The center of a tree or shrub stem (from roots to trunk, branches, and twigs) is woody, composed of xylem cells that conduct water from the roots to the upper parts of the tree. That woody section is ...

One of the most dangerous pests to trees is a human, especially with equipment. Injuries to trees caused by a lawn mower or weed trimmer can seriously threaten a tree’s health. Additionally, damage to ...

In fall or winter, homeowners often discover young trees whose thin bark has been damaged by deer rub. Some trees may have patches where bark hangs in shreds, exposing the underlying wood; in others, ...

Creating a mulch volcano around a tree will do more harm than good over time. Mulch piled up like a volcano around a tree trunk kills the tree over time and should be avoided. Apply a 2- to 4- inch ...

Piling mulch up on the tree trunk is called volcano mulching and is a bad practice. The mulch creates a moist area that can cause rot and decay of the bark layer of the tree. Courtesy Johnson County ...

Fresh mulch transforms a yard in a single afternoon. Garden beds suddenly look polished, weeds shrink back, and plants pop ...

If you have cleaned up the vegetable garden and cut back your perennials, you might be feeling just a little smug — especially since this gardening guy admits he is behind you in completing those ...

Dear Grant, William and Kate, When I was little, I liked to climb trees. I loved to grip the bark as I got higher and higher. Now I mostly hug trees – but I still love the way bark feels under my paws ...

Damage like this on a red maple trunk needs to be assessed before more catastrophic problems occur. Johnson County K-State Research and Extension Recent storms revealed possible hidden dangers lurking ...