Front Royal Warren County Tree Stewards

06/09/2026

Here's a good news story about trees. Have a listen and a read.

Longleaf is a crucial part of Virginia’s natural and economic heritage, arguably more so than to***co, state officials say.

06/08/2026

How to read tree bark.

You don't need a single leaf to name a tree. The bark tells you everything.

The shagbark hickory is the easiest — long plates curling away from the trunk at both ends. The shaggiest bark in the eastern forest. You can't confuse it with anything.

The sycamore gives herself away by shedding — the outer bark peels off to reveal smooth white patches underneath. That mottled look is unique.

🌿 The ones most people walk past:

Black cherry changes with age. Young trees have smooth reddish bark with horizontal lines. Old ones develop dark, rough plates that look like burnt potato chips. Same species, two completely different textures.

The American beech stays smooth and pale gray her entire life. She's the only common tree in the forest that never gets rough. People carve initials into her because there's nothing else that clean.

And sassafras — scratch the bark. She smells like root beer. That's the one detail nobody forgets.

Twelve trees. Twelve textures. Once you see the patterns, every walk changes 🌿

06/08/2026

Read about how trees can help your neighborhood.

06/07/2026

VDOT is currently accepting public comment on their proposed landscape design guidelines. You can read the guidelines, view the appendix (which includes their preferred plant list), and find the email address for feedback all on their website. Comments close on Friday, June 12.

There is a good deal of discussion about trees all throughout the guidelines.

https://www.vdot.virginia.gov/doing-business/technical-guidance-and-support/location-and-design/

06/06/2026

What a beautiful day today at Belle Grove for Garden Fest 2026! We're here until 2pm!

05/23/2026

A rainy weekend is a drag for a lot of people, but the trees sure are happy!

05/19/2026

I'm sure most of us locally are familiar with these guys by now, unfortunately!

They're baaaack! 🪰 👀 Have you seen spotted lanternfly nymphs in your area? They begin hatching in April.

These invasive insects feed on more than 70 plant species, so check around your yard. If you find any, squash, stomp and smash on sight. 🥾

Another important measure is to remove any invasive tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima) on your property. See the comments for resources on tree of heaven ID and treatment methods.

05/17/2026

Our next monthly membership meeting will be held tomorrow, Monday, May 18 at 6pm in Samuels Public Library.