Michael Levy, ISAT Support
Tree-killing emerald ash borer confirmed in Parker County
COLLEGE STATION, Texas — The presence of the invasive emerald ash borer (EAB) was confirmed May 2, 2022 in Parker County. Parker County will be added to the list of Texas jurisdictions under quarantine by the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA). TDA quarantines are designed to slow the spread of the insect pest by limiting the transportation of ash wood,
Prevent the spread of oak wilt in Texas this spring
Texans can do their part to protect oak trees from oak wilt this spring. Prevention is key to stopping the spread of oak wilt, said Demian Gomez, Texas A&M Forest Service regional forest health coordinator. Any new wound, including from pruning, construction activities, livestock, land or cedar clearing, lawnmowers, string trimmers and storms, can be an entry point for the pathogen that infects
Emerald Ash Borer Trapping in the Metroplex
By Allen Smith It’s not a complicated device: just some purple plastic, coated with glue and baited with a clear pouch containing a lure– but this emerald ash borer (EAB) trap is a scientifically-designed instrument and serves as our first line of defense against EAB infestation. Since 2011, Texas A&M Forest Service entomologists have been placing these traps in ash
Homeowners insurance and tree damage
By Lauren Ward As a homeowner, it’s your job to care for and protect your property, but home insurance companies offer policies that can help you with the protection part. Tree damage may not be the first thing that comes to mind when choosing coverage levels for your homeowner’s insurance, but if a tree falls on your home, it can
Prevent the spread of oak wilt in Texas this spring
Oak wilt is one of the deadliest tree diseases in the United States, killing millions of trees in 76 counties of Central, North and West Texas, and we can help prevent it from spreading. Prevention is key to stopping the spread of oak wilt. Any new wound can be an entry point for infection including those produced by pruning, construction
Floating Ant Rafts and Swarm Robotics
Red imported fire ants (Solenopsis invicta) have a unique ability to cling together and form a floating raft whenever their underground tunnels flood. This raft can hold together and carry the colony for weeks or until the water recedes. These ants have a hydrophobic cuticle, and the cuticular texture creates an air bubble. These tightly knit bodies create a buoyant,
Wildfire potential across the state this week with possible Wildfire Outbreak Tuesday in the High Plains
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 28, 2022 Wildfire potential across the state this week with possible Wildfire Outbreak Tuesday in the High Plains COLLEGE STATION, Texas— There is potential for large wildfires to occur today that may outpace firefighters’ suppression efforts in areas near Childress, Lubbock, Abilene, Mineral Wells, Brownwood, Midland, San Angelo, Fredericksburg, Del Rio, Laredo and Brownsville. Today, critically
Time to Plant Trees in Texas
Wondering what to plant in your yard in Texas? Try the online Texas Tree Planting Guide from the Texas A&M Forest Service. Find it here https://texastreeplanting.tamu.edu/index.html
Treemergency: Mulch Volcanos are Erupting in Landscapes!
Treemergency: Mulch Volcanos are Erupting in Landscapes! Authors Joe Boggs Published on April 8, 2020 https://bygl.osu.edu/node/1494 Mulch piled to stratospheric heights around tree trunks has been called many things (some not printable) such as pyramid mulch and mountain mulch. My personal favorites are mulch volcanoes (or volcano mulch) for stratovolcano-like creations and mulch mounds for those that resemble shield volcanoes. These mulch monstrosities
Cedar fever season in Texas
Cedar fever season is upon us once again, complete with runny noses, itchy eyes and general misery. But what exactly is cedar fever, and why is it so insufferable this time of year? For starters, cedar fever isn’t a flu or a virus – it is an allergic reaction to the pollen released by mountain cedar trees. In Texas, the
