“Knowing trees, I understand the meaning of patience. Knowing grass, I can appreciate persistence.” — Hal Borland It rained yesterday. Such a simple statement, but such a huge concept. In California, the whole state is a giant tinderbox waiting…
Author: Southwest Trees and Turf
Job Opening with UCANR
The University of California, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, a statewide program with local development and delivery, is seeking a Cooperative Extension (CE) area environmental horticulture advisor to conduct an extension, education and applied research program that will provide…
Tree Fertilization Facts
By Jim Downer Trees are valuable elements of landscapes. As they grow, they increase in size and value as well as in cost of maintenance. Young trees demand little water and fertilization, but growing trees and old trees may deplete…
How Plants Tolerate Drought
by Daniel Murphy Water is a precious natural resource and an essential element for life on earth. Demand for water increases dramatically as human population grows and fresh water sources become polluted. Awareness of our reliance on water is especially…
The Endearing Prickly Pear
By Steve Plath Few plant types inspire more ire from the professional landscaper or the seasoned Southwest gardener than the thought of intentionally planting a prickly pear (Opuntia spp.) or cholla (Cylindropuntia spp.) in a garden. Yet not many other…
A Message from Editor Helen M. Stone
“Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.” — Lao Tzu Whew…I don’t know about you, but this spring has kept me running at top speed. I’ve taken on a couple new projects and am wondering if I finally reached…
An Arborist’s Fertile Thoughts
By Juan Barba So we do live in interesting times. It’s a curse. While we put down an incredible amount of synthetic fertilizer yearly, organic materials gain in popularity by the day. I was raised in the university system; I…
Drought kills 12 million trees
Extreme drought conditions have left an estimated 12 million trees dead in California’s forests over the past year. KPBS-FM reports that the estimate comes from a U.S. Forest Service aerial survey conducted in April. Interim Aerial Survey Program Manager Jeffrey…
Red Imported Fire Ant Infestations in AZ
The Plant Services Division has reported that there are currently five active Red Imported Fire Ant (RIFA) infestations in Arizona at this time. Three are new this Spring. In order to deter the presence of these pests in your nursery and…
Invaders Threaten our Trees
By Kathy Kosta We call them invasive species. The invaders, new pests and diseases that can kill our trees, are headed our way. Some have already arrived. Invasive species, a hot topic across the nation and even across the continents,…