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From climate change to polluted waters to pythons, there’s always something threatening the beauty and serenity of the Everglades ecosystem. The latest monster is a fungus, and it’s killing trees at a stunning pace. “Laurel wilt is one of the most devastating tree diseases we’ve seen, it’s incredibly fast moving,” said Jason Smith, a University

In Florida, a devastating disease threatens the nation’s nearly half-a-billion dollar avocado industry. That’s leading researchers to use extreme measures: drones and dogs. Avocado grove owner Art Ballard said his trees mysteriously started dying one day. Then it was discovered they had a disease called laurel wilt and had to be cut down. Until now,

Laurel wilt disease is a deadly pathogen of redbay (Persea borbonia) and other tree species in the Laurel family (Lauraceae). The disease is caused by a fungus (Raffaelea lauricola) that is introduced into host trees by a non-native insect, the redbay ambrosia beetle (Xyleborus glabratus). Read more here: http://www.freshfromflorida.com/Divisions-Offices/Plant-Industry/Agriculture-Industry/Pests-Diseases/Laurel-Wilt-Disease

Many homeowners desire a beautiful landscape but are often discouraged by the lack of time and money needed to create and care for the garden of their dreams. Pleasing, low-care, low-cost Florida landscaping is possible, however, with careful planning, appropriate plant choices, and thoughtful design. Following are four basic time- and money-saving strategies for residential

You don’t have to be an expert gardener or landscaper to create a Florida-friendly yard. All it takes is a willingness to learn and a desire to build a beautiful yard that helps protect Florida’s environment.  Get started by taking the Florida-friendly landscaping Interactive Tutorial and Quiz. Next, download the Florida Yards & Neighborhoods’ handbook

The Satellite Beach City Council is going after three species of invasive trees. The council unanimously approved an ordinance banning Brazilian pepper, Australian pine and melaleuca trees from all properties within the city during a first reading on Wednesday night. Florida Today reports if the ordinance is approved on Aug. 5, residents will face a Nov. 15

A microscopic beetle is beginning to devastate native Southwest Florida trees, and the bug could eventually turn its sights on the avocado industry. The redbay ambrosia beetle is not quite 2 millimeters in length, but the tiny insect can take down 40-foot bay trees in a matter of weeks. The Asian beetle and laurel wilt

In Lake County Thursday, crews are busy cleaning up after a nasty night of storms. The Thursday evening storm took down several big trees near downtown Tavares. “Typical of what we get this time of year, you know heavy winds, these afternoon storms can produce these micro bursts and the tornadoes,” said Adrian Starkweather with