Vermilion Tree Commission

The trees are awakening – what happens in spring

Over winter the trees have been dormant. They have been in a state of suspension, having shed their leaves, stored nutrients, and turned down food production. Now the sun is shining longer, the temperature is warming, and the trees are awaking from their long winter’s nap. They are beginning to prepare for a season ofContinue reading “The trees are awakening – what happens in spring”

Spring Is around the corner and sap is rising

Winter hopefully is fading fast and the first really noticeable signs of spring are here – maple syrup making. Although we’ve had some warm spots, the weather has had cold nights and above freezing days, the perfect weather for tapping maple trees for sap. We’ve talked somewhat in a previous column about making maple syrup,Continue reading “Spring Is around the corner and sap is rising”

Tree Tips

Proverbially Speaking . . . Trees form an important part of our lives. We are surrounded by trees both outside our homes and towns and also in our homes itself – wooden flooring, paneling, furniture, etc. Wood is also a part of our culture and language. Trees and reference to trees are found in numerousContinue reading “Tree Tips”

Vermilion Tree Commission revisited

The Vermilion Tree Commission is entering its seventh year this January of service to the Vermilion community and time has flown. We have grown and expanded in objectives, projects, education, working with the public and service to the community. Some people are certainly aware of what we do, but there is still some confusion aboutContinue reading “Vermilion Tree Commission revisited”

Vermilion Tree Commission had a successful year; at-risk trees removed

By Karen Cornelius Vermilion Tree Commission chairman John Hill addressed Vermilion City Council on Monday night, November 6. His year-end report was an update on all the commission’s activities during 2017 showing many successful accomplishments including the removal of about half the 130 city trees noted as at-risk causing problems for people and property. Continue reading “Vermilion Tree Commission had a successful year; at-risk trees removed”

Tree Tips – why the leaves fall

Why the Leaves Fall The turning of leaf color and eventual falling of leaves are a part of the trees’ strategy and preparation for winter. Some trees, such as evergreens, have developed methods of winter survival. Deciduous, or broadleaf, trees have leaves that are thin and wide and are very vulnerable to cold and snowContinue reading “Tree Tips – why the leaves fall”

The Leaves Are Turning, But When?

As sunlight decreases and days become cooler, the trees are beginning to prepare for winter. Winter is a bad time for trees to grow – too little sunlight, too little water, and too much cold. Trees need to store nutrients (sugars) in their roots as well as water to survive over winter. They also haveContinue reading “The Leaves Are Turning, But When?”

Tree Tips: Tar Spots

The Vermilion Tree Commission has had queries and concerns from homeowners who are somewhat alarmed about blackish spots that they are seeing on their maple tree leaves. These are a fungal infection called “tar spots.” Not to be alarmed, and even though they look unsightly on the leaves, tar spots is basically a cosmetic problemContinue reading “Tree Tips: Tar Spots”

Fascinating Trees

One of the more interesting things about studying trees is looking at the different and often amazing ways of differing size, shape, bark, color, and form, etc. that trees take as they adapt to various conditions in their environments. All trees basically have the same structure of a root system, trunk, and canopy. AlthoughContinue reading “Fascinating Trees”

Tree Tips – Spring Colors

One the many attributes trees have (among many benefits) is that they are indicators or heralds of the seasons. For example, the vibrant fall colors of leaves announce that the season of autumn is here and winter, with its cold and bare branches, will soon arrive. Spring, too, with it tree blossoms and emerging flowers,Continue reading “Tree Tips – Spring Colors”