Trees are valuable to us in many ways. They remove CO2 and other pollutants from the air, produce oxygen the help control storm water run-off, they can increase the value of your property, provide cooling effect through transpiration and shading, provide timber, other wood products, and wildlife habitats. Native Indians and pioneers found medicinal and other uses for various trees such as glues, waterproofing and food.
An interesting fact - pine trees are edible. Not only are they edible but they also give off pine-scented vapors that rapidly form particles and research shows that these particles can reflect sunlight or promote formation of clouds. The pine forests in the Southeastern United States may be keeping the region from warming as fast os other parts of the country. Check out the following for more information - Can Pine Trees Influence Climate?
Tree Id
Have you seen a tree in the woods or neighbors yard that interests you but you do not know what kind of tree it is but would like to know? Then try your hand at identifying that tree. There are many characteristics that can be used to identify a tree. Among them are form, bark, buds, twigs, leaves, flowers, fruit and even scent. Following are a few sites that will be helpful with tree id.
Trees, Shrubs, and Woody Vines
Youtube tree id videos by Dan Williams from UGA. There are several. Here is a start.
Dan Williams video tree id class
Need info on the Forsyth county tree ordinance or questions about what trees do well here, then try this link to the Forsyth County web site.
Forsyth County tree information
Tree Care
You will want to protect your investment in newly planted or existing trees on your property. First you want to make sure that the tree is right for the site. That is, it gets the required sun or shade, proper soil drainage, space to grow and so on. Here are a few sites to help with installation and care for your investment.
How to plant a tree.
Shade and Street Tree Care : includes fertilization, irrigation, and pruning.
Basic Principles of Pruning Woody Plants : good information on pruning shrubs as well as trees. Also, has a list of plants and when to prune.