Childhood Trees and Fond Memories

Growing up, I had two favorite trees in our yard. The first was a giant elm next to the house that held my tire swing. Sadly, it did not survive the dreaded emerald ash borer. My second favorite was a mimosa tree on the edge of my parents’ property. Its delicate leaves and fluffy pink blooms felt magical, and the sweet scent always hung in the air during summer.

Even Pretty Plants Can Be Invasive

It was not until much later that I learned mimosa trees, while beautiful, are actually ornamental imports from Asia. They are considered terribly invasive in the tri-state, and locals are encouraged to chop them down. At the time, I did not even know what “invasive” meant. People were planting Bradford Pears like it was their job. I never planted one myself bec

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