Trees
Mississippi’s tree lovers have terrific options when deciding what to plant in the home landscape. MSU Extension Service specialists and agents offer practical advice about what, where, and when to plant for the best effect and greatest chance of success. They also have tips for proper pruning, how to handle storm damage, and dealing with pests and diseases. Interested in establishing an orchard to produce fruits and nuts for the local farmers’ market? Extension has the science-based information you need to make decisions about your business.
Publications
News
STARKVILLE, Miss. -- When planting loblolly pine trees on well-drained soils, landowners should heed two basic rules: Don’t do it during a freeze, and make sure to plant roots and seedlings deep.
To increase the chance of survival on well-drained soils, some Southern regeneration foresters suggest planting loblolly pine in a deep hole with the root collar several inches below the soil surface.
Despite their beautiful appearance, the Bradford pear tree is not recommended to have in your landscape. (Photo from MSU Extension)
If you have Bradford pear trees on your property, you are quite familiar with the odor they release. How could such a beautiful tree smell like rotting fish? The odor isn’t the only thing that makes this tree undesirable.
Light pruning on a yearly basis creates a naturally shaped crape myrtle.
Crape myrtles are popular for their low-maintenance beauty, but they can benefit from some light pruning this time of year.
Leaves are your best clue in identifying a tree. (Photo from Canva)
Being able to identify trees is an impressive skill to have. Some trees, like the magnolia tree, are easily recognizable. Others, not so much. Identifying a tree is like solving a mystery. There are several different puzzle pieces to put together before you know for sure what kind of tree it is.
When, how, and if you should prune depends on the type of plant or tree you have and your goal for the plant. Late spring is the best time to prune spring flowering plants.
Pruning is one of the least understood gardening tasks and for good reason – it’s confusing. When, how, and if you should prune depends on the type of plant or tree you have and your goal for the plant.
Success Stories
Annual forestry show gathers industry, highlights best logging practices
Year after year, the Mid-South Forestry Equipment Show attracts thousands of visitors. Canceled in 2020, as most large gatherings were because of the COVID pandemic, the show opened in 2021 with about 3,500 former and new attendees ready to discover the latest forestry equipment, safety guidelines, and timber-harvesting methods.
Football coaching legend also known for success in timber industry
To many Northeast Mississippians who played high school football between the early 1960s and the late 1980s, Ben Jones is a coaching icon.
While Adams County native Monroe Sago has always loved the look of crape myrtles, he hasn’t always known how best to take care of them. His lack of knowledge was brought directly to his attention about 7 years ago.
Natchez. Rich in history, beauty, and culture, it’s the oldest incorporated city on the Mississippi River. For Natchez Mayor Darryl Grennell, giving back to the town where he was born and raised just makes sense.
Foreman Matthew Ellis is responsible for keeping the grounds of the Biloxi National Cemetery in shape. But it’s more than just a job to him.
