These Web sites help solve tree and shrub problems

[earl]

For gardeners, landscapers and horticulturists, the Internet has proved to be a boon we couldn't have imagined a few years ago. For us it's not so much an Information Highway as a vast, lush Botanical Garden, filled with every kind of information and reference we could possibly want!

Today, I want to highlight some Web sites that you might find particularly helpful. They might be brand new or they might be old friends that are already firmly established in your Favorites file. Either way, I hope you'll take a look at these sites as they can prove to be invaluable resources when you need plant-related information.

As you know, I invite questions from readers who can reach me at [e-mail] and I do my best to answer those questions based on my own experience. However, there are times when I look to the Internet to investigate a particularly tricky plant problem, either one of my own or one posed by a reader. Even the best doctors have a library of reference books; we plant lovers shouldn't feel bashful about seeking helpful information either!

this site says on its home page: "The PLANTS Database provides standardized information about the vascular plants, mosses, liverworts, hornworts and lichens of the U.S. and its territories."

You can see why many people regard this site as THE database for plants. For example, here you can download a list of plants native to your state. Heck, you can even download a complete plants checklist (warning: it's a big list). There is a gallery 0f 30,000+ plant images and you can submit your own photos to the gallery.

While you're there, you can read about endangered plants or wetland plants in your region, or learn more about noxious and invasive plants. This is a treasure trove of plant information and well worth bookmarking.

of the best places you can turn to for expert help and advice is an Extension Service. Go to this Web site, also maintained by the United States Department of Agriculture, and you are only a few clicks away from finding someone to answer your questions.

Technically, this site is the home of Cooperative State Research, Education & Extension Service (CSREES). Here you can browse a lot of land-related topics. But when you need help, click on the link to "Local Extension Office." This will take you to a map of the USA from which you click on your state. Once you see the state map, click on your county and you'll see the complete contact information you need.

Often a quick phone call will answer your question, or they can direct you to a specific resource. I've always found the people at Extension Services to be very happy to offer help and advice.

Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) hosts this Web site that is a "must see" if you're thinking of planting some trees on your land but aren't quite sure where to start.

You'll find unbiased answers to a lot of questions you might have about what type of trees to select, issues to consider about placement before you plant and how to maintain healthy trees.

From that page, you can also find links to other NRCS pages that address

backyard conservation topics such as ponds and backyard wetlands, composting, mulching, terracing, wildlife habitat and pest management.

Okay, I have to confess that this is the Web site that I host. I'm including it here because you can click on direct links to the other sites I've mentioned when you find this column under the Plant Man heading.

My objective with landsteward.org is make it a "resource of resources" for anyone needing information about trees, shrubs or anything relating to gardens and landscaping. Visitors can find an extensive library of plant-related articles, tips and hundreds of links to other Web sites.

I'll point you in the direction of additional helpful Internet sites in a future column.

The Plant Man is here to help. Send questions about trees, shrubs and landscaping to [e-mail]. For resources and additional information, or to subscribe to Steve's free weekly e-mailed newsletter, go to