Regrowth, rebirth and renewal: Yes, spring is finally here. I see pockets of fresh, green grass expanding across my lawn. I smell lingering raindrops in the air. And I hear bees buzz, beetles click and birds chirp in my landscape.

My patio, now swept clean of winter's debris, provides me with the perfect view of my backyard. There, I settle into my favorite reclining lawn chair in a deep state of meditation, staring into the depths of the forest at the edge of the lot.

My focus shifts to the giant, seemingly ancient oak tree that stands tall slightly to the left of the area where a childhood jungle gym once stood. I imagine the tire swing that once swayed gently in the breeze from its largest branch, as well as the excitement I felt each spring when I could freely play outside and enjoy the fresh air until dusk.

There's something about that tree, the gentle giant in your landscape that has been there longer than anything else in the neighborhood. It's been there longer than the houses, the perfectly manicured lawns, the beds of overflowing annuals and even the nests of creatures that make homes in that tree's sturdy branches.

It was the first tree you climbed. It has a sturdy "arm" that held your tire swing. That tree was the backdrop in every family photo, providing shade for picnics and serving as a natural cathedral for a relative's wedding.

We benefit from trees in so many ways - economically, environmentally and socially.

"Trees truly make our lives better," says Davey expert and ISA Board Certified Master Arborist R.J. Laverne. "They make history for families richer, and our children will remember us by the trees we plant. They are truly magnificent, and if we keep them healthy, we can enjoy the environmental, economic and amazing social benefits of having trees in our cities."

Breathe Easy, City Dwellers. Thanks to our trees, we can take a nice, deep breath of clean air. Trees replace the carbon dioxide in our stuffy, urban world into fresh oxygen so we can fill up our bodies with life and thrive. Really, trees are like nature's respirators. They give us that essential element.

Actually, 1 acre of forest absorbs 6 tons of carbon dioxide and puts out 4 tons of oxygen, which is enough to meet the annual needs of 18 people, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

If purifying the air wasn't enough, our trees benefit the water in our atmosphere by slowing rain impact so the soil can better absorb the moisture. "If we simply had pavement instead of trees, that water would run off into sewers, and we'd have higher incidents of flooding, especially for communities around streams," Laverne says.

Meanwhile, those tree roots keep soil in place and reduce erosion, which can be a real problem on slopes. Reducing erosion improves water quality by preventing dirt and debris from entering our streams.

Seeing 'Green.' Tree shade is the cheapest air conditioning around, and it's the cleanest form of cooling you can get. Tree shade keeps buildings cool in summer, so you can stop turning down that thermostat. "That results in lower electric bills," Laverne points out. Plus, less utility reliance means fewer emissions, "and that's a good thing," he adds.

In fact, the net cooling effect of a young, healthy tree is equivalent to 10 room-size air conditioners operating 20 hours per day, according to research from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. "If you plant a tree today on the west side of your home, in five years your energy bills should be 3 percent less. In 15 years, the savings will be nearly 12 percent," according to Dr. E. Greg McPherson of the Center for Urban Forest Research.

Of course, the primary economic benefit most of us think of when we invest in planting new trees is our property value. Landscaping adds more value to a home than any other renovation. For every $1 you invest in your landscaping, you can expect up to $1.35 in increased property value according to a study by Texas Tech University. "It's a direct financial benefit," Laverne confirms.

And nothing creates curb appeal like a mature tree-one with grand, outstretched branches that welcome visitors, a full show of leaves that creates a natural canopy and character that hints at a rich history.

Meanwhile, in our cities, the Arbor Day Foundation notes how trees can stimulate economic development, attract new businesses and drive tourism. Commercial retail areas are more attractive to shoppers, apartments rent more quickly, tenants stay longer, and space in a wooded setting is more valuable to sell or rent.

Isn't it time you plant a tree today?

"Indeed," Laverne says, "the trees in our urban forest are truly valuable from an economic, environmental and social standpoint."

In spirit of Earth Day and Arbor Day, the national holidays that will cushion next week with tree plantings, donations and care, plant a tree for goodness sake. There's no doubt you won't regret rooting one into the earth of your local park, school or backyard. What are you waiting for?

Mother Nature has fashioned a trend - in your closet.

Blouses, scarves, shoes, jackets and even jeans have adopted colorful floral patterns this season. Fabrics of several materials and textures mimic the beautiful blossoms and bright buds Mother Nature has presented in your local park, flower bed or backyard. So, with the clasp of a button or the tie of scarf, you can delight in spring's fortunes wherever you go.

tatty - Fotolia.com

Your dark, drab sweaters, thick coats and scarves will gradually make their way to the depths of your drawers and reveal the bright, bold hues, pastels and patterns you've been longing to wear for months. Like a flower bud that opens in the sun, spring's demeanor will shed light through your windows and heaping arrangements of floral fashion will emerge.

Flower power is in.

From the minute I wake up in the morning, squinting to take a quick glance out my bedroom window, I'm overwhelmed by the palette of pale pinks and purples that brighten my day from the blooming trees below. The flowers I see are my garden's cheerleaders, bursting with pom-poms of color that add a contagious spirit to the landscape. They draw attention, lighten the mood, add color and breathe life.

Flowering trees transform outdoor living spaces. In many ways, they're jewelry-pops of color inviting you into landscapes. And if you choose wisely, your flowering trees can provide year-round appeal. Their leaves offer interest before buds pop, and in winter the artistic structure of their branches lend sculptural qualities to the landscape.

"Just consider the wonderment of a tree throughout its seasons," says Dr. Charles Hall, professor and Ellison Chair in International Floriculture at Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas. Hall relates how flowering trees-all trees for that matter-cycle through stages each season.

"Trees impact the deepest parts of our being," he says, noting how we anticipate the "sometimes-showy but always fragrant flowering" in summer, and are rewarded in fall with "the explosion of color, as red and orange pigments take over to form a blanket of coloration that painters have tried to capture and poets have tried to describe."

A bonus of flowering trees is many have colorful, edible fruits that attract birds. Flowering dogwoods are especially interesting to birds. Time fall migration by watching berries mature-red berries ripen at migration's peak.

And let's face it, flowers just say "spring." We associate the promising buds that dot branches following winter with warmer weather and new beginnings. We wait for certain flowering trees to show their stuff each year.

So why not plant a flowering tree-that spring special you can always look forward to, just like your spring-exclusive, favorite floral blouse?

When choosing a flowering tree, remember showy varieties can stand alone. (You wouldn't don your floral denim pants with a busy, patterned jacket, would you?) Consider the tree's size, form and overall appearance. And tune into the bloom season-and flower intensity, duration and color.

But if you want a great show, take care of your flowering trees. Prune, fertilize and protect them from insects and diseases. Consult a professionally trained arborist to help you choose the most stylish specimens for your property. Then, line the earthy runway with spectacular spring blossoms and watch Mother Nature strut her stuff all season long.

The pitter patter of rain drops and faint, distant clasps of thunder tell us April showers have arrived. The fresh rainwater fuels your landscape, preparing it for new growth, new color and new life.

And for those who have yet to experience a wet, rainy season - and have been anxiously waiting for months for one to arrive - the warmer temperatures awaken your plants. The new season prompts tiny, green buds to pop, bringing smiles to the faces of those who pass by.

Ah, spring is here.

Regardless of your property's reaction to the beginning of spring, making sure your trees are prepared for the warm season is a vital spring to-do. Those who feel they don't have the eyes for catching potential issues should consider enlisting in an inspection by a professionally trained arborist.

Some damage is obvious-and some problems can fester and go unnoticed without the trained eye of a professional. It's no secret a bare branch is suffering when the rest of the tree is bearing leaves. But diseases and insects can creep in unexpectedly. "Spring is a favorite time to inspect the landscape because you can see the turn of trees and shrubs as they come out of dormancy," explains Davey arborist Jim Houston.

Jump-start your spring with a thorough tree inspection by following the steps below:

Branch Out. Look for consistent leafing and flowering activity on the branches of your trees during spring. Does one area look sparse? Observe how leaf tissue is emerging, Houston advises.

Wet Watch. Look out for yellowing leaves on shrubs that could be a sign of excess water from winter storms, Houston warns. This yellow coloring can indicate poor soil drainage and too much moisture. "The shrub is telling you it is not doing as well compared to others that are healthy, vibrant green," he says.

Clear The Way. Dead wood is dangerous, and it's often the byproduct of winter weather. Be sure to clean up dead branches, which are a safety risk. And, while you're at it, have a professionally trained arborist check the structural integrity of the tree. Spring showers drench leaves and weigh down branches. You don't want any surprises.

Deal With Decay. Fungi can weaken wood tissue, resulting in cracks, seams and other "internal" wounds. While healthy trees bend along with the wind, decayed wood cracks and breaks. So keep an eye out for wounds and cankers-perennial tree diseases that can be quite aggressive and increase risk, writes Larry Tankersley, an extension associate at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. "Wounds and cankers can be weak points on a trunk, and a tree is more likely to break at a wound or canker if it is facing the opposite to the direction of the prevailing wind. Vertical cracks or seams along the trunk suggest internal defects."

Paffy - Fotolia.com

Crown Check. When a tree is stressed, branches in the upper crown often die from the top down, Tankersley says. Stress can be caused by insects or diseases, drought, soil compaction or root disease.

Look Down. Those roots are a key indicator of a tree's health. Look for these above-ground clues that something's not going so well "down under" with your trees: thin crowns; dwarfed, off-color leaves; stunted growth; discolored, loose or resin-soaked wood at the root collar; and fungi growing near the base of the tree.

Always contact a professionally trained arborist with questions and concerns about your trees. To watch a live spring tree inspection, check out a Davey professional in action at www.davey.com/spring.

Old Man Winter may have overstayed his welcome, but spring's light, breezy character has gradually swept him away - the gray cloud cover that shadowed us for months has been lifted at last.

Kletr - Fotolia.com

And, there you have it - a clean slate.

With the soundtrack of chirping young birds ringing in her ears, Mother Nature gently rustles the branches that form the brown, barren canopies above. She wakes them from the dormant state they've endured all winter long.

Alert and anxious to greet the new season, small twigs eagerly spring up to face the warm sun rays. The increased, hurried activity encourages the branches, the bark and - finally - the buds, to break out of the deepest of their winter woes. The growing season is here.

Ruud Morijn - Fotolia.com

A few strokes of pale tones upon the undersides of flower petals and grass blades familiarize us with the new growth we've been more than ready to see. As the buds begin to break, tiny bits of color dot the canopies of your trees, reviving them from the still, dull canvas they've represented in past months. Now, the painted limbs dance on frequent breezes through the air, more than happy to rejoice in renewed freedom and joy.

April showers bring May flowers. As the old saying goes, this month promises to deliver the rainfall required to nourish your trees. Flower petals will peel away from the cocoon-like structure in which they've cultivated rich, fresh color. Prominent clusters of blossoms will emerge from the canopy, mingling with the tiny green leaves all around. Mature flowers will develop bright, bold shades soon after to exaggerate spring's flair.

line-of-sight - Fotolia.com

And come mid-April or May, Mother Nature will reveal a true masterpiece right before your eyes - a masterpiece no famous artist can ever quite replicate via paper, pencil or paint. All at once, the beautiful scenery of pinks, violets and whites bursting from the new blossoms on your trees will introduce you to the palette of color Mother Nature beholds.

Regardless if Mother Nature has yet to color your world, take advantage of that clean slate she has provided and inspect your trees and landscape for problems areas that may delay the vibrant pop of color you're looking for. Then, you can look forward to some warmer weather and more time to enjoy the presence of your trees this spring.

You see them every day - the invasion of concrete jungles has yet to erase their existence. They line the streets and highways you drive on your commute to work. They stand tall in the city parks where you walk your dogs and watch your children play. They appear as far away as the distant rolling hills and scenery of nearby towns and as close by as the greenery surrounding your homes.

You see trees everywhere, every day, but are you aware of the work that's required to keep them healthy?

If you want to enjoy the trees in your yard for a lifetime, act now. Your trees will return the favor by providing you will health, aesthetic and property benefits for years to come.

But remember: Tree care doesn't have to be a chore. Make it a spring/summer hobby or encourage your family members to get involved. The experience will be much more rewarding as a collaborative effort.

And just think about the healthy tree canopies you'll have the opportunity to enjoy for their generous amounts of shade once the work is complete. Nothing beats a good read beneath a tree or a long afternoon nap on a blanket or hammock in the shade.

While the birds are still chirping about their excitement for warmer spring and summer weather, check up on your tree care needs. How can you help them be healthy? What can you do to prepare them for the next season?

Use this spring checklist to keep up with your tree care needs this season:

• Remove critical risk trees.
• Fertilize trees and shrubs as part of your annual program.
• Inspect trees and shrubs for winter injury.
• Plant new trees and shrubs.
• Prune dead, diseased or unsafe branches.
• Cable, brace or remove weak limbs to prepare for severe weather.
• Mulch trees and shrubs as appropriate.
• Weed beds, cut back on perennials and prune fall flowering shrubs as appropriate.
• Inspect trees and shrubs for insects and diseases and treat appropriately.
• Consider lightning protection installation on mature, treasured trees in advance of thunderstorms.

It's important to understand the work that goes into tree care and why the effort makes a difference. If you need help with your tree care needs, contact your local professional arborist to determine next steps to better trees, better landscapes and a better you.

The weather was so beautiful the other day that I drove the long route home, thinking of spring every bit of the way.

I couldn't help but think about how beautiful the bare trees along the curb would look in only a matter of weeks. I could already see buds on the trees. Soon flowers will emerge and grace us with gorgeous blooms, while lustrous green leaves will begin to take over tree canopies.

As I made my way through the neighborhood, I thought about the beauty of my own gardens and landscape during the spring and summer months. I longed to get to work and start planting, but then I realized I hadn't yet established a planting plan of my own.

I thought, "Where will my annuals go? Which plants will attract more wildlife? Should I plant another tree this year?"

From my experience, it never hurts to plan ahead when it comes to your gardens, lawns and landscapes. Planning ahead helps you see the bigger picture, which will ultimately reap bigger benefits from your efforts.

The students and staff at Wayne Trail Elementary School in Maumee, Ohio, can attest to that.

In November, The Davey Tree Expert Company, Keep Ohio Beautiful and Ohio Department of Natural Resources staff collaborated to help create a Master Tree Planting Plan for Wayne Trail Elementary. Their efforts incorporated the Master Plan into the first Great Ohio Planting Day, which involved 105 fifth graders and their science teacher.

But before the students could begin to dig in, certified arborists pitched in some advice. They walked the school grounds and mapped ideal locations to plant four new trees. The plan's development considered:

• Genus and species - Which trees will thrive in the school's location?
• Grow space - How much space is available to plant trees? How big will the trees grow?
• Function (shade, education, stormwater retention, wildlife habitat) - Which trees will best suit the needs of the school?

For years to come, Wayne Trail Elementary will benefit from the four trees Davey employees and fifth graders helped plant. But the school's Master Tree Planting Plan is yet another gift that keeps on giving - the school can use it to improve its landscape for several more years.

You can apply the same factors and considerations to creating master plans for your green spaces as well. Get to know your landscape needs before you start planting and your efforts will flourish.

If you're anything like me, you're itching to get to work in your yard. Take a moment to start planning the tasks at hand this spring. You'll be pleased with the results.

Just the other day, I was attending a professional dinner meeting, so I traded my usual work clothes and boots for a simple dress and heels. And just as I arrived at the restaurant, it started to rain … and I don't mean just pitter-patter, pitter-patter. It was the start of what was soon to be a great, big thunderstorm. I stepped out of my car and prepared to run for it, and, wouldn't you know, my first step was into a giant puddle. Needless to say, I was squishing around in my heels with soggy toes for the rest of the night. 

The latest wet weather has left many wringing out their wet socks in search of higher and drier land. It's not a good feeling to be constantly wet - so wet you feel you'll never get dry. If you're in one of these regions with above average rainfall right now, you know this feeling. Now imagine how your trees must feel.

Constant rain, storms and flood watches have us all protecting our socks with good shoes, strategically avoiding puddles and cleaning our gutters so our homes and toes stay dry. But what about our plants and trees? Those poor perennials and conifers, particularly those placed in low areas, are left to tough it out, stuck in the muck. Driving through my neighborhood, I've seen more than one tree surrounded by a large puddle of water that looks like it's not draining anytime soon.

These images might leave you wondering how bad this much water really is for your plants and trees.

Davey Tech Advisor Greg Mazur says this much water awakens the fungus phytophthora, which lies dormant in most soil types just waiting for the right moment to strike. Phytophthora, or, simply stated, a root rot, loves prolonged wet conditions and doesn't mind if the temperatures aren't very warm or humid. It just thrives on the free water.

Rhododendrons suffering from phytophthora.

The results aren't very pretty. Below ground, root decline could be happening, while above ground discolored leaves, wilting foliage and die-back are occurring. In fact, the name phytophthora means "plant destroyer." Common plants that can take a particularly hard beating from phytophthora are maples, azalea, rhododendron, dogwood, madrone, oak, avocado, eucalyptus, pine, bottlebrush, holly, yew, boxwood, cedar, cypress and juniper.

The main way to beat the "plant destroyer" is to improve soil drainage in your landscape where water collection tends to be an issue. Raising a planting bed or using drain tiles or tubing to lead water away from certain areas can minimize standing water, thereby making the plant less prone to infection. To promote drainage in low areas, avoid using layers of tight mulches, such as cypress bark, that maintain high soil moisture; opt for pine bark instead since it lets the soil breathe. For occasional wet episodes in well-drained soils, use of a fungicide as a preventive treatment can deter disease outbreak as well.

These tips should help until the soil starts to dry out when the rainy weather finally slows down. In the meantime, keep your toes dry. And, as for your trees, we'll help you keep them under an umbrella of proper care so they make it through the storms!