Forest Stewardship Council

Native Trees of Pennsylvania There are 133 species and subspecies of deciduous and evergreen trees native to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Native plants are part of our natural heritage and future. William Penn described the forests of Pennsylvania as “the natural produce of the country.” Using native species in landscape and wildlife plantings provide many ecological…

Trees Care for Us Environmental Benefits of Trees We are all aware of the common benefits such as beauty, shade, wildlife habitat, and oxygen production that trees provide us, but did you know that trees: Air Quality and Pollutant Filtering Two healthy trees can produce enough oxygen (through a process called photosynthesis) needed by a…

Thinking about planting a new tree or landscape? To properly plant trees, you should understand the characteristics of the planting sites (above and below ground growing space, soils, drainage, exposure, and light levels); the tolerances and growth characteristics of different tree species, and the benefits you want to receive from the trees. If planted properly,…

If, like me, you are an avid gardener—or even if you are a passionate beginner—you probably have noticed something about the selection of plants available at your local garden center. The plants may look attractive and healthy when you pick them up, but keeping them alive when you get home can be a struggle. I…

Some wish to learn to identify trees for purely recreational reasons while others want to learn to select, plant, and care for trees and understand that identification skills are critical. It is easier to identify trees and plants in the field than collecting a leaf sample for identification at home. There are often additional clues…

As we begin to remove forest canopy and replace it with roads, parking lots, driveways, homes, patios, pools (impervious surfaces) and even grass, we immediately have impact on watersheds and receiving streams (or lakes). With the increased amount of impervious surfaces, water runs off the land, traveling on the surface towards the streams. As this…