Urban forests, or the trees and shrubs on these land uses, play an important role in providing ecosystem services and are often key components in urban planning and management as well as in environmental regulations. This 10-page fact sheet provides information, based on an assessment of urban forests within the limits of the City of Orlando was conducted during the summer of 2010, on the structure and composition of Orlando's urban forest, the occurrence of invasive trees in the city, the ecosystem services trees provide, including estimating the mitigation of climate change effects and their role in urban hydrology, and how this information can be used to define sustainable urban planning objectives and goals. Written by Edem Empke, Elizabeth Becker, Jessica Lab, Ross Hinkle, and Francisco Escobedo, and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation, February 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr358
Category: Forest Resources
Carbon Sequestration and Storage by Gainesville’s Urban Forest (FOR210/FR272)
Cities are a major source of carbon dioxide emissions. This fact sheet demonstrates that urban and natural trees can help mitigate the effects of climate change somewhat by sequestering CO2 but can only sequester a small portion of all carbon dioxide emitted from cities. In addition, decomposing trees and mulch, tree maintenance activities, and improperly placed trees that cause shading in winter can also result in emissions of CO2, so it is important for communities to reduce fossil fuel emissions and manage for and preserve large, healthy trees to maximize the amount of CO2 sequestered by an urban forest. This 3-page fact sheet was written by Francisco Escobedo, Jennifer A. Seitz, and Wayne Zipperer, and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation, February 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr272
The Effect of Gainesville’s Urban Trees on Energy Use of Residential Buildings (FOR211/FR273)
Based on a 2007 average retail price of electricity in Florida, trees in Gainesville are estimated to provide about $1.9 million in savings each year due to reduced air conditioning and heating use. However, trees also increase energy costs in winter by approximately $367 thousand annually because their shade cools buildings and thus raises building heating costs. This 3-page fact sheet was written by Francisco Escobedo, Jennifer A. Seitz, and Wayne Zipperer, and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation, February 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr273
What Is a Healthy Forest? A Supplement to Florida Project Learning Tree (FOR286/FR354)
There is no question that forests provide important ecological services and economic resources to Floridians. Similarly, there is no doubt that the health of our forests is at the mercy of how we manage our landscape and make decisions.The activities in this supplement, with the original PLT Guide, help our students rise to these twin challenges.This 84-page handbook was written by Sarah L. Hicks, Martha C. Monroe, Geetha S. Iyer, and Jason A. Smith, and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation, July 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr354
Forest Herbicide Characteristics (FOR283/FR345)
The effectiveness and safe use of herbicides registered for forest vegetation management in Florida requires developing site-specific herbicide prescriptions made with careful consideration of site factors and knowledge of the chemical and physical properties of herbicides and their effects on biological systems. This 9-page fact sheet was written by Anna Osiecka and Patrick J. Minogue, and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation, May 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr345
Management of Pine Forests for Selected Wildlife in Florida (CIR706/UW098)
As the total number of forested acres in Florida goes down, it becomes more important that land being managed for timber production also be able to sustain healthy wildlife populations. This 9-page fact sheet shows how timber and wildlife management can be successfully combined. Written by Wayne R. Marion, George W. Tanner, Holly K. Ober, and Matthew Werner, and published by the UF Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, August 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw098
Miami-Dade County’s Urban Forests and Their Ecosystem Services (FOR285/FR347)
The urban forest in Miami-Dade County reduces air pollution, controls stormwater, reduces crime, increases real estate values, and improves livability. This 14-page fact sheet can be used by urban foresters, residents, and planners to better understand and maximize the benefits of this important natural resource. Written by Francisco Escobedo, Joy Klein, Micah Pace, Henry Mayer, and Sebastian Varela, and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation, July 2011. (UF/IFAS Photo by Eric Zamora)
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr347
A Native Growing Season Forage for Wildlife: Teaweed, Sida acuta Burm. f. (FOR114/FR168)
What is teaweed and why would anyone want to learn more about this plant? Teaweed has been a problem plant in agriculture, but it has many good qualities as a wildlife food source. Anyone interested in growing plants that benefit native wildlife, especially white-tailed deer, turkeys and quail, can improve wildlife habitat by managing native plants. Sida acuta was identified as a native plant that provides food and/or cover to several species of wildlife. This 4-page fact sheet was written by Rick Williams and Tim Baxley, and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation, May 2011. (Photo by Dinesh Valke
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr168
Forest Resource Information on the Internet: Connecting to Today’s On-line Resources (FOR124/FR182)
The original 1997 version of this fact sheet provided detailed information about the Internet: its history, structure, and how to use it. It also provided a sample of forest resource websites. This is a third version of this fact sheet, providing updated information on the latest landowner assistance websites available. These state, regional, and national resources can serve as a springboard to a wide variety of natural resource information and programs. Written by Chris Demers and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation, May 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr182
Pre-Commercial Thinning Loblolly Pines: Does It Pay? (FOR188/FR243)
The decision to pre-commercially thin a stand is often difficult for many landowners because of the costs involved with implementing this treatment. It is costly but, when applied properly, it is a financially attractive investment. It is performed before trees reach merchantable size, to reduce densities in overstocked stands and improve the growth of the remaining trees. This 6-page fact sheet was written by R. Williams, K. Bohn, J. McKeithen and C. Demers, and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation, May 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr243
Considerations for Developing Effective Herbicide Prescriptions for Forest Vegetation Management (FOR273/FR335)
Developing a herbicide treatment prescription is a complex process that involves matching a suitable herbicide program with a specific silvicultural operation and an overall management objective. This 8-page fact sheet reviews important considerations in developing effective and environmentally sound herbicide recommendations for managing vegetation in forests. It is intended for use by private forest land owners, foresters, and other land managers. Written by Anna Osiecka and Patrick J. Minogue and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation, May 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr335
Redbay Ambrosia Beetle Xyleborus glabratus Eichhoff (Insecta: Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) (EENY491/IN886)
Ambrosia beetles are wood-degrading insects that live in nutritional symbiosis with ambrosia fungi. Usually we consider ambrosia beetles beneficial because they accelerate the decay of dead trees, which is important for nutrient cycling in healthy forests. However, the redbay ambrosia beetle and its fungal symbiont transmit the causal pathogen of laurel wilt disease among plants in the Laurel family (Lauraceae). They are considered a “very high risk” invasive disease pest complex having potential equal to that of Dutch elm disease or chestnut blight. Laurel wilt is a relatively new disease and much is still unknown about how it will impact the flora of North America. This 7-page fact sheet highlights what we do know about this important new pest. Written by Rajinder Mann, Jiri Hulcr, Jorge Peña, and Lukasz Stelinski, and published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, May 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in886
Saw Palmetto Control: Individual Plant and Broadcast Application (SSAGR341/AG351)
Saw palmetto is a shrubby palm species native to Florida and common throughout the state. Despite its beneficial uses, saw palmetto is a serious weed problem in pastures, forests, and non-cropland areas, and control of this common native plant is often necessary. This 4-page fact sheet provides mechanical and chemical control recommendations. Written by Brandon Fast, Jason Ferrell, and Brent Sellers, and published by the UF Department of Agronomy, March 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ag351
Redheaded Pine Sawfly Neodiprion lecontei (Fitch) (EENY488/IN882)
Neodiprion lecontei is an important defoliator of commercially grown pine, as the preferred feeding conditions for sawfly larvae are enhanced in monocultures of shortleaf, loblolly, and slash pine, all of which are commonly cultivated in the southern United States. Learn more with this 5-page fact sheet written by Sara DeBerry and published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, January 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in882
Control y Biología del Helecho Trepador Japonés (Lygodium japonicum) (FOR282/FR344)
This 7-page Spanish-language fact sheet describes this non-native, invasive vine which is widespread in damp areas in north and West Florida — its biology and control measures. Written by Patrick J. Minogue, Daniela Chevasco, Francisco Escobedo, and Kimberly K. Bohn, and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation, December 2010.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr344
Eucalyptus and Corymbia Species for Pulpwood, Mulchwood, Energywood, Windbreaks, and/or Phytoremediation (CIR1194/FR013)
In Florida, Eucalyptus species grow faster than our native tree species. Certain species, when planted on suitable sites and managed properly, can produce commercial products such as pulpwood, mulchwood, and energywood, can remediate environmental problems, or may be used as windbreaks for citrus and vegetables. This circular describes potential applications and presents planting guidelines for these three species. This revised 7-page fact sheet was written by D. L. Rockwood and G. F. Peter, and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation, March 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr013
Seiridium Canker of Leyland Cypress (FOR279/FR341)
Seiridium canker, or Cypress canker, was first reported in California in the late 1920s and has since spread throughout North America and into Florida wherever Cupressaceae (cypress family) grow. Leyland cypress can be killed or severely disfigured by the disease. This 4-page fact sheet describes the causal agent, host range, symptoms and signs, disease cycle and management, and recommends tree replacements with resistance to Seiridium canker. Written by Jason A. Smith, and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation, November 2010.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr341
Should We Use Wood for Energy? A High School Unit (FOR270/FR332)
As communities across the South explore options for reducing carbon emissions with renewable energy resources, local wood may become an attractive possibility. Whether using wood for energy is a good idea and how communities go about deciding whether to build a facility depends upon community residents’ understanding of energy sources, biomass supply and cost, and forest management. This high school unit helps students gain knowledge and skills for making decisions about woody biomass. This 210-page curriculum was written by Jessica Tomasello Ireland, Martha C. Monroe, and Annie Oxarart, and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation, September 2010.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr332
Drought Decision-Support Tools: Introducing the Keetch Byram Drought Index — KBDI (AE471)
The Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) is generally used to determine potential wildfire hazards across the southeastern United States and is calculated daily by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Forestry. KBDI is a continuous reference scale for estimating the dryness of the soil and duff layers. Forest managers have identified several uses for the KBDI in wildfire management. This 5-page fact sheet explains the nuts and bolds of the KBDI and how forecast the index on agroclimate.org. Written by Clyde W. Fraisse, Norman E. Breuer, and David Zierden and published by the UF Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, February 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ae471
Urban Soils in Gainesville, Florida and Their Implications for Environmental Quality and Management (FOR275/FR337)
It is frequently assumed that urban soils are homogenous, heavily disturbed, or of low fertility. But recent studies show that urban soils are highly variable, ranging from highly modified to nearly undisturbed. Still, there are observable trends and patterns in urban soil characteristics have been observed. This 6-page fact sheet sheds light on how and why soil properties vary across Gainesville and provides useful information on the sustainable management of urban soils. It was written by Donald Hagan, Cynnamon Dobbs, Francisco Escobedo, Wayne Zipperer, and Zoltan Szantoi, and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation, November 2010.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr337