Jason Gordon – Forestry

Name this Tree

Posted on January 15, 2016

This tree is found in the montane rainforests of South America and is classified as a near threatened species by the IUCN. Trees can reach over 60 ft. high with linear-lanceolate shaped evergreen leaves arranged spirally around dark brown bark. Like all of its subgenus, the cone does not have bracts, and the seed has an apical ridge, as do its cousins in the other subgenus. The genus translates to “foot fruit” in greek. This is because at maturity, the scales are round and look like a fleshy berry which are eaten by birds to be dispersed in the forest. The species comes from one of the oldest genus of trees on Earth (along with Ginkgo), having been endemic to the continent of Gondwana.

Posted on December 21, 2015

Mid South Tree Climbing Academy

Good time, learned a lot!

Introduction to Arboriculture Short Course

Posted on December 18, 2015

Led by qualified instructors from the Mississippi State University Extension Service an the professional Arborist Association of Mississippi, this short course is designed to provide students with a basic knowledge of arboriculture. As a result of attending this course, students will be well-prepared to take the Certified Arborist Exam. The short course will employ a webinar format with class interaction occurring through email and chatroom. Many students will be professional tree workers; however, Master Gardeners, Master Urban Foresters, Master Naturalists, and anyone interested in trees are welcome to enroll.

Topics

Urban Soils (November 17 – John Kushla):http://msues.adobeconnect.com/p2ifnyx8cyb/
Tree Biology (November 19 – Jason Gordon):http://msues.adobeconnect.com/p3i8ir8dm7i/
Proper Tree Pruning (December 1 – Jeff Wilson):http://msues.adobeconnect.com/p18pib75gco/
Urban Forest Risk Management (December 3 – Brian Templeton):http://msues.adobeconnect.com/p5sh27dr0ge/
Tree Disease/Pest Diagnosis and Treatment (December 8 – Clarissa Balbalian & Donna Beliech):http://msues.adobeconnect.com/p84hejy7h4x/
Safe Work Practices in Arboriculture (December 10 – Archie Dickens*):https://www.dropbox.com/sh/2upd1ybpwc9m06b/AACw2t__Zwu7yqYWtfKgeRy5a?dl=0
Tree Installation, Proection, & Construction Zones (December 15 – Stephen Dicke): http://msues.adobeconnect.com/p2otdbm5fsm/

WEBINAR: Managing Termites in Trees, Sept 9, 2015

Posted on September 10, 2015

Gauty Oak Galls

Posted on September 10, 2015

Gouty oak gall

Very common on red oaks. Caused by wasps or flies. Old galls look woody; new galls are lighter in color and spongy. This gall is common to red oak species. The tree makes the gall in reaction to insect larvae living in its tissue. While galls generally do not cause a terminal damage, a heavy infestation can damage young trees that are just trying to get established. Regardless of tree size, galls can decrease the vigor of the tree. Unfortunately, there’s not a whole lot that can be done. The best you can do is to keep the tree as healthy as possible with plenty of water and maybe a little slow release fertilizer at the right time of year and the correct quantity.

(photo by Jim Baker, North Carolina State University, Bugwood.org)

Name This Tree

Posted on July 3, 2015

This native tree grows in coastal landscapes on the East Coast. It needs fire to regenerate, which is one reason why it’s historical range has shrunk significantly as a result of fire suppression. It is special for creating important habitat for threatened and endangered species like gopher tortoise and the red cockaded woodpecker. It’s known for its long needles (up to 18 inches) and large cones (up to 10 inches). It can live for well over 100 years.