If you’ve noticed small holes in the leaves of your oak tree this season, it may be due to a pest called the Oak Shothole Leafminer (Japanagromyza viridula). While this pest, which is actually a small fly, is native to New Jersey and has natural predators, there are occasionally large outbreaks that can lead to widespread oak tree damage. The fly is becoming more common throughout New Jersey and the New Jersey DEP is currently tracking outbreaks of the pest. What exactly is the Shothole Leafminer, and how does it affect oak trees? Read on to find out!
Volunteering in the “New Normal”
Our Fall volunteer tree planting schedule is live! We are currently limiting volunteers for each event. The number next to the event is the maximum number of people we can allow to attend. Please email or call Crystal or Meredith to RSVP yourself or your group, and carefully read our safety measures for this fall.
Read moreFood Forests – A Solution to Food Insecurity?
If you’re involved in the world of trees and horticulture, you may have heard the word ‘food forest’ tossed around recently. Many areas of the country, including 134 locations in New Jersey, are considered ‘food deserts’ – places where at least 30% of the population is one mile or more away from a supermarket or place to purchase fresh food. Food forests have become increasingly popular as a solution to food deserts and insecurity, and come with a slew of environmental benefits as well. So, what exactly is a food forest? Read on to find out!
Read moreSummer Fruit Tree Checklist
Summer is here, and if you maintain fruit trees, now is the time to enjoy the “fruits” of your labor! The warm weather brings certain tasks that are critical to tree health and care. We hope that you will find this task list helpful as you watch your fruit trees grow.
Read moreTree Crimes Part 2
Tree crimes part two covers weed-wacker damage, forgetful tree planters and stakers, tree topping, and one crime that may not be a crime. If you would like to prevent tree crimes, please hire caring landscapers & tree planters with experience!
Tree Crimes
It is so easy to find tree crimes on any given day in New Jersey. Here are just a few that we have come across over the years. It is unfortunate that we have so many landscapers that do not take the time to learn the proper way to plant, mulch and maintain our community forest. We hope that will continue to change with NJ’s licensing bill that requires tree care companies to have a Licensed Tree Expert on staff, follow ANSI guidelines, and continue to learn the proper techniques for tree care.
Read moreAll About the Serviceberry!
What tree has gorgeous spring flowers, tasty summer berries, is native to the East Coast, AND can be planted under utility wires? Look no further than the Amelanchier, or serviceberry tree! Serviceberries are a wonderful addition to any street tree plan and are a favorite to plant among NJTF staff.
Read moreUnexpected Pollinator Tree: Lindens!
When we think of planting for pollinators, butterfly gardens filled with blooming shrubs and flowers come to mind. If we think of trees at all, it’s typically smaller ornamental species such as dogwoods and serviceberries. However, larger shade trees can play an important role as well, providing food for pollinators along with increased environmental benefits such as stormwater and pollution absorption. Linden trees thrive in New Jersey, and are a great option as a pollinator-friendly shade tree. Learn more about Lindens here!
Read moreSuccessional Spring Blooms
The pandemic forced us to slow down. Here is a pictorial guide to blooming trees in our Grove of Remembrance, from March until June. It’s a tour of successional spring pollination. This is not a complete guide of flowering trees, but simply what we saw and photographed in the Grove.
Read moreEmancipation Oak
You will find the Emancipation Oak at the entrance of Hampton University in Hampton, Virginia. Fitting, since under the tree’s vast shade, Mrs. Mary Peake, a freed slave, taught lessons to newly freed men and women. Most significant, the first southern reading of President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation happened here, under the Emancipation Oak in 1863. With a trunk that is 16 feet around and a 100-foot wide canopy, the Emancipation Oak is a great place to learn our history while staying socially distanced.
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