• Hoptree, Ptelea trifoliate, a member of the citrus family, is also known as the skunk bush by some because of the distinctive odor emitted when the leaves are crushed.

• Since 1966, the National Christmas Tree Association has given a Christmas tree to the President and First Family.

• A large front yard tree can clean 330 lbs. of CO2 (90 lbs. carbon) from the atmosphere through direct sequestration in the tree’s wood, and reduced power plant emissions due to cooling energy savings. This one tree reduces the same amount of atmos pheric CO2 as released by a typical car driven 388 miles.

• Hundreds of nurseries in the United States grow over 1.5 billion trees annually, which reforests nearly 3 million acres. This number represents over six trees planted for every U.S. citizen.

• One ton of paper from recycled pulp saves 17 trees, 3 cubic yards of landfill space, 7,999 gallons of water, 4.200 kilowatt hours (enough to heat your home for half a year), 390 gallons of oil, and prevents 60 pounds of air pollutants.

• The Texas Tree Trails has a list of big trees, regional, state, and national champion trees that are in the DFW Metroplex, which you can view on the website or maybe even visit. Their website is www.texastreetrails.org

• Black Willow, Salix nigra, is the largest and most widespread Texas willow species. This willow is a fast grower, averaging 4 feet per year. The extensive, dense network of shallow roots make it ideal for stream bank erosion control.