Got Nature? Blog

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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Walk through many forests in Indiana today, and you might not notice what is missing until you look up. Ash trees, once a common part of these woodlands, have rapidly disappeared due to the invasive emerald ash borer. Since its arrival in the early 2000’s, this small beetle has killed millions of ash trees across the state (Figure 1).

But what happens after ash trees are gone? Do new trees grow in their place, or do forests begin to change in unexpected ways?

To answer these questions, researchers revisited long-term forest monitoring plots across Indiana that were first established in the 1990s, before emerald ash borer was present. By comparing forest conditions before and after widespread ash mortality, we can begin to understand how these ecosystems are responding to one of the most destructive invasive forest pests in North America.

Even though young ash trees are still present in many forests, their numbers are dropping quickly (Figure 2). In some areas, ash seedlings have declined by more than 70 percent over the past decade. While a few saplings remain, very few are surviving long enough to replace the large trees that have been lost.

This suggests that ash is unlikely to return as a major component of Indiana forests anytime soon. As the remaining seeds in the soil are used up and fewer young trees survive, ash may become a much rarer species on the landscape.

As ash declines, other plant species are filling the gaps, but not always in the way we might expect.

Instead of fast-growing canopy trees taking over, many forests are becoming dominated by shade-tolerant species that thrive in low-light conditions. Native plants like spicebush and pawpaw are increasing in abundance, often forming dense layers in the understory. These species can make it difficult for other trees to establish and grow.

Sugar maple, another shade-tolerant species, remains common as seedlings but is not always successfully growing into larger trees. This creates a bottleneck where young trees are present, but few make it into the next stage of forest development.

At the same time, invasive plants are becoming more common in many forests following ash loss. Species such as bush honeysuckle and multiflora rose are increasing, especially in areas where ash trees have died.

These invasive plants can outcompete native vegetation, further limiting the ability of forests to regenerate diverse tree communities. Once established, they often persist and spread, creating additional challenges for forest management.

When large trees die, we might expect more sunlight to reach the forest floor, helping new trees grow. However, in many Indiana forests, the loss of ash is creating only small openings in the canopy rather than large gaps.

These smaller gaps favor shade-tolerant plants rather than species that need full sunlight to thrive. As a result, forests are gradually shifting toward communities dominated by shrubs and slow-growing, shade-adapted trees.

Ecologists often refer to this process as mesophication, a transition toward cooler, shadier, and more moisture-loving forest conditions. Over time, this can lead to forests that are more uniform and less diverse.

The loss of ash is more than just the disappearance of a single group of trees: it is part of a broader pattern of change driven by invasive species, altered disturbance patterns, and shifting forest conditions.

Without intervention, many forests may continue to develop dense understories dominated by a small number of species, including invasive plants. This can reduce tree diversity, limit wildlife habitat, and alter how forests function over time.

While forests are resilient and will continue to grow and change, they may look very different from those of the past.

Landowners, land managers, and the public all play a role in supporting healthy forests. Monitoring for invasive species, promoting a diversity of native trees, and managing dense understory growth can help improve forest regeneration.

As research continues, understanding how forests respond to the loss of species like ash will be critical for guiding conservation and management efforts in the years ahead.

Resources:
Emerald Ash Borer, Purdue Extension-Entomology
Emerald Ash Borer, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA)
Emerald Ash Borer Invasion of North America: History, Biology, Ecology, Impacts, and Management, Daniel A. Herms, Deborah G. McCullough, 2014, Annual Review Entomology.
New Hope for Fighting Ash Borer, Got Nature? Purdue Extension- Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR)
Emerald Ash Borer Tools & Resources – Purdue Extension Entomology
Invasive Pest Species: Tools for Staging and Managing EAB in the Urban Forest, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Now is the Time to Control Non-Native Bush Honeysuckle, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
What are Invasives Species and Why Should I Care?, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
ID That Tree: Invasive Multiflora Rose, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Invasive Species, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Report INvasive, Purdue Extension
The GLEDN Phone App – Great Lakes Early Detection Network
EDDMapS, Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System
Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA)
Find an Arborist, International Society of Arboriculture
Professional Forester, Indiana Forestry Woodland Owners Association (IFWOA)
District Forester, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, 10+ acres
Tree Planting Part 2: Planting a Tree, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Conservation Tree Planting: Steps to Success, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Hardwood Tree Improvement and Regeneration Center (HTIRC)
Tree Risk Management – Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Subscribe – Purdue Extension-FNR YouTube Channel

Thaddeus Swart, Graduate Research Assistant
Purdue Department of Forestry & Natural Resources

Faculty Advisors:
Dr. Mike Jenkins, Forestry & Natural Resources Professor
Purdue Department of Forestry & Natural Resources

Dr. Mike Suanders, Professor of Ecology and Natural Resources
Purdue Department of Forestry & Natural Resources

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“Why is my tree starting to die just after I built my house?”

This is a common question following new construction. Typically, trees don’t die immediately from construction damage. It often takes several years for the symptoms to develop. Connecting today’s dying tree to the damage of a few years ago is difficult for homeowners to recognize and diagnose. So what actually kills trees in a formerly wooded lot turned into a subdivision or home lot? The words “formerly wooded” should be a clue.

After selectively clearing all but the best trees on the building site, landscape equipment such as bulldozers, skid steer loaders and excavators begin to grade the lot surface into a level, compacted plane. Building infrastructure, such as the foundation, utilities, walks and driveways, is cut into place for the site. As the building process occurs, several things may happen, none of which is good for trees.

Soil and Root System Changes
Oftentimes, the below ground damage to trees is the most significant and most difficult to diagnose and remedy. Even minor changes to the soil grade or soil profile can produce negative responses from trees. Whether removing or adding soil around the roots of trees, extreme caution is advised.

Undisturbed soils, such as those found in a forested area, are composed of layers, or horizons. The lop layer occupies the upper 6 inches to 12 inches and is rich in nutrients and organic matter. This is the soil component usually missing in new home construction because of the grading and leveling process. The topsoil is typically removed, stockpiled or used elsewhere in random areas around the site.

Important chemical processes take place in this topsoil/root layer that enable trees to absorb essential nutrients and water. If a tree is unable to obtain these in sufficient quantities, decline and, eventually, death will occur. This is typical on construction sites because disturbed soils lack good structure and composition.

Soil consists of various sized particles depending upon type and composition: sand, silt and clay. In addition to the solid parts of the soil, plants need open spaces between the particles. It is recommended that soils should contain at least 12 percent oxygen for good root growth.

The compaction from equipment running over the soil in the leveling process forces these spaces together, leaving as little as 2 to 4 percent of the necessary oxygen in the soil. Unfortunately, once the soil is ready for the home, sidewalk and driveway, it’s no longer suitable for root growth or tree survival.

A relatively flat, compacted surface is required to build a home. This is achieved by grading the existing soil surface. Large equipment is used to level and compact the soil to get the bulk density necessary to support the home or structure. Soil conditions required to support a house and the necessary infrastructure are different from, and in sharp contrast to, the soils of the formerly wooded lot. Undisturbed soils, such as those in a forest, are pliable and easily penetrated by the roots because needed open spaces or pores in the soil are filled with life supporting oxygen and water.

The excavation and grading processes create a “hard pan” and remove the valuable topsoil, leaving the remaining topsoil to be used for leveling and covering the lot. This subsoil usually is compacted, nutrient-poor and lacking pore space for water and oxygen, and not suitable for long-lasting, healthy trees.

Soil Grade Changes
One of the most common causes of decline in trees on the construction site is raising the grade or soil level around existing trees. “Filling” graded areas on the site raises the level of soil and covers the original soil. This causes damage to tree root systems by cutting off the oxygen supply, preventing gas exchange between soil and air. In addition, an existing tree grows accustomed to a certain amount of water it receives. Cutting or filling soil around a tree disrupts normal water flow and either deprives the tree of water or creates excessive soil moisture. Trees can decline and die with as little as 1 inch of clay-type soils added to the existing grade. So changing the level of soils around a tree and allowing these fill soils to touch the tree can be fatal!

Studies have shown that fill soil over the root system greatly reduces the root system. In a short time, roots begin to decay and die back, causing overall decline in the tree and significantly increasing the risk of tree failure. Often this type of root damage doesn’t reveal itself for several years. Symptoms may be observed, such as untimely fall color or declining and dying branches in the upper and outermost parts of the tree canopy.

Physical Damage
Careless operation of equipment around trees can cause severe damage to trees and compromise their future health. Any damage to the tree trunk can create conditions that affect health and safety.

Construction equipment can injure the aboveground and below ground parts of a tree by breaking branches, tearing the bark, wounding the trunk or cutting trunk flares and roots. These injuries are permanent and can kill a tree.

Root Cutting
Excavating for foundations and other structures on the site severs the roots of those chosen trees remaining on the site. Since a majority of a tree’s root system is found in the topsoil area, these building processes can be devastating.

Research indicates that a large portion of most tree roots grow in the upper 12 inches of the soil profile and can spread laterally up to 2 to 3 times the height of the tree. For example, the root system of a 50-foot shade tree can be found in a 150-foot circle around the trunk. Therefore, digging foundations, sidewalks or driveways drastically reduces important root structures of these carefully selected trees. Reducing the root system lessens a tree’s ability to absorb the water and nutrients that are essential for growth. This root loss also places additional stress on the tree as it tries to recover by using stored carbohydrate reserves, further weakening the tree and making it more susceptible to insects and disease.

Root cutting near a tree also reduces stability and increases risk to the owner. Research indicates if 40 percent of the roots are cut, the tree becomes 40 percent less stable, making it more susceptible to windthrow.

Trunk and Crown Damage
The vascular system of a tree lies just beneath the bark in an area called the cambium layer. This includes the water and food-conducting tissue known as the xylem and phloem. Any injury to the cambium layer on the trunk and branches creates a wound disrupting the flow of the conducting tissue. If the damage is severe enough, the tree can die. The affected area on the trunk or branches takes months to years to heal. In some tree species which don’t heal well, the wound may never close. In this time, fungi and other wood-decaying organisms can enter the tree. This decay can begin spreading to other parts of the tree, causing more health issues for the tree and risk for the owner.

Construction damage causes health and survival issues for trees and creates risk issues for people and the property around them. Tree damage above and below ground creates weaknesses in the tree structure and reduces its ability to withstand storms and other weather-related events.

So, why does the tree seem to decline and die within a few years of construction?

The answer is reduced health and inability to perform critical plant functions because of direct or indirect damage to the tree or its soil environment.

For example, as normal photosynthesis occurs, trees store carbohydrates for next year’s growth. If a tree was healthy and growing before construction, functions such as processing food for energy storage were in effect for the coming year. When that process and any other critical function is interrupted by root damage and soil changes, the tree begins to use up its food reserves and becomes unable to replace them. This drastically weakens the tree and predisposes it to other issues such as insect and disease infestations. Trees unable to continue their basic processes won’t function well and the result is gradual decline, dieback and death. Protecting trees now prevents problems in the future. Preservation is critical for those who would save existing trees on a construction site.

To prevent this type of tree damage during construction also refer to Purdue Extension publication FNR-463-W, Construction and Trees: Guidelines for Protection.

Resources:
Planting Your Tree Part 1: Choosing Your Tree, Purdue Extension YouTube Channel
Tree Planting Part 2: Planting a Tree, Purdue Extension YouTube Channel
Tree Installation: Process and Practices, The Education Store
Tree Pruning Essentials, The Education Store
Tree Pruning Essentials Video, Purdue Extension YouTube Channel
Drought Information​, Indiana Department of Natural Resources
Drought? Don’t forget the trees!, The Education Store
Tree Defect Identification, The Education Store
Tree Wound and Healing, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources
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
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

Lindsey Purcell, Executive Director
Indiana Arborist Association

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Break up with your Bradford pear (and other invasives)! Tippecanoe County Soil and Water Conservation District is hosting an Invasive Plant Swap open to residents of Tippecanoe County. Apply to swap up to 10 invasive trees or shrubs thanks to funding from Duke Energy. Ask your neighbor if you can help them swap an invasive plant for a native!

Approved applicants will receive a native tree or shrub at the Tippecanoe County Soil and Water Conservation District Native Tree & Shrub Sale in September. We do not currently have funds to help with the costs of removing the invasive tree. All participants will be responsible for removing their invasive tree, shrub, or grass, providing proof of removal in the form of before and after pictures, picking up their native replacement, and planting their native replacement.

Applicants with city trees will work with the City Forester from Lafayette or West Lafayette on their tree removal and replacement process. Up to 10 plants can be replaced. Replacements come in 3 gallon pots. Shrubs will be approximately 2-3 feet tall and trees will be approximately 4-5 feet tall.

Please email tictaboutinvasives@gmail.com for any questions or about a specific species you would like to replace.

The 2026 application period will close August 1, 2026. Once 200 replacements have been applied for, applications will no longer be accepted.

For further information and the application, visit the event page on the Tippecanoe County SWCD website.

Resources:
Invasive Species, Playlist
Invasive Plant Species Identification, Video
Invasive plants: impact on environment and people, The Education Store, Purdue Extension resource center
Indiana Department of Natural Resources: Invasive Species
Indiana Invasive Species Council
Invasive Species Playlist, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
What are Invasive Species and Why Should I Care?, Purdue Extension – Forestry & Natural Resources (FNR) Blog
Report INvasive, Purdue Extension
The GLEDN Phone App – Great Lakes Early Detection Network
EDDMapS, Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System
Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA)
Episode 11 – Exploring the challenges of Invasive Species, Habitat University-Natural Resource University
Emerald Ash Borer Information Network, Purdue University and Partners
What Nurseries Need to Know About the Invasive Species Regulation, The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center
Invasive plants: impact on environment and people, The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center
Tree Installation: Process and Practices, The Education Store
ID That Tree – Video Playlist, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube Channel
Tree Pruning Essentials Video, Purdue Extension YouTube Channel
Find an Arborist, International Society of Arboriculture

Tippecanoe County SWCD

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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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In this edition of ID That Tree, Purdue Extension Forester Lenny Farlee introduces us to Virgin’s Bower clematis, a native vining plant found in Indiana that’s especially noticeable when it blooms later in the growing season. Often seen climbing over nearby vegetation or spreading across open spaces, this species adds both beauty and ecological value to the landscape. Learn where Virgin’s Bower is typically found, how to recognize it and how it compares to a similar invasive look-alike. Whether you’re a student, landowner or simply curious about native vines, this video offers a quick introduction to this attractive and useful Indiana species.

 

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
Fifty Common Trees of Indiana, Purdue Extension – FNR
Indiana Invasive Species Council
Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA)
Report Invasive, Purdue Extension
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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Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources’ ID That Tree video series was recently highlighted in the National Woodland Owners Association’s (NWOA) Woodland Word Newsletter, recognizing the value of this Purdue FNR extension resource for woodland owners nationwide.

Hosted by Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources Forester Lenny Farlee, ID That Tree is a video series created to help viewers identify forest trees, shrubs and invasive plants through short, easy-to-follow lessons. With more than 150 videos in the playlist, the series offers a practical resource for woodland owners, land managers, outdoor enthusiasts and natural resource professionals interested in learning more about the plants and trees in their woodlands and surrounding landscapes. The ID That Tree playlist can be viewed on the Purdue Extension Forestry and Natural Resources YouTube channel.

In the March 25, 2026 issue of Woodland Word, NWOA featured the playlist in its “Knowledge, Inspiration, and Humor” section, describing it as a helpful tool for woodland owners seeking tree identification assistance.

Connecting National Resources to Indiana Woodland Owners
The National Woodland Owners Association (NWOA) is a nonprofit organization supporting woodland owners through education, advocacy, and stewardship resources across the U.S. To learn more about the opportunities and resources available view Join NWOA.

Here in Indiana, that national mission is carried forward locally through the Indiana Forestry & Woodland Owners Association (IFWOA), an official affiliate of NWOA.
IFWOA provides Indiana woodland owners with:

• Local networking and peer learning
• Educational programs and field tours
• Connections to Purdue Extension resources
• A voice for woodland owners at the state level

Resources:
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
Fifty Common Trees of Indiana, Purdue Extension – FNR
Episode 11 – Exploring the challenges of Invasive Species, Habitat University-Natural Resource University
Shrubs and Woody Vines of Indiana and the Midwest, The Education Store
Native Trees of the Midwest, The Education Store
Professional Forester, Indiana Forestry Woodland Owners Association
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store
Professional Forester, Indiana Forestry Woodland Owners Association (IFWOA)
District Forester, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, 10+ acres
Find an Arborist, International Society of Arboriculture
Indiana Invasive Species Council
Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA)
Indiana Department of Natural Resources: Invasive Species
Report Invasive, Purdue Extension

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

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Explore the latest newsletter updates on the Indiana Woodland Steward website. Stay up-to-date with forestry news and receive their free e-newsletter by subscribing at IWS Subscribe.

Highlights from the new Newsletter include:

• President’s Message
  By Dan McGuckin
  “With each passing year, I find myself reflecting more often on the decisions I have made in my past…”
• 2025 Indiana Consulting Foresters Stumpage Timber Price Report
  “This report is provided annually and is intended to be used as a general indicator of timber stumpage prices and activity in Indiana…”
• Public Perceptions of Indiana’s Forests and Woodlands: Insights from a Statewide Survey
  By Erica Kronenberger, Zhao Ma, and Cynthia Longmire
  “Public opinion plays a critical role in natural resource management. Natural resource agencies and organizations increasingly recognize that achieving and maintaining public approval…”
• 2025 Tree Farm Breakfast Awards
  By Ken Day
  “Kline Contracting is the 2025 Indiana Logger of the Year. Mike Kline is third generation, and Miles Kline is a fourth generation Kline to operate the logging business…”
• Ask the Steward – Final Column
  by Dan Ernst
  “‘Ask the Steward’ began as a Q&A column in the very first issue of Woodland Steward in 1992, with goals of being both informative and entertaining…“
• Soil and Water Conservation District 2026
  “Thank you to all the supporting SWCD’s. Supporting the Woodland Steward Newsletter puts timely, relevant and science-based information…”

The Indiana Woodland Steward Newsletter is a resource offering a wealth of valuable information for foresters, woodland owners, timber marketing specialists, woodland and wildlife enthusiasts. The Indiana Woodland Steward Institute (IWS) is an entity made from 11 organizations within the state including Purdue University, Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and Indiana Hardwood Lumbermen’s Association (IHLA), that works to promote best usage practices of Indiana’s woodland resources through their Woodland Steward publication.

Resources
Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment (HEE) website
Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment – Wildlife Responses to Timber Harvesting, Purdue Extension
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store
Invasive plants: impact on environment and people, The Education Store
Managing Your Woods for White-Tailed Deer, The Education Store
Shrubs and Woody Vines of Indiana and the Midwest, Purdue University Press
Virtual Tour Brings Forest Management for Birds to Life, Got Nature? Blog Post, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR)
Breeding Birds and Forest Management: the Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment and the Central Hardwoods Region, The Education Store
Deer Impact Toolbox, Purdue Extension
Grassland Management Series, Purdue Extension Pond and Wildlife Management
Birdfeeder tips, The National Audubon Society
Explore the Rich World of Oaks with Purdue FNR Extension & Partners, Purdue Extension – FNR
Managing Woodlands for Birds Video, Purdue Extension-Forestry and Natural Resources YouTube Channel
Subscribe: Deer, Forest Management, ID That Tree, Woodland Management Moment, Invasive Species and many other topic video playlists Purdue Extension-Forestry and Natural Resources YouTube Channel

Dan McGuckin, President
Indiana Woodland Steward

Dr. Brian MacGowan, Extension Wildlife Specialist
Department of Forestry & Natural Resources, Purdue University

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In this episode of “A Woodland Management Moment”, Purdue Extension forester Lenny Farlee discusses the influence of a topographic characteristic on the landscape and that is aspect: the direction that a slope faces. There are some significant implications on the moisture levels of a site and thus, the tree species that could thrive on that site. The video outlines how aspect can affect factors in an environment and how best to utilize this information as a landowner. Watch to learn about site growth and species information as a casual viewer or a landowner!

 

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

Resources:
A Woodland Management Moment, Playlist, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube Channel
Explore the Rich World of Oaks with Purdue FNR Extension & Partners, Purdue Extension – FNR Got Nature? Blog
Conservation Tree Planting: Steps to Success, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
It’s Not Too Late to Order Trees for Spring Planting, Purdue Extension – FNR Got Nature? Blog
Shrubs and Woody Vines of Indiana and the Midwest, Purdue University Press
Native Trees of the Midwest, Purdue University Press
ID That Tree, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Investing in Indiana Woodlands, The Education Store
Woodland Stewardship for Landowners Video Series, Playlist, Indiana Department of Natural Resources YouTube Channel
District Forester, Indiana DNR Division of Forestry, for over 10 acres of woodlands
Professional Forester, Indiana Forestry & Woodland Owners Association (IFWOA)
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store
Purdue Arboretum Explorer

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

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Purdue Landscape Report: An unfortunate question I am sometimes asked is similar to this: “I lost my prized shade tree! What can I plant that will grow fast and give me shade?” While there is no instant fix to this scenario, let’s review a few trees that might be better choices here in northern Indiana.

One obstacle to consider is that many of the fast-growing trees are also fast-dying, meaning that, relatively speaking, they are not long-lived for trees. We’re already behind the 8-ball in our highly manipulated landscapes because we know that trees in landscapes tend to live much shorter lives than trees in their unmanipulated natural habitats.

That said, here are a few trees to consider. I would still encourage homeowners to invest some time in researching the trees that they are considering. There are pros and cons to almost every tree, and there isn’t room in this article to fully explore all the advantages and disadvantages of each tree. Additionally, I will not be getting into detail about all the cultivars available.

Let’s start with our state tree, the Tuliptree (a.k.a Tulip-poplar or Yellow-poplar). Tuliptrees can become quite large and offer a pretty yellow fall color. They prefer deep, rich, well-drained soils.

If maples are on your mind, a couple of options would be Red maple and Freeman maple (a hybrid cross of Silver maple and Red maple). Red maple has more moderate growth. The Freeman maple is a faster grower and has stronger wood than one of its parents, the Silver maple. These maples do best in well-drained, slightly acid soils, but will tolerate a variety of soil conditions.

Northern catalpa is a fast grower, but dealing with the fruit litter, a long seed pod, may be a deterrent for some locations. It has large, heart-shaped leaves. It would grow well in moist sites.

Common hackberry is a fast grower, but it is susceptible to galls on the leaves (from a n insect), and limbs can become susceptible to wind and ice damage. It tolerates a wide variety of soil conditions. Thornless honeylocust is widely adapted to different soil types. Honeylocusts in the wild produce large thorns. The Thornless honeylocust is adapted to landscapes and allows dappled sunlight to reach turfgrass, so that it thrives more than it would under a tree that provides heavy shade.

Sweetgum is also a fast-growing shade tree with brilliant fall colors. It has a star-shaped leaf. One drawback of sweetgum is the spiny seed capsule. This fallen fruit can make walking in the yard barefoot a painful experience.

Eastern cottonwood is the tree on record for the fastest growth rate of any tree native to the U.S. However, those with cottonwoods in their yard can tell you that the cottony seed mass shed in the spring sticks everywhere. It can be a mess. Plus, cottonwood can shed limbs frequently, especially after storms. This tree is commonly found along rivers and streams, so it not surprisingly prefers moist soils.

Also found along rivers and streams, American sycamore is a fast-growing tree in some landscapes. However, it can be a messy landscape tree, shedding bark, leaves, limbs, and fruit nearly year-round. The large fallen leaves can smother grass if not mowed or raked. It is also sensitive to a spring disease called anthracnose, which can cause defoliation and twig death.

Wild black cherry may be another good choice. Although it may not be available in some nurseries, it can be grown from seed. It prefers rich, moist, well-drained soils.

A couple of faster-growing oaks to consider are Pin oak and Northern red oak. Pin oak would be better suited to slightly wetter spots, while Red oak would work on a wider variety of soils, preferring rich, moist, well-drained sites. Pin oak is susceptible to iron chlorosis (yellowing leaves) on alkaline soils.

Finally, American basswood also prefers rich, moist, well-drained soils and is somewhat shade-tolerant. This tree can grow quite tall and provide excellent shade.

In your research, find out how large the tree you will be purchasing will get. One common planting mistake is locating trees too close to structures. Consider the mature size when placing it in the landscape.

Time your spring planting near Arbor Day, the last Friday in April.

Original article posted: Fast-Growing Trees for the Landscape.

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Resources:
Fifty Common Trees of Indiana
An Introduction to Trees of Indiana
Native Trees of the Midwest, The Education Store
Shrubs and Woody Vines of Indiana and the Midwest, The Education Store
Tree Installation: Process and Practices, The Education Store
Wildlife Habitat Hint YouTube Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR
Invasive Species YouTube Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR
Report Invasive Species, Purdue Invasive Species
Find an Arborist video, Trees are Good-International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)
ID That Tree, Purdue Extension-FNR YouTube playlist
Purdue Plant and Pest Diagnostic Laboratory
Trees and Storms – The Education Store, Purdue Education’s resource center
Planting Your Tree, video, Purdue Extension
Subscribe Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources YouTube Channel

John Woodmansee, Extension Educator, Whitely County
Purdue Extension

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