ANR
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The tradition of bringing greenery into the home during winter has a history that spans many centuries and several cultures. For most of them, evergreen branches symbolized renewal of life and anticipation of fresh fruits and vegetables in spring. So how did the tradition of bringing a whole tree indoors get started? Who knows? Maybe…
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As fall progresses to winter, our landscapes can begin to look bleak. Annual pansies and violas might add a pop of color, but there are also perennial plants and shrubs that flower in the winter. In addition to brightening our winter landscapes, these can cheer our hearts and nourish songbirds and pollinators. As added bonuses,…
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Long before our landscapes became landscapes, they were habitat. In natural environments, hundreds of species share unrestricted acres in which to move, nest, and hunt. They occupy niches in horizontal and vertical space, above and below the soil line, on land and in water. When humans settle an area, we alter the environment to better…
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Based on preliminary damage assessments conducted by the Georgia Department of Agriculture, the Georgia Forestry Commission, and the University of Georgia, Hurricane Helene left behind an estimated $6.46 billion in damage to Georgia’s agriculture and forestry industries, more than three times the damage from Hurricane Michael in 2018. Georgia’s largest industry, agriculture contributes over $83…
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Earlier this year, I received a call from man who was urgently reporting a large number of spotted lanternflies (Lycorma delicatula) that were landing on trucks all over the depot. He was absolutely correct to call and report sighting them. These invasive planthoppers congregate in huge numbers, suck the sap from plants, and produce copious…
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On Wednesday, September 18, 2024, I had the honor of joining 29 arborists, tree care professionals, U.S. military veterans, and other volunteers at the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton for the 10th anniversary of Saluting Branches. Across the U.S. and in Puerto Rico, over 4,000 volunteers came together at 110 veteran-dedicated hospitals, homes, and cemeteries…
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er Service issues alerts about potential dangerous weather conditions, including floods. Alert messages include different words – watch, advisory, or warning – to indicate the level of danger. Watch– A flood watch means that widespread flooding is possible in the area specified in the alert. The flood is expected to happen 6-12 hours after heavy…
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Nature is generally successful in keeping our North Georgia hills and mountainsides stable and covered with verdant plant life. In home landscapes, however, slopes and hills can present challenges. When developing a management plan for hills, we need to address all the normal considerations of landscaping, such as soil and drainage, sun exposure, irrigation, and…
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Heather N. Kolich, ANR Agent, UGA Extension Forsyth County September is National Preparedness Month, and the theme this year is “Start a Conversation.” I recommend starting that conversation with a question: “What could go wrong?” Risk assessment is an important component of emergency preparedness. Only after we identify or become aware of risks can we…
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Fall armyworms are an annual pest of pastures, hay fields, and lawns. They are actually caterpillars, not worms. The moths that lay the eggs that hatch into these grass-eating caterpillars hop-scotch north from Florida on spring and summer weather fronts. They land in pastures, fields, and lawns and lay eggs. After only a few days,…
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