As we've seen lately, storms knock down trees, often times crushing homes. But experts say it’s all in the trees you pick to plant.

This weekend you can take a fun bike ride and learn tricks to prevent tree trouble.

The Velo Dendro S is a tour of significant trees in Shreveport. Along the 17 mile path, there are many stops. LSU agriculture foresters will answer these questions about tree care:
-- Why do cypress trees have knees?
-- Is Spanish moss really a moss?
-- Why does the power company have to prune the trees so severely?
-- Where is the best place to plant a tree?
-- What kind of tree should I plant?
-- What’s the best tree to plant where storms strike?
-- How do I take care of my trees?
This ride, will take riders around Shreveport to look at and learn about this beautiful city’s significant trees.

It begins at the Columbia Café at Creswell and Kings Highway and head north to downtown.

Registration and preparation for Vélo Dendro S runs Saturday November 7th from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. at Columbia Café, 3030 Creswell Ave. in Shreveport.

The cost of the tour is $10 for each rider, which includes a commemorative T-shirt. There's no fee for children 5 and under, but they must ride on their parents' bicycles. "Trail-a-bike" attachments are welcome.

Here’s more information on the tour:
Along the way we will visit examples of good and poor pruning practices and take part in a tree planting at a local church. Once downtown, we will visit the historic court house on Texas Street, and discuss modern trends in urban forest planting. After a short break for refreshments we will head over to the Clyde Fant Parkway, Shreveport’s premier and oldest cycling facility. Cutting back away from the River after a few miles, we will mosey over to see a demonstration of tree/utility conflicts with SWEPCO and then on to take a look at the Louisiana State Champion Sycamore tree on the A.C. Steere playground. Other stops as we make our way back to Columbia Café will include Betty Virginia Park and the Slattery Oak. Following the ride we will be treated to the sweet sounds of A Fine Romance Trio at the Columbia Café and enjoy post-ride refreshments. The entire route is approximately 17 easy miles. No single section of the ride with be longer than two miles and we will supply refreshments, bathroom breaks and mechanical support (if needed) all along the route.