Got Nature? Blog

Forest Management for the Private Woodland Owner is a Purdue University short course providing knowledge and resources to help landowners make informed decisions in the care and management of their forests.

Topics covered include tree identification, forest history and biology, forest management planning, forest management practices, considerations for selling timber, forest investment and taxation, wildlife habitat management, and resources and assistance for private woodland owners.

In addition to previously announced courses (virtual and in-person near Wabash, Indiana), a third offering will be available near the Southern Indiana Purdue Agricultural Center (SIPAC) in Dubois, Indiana. (11371 E Purdue Farm Rd., Dubois, IN 47527)

This workshop, led by Purdue Extension forester Ron Rathfon, will be taught from Feb. 5 to March 25, 2024, at SIPAC on the north side of Patoka Lake near the dam entrance.

The course will include eight weekly meetings on Mondays from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. ET, as well as two Saturday morning field tours, running from 9 a.m. to noon.

Class size is limited to 40 registrants on a first-come, first served basis. Register with easy printable, mail-in pdf, Forest Management of the Private Woodland Owner Course.

Registration cost is $50 per person and includes: in-person time with forestry specialists, all course materials, a thumb drive of all publications, a tree measuring stick and snacks. Guest registration (in addition to initial registration) is $30 and includes all learning sessions and handouts at the sessions.

Contact Ron Rathfon at ronr@purdue.edu or 812-678-5049 with any questions.

The Southern Indiana Purdue Ag Center is a 1,331 acre working farm and research and education facility designed to address practical farm and natural resource management problems providing practical solutions and education and training opportunities for farmers, landowners, foresters, and other natural resource professionals.

Purdue acquired the first piece of the property which became SIPAC in 1953 and additional forest acres were added in 1966 and 1967. Purdue FNR faculty and staff have taken an active role in management of the forest at SIPAC since 1953. The facility also has housed an extension forester since the mid-1960s.

Rathfon has served as a Purdue extension forester since 1992. He has taught the Forest Management for the Woodland Owners course since 1993.

Resources:
Forest Management for the Private Woodland Owner Course Program Impacts, Purdue Extension-Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR)
Forest Management for the Private Woodland Owner In-Person Course, Purdue Extension-FNR Events
Cost Assistance for Landowners Planning Conservation Practices, Purdue Extension-FNR Got Nature? Blog
Woodland Stewardship for Landowners: EQUP, video, Purdue Extension-Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube Channel
Woodland Stewardship for Landowners YouTube Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR
Woodland Management Moment: Invasive Species Control Process, Purdue Extension – FNR Video
Woodland Management Moment YouTube Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR
Invasive Species YouTube Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR
What are invasive species and why should I care?, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources
Report Invasive Species, Purdue Invasive Species
The GLEDN Phone App – Great Lakes Early Detection Network
EDDMaps – Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System
Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment: Uneven-aged Management, Purdue Extension – FNR Video
Finding help from a professional forester, Indiana Forestry & Woodland Owners Association
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store, Purdue Extension resource center

Ron Rathfon, Regional Extension Forester, Southern Indiana Purdue Agriculture Center (SIPAC)
Purdue Forestry and Natural Resources

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In early November, invasive bush honeysuckle is one of the only understory shrubs that are still green. While many of our native plants are dormant, Asian bush honeysuckle remains green longer. This makes them easy to locate since they are one of the few green shrubs in the woods. Doing control measures this time of year also reduces impacts to non-target plants.

How do you control it? That depends on what resources you have available. Small plants can be easily pulled by hand; be sure to hang them on tree branch rather than laying them down on the ground so they don’t re-root. In most cases, some method of herbicide control will be necessary. Ohio State University has a good guide on various methods of control, Controlling Non-Native Invasive Plants in Ohio Forests: Bush Honeysuckle.

Not sure where to start on your property? One of the most daunting aspects of invasive plant control is where to begin. Ellen Jacquart, former Director of Stewardship for the Nature Conservancy in Indiana, wrote an article in the Indiana Woodland Steward. The Where do I Start?! Prioritizing Invasive Plant Control article describes how to plan your invasive plant control including prioritizing what to do first.

Resources:
Subscribe to the Indiana Woodland Steward Newsletter
Consider Fall Eradication of Asian Bush Honeysuckle, Purdue Landscape Report
Asian Bush Honeysuckle, Purdue Extension YouTube Video
A Woodland Moment: Asian Bush Honeysuckle, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube Video
Invasive Plants of the Eastern U.S.: An Introduction to the Problematic Non-Native Species, The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center
Report Invasive Species, Purdue Invasive Species
Report Invasive Species: Asian Bush Honeysuckle,
The GLEDN Phone App – Great Lakes Early Detection Network
EDDMaps – Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System
Episode 11 – Exploring the challenges of Invasive Species, Habitat University-Natural Resource University
What Are Invasive Species and Why Should I Care?, Purdue Extension-FNR Got Nature? Blog
Emerald Ash Borer Information Network, Purdue University and Partners
Aquatic Invasive Species, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant (IISG)
Invasive plants: impact on environment and people, The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center
Subscribe Purdue Extension-Forestry and Natural Resources YouTube Channel

Brian MacGowan​, Wildlife Extension Specialist
Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University

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The Indiana Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is offering an opportunity for landowners to apply for cost assistance with conservation practices like tree planting, forest stand improvement, invasive species control, wildlife habitat improvement and many others.

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service News Release, Indianapolis, IN, October 11, 2023 – Farm Bill program application dates have been set for Indiana’s agricultural producers who want to improve natural resources and address concerns on their land. Curtis Knueven, USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Acting State Conservationist, announced that December 8 will be the application deadline for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) in Indiana. This year’s funding levels are a historic high for Indiana NRCS, bringing $42 million in EQIP and $22 million in CSP for Indiana landowners.

EQIP is a voluntary conservation program available for agricultural producers. Through EQIP, NRCS provides financial and technical assistance to install conservation practices that reduce soil erosion and sedimentation, improve soil health, improve water and air quality and create wildlife habitat. Also included in this sign up are several state and national initiatives. A full list of initiatives can be found by visiting www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs-initiatives/eqip-environmental-quality-incentives/indiana/environmental-quality-incentives.

“EQIP helps agricultural producers in a manner that promotes agricultural production and environmental quality as compatible goals,” said Knueven. “Farmers can receive assistance to implement structural and management conservation practices that optimize environmental benefits on their working agricultural land while helping to increase their yields.”

CSP is an important Farm Bill conservation program that helps producers who are already practicing good stewardship to take their natural resource management to the next level. The program helps to improve both their agricultural production and provide valuable conservation benefits such as cleaner and more abundant water, as well as healthier soils and better wildlife habitat.

“Whether you are looking to improve grazing conditions, increase crop resiliency, or develop wildlife habitat, we can custom design a CSP plan to help you meet those goals,” Knueven said. “We can help you identify natural resource problems in your operation and provide technical and financial assistance to solve those problems or attain higher stewardship levels in an environmentally beneficial and cost-effective manner.”

While applications are accepted year-round, interested producers should work with their local NRCS staff and apply by December 8 to be considered for the current funding period. Applications received after December 8 will automatically be considered during the next funding cycle.

For more information about Farm Bill programs and other technical and financial assistance available through Indiana NRCS conservation programs, visit www.nrcs.usda.gov/indiana or contact your district conservationist www.farmers.gov/working-with-us/service-center-locator.

Resources:
Woodland Stewadrship for Landowners: EQUP, video, Purdue Extension-Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube Channel
Woodland Stewardship for Landowners: Single Tree and Patch-Cut Harvesting, Purdue Extension – FNR Video
Woodland Stewardship for Landowners YouTube Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR
Woodland Management Moment: Invasive Species Control Process, Purdue Extension – FNR Video
Woodland Management Moment YouTube Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR
Invasive Species YouTube Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR
What are invasive species and why should I care?, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources
Report Invasive Species, Purdue Invasive Species
The GLEDN Phone App – Great Lakes Early Detection Network
EDDMaps – Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System
Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment: Uneven-aged Management, Purdue Extension – FNR Video
Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment: Even-aged Management, Purdue Extension – FNR Video
Finding help from a professional forester, Indiana Forestry & Woodland Owners Association
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store, Purdue Extension resource center

Natural Resources Conservation Service
U.S. Department of Agriculture

Lenny Farlee, Extension Forester
Hardwood Tree Improvement & Regeneration Center (HTIRC)
Purdue University Department of Forestry and Natural Resources

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Tree-of-heaven (ToH), also known as Chinese sumac, varnish tree, or stink tree, is a large, rapidly growing deciduous tree native to parts of China. Tree-of-heaven was introduced to North America as early as the late 1700s and has since become invasive in most areas of the United States. Tree-of-heaven can be found, sometimes in abundance, in both urban and rural environments. The tree spreads through abundantly produced wind-scattered seeds from female trees, and sprout colonies arising from established trees, in some cases producing monoculture stands of the species. ToH has also been shown to produce allelopathic chemicals that can inhibit the growth of neighboring plants, providing an additional competitive advantage.

Tree-of-heaven is a serious threat as an invasive species in many habitats or untended areas. It can reach 80 feet or more, its growth rate outpaces most native tree species, and wind scatters seeds that female trees produce in abundance. Controlling ToH is a challenge. In this publication, Purdue University extension specialists and property managers explain herbicide options, application techniques and strategies to control and manage ToH.

To receive the free download visit the Purdue Extension’s resource center: The Education Store – Invasive Plant Series – Tree of Heaven, Ailanthus altissima.

View Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube Video: ID That Tree: Invasive Tree of Heaven.

Resources:
Invasive Species, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Report Invasive Species, Purdue Invasive Species
What are invasive species and why should I care?, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources
Invasive plants: Impact on Environment and People, The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center
A Woodland Management Moment, Playlist, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) Youtube Channel
Conservation Tree Planting: Steps to Success, Purdue Extension – FNR Youtube Channel
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store
Tree Risk Management – The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center
Investing in Indiana Woodlands, The Education Store
Woodland Invaders, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Indiana Department of Natural Resources: Invasive Species
Invasive Plant Species Identification, Video, Purdue Extension – FNR Youtube Channel
Mile-a-minute Vine, The Education Store

Lenny Farlee, Extension Forester
Hardwood Tree Improvement & Regeneration Center (HTIRC) & Purdue University Department of Forestry and Natural Resources

Ron Rathfon, Regional Extension Forester, Sourthern Indiana Purdue Agriculture Center (SIPAC)
Purdue Forestry and Natural Resources

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Weekly Review, Division of Entomology & Plant Pathology, Indiana DNR: Will Drews, Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Nursery Inspector & Compliance Officer, shares in August Weekly Review email from the Division of Entomology & Pathology how state funded kudzu control program works.

As some of you may know, kudzu (Pueraria montana var. lobata) is an invasive woody vine that can now be found throughout the state of Indiana. It is referred to colloquially as “the vine that ate the south,” and if you took a drive through some southern states (e.g. Tennessee, Georgia, the Carolinas, etc.) right now, you’d see why. Kudzu has tremendous growth potential, sometimes as much as 1 foot per day. Some vines reach lengths of up to 100 feet. Because of this it is a detriment to Indiana’s natural resources and has been listed as a prohibited invasive plant under the DNR’s Administrative Code as per 312 IAC 18-3-16.

While part of the language includes that the landowner “must take efforts to eliminate this species in such a manner as is consistent with federal and state law,” the Division of Entomology & Plant Pathology has been leading a state funded control program where sites are treated on a rotating, priority basis to eradicate or suppress further spread with no cost to the landowner. Over the course of the next couple weeks, close to 50 sites around the state will be treated.

If you think you have seen a new kudzu population, please send me that information (photos and GPS coordinates or address) at my above email address. Together, hopefully we can combat this invasive vine across Indiana and protect our natural resources!

For more information regarding this invasive vine Kudzu see the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Division of Entomology & Plant Pathology, Kudzu.

Subscribe: Entomology Weekly Review.

Resources:
Indiana Department of Natural Resources-Division of Entomology & Plant Pathology
Indiana Department of Natural Resources-Natural Resources Conservation Service Plants Profile
Indiana Department of Natural Resources-National Invasive Species Information Center
Indiana Department of Natural Resources-Kudzu Alert & Identification Sheet
Indiana Department of Natural Resources-Kudzu Fact Sheet
Indiana Department of Natural Resources-Kudzu Before & After Treatment Photos
Invasive Species, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Report Invasive Species, Purdue Invasive Species
What are invasive species and why should I care?, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources
Indiana Department of Natural Resources: Invasive Species
Invasive Plant Species Identification, Video, Purdue Extension – FNR Youtube Channel
Mile-a-minute Vine, The Education Store
Invasive Plant Series: Swallow-worts, The Education Store

Will Drews, Nursery Inspector & Compliance Officer, WDrews@dnr.IN.gov

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Purdue Landscape Report: Despite the sublime name, tree-of-heaven, Ailanthus altissima, is a particularly bad actor when it comes to trees encountered in the Midwest. This native of Asia was introduced to North America more than 150 years ago and has since become a widespread invasive pest. Rapid growth, extremely high seed production (hundreds of thousands from a mature female tree), and root sprouting that can turn one tree into dozens makes this a formidable competitor with our native plants. Tree-of-Heaven can sprout and grow almost anywhere, including cracks in streets and sidewalks or building foundations, resulting in infrastructure damage and increased costs of maintenance. It is also the preferred host for a new and destructive invasive insect pest, the spotted lantern fly.

Reducing tree-of-heaven numbers on the landscape is a worthy goal, but can be a difficult task. Seed is windblown and can disperse for hundreds of yards or further, producing new populations. Tree-of-heaven will produce dozens of root sprouts if the stem is cut or girdled, even when herbicides are applied to the cuts. Both seedlings and root sprouts can grow rapidly, outpacing the native trees. However, there are effective control methods and even a potential biological control agent, a native wilt fungus, on the horizon. If you have tree-of-heaven or know of those who do, here are some methods to control this invasive tree.

Young seedlings and sprouts may be controlled with foliar applications of herbicides containing glyphosate during the summer growing season. Apply the herbicide and water mixture according to label directions, covering the entire leaf area. Pulling seedlings is an option, but any root fragments left in the soil may produce new sprouts.

Larger tree-of-heaven too tall for foliar spray may be controlled with a couple of other techniques. The basal bark technique applies an herbicide and oil mixture to the lower 15-18 inches of the stem of the tree. The oil carries the herbicide into the tree stem and kills the tree while also limiting the amount of root sprouting. This method is recommended for stems up to 6 inches in diameter, but larger stems have been controlled effectively with this approach. The best seasons for application are summer to winter, but avoid days where temperature is over 85 degrees F as the herbicide and oil mix can volatilize and damage non-target plants. Also discontinue applications if stems are wet or when snow cover is present. Recommended herbicides are the triclopyr ester herbicides and a commercially available basal oil mixed in a ratio of 20% herbicide and 80% oil.

Trees three or more inches in diameter may also be controlled using the “hack and squirt” method, also referred to as the injection method in some cases. A narrow cutting tool like a shingle hatchet is used to make 45 degree angled cuts through the bark of the tree around the circumference, with equal-sized uncut spaces between the cuts. Herbicides like glyphosate or triclopyr amine formulations are applied as directed on the label into the pockets created by the cuts. This treatment results in very few root sprouts as compared to cutting down or girdling the tree. The number of cuts should approximately equal the diameter of the tree in inches, and be sure to leave the uncut spaces between the cuts.

If the tree stems need to come down for safety or other reasons, apply the basal bark or hack and squirt treatments and wait approximately 30 days before cutting down the stem. This should allow time for the herbicide to impact the root system and  limit the amount of root sprouting.

Work safely for yourself and the environment by reading and following the herbicide label, wearing the required personal protective gear, and working carefully with cutting tools.

To view this full article and other Purdue Landscape Report articles, please visit Purdue Landscape Report.

Subscribe and receive the newsletter: Purdue Landscape Report Newsletter.

Resources:
ID That Tree: Invasive Tree of Heaven, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resource (FNR) YouTube Channel
Control & Management — State of Indiana Cooperative Invasives Management (sicim.info)
Invasive Plant Control Database (wisc.edu)
Invasive Species, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Report Invasive Species, Purdue Invasive Species
A Woodland Management Moment, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR Youtube Channel
Conservation Tree Planting: Steps to Success, Purdue Extension – FNR Youtube Channel
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store
Tree Risk Management – The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center
Investing in Indiana Woodlands, The Education Store
Woodland Invaders, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Indiana Department of Natural Resources: Invasive Species
Invasive Plant Species Identification, Video, Purdue Extension – FNR Youtube Channel

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

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Question: I have 2,700 young white oak and hickory trees that were planted in 2017 that now have black locust creeping in. Should I try to remove them by cutting them down and treating the stumps? What is the best treatment to control the brush?

Answer:  Whether eliminating black locust competing with oaks in a tree planting, or controlling invasive woody shrubs like autumn-olive or Asian bush honeysuckles, cutting the stems near ground-line and treating the stumps with an appropriate herbicide provides a one-two punch to the target plant. Severing the stems from the roots cuts off the flow of photosynthesis-produced food to the roots, and may prevent production and ripening of seed, if done early enough in the growing season. The stump left behind provides a small target area for herbicide application, limiting the damage to nearby native plants that can result from foliar herbicide overspray and drift. The herbicide application should kill the roots and limit re-sprouting. While it requires two sequential operations, cutting and spraying, it may be one of the most efficient methods to control many smaller-diameter woody plants due to the high rate of control achieved when done correctly and limited damage to surrounding desirable vegetation.

So how do you do the “cut-stump” treatment correctly? Several factors need to be considered, but some common elements to effective and efficient treatments include a cutting tool you can operate safely, effective herbicide type and application, and correct timing for the site and situation. Tools can be powered by fuel or electric motors or by your muscles. Be sure you know how to operate them safely and wear appropriate safety gear. I prefer brush saws for near-ground cutting as it limits bending over and is safer to operate than a chainsaw, but they will struggle with some larger diameter or denser stems a chainsaw could cut easily. Handsaws, loppers, pruners, or blade-tools like machetes and brush-hooks are hand-tool options, but larger stems will require more time and effort to cut or will be too large for some hand-tools to handle. Herbicides should be applied immediately after you have cut off the stems. A good choice for many applications is herbicide containing the active ingredient Glyphosate. Glyphosate concentrate herbicides containing 42% or more active ingredient are widely available at many garden and farm stores. Read the label before using the herbicide to confirm the active ingredients, concentration, and requirements for safe and effective applications, including the appropriate safety gear during dispensing and application. Apply the concentrate straight or mixed with up to 50% water to the cut surface immediately after the cut is made. For stems over 3 to 4 inches in diameter, you can apply a band of spray around the perimeter of the stump so the bark, cambium and some sapwood is treated. If you wait to apply the spray to cut surfaces a dozen minutes to hours after the cut is made, two things will happen that can impact the effectiveness of the spray. The surface of the stump will seal as it dries, preventing the entry of the water/herbicide mixture into the plant. You may also have difficulty tracking down the cut stumps if the area is weedy and brushy.

Some cautions about timing and locations of this application method. Many plants are pumping lots of sap up from the roots in spring. That sap can flush herbicides out of the application area and result in herbicide failure and re-sprouting from the root system. If the stem is frozen, usually 25 degrees F or colder, herbicide may also not penetrate and evaporate off the frozen stump. Also avoid applications when rain could wash off the herbicide within two or three hours of application.

Several other herbicides are available for this treatment including Triclopyr and 2-4-D/Picloram herbicides. Be sure to read the labels and understand the safety requirements and application instructions before using.

For additional information see the Purdue Extension-FNR webinar Invasive Plants Threaten our Forests Part 2: Control and Management.

More resources:
District Forester, Indiana DNR Division of Forestry, for over 10 acres of woodlands
Directory of Professional Foresters, Indiana Forestry & Woodland Owners Association (IFWOA)
Indiana Woodland Steward E-newsletters, Eleven Member Organization
A Woodland Management Moment, Playlist, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) Youtube Channel
Conservation Tree Planting: Steps to Success, Purdue Extension – FNR Youtube Channel
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store
Invasive Species, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR Youtube Channel
Woodland Stewardship for Landowners, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR Youtube Channel
Invasive Plant Species Identification, Video, Purdue Extension – FNR Youtube Channel
Report Invasive Species, Purdue Invasive Species
The GLEDN Phone App – Great Lakes Early Detection Network
EDDMaps – Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System
Indiana Department of Natural Resources: Invasive Species
Indiana Invasive Species Council
Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA)
Invasive plants: impact on environment and people, The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center
A Landowner’s Guide to Sustainable Forestry: Part 7: Managing for a Diversity of Value-Added Forest Products, The Education Store
Investing in Indiana Woodlands, The Education Store
Woodland Invaders, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center (place keywords in search bar, for ex: invasive, forest, timber)

Lenny Farlee, Extension Forester
Purdue University Department of Forestry and Natural Resources

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Question: Once I’ve pulled or cut, and have treated the bush honeysuckle stumps, can it be left to decay, particularly if not piled directly on the ground in a woodland?

When deciding what methods to use to control invasive brush on your property, one of the questions often asked is “what should I do with the cut tops?” (Fig. 1) A similar question we often get from landowners planning to have timber harvested from their woods is “what should I or the loggers do with the tree tops that are left?” The simple answer is just leave them where they are and they will decay over time and gradually disappear. If you have many acres to treat for invasive brush infestation, then this is good news. But there may be other factors to consider. In this blog post I will try to unpack those other considerations to help you decide what to do.To start let’s do a quick review of the more common methods of controlling invasive brush and the resulting ground conditions left in their aftermath. By invasive brush, I am primarily talking about non-native brush species that have invaded our native habitats, including the woods, and that are wreaking ecological havoc and degrading the productive potential of those lands for wildlife, timber, and recreation. The more common species include Asian bush honeysuckle, autumn olive, multiflora rose and callery pear (aka Bradford, Cleveland, ornamental pear).There are a variety of methods, tools, equipment, and chemicals used for invasive brush control. Other blog posts cover many of these methods, so I will not describe their use except to show what a site looks like in their wake. Large equipment like skid steer mounted mulchers or brush cutters or the industrial size Hydroax (Fig. 2) thoroughly chop up or mulch all that brush material and leave a fairly clean site (Fig. 3). In this case, there are no brush tops to dispose of. If you are wanting a very “clean” site, then hiring a dozer may be what you’re after. All those tops can then be piled and burned. The bare soil can then be planted in desired vegetation.Most forest landowners are going to use smaller scale methods and equipment, especially in the woods. Spraying herbicide on the foliage (Fig. 4) or applying it as a basal bark application to the lower stems leaves dead standing shrubs. Using brushsaws and chainsaws to cut the shrubs close to the ground and then applying a concentrated herbicide to the stump (commonly called cut-stump treatment, Fig. 5) leaves severed brush tops lying about. Even the less conventional prescribed fire will almost always leave standing dead shrub tops.

For many people, the problem with all these dead shrubs lying about is aesthetic – it makes the property look cluttered, at best, if not downright unsightly. If aesthetics were the only concern, we might be able to talk ourselves into putting up with it for several years until the dead shrub tops begin to decay and break down and new vegetation grows up to mask them.

But are there other concerns that would justify expending time and money to dispose of the dead tops?
Access may be another consideration, especially in high use areas such as those used frequently for recreation like hunting or hiking. Depending on habitat restoration plans, you may want access to those areas to seed or plant native trees, shrubs, forbs or grasses. Especially if you are using specialized planting or seed drill equipment, the site may need to be relatively clear of obstructions and debris.

How does leaving dead invasive shrub tops impact this restoration process?
The removal of invasive species should not be the end goal in managing habitat, but only an important step in restoring a healthy native plant community. How does leaving dead invasive shrub tops impact this restoration process? Researchers in Ohio found in the short term that cutting and applying herbicide to the stumps of Amur honeysuckle (Asian bush honeysuckle) and leaving the tops in place allowed more sunlight to reach the forest floor than the basal bark treatment which left dead tops standing in place (Cipollini et al. 2009). This resulted in greater height growth for native herbaceous plant growth. However, in the presence of deer browse, the native plants suffered less deer damage in the basal bark treatment area, due to the greater protection afforded by the standing dead tops, compared to the areas where tops were cut. One might surmise that even leaving cut tops in place may provide some protection from deer browse compared to complete removal of the tops. Joshua Shields and fellow researchers at Purdue University (2014) studied the impact of clearing bush honeysuckle in a forest environment on white footed mice populations. They found that where bush honeysuckle was cut and the tops removed from the site that white footed mice numbers increased, compared with mice numbers in nearby standing live bush honeysuckle. They did not, however, test how leaving cut honeysuckle tops on site would affect mice populations.

Many people may cringe at the thought of increasing numbers of mice, but mice in their natural environment are an important source of food for many predators, including hawks, owls, fox, mink, weasels, and bobcats. In a study comparing the cut stump method (cutting the stems and treating the stump with herbicide) and the use of a mulching head attachment on a skid steer for controlling bush honeysuckle, Purdue researchers found no difference in the growth and recovery of the native plants (Graham et al. 2018). However, the mulching head treatment resulted in a greater abundance of garlic mustard, a non-native invasive biennial herb. Invasive brush control treatments resulting in greater soil disturbance often lead to a second wave of invasive plants that need follow-up treatment.

So what can we conclude from all this?
There are benefits and drawbacks to removing invasive brush tops when managing invasive species on your property. It really depends on your management objectives. It can even vary depending on the specific location on your property. In some select areas it may be very beneficial to remove the tops while in most other areas you can just let them rot in place. The important thing is that you have a well thought out plan for managing the invasive species on your property and that you are working your plan. As you work your plan you will begin seeing the positive results as native plant communities begin to make a comeback.

Resources:
A Woodland Management Moment, Playlist, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) Youtube Channel
Conservation Tree Planting: Steps to Success, Purdue Extension – FNR Youtube Channel
Invasive Species, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR Youtube Channel
Woodland Stewardship for Landowners, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR Youtube Channel
Invasive Plant Species Identification, Video, Purdue Extension – FNR Youtube Channel
Report Invasive Species, Purdue Invasive Species
The GLEDN Phone App – Great Lakes Early Detection Network
EDDMaps – Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System
Indiana Department of Natural Resources: Invasive Species
Indiana Invasive Species Council
Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA)
Invasive plants: impact on environment and people, The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center
A Landowner’s Guide to Sustainable Forestry: Part 7: Managing for a Diversity of Value-Added Forest Products, The Education Store
Investing in Indiana Woodlands, The Education Store
Woodland Invaders, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR

Ron Rathfon, Regional Extension Forester, Sourthern Indiana Purdue Agriculture Center (SIPAC)
Purdue Forestry and Natural Resources

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This exotic invasive tree species is commonly found in Indiana landscape, callery pear. Callery pear has been planted as an ornamental tree in the midwest for decades. The original selection bradford pear was actually infertile and would not spread from seed but additional varities have been planted and have crossed with the original Bradford and those are producing fertile seed. Find out how the seed spreads and what we can do to help our forest.

If you have any questions regarding wildlife, trees, forest management, wood products, natural resource planning or other natural resource topics, feel free to contact us by using our Ask an Expert web page.

Resources:
ID That Tree, Playlist, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources YouTube Channel (Invasive White Mulberry, Siberian Elm, Tree of Heaven)
Invasive Species Playlist, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel (Asian Bush Honeysuckle, Burning Bush, Callery Pear, Multiflora rose)
A Woodland Management Moment, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel (Against Invasives, Garlic Mustard, Autumn Olive)
Woodland Stewardship for Landowners, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel (Common Buckthorn, Japanese Barberry)
Report Invasive Species, Purdue Invasive Species
The GLEDN Phone App – Great Lakes Early Detection Network
EDDMaps – Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System (Report Invasives)
How long do seeds of the invasive tree, Ailanthus altissima remain viable? (Invasive Tree of Heaven), USDA Forest Service
Indiana Department of Natural Resources: Invasive Species
Indiana Invasive Species Council
Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA)
Aquatic Invasive Species, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant (IISG)
Episode 11 – Exploring the challenges of Invasive Species, Habitat University-Natural Resource University
What are invasive species and why should I care?, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Shrubs and Woody Vines of Indiana and the Midwest, The Education Store, Purdue Extension Resource Center
Native Trees of the Midwest, The Education Store
Investing in Indiana Woodlands, The Education Store
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store

Lenny Farlee, Extension Forester
Hardwood Tree Improvement and Regeneration Center
Purdue Department of Forestry & Natural Resources

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Tree-of-heaven is native to Asia but has been widely planted in North America and now spreads naturally as a serious invasive tree threat.

In this episode of ID That Tree, Purdue Extension forester Lenny Farlee identifies the invasive tree of heaven, also known as stinking sumac, due to the foul odor that permeates from nearly all parts of the tree. The alternately held compound leaves have teeth at the base of the leaflets on stout stems, while the bark is a medium gray with white wormy marks. This tree spreads through the seeds of its female trees and from suckers off its root system, and it is also the preferred host of an invasive insect, spotted lanternfly, now found in Indiana. Learning to recognize invasive pests a good first step to limiting their spread.

If you have any questions regarding wildlife, trees, forest management, wood products, natural resource planning or other natural resource topics, feel free to contact us by using our Ask an Expert web page.

Resources:
ID That Tree, Playlist, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources YouTube Channel (Invasive White Mulberry, Siberian Elm, Tree of Heaven)
Invasive Species Playlist, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel (Asian Bush Honeysuckle, Burning Bush, Callery Pear, Multiflora rose)
A Woodland Management Moment, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel (Against Invasives, Garlic Mustard, Autumn Olive)
Woodland Stewardship for Landowners, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel (Common Buckthorn, Japanese Barberry)
Report Invasive Species, Purdue Invasive Species
The GLEDN Phone App – Great Lakes Early Detection Network
EDDMaps – Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System (Report Invasives)
How long do seeds of the invasive tree, Ailanthus altissima remain viable? (Invasive Tree of Heaven), USDA Forest Service
Indiana Department of Natural Resources: Invasive Species
Indiana Invasive Species Council
Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA)
Aquatic Invasive Species, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant (IISG)
Episode 11 – Exploring the challenges of Invasive Species, Habitat University-Natural Resource University
What are invasive species and why should I care?, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Spotted Lanternfly Feeds on Over 70 Plus Plant Species, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Shrubs and Woody Vines of Indiana and the Midwest, The Education Store, Purdue Extension Resource Center
Native Trees of the Midwest, The Education Store
Investing in Indiana Woodlands, The Education Store
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store

Lenny Farlee, Extension Forester
Hardwood Tree Improvement and Regeneration Center
Purdue Department of Forestry & Natural Resources

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