FAMU profs ready to improve home landscapes

In this day of complicated situations, unending challenges and questionable explanations, who can be called when an honest answer is needed to solve a problem with a tree or home landscape?

Extension faculty at Florida A & M University are standing ready to help homeowners. “We are ready to respond to requests for assistance and offer current information and advice to help the homeowner,” said Sam Hand, associate professor and director of the industry credentialing training programs in FAMU’s Cooperative Extension Program.

The origins of the Extension Service date back to the Smith Lever Act of 1914. This legislation established a partnership between colleges with agricultural programs (both land grant and 1890 institutions) and the USDA. The intent was to share the research-based information and techniques developed by scientists and specialists with the public to improve crop yields and farming operations.

Today’s Extension offerings cover a wide variety of topics and subjects applicable to life in the 21st century. Many of these services focus on urban life where a vast majority of the population resides.

Among the current services are educational offerings on proper tree care and landscape

maintenance. Hand and his associate, Dr. Ed Duke, an associate professor of horticulture in the FAMU College of Agriculture and Food Sciences, spend a majority of their time working with homeowners and people working in the green industries.

“We provide classes and consulting opportunities to anyone working in this area so they will have the latest and best information to effectively and safely use the inputs for achieving their desired results,” said Duke. He also maintains a classroom teaching schedule for agricultural students during the fall and spring semesters.

Tree consultations are a popular service at the start of hurricane season and keep Hand very busy. “So many factors can affect the health and safety of trees in home landscapes and in public spaces,” he said.

“Trees add economic value and improve quality of life for homeowners, but in reality there are no truly safe trees,” said Hand. “With large trees, especially those which are old, have genetic defects or have had poor trimming jobs, it is prudent to get qualified arborists to accurately evaluate the potential for problems.”

Duke also advises interested parties about the environmental factors which can impair tree health in landscape settings. “Almost any herbicides or insecticides commonly available can have an impact on trees or plants in the home landscape if misapplied,” he said. “It is always important to follow the label directions on these products to get a good outcome and to not damage your landscape investment or that of your neighbors.

“Even installing a plant or tree a few inches too deep will have a negative impact long term, and will likely kill them in a few years,” said Hand. Planting depth is one of the first factors checked by Hand and Duke when a young tree languishes and fails to grow normally.

“North Florida has many wonder tree species which can successfully be used in a home

landscape,” said Hand. “We can help you get the most from them.”

Both Hand and Duke work in the Big Bend region of north Florida. They can be reached through the FAMU’s Extension Program at 850-599-3546 or extension@famu.edu.