Got Nature? Blog

Tree Pruning ​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

Forests and woodlots are constantly changing. To get the most out of your property to meet your wildlife, recreational, aesthetic or economic goals, some type of regular management will be necessary. Getting the most out of your woods can be a challenge on your own. Fortunately, there are many resources available to help you.

A professional can help plot the best course of action for meeting your ownership objectives while keeping your woods healthy. Your selection of a professional depends on what services you need and the size of your property. Ten (10) acres is a threshold for where you go in Indiana.

More than 10 acres

  • The Directory of Professional Foresters is a service provided by the Indiana Forestry & Woodland Owners Association. For this directory, the term “professional forester” means a person who has successfully completed a four year college level curriculum accredited by the Society of American Foresters and has received a Bachelor’s Degree in Forestry from that accredited institution.
  • The Indiana DNR Division of Forestry provides private forestland management assistance through District Foresters who are professionally trained to manage forestland for the many resources it can provide. District foresters administer both state and federal programs that provide technical assistance, property tax incentives, and cost-sharing incentives for applying practices that accomplish sustainable management.
  • Foresters can help answer some of your tax questions. The National Timber Tax Website is another good resource. The National Timber Tax Website was developed to be used by timberland owners, as well as a reference for accountants, attorneys, consulting foresters and other professionals who work with timberland owners regarding the tax treatment of timber related activities.

Less than 10 acres and Backyards

  • The Indiana Division of Forestry has a woodlot owner series that provides basic information for anyone who owns a small woodlot or backyard woods.
  • Because of the scale of operation, it can be difficult to get professional services from a forester for small woodlots. In most cases, tree harvests and other improvement cuts are set up directly with loggers. The Indiana Hardwood Lumberman’s Association has a Find a Logger database online.

Selling Timber

Selling timber from yards or small tracts of woodland present some challenges.

Forest Management for the Private Woodland Owner Course

The Forest Management for the Private Woodland Owner course provides forest landowners eight learning sessions designed to introduce them to the biology and management of forests, and the resources and professional assistance they can access to help them form their property management goals and pursue their objectives. Field experiences are integrated into the course to provide in-person, hands-on connections with the biology and management of Indiana forests. Connections made during the course and field tours introduce landowners to the foresters and other natural resource professionals who can help them with the management of their forestland. This course is offered in-person at varying locations around the state and also as an online version with live question-and-answer sessions. Courses normally run between January and April, so check the Purdue Extension – FNR Got Nature Blog and Upcoming Events sites for dates and registration information.

Explore the Rich World of Oaks with Purdue FNR Extension & Partners

Discover a comprehensive suite of oak-focused resources curated by Purdue Forestry and Natural Resources Extension to support landowners, educators and natural resource professionals. From expert-reviewed publications and engaging videos to insightful webinars and podcasts, our oak resources cover everything from species identification and forest stewardship to wildlife habitat management and oak regeneration techniques, Explore the Rich World of Oaks.

Get connected with other Indiana landowners!

Woodland owners often learn the most from people who are in their situation – fellow woodland owners. Several groups provide different ways to connect and have different resources. Explore the following to find out which group(s) fits your needs.

Invasive Species

Invasive species present a serious threat to the health and productivity of trees and forests. You can learn about recognition, reporting, and management of the invasive species found in forests at these sites:

Forestry Videos on Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel

Ant.Carpenter ants are very common inside trees, especially on larger, mature trees that are hollow with cavities. They nest in rotted, decayed wood, although some nests may extend into sound heartwood in the center of the tree. Carpenter ant presence is an indication of rotting wood, and infested trees should be checked to determine whether the rot has weakened the tree enough that it has become a risk of failure.

Carpenter ants in trees are not directly harmful to the tree. Control is not necessary for the tree’s health; their presence indicates decay in the tree, and they only feed on dead wood fiber. Wood decay can set in if moisture is present; it is the wood decay that gives the carpenter ants the opportunity to colonize the tree. Carpenter ants use knots, cracks, holes and old insect tunnels to gain access to these areas.

Control of carpenter ants inside trees is difficult but can be done as a way to reduce invasion of the ants into adjacent structures and places where they are unwelcome. It is also possible for ant colonies located inside trees to form satellite colonies inside a nearby home wall. Available controls are not likely to permanently rid a tree of carpenter ants, so retreatment every year or so may be necessary. Dust insecticides (such as Sevin or Abamectin) labeled for use on trees in the landscape are suggested for control. Apply the dust directly into the nest cavity.

Sealing tree cavities or treating tree wounds with wound dressings is not advised. Such treatments are unnecessary and will not eliminate nor prevent decay or carpenter ant activity. Also cutting down otherwise viable trees that happen to be infested with carpenter ants is generally not necessary unless the tree poses a risk.

Resources:
Household & Structural, Department of Entomology, Purdue University
Who Let the Bugs Out?, 4-H Purdue Extension – Entomology
The Space Invaders of Summer, Purdue Agriculture News
Report Invasive Species, Purdue Invasive Species
The GLEDN Phone App – Great Lakes Early Detection Network
EDDMaps – Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System (Report Invasives)
Subscribe – Purdue Extension-FNR YouTube Channel, find videos for wildlife, forestry, urban forestry, community development and more.

Lindsey Purcell, Chapter Administrator & Master Arborist
Indiana Arborist Association

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