Got Nature? Blog

One of the most dangerous pests of trees is humans, especially humans with equipment. Lawn mowers and weed trimmers can cause injuries that create a hazard when an injury leads to tree disease or death. This publication explains why the damage is so dangerous and suggests ways to protect your trees.

Defended by Bark
The site of injury is usually the root flare: the area where the tree meets the turf and gets in the path of the mower or trimmer. The root flare, like the rest of the trunk, is protected by bark, which guards a very important plant transport system just behind the woody bark layer. Specialized tubes move nutrients and water between the roots and leaves to keep the tree alive. Any damage to this transport system can affect tree health and the tree could die.

The bark layer can vary in thickness on different tree species. It can be more than an inch in thickness or less than 1/16 of an inch on young, smooth-barked trees such as maples and birches. This isn’t much protection against string trimmers and mowing equipment, especially on young, newly planted trees.

Damage Done
Any damage to or removal of the bark and the transport system can cause problems for a tree. Even when a tree tries to recover from a wound, leaves and branches often decline and die back, because food and water pathways were destroyed. Although a large wound is generally more serious than a smaller one, repetitive wounding adds up to greater trouble for the tree. If the damage extends completely around the base of the tree (a situation called girdling), the tree ultimately dies.

All tree wounds are serious when it comes to tree health. No matter what size the wound is, the damage done is irreversible. The tree must devote a great deal of energy and many resources into trying to seal off the damaged area to prevent further complications. The wounded area is an opening for wood-rotting organisms and decay fungi to enter and cause further damage. These microorganisms often attack the injured bark and invade adjacent healthy tissue, greatly enlarging the wound and extending the damage. Trees can be completely girdled from pathogen attack following injuries.

Fungi that are active on the wound surface can also deteriorate the structure of the woody tissues beneath, decaying and weakening the tree. This weakened, structurally unsound tree may eventually die and become a hazard to people around it.

Preventing Problems
Newly planted, young trees need our help to become established in the landscape. They are the trees most commonly and seriously affected by maintenance equipment.

However, injury to these trees can be avoided easily and at very low cost if you follow one or more of these suggestions.

1. Physically remove turf or prevent grass and weeds from growing at the base of the tree. This lowtech solution can eliminate a potentially serious problem.
2. Spray herbicides to eliminate vegetation around the base of the tree to decrease mowing maintenance costs. Be sure to use care when applying herbicides around trees. Carefully follow label directions.
3. Add a mulch ring, when possible, to help reduce the competition for water and nutrients. Mulch or other ground coverings reduce mowing requirements in the landscape.
4. Add a 2˝ to 3˝ layer of mulch on the root zone of the tree to provide an attractive and healthy environment for the tree to grow. This also provides a visual cue to keep equipment away from the tree.
5. Add trunk guards or similar devices to give the tree additional protection. White, expanding tree guards can help help trees withstand equipment contact and also can help to reduce winter injury.

Trees are a valuable asset to your property and are important to our environment. Every tree contributes to the urban forest and improves air and water quality in your neighborhood. Protect and preserve these growing assets by keeping mowing and weed-trimming equipment away from tree trunks. The damage lasts and it cannot be undone. Don’t create a hazard!

Resources:
Planting Your Tree Part 1: Choosing Your Tree, Purdue Extension YouTube Channel
Tree Pruning Essentials Video, Purdue Extension YouTube Channel
Tree Defect Identification, The Education Store, Purdue Education’s resource center
Why Is My Tree Dying?, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR)
Tree Wound and Healing, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Surface Root Syndrome, The Education Store
Find an Arborist video, Trees are Good-International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)
Trees and Storms: Understanding Damage, Risk and Recovery – Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Report INvasive, Purdue Extension
Indiana Invasive Species Council
ID That Tree, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel (Invasive White Mulberry, Siberian Elm, Tree of Heaven)
Fifty Common Trees of Indiana
Native Trees of the Midwest, Purdue University Press
Subscribe – Purdue Extension-FNR YouTube Channel

Lindsey Purcell, Executive Director
Indiana Arborist Association

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Spring is one of the best times to identify trees and shrubs in Indiana. As buds break and flowers emerge, many species reveal distinctive traits that make identification easier and more enjoyable. In this collection of ID That Tree videos, Purdue Extension Forester Lenny Farlee highlights a variety of native trees and shrubs from eye-catching flowering species to lesser-known woodland plants. Whether you’re a student, landowner or simply enjoy exploring the outdoors, these videos offer a quick and accessible way to build your tree identification skills this spring.

Explore the Spring Bloom Edition videos, starting with Umbrella Magnolia:

 

Continue building your identification skills with these additional ID That Tree: Spring Bloom Edition videos:

Trees:

• ID That Tree Spring Bloom Edition: American Plum
• ID That Tree Spring Bloom: Flowering Dogwood
• ID That Tree Spring Bloom: Ohio Buckeye
• ID That Tree Spring Bloom: PawPaw
• ID That Tree Spring Bloom: Redbud
• ID That Tree Spring Bloom: Sassafras
• ID That Tree Spring Bloom: Serviceberry
• ID That Tree Spring Bloom: Yellowwood

Shrubs & Small Trees:

• ID That Tree Spring Bloom: American Hazelnut
• ID That Tree Spring Bloom: Bladdernut
• ID That Tree Spring Bloom: Blackhaw
• ID That Tree Spring Bloom: Hawthorn
• ID That Tree Spring Bloom: Mapleleaf Viburnum
• ID That Tree Spring Bloom: Spicebush in Flower

Check out more spring Got Nature? blog posts:
As the Spring Wildlflowers Emerge, so do the Woodland Invaders
Spring Tree Preparations
Spring Season is Mole Season
Question: Anything I Can Do About An Increase Of Snakes Around The House This Spring?
Protecting Spring Plants From Wildlife Damage Using Repellents
It’s Timberdoodle Time!
Putting a Little Wildlife in Your Backyard this Spring, publication in The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center

If you have any questions regarding wildlife, trees, forest management, wood products, natural resource planning or other natural resource topics, Purdue Extension – FNR is here to help. Visit our Ask an Expert  webpage to connect with a Purdue Extension specialist.

Resources:
ID That Tree, Playlist, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR> Youtube Channel
A Woodland Management Moment, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR Youtube Channel
Shrubs and Woody Vines of Indiana and the Midwest, Purdue University Press
New Tool for Helping Landowners to Help Declining Birds, Forestry for the Birds, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Native Trees of the Midwest, Purdue University Press
Investing in Indiana Woodlands, The Education Store
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store
Purdue Arboretum Explorer
Woodland Stewardship for Landowners, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Fifty Common Trees of Indiana, Purdue Extension – FNR
ReportINvasive, Purdue College of Agriculture – Entomology
Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA)
Report Invasive, Purdue College of Agriculture – Entomology
Professional Forester, Indiana Forestry Woodland Owners Association (IFWOA)
District Forester, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, 10+ acres
Find an Arborist, International Society of Arboriculture

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

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

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Trees provide many benefits for our homes, businesses and properties. If a tree is defective, however, it may become a hazard. It is important to understand that tree owners have a duty to inspect and maintain their trees. All property owners should take reasonable steps to protect themselves by involving a qualified consultant or certified arborist.

The primary responsibilities of the arborist are to assess the potential for tree failure, advise owners of the consequences of failure and recommend the proper measures to prevent and abate failures. In assessing and managing trees it is important to create a balance between the inherent risk a tree poses and the benefits provided by the tree. Risk tree management begins with these basic steps:

Reduce tree liabilities: The property owner or manager has an obligation to periodically inspect trees for unsafe conditions. Since all trees have risk associated with them, regular inspection compels the owner or manager to evaluate the amount of risk they are willing to assume. Tree risk assessment is an important part of a program to determine if a tree is structurally sound or has the potential for failure. Inspections show that the tree owner is actively managing their trees and could reduce the owner’s liability if a failure occurs.

Inspect regularly: Trees should be assessed through inspections by a qualified arborist, preferably an International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist. Further inspections should be conducted after major weather events. At a minimum, trees should be inspected every five years or according to the owner’s risk tolerance.

Document and maintain records: Every inspection should be recorded and kept on file for future reference. These records are important for several reasons. Past evaluations can show how a tree has changed in its health and structure over the years. Also, written assessments are beneficial in liability claims and court cases. These written evaluations could minimize liability if a failure occurs and a claim is filed against the tree owner.

Develop a site policy and care plan: Every property manager should create and implement a policy for tree risk. This includes developing a standard of care, an inspection process and mitigation of property risk. Routine care and scheduled maintenance for all trees is essential.

Mitigate tree risk: Tree owners should make every effort to reduce risk with proper pruning and health care practices. Consider all options before deciding on removal. If possible, move or remove the “target” (see definition in “Tree Risk Assessment” section). Install structural support systems where feasible. Modify site conditions to improve the environment around the tree. Risk mitigation requires a process of logical options focusing on protecting the target and preserving the tree.

Schedule tree work: While evaluating trees for risk, the inspector should note any tree maintenance needs. The inspection can determine the timing and priority of work needed. The work should be prioritized first for safety and then for tree health. Consider potential risk, activities around the tree, level of acceptable risk and the needs of the client.

Create good tree planting strategies: Identify planting needs and locations that become available as trees are removed or destroyed. Improving the health and safety of the landscape requires an understanding of management principles, such as species selection and diversity. Also consider the impact of site infrastructure, including utilities, streets and sidewalks, and choose the right tree for the right place. Select trees known to thrive under local conditions and sustainable as long-term investments in the property

Tree Risk Assessment

For a tree to be considered hazardous it must be defective either in some part or as a whole, with risk for failure and a target that is threatened. Trees are declared hazards if assessments have been completed and mitigation is required to prevent a failure from causing damage affecting the target. To understand the implications of this concept, tree owners need to know some common terms of tree risk management.

A target is people, property or activities that could be injured, damaged or disrupted by a tree failure. Tree owners must carefully assess the area around homes, playgrounds, sidewalks and parking areas. Is the target static, moveable or mobile? Consider whether people can be kept away or separated from the target area. Also, assess the target’s value and potential. Review the target zone, which is the area where the tree or a branch is likely to strike when it falls, to determine consequences of the tree’s failure. The target zone should include the areas inside a circle around the tree, which is at least as wide as the total tree height.

Risk is the combination of the likelihood of a tree failure event and the severity of the possible consequences of that event. Every tree has the potential to fail; however, only a small number of failures actually cause injury or damage. It is impossible to maintain trees free of risk. Some level of risk must be accepted by the owner.

Hazard is a likely source of harm and is identified as the tree part or parts which will affect the target zone. For example, an entire tree or a single branch could be determined as a hazard. Hazards are identified during tree assessments, and tree owners are required to take steps to minimize the risk of damage from failure.

Individual tree characteristics must be considered when conducting evaluations for defects and failure potential. Evaluations should take a systematic approach, assessing the potential for tree failure, understanding the impact of such failures and outlining a plan of action to prevent and mitigate these failures. Tree owners should fully understand the site factors and characteristics of the tree species. There are several contingencies that influence tree failure potential and risk. These include soil type and saturation, wind exposure, pest damage, poor growing conditions and poor pruning practices such as topping.

Among the characteristics to consider when conducting tree risk evaluations are:

• Defects — severity and location. Decay, cankers, cracks and other positive indicators of weakness in the roots, stems and branches may need immediate attention if a target is present.
• Species characteristics. Some tree species possess weaker wood, a susceptibility to decay, poor growth habits and potential for pests. They could be more likely to fail after wounding because of poor ability to wall off internal decay or health issues.
• Canopy size, shape and weight distribution. This is especially true in situations where a tree is exposed to windy conditions, is leaning or has a poor stem-to-canopy ratio.
• Crown architecture. Poor branching and similar characteristics can create high-risk situations in strong winds and other weather conditions.
• Plant health and vigor. This determines how a tree can overcome wounding or pest infestations.
• The overall size of the defective part. A predetermined rating system, which outlines critical thresholds, should be considered and incorporated into the tree’s risk management plan.

Tree Inspections

Assessments should include a thorough examination of each section of the tree. A systematic approach using standardized evaluation methods aids the process. Review the canopy (crown), branches and root zone to check for signs of failure. These include:

• Dead, diseased, dying or broken branches.
• Thinning or poor canopy health.
• An unstable branching pattern, overextended or weakly attached branches, or cracks in the stems.
• Cracks or decayed areas in the main trunk.
• Exposed or decayed roots, heaving of the soil, fungus growth or cracks in the soil around the root plate.

Recurrent inspections to determine tree health and condition are critical for successful risk management programs. Trees in active-use areas should be inspected annually for defects and conditions leading to failure. Inspections are necessary after storms to ensure excessive loads have not exceeded the strength of the tree and its parts. Also, be sure to note trees with a history of failures or those with problematic structure, for more frequent monitoring and inspection. A good database and archive of tree evaluations is a critical strategy in the overall risk management plan.

Resources:
Planting Your Tree Part 1: Choosing Your Tree, Purdue Extension YouTube Channel
Tree Pruning Essentials Video, Purdue Extension YouTube Channel
Tree Defect Identification, The Education Store, Purdue Education’s resource center
Why Is My Tree Dying?, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR)
Tree Wound and Healing, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Surface Root Syndrome, The Education Store
Find an Arborist video, Trees are Good-International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)
Trees and Storms: Understanding Damage, Risk and Recovery – Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Report INvasive, Purdue Extension
Indiana Invasive Species Council
ID That Tree, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel (Invasive White Mulberry, Siberian Elm, Tree of Heaven)
Fifty Common Trees of Indiana
Native Trees of the Midwest, Purdue University Press
Subscribe – Purdue Extension-FNR YouTube Channel

Lindsey Purcell, Executive Director
Indiana Arborist Association

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The longer daylight period and the warming weather are bringing new life to woodlands. We have a community of native plants, called spring ephemerals, that grow, bloom and produce seed quickly before the tree leaves emerge and the forest understory is wrapped in shade. Several of my favorite wildflowers are in this group, including hepaticas, trilliums, bloodroot, squirrel-corn and trout lily.

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Purdue Landscape Report: Each of us utilize mobile devices and daily consume services that require fiber and other utility infrastructure. Necessary utility work along roadways often leaves sunken trenches, compacted soil for lawns that are uneven or stripped of vegetation. If damage is significant, check with the utility provider, as many companies have restoration policies or reimbursement options for affected homeowners. However, subcontractors and varying degrees of action by utilities can make this a frustrating process.

But a few timely steps can speed recovery and simplify the process rather than dealing with later weed overgrowth or washing overtime. Begin by removing rocks, excess gravel, and construction debris. Loosen the sides of ruts or where excess soil remains beside a trench with a rake or shovel to level out and improve water infiltration and root development. If the area has settled or ruts are present after a period of time, regrade to match the surrounding lawn and ensure proper drainage away from the roadway and sidewalks. Use extra caution when these areas are collocated with drainage or susceptible to water over wash as your work can be whisked away. In some cases, ignored sunken trenches and ruts can be back filled with highly deteriorated mulch to help bring back life to the soil if one has patience to let time continue to run its course and seed later into the mellowed, high organic matter soil.

Next, incorporate quality topsoil or compost to rebuild soil structure and fertility.

Choose a grass seed mix appropriate for your region and light conditions and apply it evenly over the prepared area. Lightly rake the seed into the soil and cover with straw mulch to reduce erosion and conserve moisture. Keep the area consistently moist with light, frequent watering until seedlings are well established, typically 2–3 weeks depending on weather. If the season is not fit for seeding grass (i.e. July) try seeding a temporary cover crop like buckwheat that will attract pollinators and give short term cover while choking out weeds.

For larger or highly visible areas, sod can provide an instant fix, though it is both expensive and requires careful watering to root successfully. Once new grass reaches 3–4 inches, begin mowing and apply a light fertilizer application to encourage growth.

In summary, it depends on the time frame and the urgency you have to fix a recently created problem based on its location. For problem areas that have existed over time where weed growth has already occurred, using composted mulch to fill sunken trenches or ruts may be the easiest, while using mowing to manage weeds during summer and seed after lighly working surface more towards late summer or early fall.

View the original article on the Purdue Landscape Report website: Roadside Rehab: Rebuilding Soil and Cover After Utility Damage.

Subscribe and receive the newsletter: Purdue Landscape Report Newsletter.

Resources:
Find an Arborist video, Trees are Good-International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)
Trees and Storms: Understanding Damage, Risk and Recovery – Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Caring for storm-damaged trees/How to Acidify Soil in the Yard – In the Grow, Purdue Extension
Why Is My Tree Dying? – Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR)
Tree Risk Management – Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Mechanical Damage to Trees: Mowing and Maintenance Equipment – Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Trees and Electric Lines – The Education Store
Tree Defect Identification, The Education Store
Planting Your Tree Part 1: Choosing Your Tree, video, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Tree Installation, The Education Store
Tree Wound and Healing, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Ask an Expert: Tree Selection and Planting, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Tree Pruning Essentials, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Subscribe – Purdue Extension-FNR YouTube Channel

Mark Evans, Extension Educator/Plant & Soil Science, Elkhart County
Purdue Extension – Agriculture & Natural Resources (ANR)

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Discover the essential guide for anyone looking to plant forest trees or shrubs in Indiana. Whether you’re a first‑time landowner or an experienced conservationist, Planting Forest Trees and Shrubs in Indiana walks you through the 10 proven steps for establishing healthy, resilient plantings that thrive for generations. From choosing the right species to preparing your site, planting with confidence and ensuring long‑term success, this publication distills expert forestry knowledge into clear, practical advice. Ready to transform your landscape and leave a lasting legacy?

This publication provides an abbreviated 10-step approach to plant and establish healthy, productive forest and conservation plantings in Indiana. Successfully planting trees and shrubs involves much more than sticking the right end in the soil.

To receive the free download, visit the Purdue Extension’s resource center: The Education Store – Planting Forest Trees and Shrubs in Indiana.

Resources:
Control Management of Poison Hemlock, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – Forestry & Natural Resources (FNR)
Publication:  Invasive Plant Series-Tree of Heaven, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Publication – Invasive Plant Series: Swallow-worts, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Question: What is the best management process with cut invasive brush tops?, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Planting Your Tree Part 1: Choosing Your Tree, Purdue Extension YouTube Channel
Tree Pruning Essentials, The Education Store
Tree Pruning Essentials Video, Purdue Extension YouTube Channel
Surface Root Syndrome, The Education Store
District Forester, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, 10+ acres
Directory of Professional Foresters, Indiana Forestry & Woodland Owners Association (IFWOA)
Find an Arborist video, Trees are Good-International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)
Indiana Invasive Species Council
ID That Tree, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel (Invasive White Mulberry, Siberian Elm, Tree of Heaven)
Fifty Common Trees of Indiana
An Introduction to Trees of Indiana
Native Trees of the Midwest, The Education Store
Subscribe – Purdue Extension-FNR YouTube Channel

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

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Purdue Landscape Report: Spring is just around the corner, green spaces are beginning to wake from their winter slumber, Earth Day and Arbor Day are a little over a month away, and people are ready to get outside with planting on their minds. But before you go and get your tree(s) for planting, there is quite a lot to think about. Every tree is an investment, and if properly cared for, will outlast us and potentially future generations. So, what goes into planting trees, especially large trees?

One important note for successfully planting any tree is thinking about your goals, or what you want out of a new tree. In the case of large trees, the first thing that usually comes to mind is shade. Having a large shade tree to block the sun on your home in hot summers can significantly reduce power consumption from air conditioning. Large shade trees also give us great locations to play, picnic, or relax outside in our backyard, at local playgrounds, or parks. Given the space and care to grow, they can create wonderful local environments and beautiful aesthetics, driving down neighborhoods and city streets. The right species can benefit local wildlife with food production and habitat improvement.

When you know what you want, you can begin to assess your site to see if you have the right space for your future tree. Large trees require larger spaces. If your tree survives to a mature size, will it interfere with anything else around it? Are there utility lines above or below your planting site? What is the proximity to homes, buildings, or other structures? Will it obstruct road signs, lights, or line of sight? Will falling leaves, nuts, or fruits adversely affect anything around the tree? What is the quality of the soil: pH, well-drained, wet, clay, loam, or sand? A poorly assessed planting site could lead to a doomed planting project by placing the wrong tree in the wrong place.

Once you have your goals in mind and know what type of site you have, you can begin to consider what species you may want to plant. A couple of good resources for considering species selection in the Midwest include your local extension offices, reputable nurseries, and online resources like the Morton Arboretum. In the case of large shade trees, we all would like to have our shade now, but trees take time to reach mature heights. That being said, some species grow a little faster than others. Faster-growing trees that grow well in urban settings include:

1. Tuliptree or tulip-poplar, Liriodendron tulipifera, the state tree of Indiana, can withstand varying light exposure, acidic soil that is moist to well-drained, is moderately sensitive to drought, and can reach heights up to 70-90 feet. It is susceptible to ice damage and has weaker wood than other species.
2. Northern catalpa, Catalpa speciosa, is slightly smaller at about 60 feet in good conditions, thrives in full sun, and a little more alkaline soil that is moist to well-drained. Large leaves and long bean-like seed pods can be messy, and the wood and structure are on the weaker side.
3. Dawn redwood, Metasequoia glyptostroboides, is a deciduous conifer (drops its foliage every fall) that can reach heights of 70-100 feet. A non-native tree, it does very well in urban settings without competing with native trees, and can survive full sun in acidic, moist to well-drained soils. It is tolerant of some drought and flooding as well as road salt during the winter.

 

Next, we have some examples of trees slowing down to moderate growth:

1. Silver linden, Tilia tomentosa, another non-native, is a common street tree that can reach heights up to 70 feet. Surviving in full sun to shade, it does well in moist to well-drained soils and is tolerant of some drought, alkaline soils, and road salt. Leaves that are dark green on top and silvery on the bottom, and flowers that can benefit some pollinators.
2. Northern red oak, Quercus rubra, is one of my favorite native trees and reaches mature heights up to 75 feet. Preferring acidic, moist to well-drained soils, they can tolerate some drought as well as alkaline soils and clay soils. Leaves are dark green in summer and a beautiful red in the fall, with acorn production and interesting branch structure that benefits native birds and small mammals.
3. Bald-cypress, Taxodium distichum, is similar to the dawn redwood. A deciduous conifer that loses its needles after the fall and can grow up to 70 feet. It can survive many soil types, but thrives in acidic, wet soils. In wetter sites, one thing to take into consideration is that it can send up “knee-like” roots well above the soil line to improve structural support and gas exchange. If these appear in lawn situations, they can both damage and be damaged by mowing operations. Extending mulch beds can reduce these negative interactions.

 

These suggestions are a small sample of large shade trees that can grow well in different urban settings. Remember to think of what the overall goal is for your planting and to assess your site to make informed species choices. With proper forethought, you can make a resilient landscape that your trees will be able to survive in for years and years. If you still have questions, you can contact your local extension office or find an ISA Certified Arborist at Find an ISA-Credentialed Arborist.

Subscribe and receive the newsletter: Purdue Landscape Report Newsletter.

Resources:
Re-mulch Your Trees, Purdue Landscape Report
Find an Arborist video, Trees are Good-International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)
Trees and Storms: Understanding Damage, Risk and Recovery – Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Why Is My Tree Dying? – Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources
Tree Risk Management – The Education Store
Tree Pruning Essentials, Publication & Video, The Education Store
Trees and Electric Lines – The Education Store
Southwest Damage, Scalding or Frost Cracking, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR)
Tree Defect Identification, The Education Store
Planting Your Tree, video, Purdue Extension
Tree Risk Management – Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Tree Wound and Healing, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Subscribe – Purdue Extension-FNR YouTube Channel

Ben McCallister, Urban Forestry Specialist
Purdue Forestry & Natural Resources

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In this webinar hosted by Purdue University Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources and the Hardwood Tree Improvement & Regeneration Center (HTIRC), Extension Forester Lenny Farlee introduces the fundamentals of tree silvics and forest succession, the biological foundation of forest management. The presentation explores how tree species’ life histories and ecological growth influence forest development and management outcomes.

Topics include definitions of silvics, shade tolerance, regeneration strategies, disturbance (such as fire and wind) and how different species respond to environmental conditions over time. The webinar provides a clear foundation for understanding forest ecology and applying that knowledge to sustainable management and conservation.

 

Check out the Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources YouTube Channel for more videos and webinars covering urban and forestry management, woodlands and wildlife.

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

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USDA – U.S. Forest Service: There’s a new resource for teachers and kids in this month’s National Research Digest from USDA Forest Service Research. Read how Woodsy Owl and agency scientists lend a hand and care for the land with a journal for learners of all ages.

The Woodsy Owl edition examines research on a variety of topics including how climate change affects owls in the Southwest, research on visitors to natural and landscaped areas in urban parks, how scientists identify characteristics of fisher habitats, and how forest planting decisions affect wildlife habitat for certain species. This journal also features sections where Woodsy Owl will share some ways that you can “Lend a Hand” and “Care for the Land.” You and your students can be a part of conserving our natural resources, protecting our environment, and enjoying all that nature has to offer!

This is a valuable educational tool that’s an engaging way for educators to use in teaching, making environmental research accessible to all ages and learning practical ways to make a difference.

Keep up with more research and news by subscribing to the USDA Forest Service National Research Digest.

Resources:
Creating a Wildlife Habitat Management Plan for Landowners, The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center
A Template for Your Wildlife Habitat Management Plan, The Education Store
What a Waste of Food!, lesson plans, The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center
Common Indiana Mammals: Natural History and Identification Sneak Peak Video, Nature of Teaching
Food Waste Lesson Plans, Nature of Teaching
The Nature of Teaching, YouTube channel
Conservation Tree Planting: Steps to Success – webinar, Purdue Extension-Forestry & Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube Channel
Planting Forest Trees and Shrubs in Indiana (pdf), located on The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center
Planting and Care of Fine Hardwood Seedlings (pdf), located on The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center
Managing Woodlands for Birds Video, Purdue Extension-Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube Channel
Developing a Wildlife Habitat Management Plan, The Education Store
Subscribe to Purdue Extension-Forestry & Natural Resources YouTube Channel, Wildlife Playlist

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

U.S. Department of Agriculture – Forest Service Research & Development

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In this edition of ID That Tree, Purdue Extension Forester Lenny Farlee introduces us to trumpet creeper, a native vine commonly found throughout Indiana. Often noticed climbing trees and other structures, this species plays a visible role in many woodland edges and disturbed sites. Student, landowner or even just simply curious about the plants you see climbing through trees and along roadsides, this video provides a quick and informational introduction to trumpet creeper in Indiana.

 

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 – Video Playlist, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube Channel
Purdue Arboretum Explorer
Conservation Tree Planting: Steps to Success, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
A Woodland Management Moment, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Woodland Stewardship for Landowners, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Indiana Department of Natural Resources: Invasive Species
Indiana Invasive Species Council
Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA)
Report Invasive, Purdue Extension
Fifty Common Trees of Indiana, Purdue Extension – FNR
Habitat University, Episode 12 – Exploring the challenges of Invasive Species, Habitat University-Natural Resource University
Shrubs and Woody Vines of Indiana and the Midwest, Purdue University Press
Native Trees of the Midwest, Purdue University Press
Professional Forester, Indiana Forestry Woodland Owners Association
District Forester, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, 10+ acres
Find an Arborist, International Society of Arboriculture
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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