Scourges of beetles and bacteria, drought and fires have demolished acres upon acres of vegetation so far this year. In a summer that has left little respite for the biosphere, plenty of quarantines and safety orders, such as fire prohibitions, have shaped our interactions with vegetation. But sometimes our garden?EUR??,,????'???s worst enemies come hidden in the best camouflage possible: as actual plants. Invasive exotic trees are plants that have been introduced into areas besides their native homes. Some of these trees have proven lethal to the native vegetation of areas, whether they suck massive amounts of water from other plants, or they give off chemicals that repress growth of other seeds. Many of these trees are in the United States because our unsuspecting foregardeners did not quite understand the impact of their decorations. For instance, Ailanthus altissima, or the Tree of Heaven, found commonly in Virginia and surrounding areas, was planted by Frederick Law Olmstead in Central Park, and was a favorite of Thomas Jefferson?EUR??,,????'???s, according to Roanoke.com. Now the allelopathic tree, which means it releases chemicals to keep other plants from growing, has bullied its way through 42 states, including Hawaii. Another tree, miconia calvenscens, or the melastomataceae, has hijacked the forests of Tahiti and Hawaii. The South American tree creates canopy that is so shady, other plants cannot survive. Hear.org reports that 65% of Tahiti has been affected by the melastoma, which has totally changed the ecosystem, and some experts fear that the Hawaiian forests could be destroyed. Researchers are looking for creative and intuitive ways to thwart the growth of some of these invasive species. However, many of them remain unstoppable. Lloyd Hipkins, a weed scientist at Virginia Tech, has isolated fusarium fungus, which he found killing a stand of Ailanthus trees on the side of the road. However, he has not yet figured out how to manually get the fungus to take to the tree for deliberate extermination, said raonoke.com. In the meantime, the tree is growing quickly and easily in it?EUR??,,????'???s foreign environment. Non-native trees, according to William E. Rogers and Evan Siemann of Rice University?EUR??,,????'???s Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, tend to grow larger in foreign areas than in their native habitats. Invasive genotypes are more likely to produce seeds, yet have ?EUR??,,????'??lower quality, poorly defended leaves.?EUR??,,????'?? A couple of theories exist as to why exotic invasive species thrive so well. In their fourteen-year study on the Chinese Tallow tree titled Genetic Differences of an Invasive Tree Species, Siemann and Rogers consider two hypothesis. One states that invasive genotypes originate in a more competitive habitat. Once they are introduced to an exotic area, their natural predators are gone, and they are naturally stronger than the surrounding native species.These two factors give the invasive species ample conditions in which to grow. The alternative hypothesis presented is that, because the invasive species are not attacked as often in their foreign environment, they are able to reallocate defense energy and resources to growing and reproduction. While greenhouse experiments have suggested exotic species produce strongly with less defense against enemies than native species, field experiments prove encouraging, but inconclusive. Landscapers and landscape architects often decide which types of trees go into an inhabited area. Non-native trees chosen based on fruit production, shade, and other factors can be replaced by similar native trees that do not threaten the native vegetation. For example, the Nature Conservancy suggests that Russian olive, Glossy Buckthorn, or Autumn Olive trees be substituted with Paw-Paw, Serviceberry, or Silky Dogwood trees. Trees introduced in the past have begun usurping native species all over the United States. Cottonwoods are threatened by the Green Ash in the Rocky Mountains. Salt Cedars are enhancing drought conditions by using more water than native species in the Southwest. Landscape contractors and architects can contribute to the effort to stop invasive exotic species from replacing native species by using homeland plants in their designs. Below are some of the common invasive species that are spreading throughout the US: Black Locust-- Native to the Southern Appalacheans and the southeastern United States, these shady trees threaten sun-loving plants in dry and sandy areas, oak savannahs, prairies, and upland forest edges. Chinaberry Tree, Umbrella Tree?EUR??,,????'??+This Asian native is still sold in nurseries as an ornamental tree. However, it displaces and outgrows other plants, and produces too much shade for native species to grow. The bark, leaves, and seeds are poisonous to animals. Mimosa, Silk Tree?EUR??,,????'??+Introduced as an ornamental from Asia and Africa, this tree invades riparian zones and forest borders. It is damaged by severe winters. Royal Paulownia, Princess Tree?EUR??,,????'??+This aggressive tree is found in 25 states from Maine to Texas. It grows easily in vulnerable areas, such as rocky slopes, stream beds, and forests. Since it grows easily in disturbed areas such as areas defoliated by pests, landslides, and burn areas, it competes with returning native vegetation. Chinese Tallow Tree, Popcorn Tree?EUR??,,????'??+From china, this poisonous tree takes over prairies and grasslands, turning them into single-species forests. Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus)?EUR??,,????'??+An allelopathic tree that produces chemicals to stunt growth in other trees. White Poplar?EUR??,,????'??+ The introduction of this tree in the mid-1700s released a competitive species into 43 states. It can grow in many soils, produces large seed crops, and grows easily again after damage. The poplar reduces the amount of sunlight, nutrients and water to native species. Malaleuca, Punk Tree?EUR??,,????'??+ This quickly spreading tree takes well to swamps, and speeds up its seeding process when poisoned or threatened. Malastomataceae?EUR??,,????'??+Growing in Hawaii, this tree tends to overshade native species, and can take over and completely alter forests. Sources: Roanoke.com; Bradenton.com; nature.org; hear.org; forestry.about.com Offensive Trees: Hell Hath No Fury Like an Exotic Species 8-28 Scourges of beetles and bacteria, drought and fires have demolished acres upon acres of vegetation so far this year. In a summer that has left little respite for the biosphere, plenty of quarantines and safety orders, such as fire prohibitions, have shaped our interactions with vegetation. But sometimes our garden?EUR??,,????'???s worst enemies come hidden in the best camouflage possible: as actual plants. Invasive exotic trees are plants that have been introduced into areas besides their native homes. Some of these trees have proven lethal to the native vegetation of areas, whether they suck massive amounts of water from other plants, or they give off chemicals that repress growth of other seeds. Many of these trees are in the United States because our unsuspecting foregardeners did not quite understand the impact of their decorations. For instance, Ailanthus altissima, or the Tree of Heaven, found commonly in Virginia and surrounding areas, was planted by Frederick Law Olmstead in Central Park, and was a favorite of Thomas Jefferson?EUR??,,????'???s, according to Roanoke.com. Now the allelopathic tree, which means it releases chemicals to keep other plants from growing, has bullied its way through 42 states, including Hawaii. Another tree, miconia calvenscens, or the melastomataceae, has hijacked the forests of Tahiti and Hawaii. The South American tree creates canopy that is so shady, other plants cannot survive. Hear.org reports that 65% of Tahiti has been affected by the melastoma, which has totally changed the ecosystem, and some experts fear that the Hawaiian forests could be destroyed. Researchers are looking for creative and intuitive ways to thwart the growth of some of these invasive species. However, many of them remain unstoppable. Lloyd Hipkins, a weed scientist at Virginia Tech, has isolated fusarium fungus, which he found killing a stand of Ailanthus trees on the side of the road. However, he has not yet figured out how to manually get the fungus to take to the tree for deliberate extermination, said raonoke.com. In the meantime, the tree is growing quickly and easily in it?EUR??,,????'???s foreign environment. Non-native trees, according to William E. Rogers and Evan Siemann of Rice University?EUR??,,????'???s Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, tend to grow larger in foreign areas than in their native habitats. Invasive genotypes are more likely to produce seeds, yet have ?EUR??,,????'??lower quality, poorly defended leaves.?EUR??,,????'?? A couple of theories exist as to why exotic invasive species thrive so well. In their fourteen-year study on the Chinese Tallow tree titled Genetic Differences of an Invasive Tree Species, Siemann and Rogers consider two hypothesis. One states that invasive genotypes originate in a more competitive habitat. Once they are introduced to an exotic area, their natural predators are gone, and they are naturally stronger than the surrounding native species.These two factors give the invasive species ample conditions in which to grow. The alternative hypothesis presented is that, because the invasive species are not attacked as often in their foreign environment, they are able to reallocate defense energy and resources to growing and reproduction. While greenhouse experiments have suggested exotic species produce strongly with less defense against enemies than native species, field experiments prove encouraging, but inconclusive. Landscapers and landscape architects often decide which types of trees go into an inhabited area. Non-native trees chosen based on fruit production, shade, and other factors can be replaced by similar native trees that do not threaten the native vegetation. For example, the Nature Conservancy suggests that Russian olive, Glossy Buckthorn, or Autumn Olive trees be substituted with Paw-Paw, Serviceberry, or Silky Dogwood trees. Trees introduced in the past have begun usurping native species all over the United States. Cottonwoods are threatened by the Green Ash in the Rocky Mountains. Salt Cedars are enhancing drought conditions by using more water than native species in the Southwest. Landscape contractors and architects can contribute to the effort to stop invasive exotic species from replacing native species by using homeland plants in their designs. Below are some of the common invasive species that are spreading throughout the US: Black Locust-- Native to the Southern Appalacheans and the southeastern United States, these shady trees threaten sun-loving plants in dry and sandy areas, oak savannahs, prairies, and upland forest edges. Chinaberry Tree, Umbrella Tree?EUR??,,????'??+This Asian native is still sold in nurseries as an ornamental tree. However, it displaces and outgrows other plants, and produces too much shade for native species to grow. The bark, leaves, and seeds are poisonous to animals. Mimosa, Silk Tree?EUR??,,????'??+Introduced as an ornamental from Asia and Africa, this tree invades riparian zones and forest borders. It is damaged by severe winters. Royal Paulownia, Princess Tree?EUR??,,????'??+This aggressive tree is found in 25 states from Maine to Texas. It grows easily in vulnerable areas, such as rocky slopes, stream beds, and forests. Since it grows easily in disturbed areas such as areas defoliated by pests, landslides, and burn areas, it competes with returning native vegetation. Chinese Tallow Tree, Popcorn Tree?EUR??,,????'??+From china, this poisonous tree takes over prairies and grasslands, turning them into single-species forests. Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus)?EUR??,,????'??+An allelopathic tree that produces chemicals to stunt growth in other trees. White Poplar?EUR??,,????'??+ The introduction of this tree in the mid-1700s released a competitive species into 43 states. It can grow in many soils, produces large seed crops, and grows easily again after damage. The poplar reduces the amount of sunlight, nutrients and water to native species. Malaleuca, Punk Tree?EUR??,,????'??+ This quickly spreading tree takes well to swamps, and speeds up its seeding process when poisoned or threatened. Malastomataceae?EUR??,,????'??+Growing in Hawaii, this tree tends to overshade native species, and can take over and completely alter forests. Sources: Roanoke.com; Bradenton.com; nature.org; hear.org; forestry.about.com Offensive Trees: Hell Hath No Fury Like an Exotic Species 8-28 Scourges of beetles and bacteria, drought and fires have demolished acres upon acres of vegetation so far this year. In a summer that has left little respite for the biosphere, plenty of quarantines and safety orders, such as fire prohibitions, have shaped our interactions with vegetation. But sometimes our garden?EUR??,,????'???s worst enemies come hidden in the best camouflage possible: as actual plants. Invasive exotic trees are plants that have been introduced into areas besides their native homes. Some of these trees have proven lethal to the native vegetation of areas, whether they suck massive amounts of water from other plants, or they give off chemicals that repress growth of other seeds. Many of these trees are in the United States because our unsuspecting foregardeners did not quite understand the impact of their decorations. For instance, Ailanthus altissima, or the Tree of Heaven, found commonly in Virginia and surrounding areas, was planted by Frederick Law Olmstead in Central Park, and was a favorite of Thomas Jefferson?EUR??,,????'???s, according to Roanoke.com. Now the allelopathic tree, which means it releases chemicals to keep other plants from growing, has bullied its way through 42 states, including Hawaii. Another tree, miconia calvenscens, or the melastomataceae, has hijacked the forests of Tahiti and Hawaii. The South American tree creates canopy that is so shady, other plants cannot survive. Hear.org reports that 65% of Tahiti has been affected by the melastoma, which has totally changed the ecosystem, and some experts fear that the Hawaiian forests could be destroyed. Researchers are looking for creative and intuitive ways to thwart the growth of some of these invasive species. However, many of them remain unstoppable. Lloyd Hipkins, a weed scientist at Virginia Tech, has isolated fusarium fungus, which he found killing a stand of Ailanthus trees on the side of the road. However, he has not yet figured out how to manually get the fungus to take to the tree for deliberate extermination, said raonoke.com. In the meantime, the tree is growing quickly and easily in it?EUR??,,????'???s foreign environment. Non-native trees, according to William E. Rogers and Evan Siemann of Rice University?EUR??,,????'???s Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, tend to grow larger in foreign areas than in their native habitats. Invasive genotypes are more likely to produce seeds, yet have ?EUR??,,????'??lower quality, poorly defended leaves.?EUR??,,????'?? A couple of theories exist as to why exotic invasive species thrive so well. In their fourteen-year study on the Chinese Tallow tree titled Genetic Differences of an Invasive Tree Species, Siemann and Rogers consider two hypothesis. One states that invasive genotypes originate in a more competitive habitat. Once they are introduced to an exotic area, their natural predators are gone, and they are naturally stronger than the surrounding native species.These two factors give the invasive species ample conditions in which to grow. The alternative hypothesis presented is that, because the invasive species are not attacked as often in their foreign environment, they are able to reallocate defense energy and resources to growing and reproduction. While greenhouse experiments have suggested exotic species produce strongly with less defense against enemies than native species, field experiments prove encouraging, but inconclusive. Landscapers and landscape architects often decide which types of trees go into an inhabited area. Non-native trees chosen based on fruit production, shade, and other factors can be replaced by similar native trees that do not threaten the native vegetation. For example, the Nature Conservancy suggests that Russian olive, Glossy Buckthorn, or Autumn Olive trees be substituted with Paw-Paw, Serviceberry, or Silky Dogwood trees. Trees introduced in the past have begun usurping native species all over the United States. Cottonwoods are threatened by the Green Ash in the Rocky Mountains. Salt Cedars are enhancing drought conditions by using more water than native species in the Southwest. Landscape contractors and architects can contribute to the effort to stop invasive exotic species from replacing native species by using homeland plants in their designs. Below are some of the common invasive species that are spreading throughout the US: Black Locust-- Native to the Southern Appalacheans and the southeastern United States, these shady trees threaten sun-loving plants in dry and sandy areas, oak savannahs, prairies, and upland forest edges. Chinaberry Tree, Umbrella Tree?EUR??,,????'??+This Asian native is still sold in nurseries as an ornamental tree. However, it displaces and outgrows other plants, and produces too much shade for native species to grow. The bark, leaves, and seeds are poisonous to animals. Mimosa, Silk Tree?EUR??,,????'??+Introduced as an ornamental from Asia and Africa, this tree invades riparian zones and forest borders. It is damaged by severe winters. Royal Paulownia, Princess Tree?EUR??,,????'??+This aggressive tree is found in 25 states from Maine to Texas. It grows easily in vulnerable areas, such as rocky slopes, stream beds, and forests. Since it grows easily in disturbed areas such as areas defoliated by pests, landslides, and burn areas, it competes with returning native vegetation. Chinese Tallow Tree, Popcorn Tree?EUR??,,????'??+From china, this poisonous tree takes over prairies and grasslands, turning them into single-species forests. Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus)?EUR??,,????'??+An allelopathic tree that produces chemicals to stunt growth in other trees. White Poplar?EUR??,,????'??+ The introduction of this tree in the mid-1700s released a competitive species into 43 states. It can grow in many soils, produces large seed crops, and grows easily again after damage. The poplar reduces the amount of sunlight, nutrients and water to native species. Malaleuca, Punk Tree?EUR??,,????'??+ This quickly spreading tree takes well to swamps, and speeds up its seeding process when poisoned or threatened. Malastomataceae?EUR??,,????'??+Growing in Hawaii, this tree tends to overshade native species, and can take over and completely alter forests. Sources: Roanoke.com; Bradenton.com; nature.org; hear.org; forestry.about.com Offensive Trees: Hell Hath No Fury Like an Exotic Species 8-28 Scourges of beetles and bacteria, drought and fires have demolished acres upon acres of vegetation so far this year. In a summer that has left little respite for the biosphere, plenty of quarantines and safety orders, such as fire prohibitions, have shaped our interactions with vegetation. But sometimes our garden?EUR??,,????'???s worst enemies come hidden in the best camouflage possible: as actual plants. Invasive exotic trees are plants that have been introduced into areas besides their native homes. Some of these trees have proven lethal to the native vegetation of areas, whether they suck massive amounts of water from other plants, or they give off chemicals that repress growth of other seeds. Many of these trees are in the United States because our unsuspecting foregardeners did not quite understand the impact of their decorations. For instance, Ailanthus altissima, or the Tree of Heaven, found commonly in Virginia and surrounding areas, was planted by Frederick Law Olmstead in Central Park, and was a favorite of Thomas Jefferson?EUR??,,????'???s, according to Roanoke.com. Now the allelopathic tree, which means it releases chemicals to keep other plants from growing, has bullied its way through 42 states, including Hawaii. Another tree, miconia calvenscens, or the melastomataceae, has hijacked the forests of Tahiti and Hawaii. The South American tree creates canopy that is so shady, other plants cannot survive. Hear.org reports that 65% of Tahiti has been affected by the melastoma, which has totally changed the ecosystem, and some experts fear that the Hawaiian forests could be destroyed. Researchers are looking for creative and intuitive ways to thwart the growth of some of these invasive species. However, many of them remain unstoppable. Lloyd Hipkins, a weed scientist at Virginia Tech, has isolated fusarium fungus, which he found killing a stand of Ailanthus trees on the side of the road. However, he has not yet figured out how to manually get the fungus to take to the tree for deliberate extermination, said raonoke.com. In the meantime, the tree is growing quickly and easily in it?EUR??,,????'???s foreign environment. Non-native trees, according to William E. Rogers and Evan Siemann of Rice University?EUR??,,????'???s Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, tend to grow larger in foreign areas than in their native habitats. Invasive genotypes are more likely to produce seeds, yet have ?EUR??,,????'??lower quality, poorly defended leaves.?EUR??,,????'?? A couple of theories exist as to why exotic invasive species thrive so well. In their fourteen-year study on the Chinese Tallow tree titled Genetic Differences of an Invasive Tree Species, Siemann and Rogers consider two hypothesis. One states that invasive genotypes originate in a more competitive habitat. Once they are introduced to an exotic area, their natural predators are gone, and they are naturally stronger than the surrounding native species.These two factors give the invasive species ample conditions in which to grow. The alternative hypothesis presented is that, because the invasive species are not attacked as often in their foreign environment, they are able to reallocate defense energy and resources to growing and reproduction. While greenhouse experiments have suggested exotic species produce strongly with less defense against enemies than native species, field experiments prove encouraging, but inconclusive. Landscapers and landscape architects often decide which types of trees go into an inhabited area. Non-native trees chosen based on fruit production, shade, and other factors can be replaced by similar native trees that do not threaten the native vegetation. For example, the Nature Conservancy suggests that Russian olive, Glossy Buckthorn, or Autumn Olive trees be substituted with Paw-Paw, Serviceberry, or Silky Dogwood trees. Trees introduced in the past have begun usurping native species all over the United States. Cottonwoods are threatened by the Green Ash in the Rocky Mountains. Salt Cedars are enhancing drought conditions by using more water than native species in the Southwest. Landscape contractors and architects can contribute to the effort to stop invasive exotic species from replacing native species by using homeland plants in their designs. Below are some of the common invasive species that are spreading throughout the US: Black Locust-- Native to the Southern Appalacheans and the southeastern United States, these shady trees threaten sun-loving plants in dry and sandy areas, oak savannahs, prairies, and upland forest edges. Chinaberry Tree, Umbrella Tree?EUR??,,????'??+This Asian native is still sold in nurseries as an ornamental tree. However, it displaces and outgrows other plants, and produces too much shade for native species to grow. The bark, leaves, and seeds are poisonous to animals. Mimosa, Silk Tree?EUR??,,????'??+Introduced as an ornamental from Asia and Africa, this tree invades riparian zones and forest borders. It is damaged by severe winters. Royal Paulownia, Princess Tree?EUR??,,????'??+This aggressive tree is found in 25 states from Maine to Texas. It grows easily in vulnerable areas, such as rocky slopes, stream beds, and forests. Since it grows easily in disturbed areas such as areas defoliated by pests, landslides, and burn areas, it competes with returning native vegetation. Chinese Tallow Tree, Popcorn Tree?EUR??,,????'??+From china, this poisonous tree takes over prairies and grasslands, turning them into single-species forests. Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus)?EUR??,,????'??+An allelopathic tree that produces chemicals to stunt growth in other trees. White Poplar?EUR??,,????'??+ The introduction of this tree in the mid-1700s released a competitive species into 43 states. It can grow in many soils, produces large seed crops, and grows easily again after damage. The poplar reduces the amount of sunlight, nutrients and water to native species. Malaleuca, Punk Tree?EUR??,,????'??+ This quickly spreading tree takes well to swamps, and speeds up its seeding process when poisoned or threatened. Malastomataceae?EUR??,,????'??+Growing in Hawaii, this tree tends to overshade native species, and can take over and completely alter forests. Sources: Roanoke.com; Bradenton.com; nature.org; hear.org; forestry.about.com AGCA Gets Wish?EUR??,,????'??+FAS Board Recommends Delaying Controversial Accounting Standard A new standard developed by the Financial Accounting Standards Board, FAS 150, would require private, non-Securities and Exchange Commission-registered construction firms to classify mandatorily redeemable shares as a liability on their balance sheets. What!? Let us (try) to explain. First, who in the world is the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB), and who anointed them head cheese? The FASB describes itself thusly: ?EUR??,,????'??Since 1973, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) has been the designated organization in the private sector (emphasis added) for establishing standards of financial accounting and reporting. Those standards govern the preparation of financial reports. They are officially recognized as authoritative by the Securities and Exchange Commission ?EUR??,,????'??? and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. ?EUR??,,????'??? Such standards are essential to the efficient functioning of the economy because investors, creditors, auditors and others rely on credible, transparent and comparable financial information.?EUR??,,????'?? The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has statutory authority to establish financial accounting and reporting standards for publicly held companies under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, however, the SEC policy has been ?EUR??,,????'??to rely on the private sector?EUR??,,????'?? (emphasis added), in this case the FASB, for this function (as long as the FASB demonstrates the ability to ?EUR??,,????'??fulfill the responsibility in the public interest.?EUR??,,????'?? Moving on: What is this ?EUR??,,????'??mandatorily redeemable shares?EUR??,,????'?? business, and why should private construction firms be concerned? According to BDO Seidman, LLB, accountants, consultants, mandatorily redeemable shares (MRS) are ?EUR??,,????'??shares that an entity is required to redeem for cash or other assets at a fixed or determinable date or upon the occurrence of an event that is certain to occur, like the death of a particular individual, other than at the end of the entity?EUR??,,????'???s life. The key to the definition is that no uncertainty exists about the entity?EUR??,,????'???s obligation to issue assets to redeem the shares.?EUR??,,????'?? That?EUR??,,????'???s not much help, is it? Another definition of MRS is: ?EUR??,,????'??put options, forward purchase contracts, and obligations that a company can settle by simply issuing its own shares be booked as liabilities, not as equity.?EUR??,,????'?? At any rate, the Associated General Contractors of America (AGCA) strongly expressed its discontent over FAS-150 to Robert Herz, chairman of the Financial Accounting Standards Board. The AGCA asserted the new standard would have a ?EUR??,,????'??disastrous affect on the construction industry,?EUR??,,????'?? and ?EUR??,,????'??wipe out the net worth of closely held businesses in many cases.?EUR??,,????'?? David Lukens, chief operating officer for the AGCA, urged the FAS Board not to make FAS 150 applicable to private companies. Apparently bending to outside pressures from groups like the AGCA, the FAS Board on August 27 recommended to delay the implementation of FAS 150 for one year. ?EUR??,,????'??We will continue to express our concern over FAS 150 and work to make clear the ramifications of this statement on nonpublic companies could be disastrous,?EUR??,,????'?? Lukens concluded. This also gives everyone else, other that accountants, time to figure out what the heck mandatorily redeemable shares are.