Rules of Thumb Science-based urban tree care requires knowledge in tree biology and anatomy, soil and water relations, pest management and plant health care, and a wide range of other subject domains. When faced with this sort of complexity, ... READ MORE
Category: , ForestsThe Florida Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture has established itself as a significant funder of tree care–related research and education. Its grant program has supported, among other things, the publication of a Florida-specific ... READ MORE
Category: , Forests
Tree Quest 2026: Hillsborough County’s Urban Forest Adventure Get ready, Hillsborough County—Tree Quest 2026 is bigger than ever! In 2026, this fun urban forestry challenge is taking root across 13 Hillsborough County recreation ... READ MORE
Category: 4-H & Youth, Events, Natural Resources
Nothing brings holiday spirit into your home quite like the scent and beauty of a fresh Christmas tree. After choosing the perfect one, it’s important to care for it properly so it stays healthy, fragrant, and safe throughout the season. Here ... READ MORE
Category: Agriculture, , Conservation, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Home Management, Horticulture, Natural Resources, SFYL Hot Topic, UF/IFAS Extension
If 30% or more of your lawn is covered with weeds, bare spots, or other damage, it’s usually more practical to replace it with new sod. In many cases, the time, cost, and effort needed to repair the area are greater than simply starting ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Home Management, Horticulture, Lawn, Turf, UF/IFAS Extension, WaterPlants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide (CO₂) to make food through photosynthesis. In fall and winter, less sunlight, cooler temperatures, and less rain cause photosynthesis and growth to slow down. Because of this, plants need very ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Home Management, Horticulture, Lawn, Turf, UF/IFAS Extension, WaterDecades of research on pruning the aboveground parts of trees have given us a solid foundation for today’s best management practices. While the science isn’t exhaustive—no one’s tested every species or situation—it’s taught us a ... READ MORE
Category: Forests, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS Extension, UF/IFAS Research
Tropical Milkweed is now Invasive! Tropical milkweed (Asclepias curassavica) was once a go to larval host plant for monarch butterflies. As of June 2025 the plant status has changed. It is now listed as invasive in the entire state ... READ MORE
Category: , Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, Invasive Species, Natural Resources, Pests & Disease, Pests & Disease, SFYL Hot Topic, UF/IFAS Extension
The Unexpected Pine Decline While most of us have moved on from the 2024 hurricane season, many of our trees are only now beginning to reveal the true extent of the damage they endured. Wind can shake trees violently, twisting and breaking ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes, Natural Resources
Equipped with binoculars, field guides, and AI technology, we set out for a crisp fall morning adventure at Alafia State Park. We discovered that today’s nature walk isn't just about what you can see, but what technology can help you hear, ... READ MORE
Category: 4-H & Youth, , Conservation, Forests, Invasive Species, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension, Wildlife