As spring approaches, so does the opportunity to plant trees. The challenge is to choose the right one. You have lots of choices. Of the more than 60,000 species that grow worldwide, 60 are native to Maryland.

 This blog, the second in a three-part series, focuses on smaller trees, those typically under 35 feet.

Small Trees

Small trees have a single trunk and typically grow from 15 to 35 feet tall. Their crown spreads from 15 to 25 feet wide. They tend to have a shorter life span than taller trees but they can thrive for decades.

Shrubs have multiple stems and tend to be under 15 feet tall. Some plants, like the Fringe tree (Chionanthus virginicus), is called either a shrub or a tree depending on whether it has multiple trunks or one.  While these definitions assist in classifying trees, they are not universally accepted. Trees and shrubs do not always adhere to these definitions either.

Continue reading Small Trees, Garden Stars →

Butterflies bring beauty and delight to any garden or meadow they grace. And their names bring a smile as well: Small tortoiseshell, Orange tip, Purple emperor, Wall brown, Rear Admiral and Painted lady to name a few.         “Butterflies…flowers that fly and all but sing”  –Robert Frost

But they are more than just pretty creatures with playful names. They play an important role in the ecosystem. They pollinate flowers and shrubs like azaleas. Some caterpillars consume nuisance insects like aphids. Butterflies and their young serve as a food source, in turn, for many other insects and wild life. Continue reading “Butterflies…flowers that fly and all but sing” →

2018 Carroll County Forestry Board Winter Workshop
The 2018 Carroll County Forestry Board Winter Workshop is coming soon! During this workshop, you will learn tips to better manage your property by identifying insects that are beneficial, learning to use pesticides wisely, and heating efficiently with wood and pellets. This year there will also be a silent auction. All proceeds will provide tuition for two MD high school students to attend the Maryland Association of Forestry Board sponsored Natural Resources Careers Camp. You will be able to earn ISA Certified Arborist, MD licenced Tree Expert, SAF, and MD Pesticide Applicator credits as well.

Date: Saturday, January 20th, 2018

Location: VFW Post 465, 519 Poole Rd, Westminster, MD

Time: 8 am-3 pm.

Fee: $50 per individual or $75 per couple (one address)
This includes a morning coffee bar, pastries, lunch, and course materials. For more information, contact Donna Davis at donnal.davis@maryland.gov or 410-848-9290.

brochure

Registration Form