Mary Jo DiLonardo has worked in print, online, and broadcast journalism for 25 years and covers nature, health, science, and animals. Young trees sometimes have smooth bark that's unbroken by ridges.

Steve Nix is a member of the Society of American Foresters and a former forest resources analyst for the state of Alabama. The American sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) is a massive tree that can ...

Trees provide many benefits for our homes, businesses and properties. If a tree is defective, however, it may become a hazard. It is important to understand that tree owners have a duty to inspect and ...

Consider unique characteristics when choosing the best trees for your yard. For example, crape myrtles can liven up a yard with bright blooms that last up to four months. Sweet gum trees have pretty ...

For the average person, identifying what trees are in the forest can be difficult -- especially during winter, when their leaves have fallen. But there are ways to determine what is out there during ...

Gardener and author Nancy Ross Hugo and photographer Bob Llewellyn traveled more than 20,000 miles over four years, looking at Virginia’s finest trees for their 2008 book “Remarkable Trees of Virginia ...

So you are off to select a real Christmas tree this year? The tree characteristics that influence a family’s decision on what species to select can vary greatly. First, many families just want the ...