Oak trees are among the toughest, most beautiful, and longest lived trees in both our urban forests and native woodlands. Most people do not realize that oaks can also grow quite rapidly into nice sized shade trees. The misconception is that oaks are slow growing. We are consistently able to get oak trees … Continue Reading ››
All posts by Leif Knecht
There’s a Whole Lot of Rubbing Going On. Protect Your Trees!
It’s that time of year again. The whitetail bucks are out rubbing their antlers on your trees! Young trees, from 1”-6” in diameter, need to be protected with white plastic tree wrap to a height of 4 feet. It’s essential to use white tree wraps that reflect the harsh winter sunlight; using something … Continue Reading ››
Firefall Maple
The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum and the University of Minnesota collaborated on the hybridization and selection of Firefall Maple, which I have grown to admire over the past ten years.
My enjoyment of Firefall Maple begins with its very early swelling of chubby reddish buds. Its … Continue Reading ››
Browning of Needles on Evergreens
Each year in September and October, we get quite a few calls from people who have concerns about an evergreen tree beginning to turn brown or yellow. Nobody wants to lose an established spruce/pine or arbrovitae that has been a cherished part of … Continue Reading ››
Creating Diverse Urban Forests
Most of us don't think of the trees in the cities as a forest, but for many creatures that live within our municipalities, they experience the urban tree canopy much like a forest. City trees provide birds, mammals and insects … Continue Reading ››