Natural Landscapes and Open Spaces
Open space systems within public and private developments provide additional opportunities for resource protection and active or passive recreation, and offers benefits including enhanced water and air quality, improved habitat, decreased stormwater run-off, and enhanced desirable aesthetics of natural surroundings. This area contains resources applicable to the establishment and maintenance of natural landscapes and open spaces within our parks.
Sustainable Forestry
PennState Extension
Sustainable forestry is about managing forests to provide wood, clean water, wildlife habitat and beautiful landscapes.
"Can Cutting Your “Junk Trees"" Power Your City and Improve Your Forest?"
PennState Extension
How managing low-use wood for bioenergy can incentivize sustainable forest management.
Burning Bush
PennState Extension
"This article on burning bush (Euonymus alatus) describes the plant's size, flowers, fruit, leaves, and stem
Privet
PennState Extension
"This article on privet (Ligustrum spp.) describes the plant's size, flowers, fruit, leaves, and stem
Garlic Mustard
PennState Extension
"This four-page article describes garlic mustard's size, flowers, fruit, leaves, and stem
Shrub Honeysuckles
PennState Extension
"This article describes shrub honeysuckles (Lonicera spp.) size, flowers, fruit, leaves, and stem
Autumn Olive
PennState Extension
Autumn olive (Elaeagnus umbellata) is an exotic deciduous shrub and has been listed as a noxious weed throughout much of its range.
Multiflora Rose
PennState Extension
"This article on multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora) describes the plant's size, flowers, fruit, leaves, and stem
Japanese Knotweed
PennState Extension
Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica [syn. Polygonium cuspidatum]) is an invasive, exotic weeds found throughout much of the United States and Canada.
Japanese Barberry
PennState Extension
Invasive Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii) is primarily used as an ornamental hedge plant and is still sold in nurseries and garden centers.
Tree-of-Heaven
PennState Extension
Tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima) also known as ailanthus, is a rapidly growing deciduous tree native to both northeast and central China, as well as Taiwan. Spotted Lanternfly, an invasive pest, is particularly attracted to Tree-of-heaven.
Controlling Understory Fern Competition for Regeneration Success
PennState Extension
Dense understories of hay-scented, New York, and bracken fern can interfere with the regeneration of hardwood forests, threatening their sustainability.
Pruning Herbaceous Plants
PennState Extension
A certain amount of maintenance is needed to keep a landscape looking its best. This minimal effort may mean the difference between landscaping that is mediocre and one that evokes many compliments.
Pruning Flowering Shrubs
PennState Extension
The correct time to prune your flowering shrubs depends on when they flower. Learn more about tips and tricks to maintain a colorful landscape.
Pruning Shrubs and Trees
PennState Extension
Here are some tips to follow when pruning specific plants, the best tools to use and some basic techniques.
