet at most, and produce white, pink or red bracts with a center of bright yellow flowers.

Once the heat of summer arrives, these beautiful blossoms give way to light green leaves; during Autumn, the foliage of American Dogwood trees turn a deep red before falling.

The Benefits of Planting an American Dogwood Tree

Visually appealing during all four seasons
Full leaves offer shade during the summer
A modest-sized tree

Caring for an American Dogwood Tree

The American Dogwood tree flourishes in partial sun, and prefers nutrient-rich, well-drained soil.

The Amelanchier Tree

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The Amelanchier tree has many names: the Serviceberry, Sarvisberry, Sarvis, Shadbush, Shadwood, Wild Pear, Juneberry, Saskatoon, Sugarplum, Wild-Plum and Chuckley Pear. The Amelanchier has an interesting backstory to follow many of its nicknames.

Amelanchier Residential Westchester Tree Life

The Amelanchier tree is a short tree or large shrub ideal for adding beauty to your landscape.

This tree of many names was often used as an indication to mark the time of year when shad fish came to spawn, thus the nicknames Shadblow or Shadbush.

Early colonists referred to the Amelanchier as the Serviceberry. The colonists referenced the blooming of the Amelanchier as a sign that the ground had thawed enough to bury the dead, after a long winter. The name Serviceberry was a term derived from funeral service.

Amelanchier canadensis Westchester Tree Life

Amelanchier candensis

The Amelanchier is also called the Juneberry for it’s bountiful boughs of berries produced in June, which attract birds.

A tree that features something beautiful each season, the Amelanchier tree’s bright green leaves turn a bright orange and deep red during Autumn.

The Amelanchier’s leaves are bright during fall.

Once the tree has shed its leaves for winter, its silvery bark resonates during winter snow. This small tree, or large bush is a great addition to your landscape as a tell-tale sign that spring has sprung.

Planting a Tree

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There are a few things to consider before you begin the process of planting a tree. Trees are aesthetically-pleasing additions to the exterior of your home of business, and can give your property value a little boost. To properly plant a tree, we recommend you consider the following things:

1) What are your goals?

Maple Tree Goldfinch Westchester Tree Life

Photo credit: Sharon Sauriol
The maple tree is a favorite perch of the goldfinch.

Are you planting your new tree to gain privacy without blocking yourself off from neighbors with a fence? Are you introducing a new tree onto your property because you are interested in attracting certain birds or looking to create a sound barrier? Before you begin mapping out all of the fun details of planting a tree, we recommend you consider your goals. Acknowledging your goals will make choosing a location and a tree-type easier, and ultimately make your project more successful.

2) Location is key!

Though location seems like an obvious factor, we urge you to think deeper, more to the root of the problem, if you will. Tree roots need adequate amounts of space to grow and develop, so try to choose a location with ample room for your tree to flourish. Avoid planting a tree underneath or around powerlines and telephone lines; placing a tree too close to a building will also cause future issues for both the tree growth and possibly the building and its patrons.

NOTE: We advise contacting your utility company to mark the location of any underground lines which may come in contact with your newly planted tree. You may be held accountable for any damage done to such lines.

3) Follow proper planting procedure.

Image courtesy gardening.ktsa.com

We understand, planting a new tree is exciting! Though the idea of just digging a hole and setting your new tree up for success is enticing, following proper planting procedure for your tree is the best bet. Take weather conditions into consideration; trees are best planted during times of low wind, cloudy, and slightly cool but not humid. If you are unsure of the proper temperament by which your tree should be planted, ask an arborist at Westchester Tree Life to assist you! We would be happy to help you plant your new tree and set it up for success!