Things We Heart – December 2017

We’ve rounded up some of the best tree stuff on the web for your enjoyment. Check out this month’s highlights below:

We found proof why arborists are the best! In March of this year, an arborist was hired to assess the health of a giant pecan tree in Dallas, Texas, to ensure it would be safe to continue with the tradition of lighting the oldest “Christmas tree” for another holiday season. (Hint: they did their job, and the tree lives another year to bring joy to the season!)
Read more about the tree’s history, health and ongoing legacy.

Here’s to hoping for a cold, wet winter for California’s forests… for the US Department of Agriculture Forest Service and the California Department of Forestry and Fire (CAL FIRE). Bark beetles and severe drought have resulted in 129 million dead trees on 8.9 million acres (resulting in increased vulnerability to wildfires), according to the Forest Service. However, the rate at which trees are dying has dropped by 56 percent compared to last year thanks to last winter’s rain and snow.
Read more about foresters’ hope for Californian forests.

Want to learn how to recognize signs of a bark beetle infestation?
Take a look at this list from CAL FIRE.

Did you know that more than half of all tree species exist only in a single country, or that some trees adapted to emit chemicals that attract enemies of their enemies? Want more cool tree facts to share with family and friends this holiday season?
Check out this list of 15 astounding facts about trees.