tree

‘Big data’ leads to better trees via $3 million grant

By Seth Truscott, College of Agricultural, Human & Natural Resource Sciences PULLMAN, Wash. – Scientists at Washington State University are harnessing the power of “big data” to help growers create the next generation of healthy, sustainable forests and tree crops.

Wet springs may be affecting ponderosa pine health

By Rachel Webber, College of Agricultural, Human & Natural Resource Sciences SPOKANE, Wash. – What’s wrong with my ponderosa pine trees? Are they dying? Why are the needles turning brown and reddish? Forestry experts have received several inquiries about ponderosa pine tree health this spring, so if you’re asking these questions, you are not alone.

Smell may discourage people from cutting trees

PULLMAN — The WSU Facilities Operations Grounds Department is spraying skunk spray on the evergreen trees on the Pullman campus. This is done every year to discourage people from cutting down campus evergreens to be used as Christmas trees.  The skunk smell is not very noticeable when it is cold outside, but when the tree […]

Lab detects pests, trains young scientists

  As genomics research unravels some of life’s complexities, laboratories like the new molecular lab at WSU Puyallup applies that knowledge to real-world problems.   For molecular geneticist Katie Coats, that means working with the WSDA and WSU Puyallup plant pathologist Gary Chastagner to understand the genetics of the exotic plant pathogen Phytophthora ramorum, the […]

Xeriscaping: Untap your landscape

Photo: Flagstone pavers and drought-tolerant plants help make this front yard area water wise. (Photo courtesy of Tonie Fitzgerald). There is more to landscaping than pretty plants. Sustainable park design, drought-tolerant trees and proper watering to prevent turf diseases are just a few of the topics that will be addressed at this year’s WSU Turf, […]