Got Nature? Blog

Question: I have two White Ash trees growing in my front yard along the street. One is 8″ in diameter and the other 12″. Large roots are growing out of the ground horizontally away from the trees. Should I try to cut these roots and risk hurting the tree or should I try to mound dirt over them to allow grass to grow? The roots are unsightly and ruining my lawn.

Answer: Trees provide many benefits including clean air and water. Also, they can provide up to 10% greater property value by keeping trees on your site healthy. First, make sure they are treated against Emerald Ash Borer to prevent from losing them to the pest.

Tree roots can grow a great distance from a tree, sometimes two to three times the height of the tree. These are very important for stability and health. Cutting tree roots can be a very risky choice as well as covering them with soil. When you cover existing tree roots with soil the results are similar to smothering the tree by not allowing gas exchange between the roots and the air above.

I would suggest not doing anything to the roots within the drip line of the tree. Outside of this critical root zone area is less risky and changes can be made with minimal risk. The best option under the drip line would be to add a light layer of two to three inches of hardwood mulch creating tree rings to help the tree, reduce mowing and cover the roots.

Resources:
When Tree Roots Surface – Purdue Extension
Emerald Ash Borer in Indiana – Purdue Extension
Mechanical Damage to Trees: Mowing and Maintenance Equipment – The Education Store, Purdue Extension Resource Center
Why Is My Tree Dying? – Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources
Tree Owner’s Manual – Indiana Department of Natural Resources

Lindsey Purcell, Urban Forestry Specialist
Purdue University Department of Forestry and Natural Resources

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Ornamental plants provide many environmental and ecological benefits to landscapes and urban areas. They can be aesthetically pleasing, reduce stormwater runoff, lower carbon dioxide and pollutants, alleviate the urban “heat island” effect, and provide habitats to pollinators, birds, and mammals. Unfortunately, a few of these landscape species can escape into wild areas and create ecological problems in unintended areas such as forests and woodlands.

The Indy Star shares article titled, “Bradford pears and other backyard bullies to avoid in Indiana” listing some of the invasive species that are taking over Indiana woodlands. If you are planning on adding trees or shrubs to your property this spring, you will want to view this article before planting.

Author:
Cara Anthony, cara.anthony@indystar.com
Release date of article April 2, 2016.
IndyStar

Resources from The Education Store, Purdue Extension Resource Center:
Commercial Greenhouse and Nursery Production: Alternative Options for Invasive Landscape Plants
Invasive Plant Species in Hardwood Tree Plantations
Invasive Plant Species Fact Sheets: Poison Hemlock
Mile-a-minute Vine
Native Trees of the Midwest
Shrubs and Woody Vines of Indiana and the Midwest: Identification, Wildlife Values, and Landscaping Use

Videos:
Invasive Plant Species: Callery Pear
Invasive Plant Species: Oriental Bittersweet
Invasive Plant Species: Wintercreeper

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Arbor Day is always the last Friday of April in Indiana and it falls on April 29^th this year. Many of us are familiar with the tradition of planting a tree in celebration of this holiday, but have we stopped to count the benefits and reasons why we celebrate planting trees? In honor of Arbor Day, here are 10 reasons to remember why we love and plant trees:

1. Public health: Research shows that trees planted in the city make people happier! The result is a reduction in stress levels, crime rates, and improves patient recovery time.
2. Beauty: Trees are a great way to soften the often harsh city environment. A tree with vibrant fall color, interesting branch structure or bark patterns in the winter, flowering in the spring, or providing shade with its lush, green leaves in the summer will always provide a pleasing distraction from the urban environment.
3. Clean air: Trees are an important source of life-giving oxygen in the air that we breathe. They filter out harmful particulate matter and other pollutants common in the urban or suburban areas that would otherwise make it into our lungs.
4. Clean water: Trees help filter the water we drink. The leaves of a tree slow rainfall on the ground, preventing soil erosion and pollutants from washing into our water sources.
5. Energy conservation: Trees shade our houses from the sun and provide insulation and create windbreaks, keeping heating and cooling costs during the extreme temperatures of summer and winter lower.
6. Property Value: Benefits of trees include lower energy costs and beauty and are recognized and reflected in higher property values where trees are strategically placed.
7. Wildlife: Trees provide shelter and food for wildlife that we love to watch, such as songbirds and squirrels.
8. Beloved landmarks: City trees properly cared for will provide years of memories for residents. They can serve as a place to gather and as a source of civic pride, as well as a way to mark the changing of the seasons and progression of time.
9. Global warming: – Trees are a major factor in carbon sequestration. CO₂ is a major contributor to global warming and tress put it to good use rather than causing harm in the atmosphere.
10. Our children: Every day, many trees are cut down to allow for our continued growth as populations expand. We must work to replace them if we want our children to receive the same benefits from them in the future that we enjoy today.

We have our 10 reasons, now where will we get our 10 trees? For a $10 contribution you can become a member of the National Arbor Day Foundation and receive a gift of 10 trees through the mail. Also with your membership, you will receive discounts on over 100 other varieties of trees and a free guide to planting and care called The Tree Book.

To become a member, you can join online at the Arbor Day Foundation website.

Resources:
Membership – Arbor Day Foundation
Indiana Arborist Association
Tree Installation: Process and Practices – The Education Store, Purdue Extension Resource Center
Importance of Hardwood Tree Planting – The Education Store
‘Twas The Day Before Arbor Day – Got Nature?

Amy Wetzel, Former Urban Forestry Student
Lindsey Purcell, Urban Forestry Specialist
Purdue University Department of Forestry and Natural Resources

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With spring comes planting of trees and shrubs along with questions of best practices to ensure success. This 20-page publication titled “Planting Forest Trees and Shrubs in Indiana” provides an abbreviated 10-step approach to successfully plant and establish healthy, productive forest and conservation plantings in Indiana. It discusses types of plantings, site selection, site preparation, how to obtain seedlings, planting methods, and care after planting. You will also find resources with further planting details, how to increase wildlife on your properties, along with how to contact a professional forester.

To order a hardcopy for $5.50 visit Planting forest Trees and Shrubs in Indiana in The Education Store. It is also available as a free download.

Resources:
Planting & Care of Fine Hardwood Seedlings, Indiana Department of Agriculture Forest Service
Woodland Wildlife Management, The Education Store
Shrubs and Woody Vines of Indiana and the Midwest: Identification, Wildlife Values, and Landscaping Use, The Education Store

Ron Rathfon, Regional Extension Forester-Southern Indiana Purdue Agricultural Center (SIPAC)
Purdue Department of Forestry & Natural Resources

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The Department of Forestry and Natural Resources’ extension team have received four Purdue Extension Issue-Based Action Team (IBAT) awards out of seven. These new initiatives have been chosen from 30 submitted proposals. In an ever-changing world, Purdue Extension is launching big ​ideas to identify and address priority issues to enhance quality of life as well as the efficiency and/or effectiveness of organizations through research-based education.

Congratulations to the following FNR teams that are moving the world forward:

ENHANCING THE VALUE OF PUBLIC SPACES: HEALTH, WELLNESS, AND DESIGNING THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT
Project Overview: Expand upon the existing Enhancing the Value of Public Spaces program to include a health component — building community capacities for accessible means for physical activity. $50,000.

Team: Michael Wilcox, Assistant Program Leader for Community Development Extension, Purdue Center for Reginal Development; and Kara Salazar, Sustainable Communities Extension Specialist, Department of Forestry & Natural Resources; Donna Vandergraff, Extension Specialist, Nutrition Science; Lisa Graves, Assistant Program Leader and Extension Specialist, Nutrition Science; Melissa Maulding, Director, Nutrition Education Programs; and Steve Yoder, Extension Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR), Tippecanoe County.

MARKET BASKET 360
Program Overview: A wealth of resources on a website, educational workshop agendas, certification programs, uniform materials for cooking demonstrations, and more for Farmers’ Market Masters, producers, and consumers. Market Basket 360 centralizes, streamlines, and enhances existing farmers’ market resources available through Purdue Extension, Indiana State Department of Health, the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service, and other industry organizations.

Team: James Wolff, Extension Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR), Allen County; Julie Gray, Central District Director, ANR; Morgan Roddy, Extension Educator/Health & Human Sciences (HHS), ANR, Henry County; Curt Campbell, Extension Educator, ANR, Wabash County; Jodee Ellett, Local Foods Coordinator, Purdue Extension; Vickie Hadley, HHS Extension Educator/CED, ANR, Allen County; Nancy Manuel, HHS Extension Educator, ANR, Adams County; Gail Peitzmeier, HHS Extension Educator, Crawford County; Tim Vining, Development Educator, ANR; Teresa Witkoske, HHS Extension Educator/CED, Wabash County; Kwamena Quagrainie, Aquaculture Marketing Director and Associate Professor, Department of Forestry & Natural Resources and Agriculture Economics; Bob Rode, Aquaculture Research Lab Manager and Extension Specialist, Department of Forestry and Natural Resources.

NATURAL RESOURCES LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
Program Overview: Expanding Extension’s capacity to develop and deliver statewide natural resource programs and enhance decision-making for implementation at the community level. $30,000.

Team: Kara Salazar, Assistant Program Leader for Community Development and Sustainable Communities Extension Specialist, Department of Forestry and Natural Resources/Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant; Angie Tilton, Extension Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR), Hendricks County Team; Lenny Farlee, Sustaining Hardwood Extension Specialist, Department of Forestry and Natural Resources; Liz Jackson, Hardwood Tree Improvement and Regeneration Center (HTIRC), Engagement Specialist and Executive Director of the Indiana Forestry and Woodland Owners Association and the Walnut Council; Steve Yoder, Regional Extension Educator, Community Development

THE NATURE OF HEALTH
Project Overview: A multifaceted approach to engaging families in nature-learning opportunities that will utilize emerging research to connect Health and Human Sciences and Agriculture and Natural Resources using curriculum developed by Rod Williams titled “The Nature of Teaching.” $20,000.

Team: Rod Williams, Professor of Wildlife Science, Department of Forestry & Natural Resources; Angie Frost, Extension Specialist-Healthy Living, College of Agriculture; Stephanie Woodcox, Extension Specialist-Health & Wellness, College of Health and Human Sciences; Deb Arseneau, Extension Educator, Agriculture Natural Resources (ANR), Newton County; Jay Christiansen, Extension Educator, ANR, Vigo County; Jan Dougan, Extension Educator, ANR, Dubois County; Molly Hoag, Extension Educator, ANR, Wells County; Molly Hunt, Extension Educator, ANR, Delaware County; Gracie Marlatt, Extension Educator, ANR, Rush County; Kelsie Muller, Extension Educator, ANR, Benton County; Lindsey Pedigo, Extension Educator, ANR, Howard County; Katie Zuber, Extension Educator, ANR, Lawrence County.

View the College of Agriculture Strategic Plan and the Purdue Extension Annual Report for more information on Purdue Extension.

For extension resources on Forestry and Natural Resources view Purdue Extension-FNR​ website.

Diana Evans, Extension and Web Communications Specialist
Purdue University Department of Forestry and Natural Resources

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Biomass harvesting refers to harvesting where more woody material is gathered than in a traditional sawtimber harvesting. Material down to four inches in diameter is harvested along with large trees for veneer logs and saw logs. Small trees and tops are chipped and used for paper pulp and boiler fuel.

During October of 2012, a biomass harvesting project was started by harvesting a 100 acre tract of hardwood timber at the Southeastern Purdue Ag Center (SEPAC). The tract was divided into several treatment areas demonstrating various forms of harvesting including traditional clearcutting, biomass harvesting, and areas left uncut. The goal of this project was twofold: to determine the volume and value of the products produced using biomass harvesting compared to the traditional methods, and to gain a more thorough understanding of what happens to a harvest site following biomass harvesting when restoration practices are used.

The harvest site has experienced a rapid recovery of new vegetation. Forbs, shrubs, tree seedlings, and sprouts densely covered the ground and began providing new wildlife habitats and the beginnings of a new diverse forest area.

The new Extension video “Woody Biomass Harvesting at Purdue University” explores this process in further depth, showing the harvest as well as the aftermath and regrowth. It also introduces a Purdue Extension – FNR developed web application called the Woody Biomass Calculator. This calculator can be used by landowners, foresters, and wood products harvesters and managers to estimate the volume and value of several different wood product groups and tree species, including woody biomass. Before harvesting, consider using this tool to evaluate if biomass harvesting is a better choice than traditional sawtimber harvesting for you.

Resources: 
Woody Biomass Harvesting at Purdue University – Studying the Advantage Over Traditional Harvesting – Purdue Extension
Woody Biomass Calculator – Purdue Extension – FNR
Harvesting Biomass: A Guide to Best Management Practices – IDNR Division of Forestry
Woody Biomass Feedstock for the Bioenergy and Bioproducts Industries – IDNR Division of Forestry
IN Wood Industry Facts – Purdue FNR Wood Research Laboratory

Lenny Farlee, Sustaining Hardwood Extension Specialist
Purdue University Department of Forestry and Natural Resources

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When you hear about endangered species, most of us think about the plights of our furry or feathered friends. This article describes the plight of some of the less cuddly members of the endangered species list. Indiana is home to a number of endangered and threatened tree species. In this multi-part series, we will identify some of the tree species and describe some of their unique characteristics.

Our first species is the American chestnut (Castanea dentata) sometimes called the “Sequoia of the East”. This species was once found thriving throughout eastern forests from central Maine west to southeastern Michigan, and south to northern Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia.

Early 20^th century estimates indicated that these trees numbered closed to 4 billion with the finest, most productive stands found in the Appalachian Mountains and southern New England. American chestnut is a fast growing species that can reach a pinnacle of 120 feet high and 10 feet or more in diameter. The majority of the mature trees were between 3 and 5 feet in diameter and 60 to 90 feet high. The fruit from this tree has been a valued food source for humans, wildlife, and livestock alike. Timber from this former giant is naturally rot-resistant and nearly as durable as oak yet lighter.

American chestnut populations went into decline after the introduction of chestnut blight.

Chestnut blight is caused by the fungal pathogen (Cryphonectria parasitica), and was accidentally introduced into the American population by imported Asian chestnut trees a century ago. American chestnut is highly susceptible to the fungus which enters the tree through any small wound or crack in the bark. The fungus replicates beneath the bark and produces toxins which lead to plant cell death. The fungus continues to grow until it has circumnavigated the tree and effectively stopped the flow of nutrients. Everything above the girdled circle of fungus will die. The primary symptoms of chestnut blight disease are a sunken canker and orange spores covering the bark.

Loss of American chestnut on the landscape has resulted in reduced species diversity and severely reduced fall mast for woodland animal species. In addition, leaves of American chestnut contain greater nutrient concentrations (nitrogen [N], phosphorus [P], potassium [K]) than most other co-occurring trees therefore its loss affects soil nutrient cycling.

American chestnut has survived thus far because it has the ability to sprout from roots and stumps of diseased trees. However, these trees rarely live to maturity thus are often unable to flower and bear fruit. Numerous efforts to restore the tree to its former glory have been and are currently being attempted. Thus far, two of the most effective methods of breeding for resistance are hybridizing with resistant Asian parents and attempting to intercross surviving pure American chestnuts. The HTIRC within the Forestry and Natural Resources Department at Purdue University is working on hybridization of American chestnuts with Asian chestnuts for future restoration of resistant American-like chestnuts for Indiana.

Resources:
The American Chestnut Foundation
A New Generation of American chestnut Trees May Redefine America’s Forests – Scientific American
Consequences of Shifts in Abundance and Distribution of American Chestnut for Restoration of a Foundation Forest Tree – Forests Open Access Forestry Journal
Transgenic American chestnuts show enhanced blight resistance and transmit the trait to T1 progeny – Science Direct (Plant Science)
Scientists Work to Create a Blight-Resistant Chestnut with Hopes of Restoring Tree to America, Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture
FNR Hardwood – American Chestnut, Purdue Arboretum Explorer
Hardwood Tree Improvement Regeneration Center (HTIRC) Research Publications
American Chestnut Trees return to the Hoosier National Forest, Indiana Woodland Steward
Forest Regeneration and Restoration Laboratory, Purdue Forestry and Natural Resources, Dr. Doug Jacobs

Shaneka Lawson, USDA Forest Service and HTIRC Research Plant Physiologist & Adjunct Assistant Professor
Purdue University Department of Forestry and Natural Resources

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Learn how forests are used by birds and how best practices in forest management can increase their numbers in these newly released videos on birds and their relationship with woodlands.

In the first video, “Managing Woodlands for Birds,” J. Barny Dunning, professor of wildlife ecology, discusses how forests are used by birds year round, important habitat features of woodlands that can benefit birds, and how woodland owners can enhance their property for birds. In the second video, “Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment – Forest Birds,” Professor Dunning and graduate student Patrick Ruhl cover how disturbance and forest management impact birds. Management recommendations for both videos were developed in part from the Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment, a long-term, large-scale experimental study of forest management and its impacts on plants and animals.

Check out “Managing Woodlands for Birds” and “Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment – Forest Birds” to learn more about how birds use forests and how we can impact them in a positive way. To learn more about the Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment, please visit the HEE website.

Resources:
Managing Woodlands for Birds – YouTube, Purdue Extension Resource Center
Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment – Forest Birds – The Education Store
Breeding Birds and Forest Management: the Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment and the Central Hardwoods Region – The Education Store
The Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment: Indiana Forestry and Wildlife – The Education Store

J. Barny Dunning, Professor of Wildlife Ecology
Purdue University Department of Forestry and Natural Resources

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​Urban Forestry Specialist Lindsey Purcell‘s helpful publication “Tree Pruning Essentials” is now available in a Spanish-language version, “Lo Esencial Para la Poda de Árboles.” This publication explores the techniques behind good pruning, from the planning process before planting to monitoring the tree’s response after the pruning cuts.

Trees continue to survive in spite of the many challenges they face in the urban environment. However, to grow from seedling to a mature tree in the urban forest, they need our help. They are the largest, oldest living organisms on the planet and can live long, healthy lives with some assistance. We often place trees in less-than-favorable growing locations that don’t allow natural development and maturity and often require pruning to develop a durable structure, improve clearance and maintain aesthetics.

Pruning has been called “one of the best, worst maintenance practices” performed on trees. The process creates wounds, which have a major impact on plant processes. Improper cutting on a tree causes severe damage or even death. To prune properly, it is important to understand both the proper techniques and how the tree responds to pruning.

Check out “Lo Esencial Para la Poda de Árboles” or “Tree Pruning Essentials” and make sure you are pruning your trees to maximize safety, aesthetics, and tree health!

Resources:
Lo Esencial Para la Poda de Árboles (Tree Pruning Essentials)– The Education Store, Purdue Extension Resource Center
Instalación de Árboles: Proceso y practicas (Tree Installation) – The Education Store, Purdue Extension Resource Center
Tree Pruning Essentials – The Education Store
Trees and Storms: Understanding Damage, Risk and Recovery – Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Tree Risk Management – Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Prune Your Trees​ – Indiana Department of Natural Resources

Lindsey Purcell, Urban Forestry Specialist
Purdue University Department of Forestry and Natural Resources

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Question: I am noticing pine trees dying in my neighbors’ yards and along the streets in Carmel and NE Indianapolis. The needles turn rust colored and fall within a couple weeks – leaving a bare tree. Some of these trees are mature but most are young. Should I be concerned? What should I do to protect my pine trees? What should I be looking for if it is a pest?

Answer: Many Indiana trees are dying from stress caused by the extreme weather we have had in the last few years. Urban Forestry Specialist Lindsey Purcell and Extension Consumer Horticulture Specialist Rosie Lerner discuss this in more detail in the Purdue Agriculture News article “Purdue experts: Tree deaths across Indiana may be related to weather stress.” There are also other potential causes of foliar discoloration and branch dieback in pine trees that are explained in the publication “Stress-related Conifer Dieback“.

If you’d like to investigate the issue further, a certified arborist​ can conduct a ground evaluation or you can examine the trees on your own using the Purdue Tree Doctor app.

Resources:
Purdue experts: Tree deaths across Indiana may be related to weather stress – Purdue Agriculture News
Stress-related Conifer Dieback – The Education Store, Purdue Extension Resource Center
Purdue Plant Doctor App – Purdue Botany and Plant Pathology and Extension Entomology
Needle cast in Colorado Blue Spruce, Purdue Landscape Report
Blue Spruce Update, Purdue Landscape Report
Why Spruce Trees Lose Their Needles, Purdue Extension
Blue Spruce Decline, Purdue Extension
Diseases Common in Blue Spruce, Purdue Extension
Tree Installation: Process and Practices, The Education Store, Purdue Extension resource center
Tree Planting and Urban Forestry Videos, Subscribe to our Purdue Extension-FNR YouTube Channel
Find an Arborist, International Society of Arboriculture

Lenny Farlee, Sustaining Hardwood Extension Specialist
Purdue University Department of Forestry and Natural Resources

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