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Michael G. Andreu

Specialist

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Michael G. Andreu

Orcid ID0000-0002-7819-9430

Specialist

professor, forest systems, UF/IFAS School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences

FFGS Profile

Publications

thumbnail for publication: Assessing Hurricane-Damaged Trees and Deciding What to Do

Assessing Hurricane-Damaged Trees and Deciding What to Do

Eliana Kampf, Eliana Kampf, Mary L. Duryea, Mary L. Duryea, Edward F. Gilman, Edward F. Gilman, Astrid Delgado, Astrid Delgado, Ryan Klein, Richard Hauer, Allyson Salisbury, Michael G. Andreu, andAlyssa Vinson

Right after a hurricane, communities and homeowners need to decide what to do with storm-damaged trees. Although damaged trees may seem to be dying, some trees can be restored, others will need to be removed, and still others will not require any special treatment and can be left alone. The factors that should be considered when deciding whether to remove or restore storm-damaged trees are discussed in detail in this fact sheet. This information helps to make informed decisions about how to treat the damaged trees after a storm. First published January 2007. 

thumbnail for publication: The Impacts of Trimming Mangroves

The Impacts of Trimming Mangroves

Natalia D. Medina-Irizarry and Michael G. Andreu

Mangroves provide quintessential ecosystem services in Florida, where there are three native mangrove species: red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle), black mangrove (Avicennia germinans), and white mangrove (Laguncularia racemosa). Mangroves extend from the Florida Keys up to peninsular Florida along the coastlines.They are often removed or trimmed to capitalize on coastal views valued by residents and visitors. To protect mangroves and the ecosystem services they provide, the 1996 Mangrove Trimming and Preservation Act provides management guidance. A literature review about trimming mangroves uncovered that not all species remain healthy after trimming. To minimize the negative impacts of trimming, landowners should carefully consider the amount of biomass removed, trimming frequency and timing, and best trimming techniques for the mangrove species they are managing.

thumbnail for publication: Florida Soil Series and Natural Community Associations

Florida Soil Series and Natural Community Associations

G. D. J. LaPierre, N. D. Medina-Irizarry, and M. G. Andreu

Soils often dictate the presence of different types of inherent natural communities. In this project we created a table that relates soil series to natural communities found in Florida. Correlation of soil series and natural communities was performed through the synthesis of land management plans, the Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI) documentation of exemplary sites, along with the UC Davis Soil Resource Laboratory Soil Web Survey mapping information system (SoilWeb). The GPS coordinates and conservation site names of the selected locations for said soil series are also recorded in this table. Use of this table can help private landowners, land managers, and researchers detect current and former natural communities on sites.

thumbnail for publication: Planting Southern Pines in Florida

Planting Southern Pines in Florida

Elysia Lewis, Michael G. Andreu, andChris Demers

Florida landowners have contributed vastly to the Southeast’s planting of pines over many decades; recent incentive programs across the state have encouraged further interest. Understanding the factors that affect seedling quality and survival of native pine species will assure a more successful and productive forest plantation. This publication reviews each southern pine's important silviculture characteristics, soil-site conditions, and potential markets and products. It outlines planting standards and techniques as they relate to landowners’ objectives and their target markets. It is to be used as a guide to facilitate selection of appropriate pine species and offers guidance on best practices for handling seedlings throughout all stages of tree planting.

thumbnail for publication: Fire and Invasive Plant Interactions

Fire and Invasive Plant Interactions

Deb Stone and Michael Andreu

Prescribed fire and invasive species are two common land management concerns in Florida; therefore it is important that land managers have a solid understanding of their interactions and how they affect the surrounding ecosystems. These interactions can be roughly categorized into two groups: the effects of the invasive plant on the fire regime and the impacts of fire on the invasive plant or other flora. For this review we chose four invasive species in the southeastern United States that cover a range of interactions with fire: Cogon grass (Imperata cylindrica), Chinese tallow (Triadica sebifera), old world climbing fern (Lygodium microphyllum), and Japanese climbing fern (L. japonicum). This publication details basic information on each species, what is known about how it interacts with fire, and synthesizes this knowledge into concrete management recommendations.

thumbnail for publication: The Impacts of Roads on Florida’s Threatened and Endangered Wildlife: An Overview

The Impacts of Roads on Florida’s Threatened and Endangered Wildlife: An Overview

Megan E. Rasmussen, Michael G. Andreu, and Steven A. Johnson

Roads impact a disproportionately larger area than the land area that they occupy, often called the road effect zone. This effect extends to wildlife populations. Impacts on federally listed species include habitat loss and fragmentation, road mortality, the barrier effect, and the habituation effect. Per the Endangered Species Act, these impacts must be assessed before roadway impacts occur. This publication provides an overview of the potential impacts to 29 of Florida’s threatened and endangered animal species from roads. Potential mitigation options include road configuration, signage, speed limits, habitat protection, improved technology, wildlife fencing, and wildlife crossing structures. The goal is to educate transportation engineers and planners to allow for sustainable transportation infrastructure growth while protecting, conserving, and ultimately recovering Florida’s threatened and endangered species.

thumbnail for publication: Pityopsis - Silkgrasses

Pityopsis - Silkgrasses

Gage Lapierre, Michael Andreu, and Jazz Griffis

The genus Pityopsis, the silkgrasses, are perennial forbs that look like grass with silky, silver hairs. Recognizing different species of silkgrass is important for land managers who are striving to restore specific plant communities and for nurseries selling and distributing native plant materials throughout Florida. Academic botanical keys make identification of silkgrass species challenging for those without a botanical background. This publication provides a breakdown of botanical terms used to describe silkgrass species and a guide with pictures and descriptions of various species to aid in differentiating between them. In addition, the publication provides information about phenology, seed harvesting, and propagation for silkgrasses and presents many practical applications for these attractive and useful plants.

thumbnail for publication: What if prescribed fire is not an option? An overview of alternative vegetation and fuel management treatments

What if prescribed fire is not an option? An overview of alternative vegetation and fuel management treatments

Michael G. Andreu, Christopher Kinslow, andStephen F. Enloe

Fire has been a significant part of southeastern American forests for thousands of years. Prescribed fire is an effective method to achieve some land management goals, but sometimes it is not possible to use this tool. Fortunately, there are alternative treatment options that land managers can consider. Although none of these surrogate treatments will produce the same suite of benefits as prescribed fire, they can mimic some of the benefits that prescribed fire creates and are better than applying no treatments. This publication provides an overview for landowners and land managers that want to understand surrogate treatments and the economic and ecological tradeoffs associated with each treatment.

thumbnail for publication: Seleccionando especies de llanura costera resistentes al viento

Seleccionando especies de llanura costera resistentes al viento

Mary L. Duryea, Mary L. Duryea, Eliana Kampf, Eliana Kampf, Allyson Salisbury, Richard Hauer, Ryan Klein, Michael G. Andreu, Andrew Koeser, andAlyssa Vinson

Un equipo de científicos de UF/IFAS estudió diez huracanes para determinar su efecto en el bosque urbano. Uno de los objetivos principales de este estudio fue elaborar listas de resistencia relativa al viento para diferentes especies de árboles urbanos, con el fin de ayudar a las comunidades a estar mejor preparadas para futuras temporadas de huracanes al seleccionar las especies adecuadas. Esta hoja informativa presenta la investigación y la metodología que llevaron a la creación de estas listas de resistencia relativa al viento. También analiza en detalle los resultados y ofrece recomendaciones adicionales para seleccionar y establecer árboles, con el objetivo de tener un bosque urbano más saludable y resistente al viento.

thumbnail for publication: Abies firma: Japanese Fir

Abies firma: Japanese Fir

Edward F. Gilman, Edward F. Gilman, andDennis G. Watson
Other Contacts: Michael G. Andreu

This publication provides an overview of Abies firma (Japanese Fir), a slow-growing, evergreen tree native to Japan and suitable for USDA hardiness zones 5B–8B. Characterized by its dense, pyramidal crown and stiff, dark green needles, Japanese Fir reaches 20–30 feet in height and 10–15 feet in spread. It is valued for ornamental use, as a Christmas tree, and for screening purposes. The species thrives in acidic, well-drained soils under full sun and demonstrates high drought tolerance, making it an excellent candidate for southeastern landscapes. Japanese Fir requires minimal maintenance, exhibits resistance to pests and diseases, and has little invasive potential. Propagation is primarily by seed.

thumbnail for publication: Acer buergeranum: Trident Maple

Acer buergeranum: Trident Maple

Edward F. Gilman, Edward F. Gilman, andDennis G. Watson
Other Contacts: Michael G. Andreu

This deciduous, 30-to 45-foot-high by 25-foot-wide tree has beautiful 3-inch-wide, tri-lobed leaves, glossy green above and paler underneath, which turn various shades of red, orange, and yellow in autumn. Flowers are bright yellow and showy in the spring. Trident maple naturally exhibits low spreading growth and multiple stems but can be trained to a single trunk and pruned to make it branch higher, allowing passage below its broad, oval to rounded canopy. With its moderate growth rate, attractive orange-brown peeling bark, and easy maintenance, trident maple is popular as a patio or street tree and is also highly valued as a bonsai subject. Crown form is often variable and selection of a uniformly-shaped, vigorous cultivar is needed.

thumbnail for publication: Acer campestre: Hedge Maple

Acer campestre: Hedge Maple

Edward F. Gilman, Edward F. Gilman, andDennis G. Watson
Other Contacts: Michael G. Andreu

Hedge maple is usually low-branched with a rounded form, but there is considerable variability from one tree to the next. The branches are slender and branch profusely, lending a fine texture to the landscape particularly during winter. Lower branches can be removed to create clearance beneath the crown for vehicles and pedestrians. The tree eventually reaches a height and spread of 30 to 35 feet but it grows slowly. The small stature and vigorous growth make this an excellent street tree for residential areas, or perhaps in downtown urban sites. However, it grows a little too tall for planting beneath some power lines. It is also suitable as a patio or yard shade tree because it stays small and creates dense shade.

thumbnail for publication: Acer campestre 'Postelense': 'Postelense' Hedge Maple

Acer campestre 'Postelense': 'Postelense' Hedge Maple

Edward F. Gilman, Edward F. Gilman, andDennis G. Watson
Other Contacts: Michael G. Andreu

Hedge maple is usually low-branched with a rounded form, but there is considerable variability from one tree to the next. The branches are slender and branch profusely, lending a fine texture to the landscape particularly during winter. Lower branches can be removed to create clearance beneath the crown for vehicles and pedestrians. The tree eventually reaches a height and spread of 30 to 35 feet but it grows slowly. The small stature and vigorous growth make this an excellent street tree for residential areas, or perhaps in downtown urban sites. However, it grows a little too tall for planting beneath some power lines. It is also suitably as a patio or yard shade tree because it stays small and creates dense shade. The leaves of this cultivar emerge yellowish and gradually change to green in the summer.

thumbnail for publication: Acer ginnala 'Red Fruit': 'Red Fruit' Amur Maple

Acer ginnala 'Red Fruit': 'Red Fruit' Amur Maple

Edward F. Gilman, Edward F. Gilman, andDennis G. Watson
Other Contacts: Michael G. Andreu

Amur maple is an excellent, low-growing tree for small yards and other small-scale landscapes. It can be grown as a multi-stemmed clump or can be trained into a small tree with a single trunk up to 4 to 6 feet tall. This cultivar (or cultivar complex) is known to have bright red fruit which is very showy. The tree grows about 20 to 30 feet tall and has an upright, rounded, finely branched growth habit which creates dense shade under the crown. Due to excessive branchiness, some pruning is required early in the life of the tree to create dominant major branches. Amur maple can grow rapidly when it is young if it receives water and fertilizer, but it is well-suited for planting close to power lines since it slows down and remains small at maturity.

thumbnail for publication: Acer palmatum 'Burgundy Lace': 'Burgundy Lace' Japanese Maple

Acer palmatum 'Burgundy Lace': 'Burgundy Lace' Japanese Maple

Edward F. Gilman, Edward F. Gilman, andDennis G. Watson
Other Contacts: Michael G. Andreu

This cultivar of Japanese maple has a height and spread of about 12 feet. The multiple trunks are picturesque, grey, and show nicely when lit up at night. 'Burgundy Lace' Japanese maple is grown for its purple-red colored leaves, interesting growth habit, and fine leaf texture. Leaves are dissected almost to the petiole. The red leaf color is best as the new leaves emerge in the spring and in the fall. Leaves turn almost green during the heat of the summer. Growth habit is more like a large shrub with branches to the ground. This may be the best way to grow this tree to show off its wonderful texture. Be sure to clear all turf away from beneath the branches of these low growing types so the lawn mower will not damage the tree. This compact cultivar makes a wonderful accent for any landscape.

thumbnail for publication: Acer platanoides 'Superform': 'Superform' Norway Maple

Acer platanoides 'Superform': 'Superform' Norway Maple

Edward F. Gilman, Edward F. Gilman, andDennis G. Watson
Other Contacts: Michael G. Andreu

This document provides detailed information on Acer platanoides ‘Superform,’ a Norway Maple cultivar valued for its symmetrical crown, rapid growth, and adaptability to various soils and urban conditions. It describes the tree’s physical characteristics, cultural requirements, and landscape uses, highlighting its tolerance to coastal environments and suitability for street plantings. The text also addresses potential issues such as invasive tendencies, susceptibility to verticillium wilt, and common pests, while offering management recommendations. Additionally, it lists alternative cultivars with distinctive foliage and growth habits for urban settings.

thumbnail for publication: Acer rubrum 'Bowhall': 'Bowhall' Red Maple

Acer rubrum 'Bowhall': 'Bowhall' Red Maple

Edward F. Gilman, Edward F. Gilman, andDennis G. Watson
Other Contacts: Michael G. Andreu

This document provides a comprehensive overview of the ‘Bowhall’ Red Maple (Acer rubrum), a broadly columnar cultivar native to North America. It details its growth habits, physical characteristics, and adaptability to various soil and climate conditions. The text highlights its ornamental features, including seasonal color changes and wildlife benefits, while addressing cultural requirements, pruning practices, and potential issues such as graft incompatibility. Additionally, it outlines common pests, diseases, and management strategies to maintain tree health. The document serves as a practical guide for landscape use, emphasizing proper care for optimal growth and structural integrity.

thumbnail for publication: Aesculus x carnea: Red Horsechestnut

Aesculus x carnea: Red Horsechestnut

Edward F. Gilman, Edward F. Gilman, andDennis G. Watson
Other Contacts: Michael G. Andreu

This hybrid of Aesculus hippocastanum and Aesculus pavia has very large, dark green leaves composed of five to seven leaflets, and will ultimately reach a height and spread of 30 to 40 feet. Although deciduous, red horsechestnut does not produce any appreciable fall color and is well suited for use as a specimen. The tree is quite striking with dark green, coarse-textured foliage. Pyramidal in shape when very young, red horsechestnut develops slowly into a round, very dense shade tree by five to seven years of age, and is outstanding in the landscape for its beautiful springtime display of blossoms. The multitude of pink to bright scarlet blooms appear on erect, eight-inch-long panicles at each branch tip and are quite attractive to bees and hummingbirds. The prickly, rather messy, poisonous seedpods appear in fall.

thumbnail for publication: Aesculus x carnea 'Briotii': Ruby Red Horsechestnut

Aesculus x carnea 'Briotii': Ruby Red Horsechestnut

Edward F. Gilman, Edward F. Gilman, andDennis G. Watson
Other Contacts: Michael G. Andreu

This hybrid of Aesculus hippocastanum and Aesculus pavia has very large, dark green leaves composed of five to seven leaflets, and will ultimately reach a height and spread of 35 to 50 feet but grows slowly. Although deciduous, ruby red horsechestnut does not produce any appreciable fall color and is well suited for use as a specimen. The tree is quite striking with dark green, coarse-textured foliage. Pyramidal in shape when very young, red horsechestnut develops slowly into a round, very dense shade tree by five to seven years of age, and is outstanding in the landscape for its beautiful springtime display of blossoms. The multitude of deep scarlet flowers in erect, 10-inch-long panicles at each branch tip are quite attractive to bees and hummingbirds. The prickly seedpods that can be messy on the original hybrid are nearly absent on this cultivar, making it better suited than the species for urban street tree planting.

thumbnail for publication: Ailanthus altissima: Tree-of-Heaven

Ailanthus altissima: Tree-of-Heaven

Edward F. Gilman, Edward F. Gilman, andDennis G. Watson
Other Contacts: Michael G. Andreu

This non-native deciduous tree will rapidly grow to 70 to 100 feet in height and produces an open canopy of stout branches covered with one- to three-foot-long, pinnately compound, dark green leaves. Broken stems smell of rancid peanut butter, and males reportedly smell worse than female trees. The leaves turn only slightly yellow in fall before dropping. The small, green, male and female flowers are produced on separate trees and appear in dense, terminal clusters. The 1.5-inch-long, yellow to red/brown, winged fruits that follow the blossoms will persist on the tree in dense clusters throughout the fall and into the winter months, and are quite attractive. They can create a crunchy mess when they fall to the ground. Seeds sprout easily and seedlings usually invade surrounding land.

thumbnail for publication: Amelanchier x grandiflora: Apple Serviceberry

Amelanchier x grandiflora: Apple Serviceberry

Edward F. Gilman, Edward F. Gilman, andDennis G. Watson
Other Contacts: Michael G. Andreu

Apple serviceberry is a hybrid between Amelanchier canadensis and Amelanchier laevis that grows 15 to 25 feet tall. Multiple stems are upright and highly branched forming a dense shrub, or if properly pruned in the nursery, a small tree. It is superior to either species in that it suckers less and is adapted to a wide range of soils, and tolerates some drought. The main ornamental feature is the white flowers that are larger than those of other amelanchiers. The flowers are borne in early spring and are at first tinged with pink but later fade to white. The young leaves are purplish and the fall color is yellow to orange. Edible fruit attracts birds. Well adapted for planting beneath power lines due to its small size.

thumbnail for publication: Aralia spinosa: Devils-Walkingstick

Aralia spinosa: Devils-Walkingstick

Edward F. Gilman, Edward F. Gilman, andDennis G. Watson
Other Contacts: Michael G. Andreu

Anyone who has accidentally brushed against a devil's-walkingstick does not soon forget the experience, for this tall, spindly native shrub or small tree is armed up and down its thin trunk with extremely sharp, treacherous spines. Even the huge, much-divided leaves, which can reach four feet long and three feet wide, are armed with pointed prickles, ready to scratch anyone who comes within range. But when placed in an area where they can do no harm, devil's-walkingsticks add a tropical effect to a mixed shrubbery border or other naturalized setting, where the large leaves can easily spread out to their full length atop the slender, 10- to 15-foot-tall trunks. Under ideal conditions, these small trees can even reach 25 to 30 feet tall.

thumbnail for publication: Asimina triloba: Pawpaw

Asimina triloba: Pawpaw

Edward F. Gilman, Edward F. Gilman, andDennis G. Watson
Other Contacts: Michael G. Andreu

A native deciduous tree, the coarse-textured pawpaw ultimately reaches 30 feet in height (more commonly 15- to 20-feet) with an equal spread, and creates an upright, wide pyramidal silhouette. The large, dark green leaves, 6- to 12-inches in length and 3- to 5-inches wide, seem to droop from their weight at branch tips, giving the plant a distinctive, almost wilted appearance. Leaves turn a sometimes-brilliant yellow before dropping in the fall. The two-inch-wide purple flowers with the less-than-pleasant perfume appear before the leaves unfurl in springtime, and are followed by the production of unusual, fleshy, 3- to 5-inch-long, round or oval fruits, green when young but ripening to a brown/black, wrinkled texture.

thumbnail for publication: Calophyllum inophyllum: Beauty Leaf

Calophyllum inophyllum: Beauty Leaf

Edward F. Gilman, Edward F. Gilman, andDennis G. Watson
Other Contacts: Michael G. Andreu

This upright, pyramidal, densely foliated evergreen tree can reach 60 feet in height in the forest with a 30- to 40-foot spread, but is generally much smaller because it grows slowly. This is an asset in tropical landscapes, where many other plants grow so fast. Greenish, showy, .75-inch, very fragrant flowers are produced on eight-inch racemes in the summer. The round, yellow, 1.5-inch-wide fruit contains a single seed with a nutlike kernel that may be poisonous. The seven-inch-long, glossy, dark green, stiff, leathery leaves have numerous, distinct parallel veins at right angles to the midrib. The trunk has light grey, shallowly ridged bark, and the wood is valued for boat building and cabinet work.

thumbnail for publication: Cornus florida 'Sweetwater Red': 'Sweetwater Red' Flowering Dogwood

Cornus florida 'Sweetwater Red': 'Sweetwater Red' Flowering Dogwood

Edward F. Gilman, Edward F. Gilman, andDennis G. Watson
Other Contacts: Michael G. Andreu

The state tree of Virginia, flowering dogwood grows 20 to 35 feet tall and spreads 25 to 30 feet. It can be trained with one central trunk or as a picturesque multi-trunked tree. The flowers consist of four bracts which subtend the small head of yellow flowers. The bracts are red and fall leaf color is red to purple. Fall color is more vivid in USDA hardiness zones 5 to 8a. Branches on the lower half of the crown grow horizontally, those in the upper half are more upright. In time, this can lend a strikingly horizontal impact to the landscape, particularly if some branches are thinned to open up the crown. Lower branches left on the trunk will droop to the ground, creating a wonderful landscape feature. The bright red fruits are often eaten by birds.

thumbnail for publication: Cornus mas 'Spring Glow': 'Spring Glow' Cornelian-Cherry

Cornus mas 'Spring Glow': 'Spring Glow' Cornelian-Cherry

Edward F. Gilman, Edward F. Gilman, andDennis G. Watson
Other Contacts: Michael G. Andreu

Cornelian-Cherry is a slow-growing, small tree or large shrub preferring sun or partial shade and a well-drained soil. The cultivar `Spring Glow' has a low chilling requirement making it the most suitable Cornelian-Cherry for the south. The beautiful flowers, handsome, leathery foliage looks good until frost. The growth rate is moderate and young plants transplant easily. Bark is very showy and is often displayed by removing lower foliage. A height of 15 to 25 feet and spread of 12 to 18 feet can be expected, eventually. The yellow flowers produced in very early spring are similar to Forsythia and are followed by red fruit which is edible and partially hidden by the foliage. The fall color is red. Cornelian-Cherry responds well to pruning and may be used as a hedge plant.

thumbnail for publication: Cotinus coggygria: Smoketree

Cotinus coggygria: Smoketree

Edward F. Gilman, Edward F. Gilman, andDennis G. Watson
Other Contacts: Michael G. Andreu

This slow growing, open-crowned, round, small tree eventually reaches to 10 to 15 feet tall (occasionally 20) and 10 to 15 feet wide. The large panicles of wispy cream-colored flowers produced in spring and early summer give the effect of a cloud of smoke. They make a wonderful accent in a shrub border and can be planted as a specimen or as a patio tree where the black, showy, multiple trunk can be displayed. Planting Smoketree is a good way to extend the spring flowering-tree season into the summer before the Crape-Myrtles come into full bloom. Fall color is usually good to excellent and ranges from yellow to orange and brilliant red-purple. Many people grow it simply to enjoy the vivid fall color.

thumbnail for publication: Cotinus coggygria 'Flame': 'Flame' Smoketree

Cotinus coggygria 'Flame': 'Flame' Smoketree

Edward F. Gilman, Edward F. Gilman, andDennis G. Watson
Other Contacts: Michael G. Andreu

This slow growing, open-crown, round, small tree eventually reaches to 10 to 15 feet tall (occasionally 20) and 10 to 15 feet wide. The large panicles of wispy pink-colored flowers produced in spring and early summer give the effect of a cloud of pink smoke. They make a wonderful accent in a shrub border and can be planted as a specimen or as a patio tree where the black, showy, multiple trunk can be displayed. Planting Smoketree is a good way to extend the spring flowering-tree season into the summer before the Crape-Myrtles come into full bloom. This cultivar has been selected for its fall color which is an excellent orange-red. Many people grow it simply to enjoy the vivid fall color.

thumbnail for publication: Cotinus coggygria'Purpureus': 'Purpureus' Smoketree

Cotinus coggygria'Purpureus': 'Purpureus' Smoketree

Edward F. Gilman, Edward F. Gilman, andDennis G. Watson
Other Contacts: Michael G. Andreu

This slow growing, open-crown, round, small tree eventually reaches to 12 to 15 feet tall (occasionally 20) and 10 to 12 feet wide. The large panicles of wispy dark pink flowers produced in spring and early summer give the effect of a cloud of smoke. Leaves emerge purple and fade to dark green in the summer. They make a wonderful accent in a shrub border and can be planted as a specimen or as a patio tree where the black, showy, multiple trunk can be displayed. Planting Smoketree is a good way to extend the spring flowering-tree season into the summer before the Crape-Myrtles come into full bloom. Fall color is usually good to excellent and ranges from yellow to orange and brilliant red-purple. Many people grow it simply to enjoy the vivid fall color.

thumbnail for publication: Cryptomeria japonica 'Yoshino': 'Yoshino' Japanese-Cedar

Cryptomeria japonica 'Yoshino': 'Yoshino' Japanese-Cedar

Edward F. Gilman, Edward F. Gilman, andDennis G. Watson
Other Contacts: Michael G. Andreu

This striking evergreen forms a loose, open, pyramidal shape of somewhat pendulous branches clothed with dense, short, light green to blue/green, fragrant needles. Trees reach 30 to 40 feet in height by 15 to 20 feet in width, and develop a somewhat oval canopy with age. The trunk remains straight with relatively small-diameter lateral branches. Long branches are spaced just far enough apart to allow the handsome, reddish-brown, peeling bark to be easily seen when standing next to the tree. The short needles may take on a slight bronze hue in winter but will quickly return to green in springtime. The foliage of this cultivar discolors in winter far less than the species.

thumbnail for publication: Cunninghamia lanceolata: China Fir

Cunninghamia lanceolata: China Fir

Edward F. Gilman, Edward F. Gilman, andDennis G. Watson
Other Contacts: Michael G. Andreu

China fir is an evergreen which is usually seen from 30 to 75 feet in height with a spread of 10 to 30 feet. The strong, heavy trunk stands straight up at the base of the coarse, irregular, pyramidal form which is composed of somewhat pendulous branches densely clothed in 1.5- to 2.5-inch-long, bright green, pointed needles. It is somewhat reminiscent of some of the spruces like blue and white spruce. Occasionally the tree will be grown with several trunks arising from the soil, but above that point the trunk almost never branches into a double or multiple leader, growing up the center of the tree like an arrow and lending a strong vertical accent to any area. The crown is fairly open allowing the trunk and large branches to show prominently. Like other tall-growing trees, it is best to maintain only one central trunk.

thumbnail for publication: Firmiana simplex: Chinese Parasoltree

Firmiana simplex: Chinese Parasoltree

Edward F. Gilman, Edward F. Gilman, andDennis G. Watson
Other Contacts: Michael G. Andreu

Chinese Parasoltree has a very unusual appearance for a deciduous tree, having green stems and bark and extremely large, three to five-lobed bright green leaves. Most people either love it or hate it due to its striking habit and coarse texture. Each leaf is up to 12 inches across and casts as much shade as an actual parasol. Chinese Parasoltree has a dense, upright, oval canopy and reaches 35 to 50 feet in height, spreading 15 to 20 feet. In June or July, 10 to 20-inch-long, upright, loose, terminal panicles of yellow/green blooms appear and are followed by the production of peculiar pods which split open into four petal-like sections to reveal the small, round seeds.

thumbnail for publication: Fraxinus americana: White Ash

Fraxinus americana: White Ash

Edward F. Gilman, Edward F. Gilman, andDennis G. Watson
Other Contacts: Michael G. Andreu

White Ash is resistant to heat, although it is native to moist locations, including river bottoms and well-drained upland sites. It grows 50 to 80 feet tall and wide. The trees produce a good seed-set every two to three years and they germinate in the landscape creating a nuisance and perhaps look a bit messy. The seeds are used by many birds and can be produced in countless numbers. The tree grows rapidly and is almost pyramidal when young, but gradually slows down and develops a more spreading round or oval shape. White Ash prefers a sunny exposure where it develops a showy yellow fall color. Fall color can be striking or dull, depending on the tree and environmental conditions.

thumbnail for publication: Fraxinus excelsior: Common Ash

Fraxinus excelsior: Common Ash

Edward F. Gilman, Edward F. Gilman, andDennis G. Watson
Other Contacts: Michael G. Andreu

Common Ash is a broad, spreading, deciduous tree, capable of reaching 100 feet or more in height but most often seen growing at a moderate pace at 70 to 80 feet with a 60 to 90-foot spread. The dark green, multi-divided leaves are 10 to 12 inches long and usually drop off in autumn while still green but some cultivars may turn an attractive yellow first. The inconspicuous springtime flowers are followed by clusters of 1.5-inch-long, winged fruits which turn brown and remain on the trees well after the leaves have fallen. The low-branched, rounded silhouette of naked branches on top of the short trunk and the black, dormant leaf buds help to make common Ash an attractive winter landscape element.

thumbnail for publication: Persea borbonia: Redbay

Persea borbonia: Redbay

Edward F. Gilman, Deborah Hilbert, Edward F. Gilman, Dennis G. Watson, Ryan Klein, Andrew Koeser, Deborah R. Hilbert, andDrew C. McLean
Other Contacts: Michael G. Andreu

This handsome North American native evergreen tree can reach 50 feet in height with a comparable spread but is often seen somewhat shorter and wider, particularly when grown in the open in an urban area. The glossy, leathery, medium to dark green, six-inch leaves emit a spicy fragrance when crushed and the inconspicuous, springtime flower clusters are followed by small, dark blue fruits which ripen in fall. These fruits are enjoyed by birds and squirrels and add to the tree's overall attractiveness. The trunk bears very showy, ridged, red-brown bark and frequently branches low to the ground forming a multi-stemmed habit similar to live oak, but it can be pruned to make a single, short central leader which would be most suitable for many urban plantings.

thumbnail for publication: Birds in the ’Burbs: Do migratory birds prefer urban forest fragments or residential yards?

Birds in the ’Burbs: Do migratory birds prefer urban forest fragments or residential yards?

Ryan Buron, Mark Hostetler, and Michael Andreu

During migration, birds travel from their northern breeding grounds to their southern wintering grounds and vice versa. To understand which urban habitats are valuable for specific migratory species, we compared the diversity of migratory bird species that used urban forest fragments vs residential areas with tree canopy in Gainesville, Florida. Study results summarized in this fact sheet can help inform urban planners, developers, and homeowners about vegetation migratory birds use. Conservation of large, forested areas is important, but fragmented landscapes are not useless, and conserving urban forest fragments and trees in residential areas is also important for bird conservation.

thumbnail for publication: Limpieza después de un huracán: ¡la seguridad es lo primordial!

Limpieza después de un huracán: ¡la seguridad es lo primordial!

Eliana Kampf, Astrid Delgado, Carol Lehtola, Mary L. Duryea, Ryan Klein, andAlyssa Vinson

Este documento enfatiza la importancia de la seguridad durante las labores de limpieza posteriores a un huracán, destacando los peligros asociados al uso de motosierras y otros equipos. Describe seis aspectos clave para una limpieza segura: equipo de protección personal, retirada de escombros, evaluación del lugar, precauciones cerca de las líneas eléctricas, preparación del área de trabajo y manejo de motosierras. El objetivo es preparar a los propietarios de viviendas y a los profesionales del cuidado de árboles para realizar las operaciones de limpieza de manera segura, reduciendo así el riesgo de accidentes frecuentes tras huracanes y otros desastres naturales.