New site helps consumers pick trees
The Tree Selector helps consumers select trees in USDA Hardiness Zones 2-7. The site is a cooperative effort between Univ. of Fla., Rutgers Univ. and USDA Forest Service. The site was designed to provide extensive cultural and maintenance information. It allows user to develop lists of suitable trees based on soils, sites and plant attributes. The information is accompanied by myriad photos. There's also a link for trees suitable for Zones 8-11.

Consumer site touts Pennsylvania horticulture
Pa. Landscape and Nursery Assoc. launched a consumer Web site earlier this year. Consumers can search for state-certified horticulturists, certified landscape technicians and certified landscape professionals. There is a special section dedicated to PA Preferred, the grown-in-Pennsylvania program from the state's agriculture department. Other resources include a list of Gold Medal Plants, a horticultural glossary of terms and gardening tips.

Environmental resources are a click away
Univ. of Ill. Extension launched EZregs to help farmers and green-industry professionals understand Illinois and federal environmental regulations. The site has a database of 13 sets of regulations including the Illinois Pesticide Act and the federal Endangered Species Act. Users can access sections on 4 types of ag. production, including ornamental horticulture. "EZregs makes it easier to find and understand the regulations that affect the day-to-day operations of farm producers and other ag. and horticultural professionals," said Ted Funk, Univ. of Ill. ext. specialist.

Acid rain harms sugar maples
Acid rain, the environmental consequence of burning fossil fuels, running factories and driving cars, has altered soils and reduced the number of sugar maples growing in the Northeast, according to Cornell Univ. researchers. Acid rain makes the soil more acidic, an unfavorable growing condition for sugar maples, said Stephanie Juice, lead author of the study. When soils become too acidic, sugar maples become stressed and have a harder time growing and producing seeds. Researchers amended soils in a test plot to reproduce the favorable soil conditions that existed before the 20th century. The result: Sugar maples on the plot rebounded dramatically. For more: Tim J. Fahey.

Worth a visit
Follow along as we take you on a Plant-Quest, last week's tour of 4 of western Michigan's most innovative nurseries. Only on GreenBeam.com.

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