The American persimmon is a unique tree that we appreciate for both its delicious fruit and its hardy and robust form. This southeastern native thrives in and around Nashville, where its specialized characteristics and generalist adaptations allow the persimmon tree to be a happy addition to any local garden or landscape.
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Give the gift of a tree this holiday season and show someone you appreciate them with a beautiful, long-lasting present whose meaning and impact will continue to grow over the years. We at the Nashville Tree Conservation Corps are making tree-giving as simple as possible through our tree sale! In this article, we’ll go over how it works and why the gift of nature is a wonderful way to cultivate new connections between people and the environment.
Read MoreIn a blog we previously published regarding the “Natchez” Crape Myrtle, we received some comments wondering why anyone would opt to plant a non-native tree. It’s a legitimate concern, especially when one realizes the threat invasive species pose to local ecosystems. But is the delineation between native and non-native that cut and dry when it comes to choosing which trees to plant, or is there more to this story?
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The coldest months of the year can really test the hardiness of a tree. Weather conditions, wildlife, and salt runoff from hard surfaces cause some of the most common tree issues in winter, such as damage to bark and branches. In this article, we’ll explore the causes of these issues and explain how, with preparation and preventative care, much of the damage to trees in winter can be avoided.
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Trees are exposed to many risks in urban and neighborhood settings, where they need specialized attention to maintain them in the healthiest and safest condition. Certified arborists are healthcare providers for trees. Their certifications speak to their knowledge gained from experience and ongoing practice, inspiring confidence that the trees they oversee will be treated with expert levels of care. Here, we’ll explore how certified arborists’ qualifications help them manage the trees across Nashville’s landscape.
Read MoreThe scaly and slimy creatures that crawl and slither across the ground can be found living in, on, and around trees throughout a canopy ecosystem. In this article on Nashville wildlife, we’ll go over how reptiles and amphibians contribute essential services to the maintenance and balance of a wooded area, whether in the wilderness or in your backyard. We’ll also consider habitat loss and share some tips on how residents can support amphibian and reptilian populations at home.
Read MoreThe evergreen loblolly pine has many fine characteristics that have made it one of the most planted trees across the USA! This southern bottomlands native has a versatility and robustness that enables it to thrive in a wide variety of environments. Here, we’ll explore why this fast-growing yellow pine tree fits so well into the Nashville area’s landscape.
Read MoreThe terms “conservation” and “preservation” are sometimes used interchangeably, and either of these strategies may or may not include reforestation efforts. In this article, we’ll explore the similarities and differences between the three concepts, as well as how these different approaches to environmental stewardship are carried out in Nashville by several organizations. Throughout, we’ll see how the Nashville Tree Conservation Corps’ activities span all three realms.
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The alluring deodar cedar has a distinct form, with asymmetrical tiers of branches whose cascading foliage becomes fuller and more graceful as the tree matures. This weeping evergreen species adds a hardy and playful profile to the Nashville landscape, while its versatile nature allows the deodar cedar to fit into almost any neighborhood yard.
Read MoreThe “Leave the Leaves” campaign has gained momentum in recent years, so in this article, we’re going to break down why it’s important for fallen leaves to be kept in their home yard. Before decomposing and releasing nutrients for plants to grow, winter leaf cover provides habitats for local wildlife. Toward the end of the article, we’ll share some actionable tips that you can use every autumn to create habitats for Nashville’s wildlife, return nutrients to the soil, and get the most out of your tree’s fallen foliage!
Read MoreThe smallest creatures that live in trees are also the most abundant: insects. These animals perform a wide range of ecosystem services that help every tree specimen thrive within the wider canopy. In this article on Nashville wildlife, we’ll take a look at the important role of insects and other invertebrates in plant reproduction and the transfer of nutrients across the food web, as well as how these tiny contributions have big results across entire ecosystems. Toward the end, we discuss how residents can apply this knowledge to support the trees and wildlife on your property and in your community.
Read MoreTrees are a precious commodity in urban and suburban areas, so when one needs to be taken down, not only is it particularly noticeable, it may be a sensitive concern for residents. In this article, we’ll go over the reasons why a tree may need to be removed, what sort of equipment professionals use to accomplish the task safely, and the process of taking down a tree cautiously and effectively in a neighborhood setting.
Read MoreIn early 2024, the Nashville Tree Conservation Corps submitted a grant application to the Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry for funds toward a collaborative project with Fisk University to revitalize its campus canopy cover. Grant funding has been approved, and the Fisk Tree Canopy Project will begin in the fall!
Read MoreHardy and elegant, the southern magnolia is a wonderful addition to any Nashville yard! It offers a wide range of benefits, such as beautiful, fragrant flowers and bushy evergreen foliage that provides privacy, shade, and an animal habitat year-round. Here, we’ll go over the “D.D. Blanchard” cultivar, which produces the large, creamy white flowers Nashvillians know and love. Read on to learn all about this superb species and its place in the neighborhood landscape!
Read MoreThe Metro Historic & Specimen Trees Program helps counter indiscriminate removal of the most significant canopy trees in our city. This gives homeowners some legal power to preserve trees on their property and ensure that even if the property is sold and developed, our big, old beloved trees may remain.
Read MoreOversight and maintenance of the trees found along the street falls under the domain of one of a number of public organizations depending on the particular need, including Metro Water Services (MWS), Nashville Electric Service (NES), and the Nashville Department of Transportation (NDOT). Here, we’ll go over those care situations, as well as how residents can plant new street trees.
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Whether they live in trees, burrow under them, or use them to manage their environment, mammal niches both large and small take up space in wooded ecosystems. In this article on the fauna of Nashville’s canopy, we’ll explore the range of mammal relationships with trees and the local food web, also taking a look at how humans (we’re mammals, too!) fit into the mix.
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The overcup oak is a swampy native to the warm bottomlands and wetlands of the southeast. A member of the white oak family, it’s a particularly hardy species whose resilient characteristics, such as flood and drought tolerance, make it an excellent option for urban areas like Nashville.
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In ovens, fireplaces, fire pits, and grills, wood is a natural source of heat that many of us enjoy. Whether burning firewood for fuel or for enjoyment (or both), the type of wood you choose makes a difference! The heat put off, the length of the burn, and even the scent are all variables when it comes to firewood needs and preferences. However, no matter the species or use, good preparation and storage are essential for a happy fire at home.
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For birds, tree canopies provide essential habitats, and for trees, birds provide a range of supportive services that help maintain them throughout their lives and across generations. In this article on the fauna of Nashville’s canopy, we’ll explore the deep connections that exist between birds and trees. We’ll also share some tips on selecting trees to attract birds to your own yard to help support the local bird population.
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