Got Nature? Blog

The annual Indiana woodland owner conference this year will be held at Turkey Run State Park on November 1st. Hosted by the Indiana Forestry & Woodland Owners Association, the event is expected draw 150 landowners from across the state who come to improve their knowledge of forest management and network with other woodland owners.

“If you have an interest in forestry – or just love the woods – you should attend,” said Lee Huss, IFWOA President. “We’re offering a program that’s relevant, informative, and fun.”

All are welcome to attend. For more information, visit www.ifwoa.org or call (765) 496-5013.

Conference Highlights
October 31st, Friday includes optional morning and afternoon field tours of woodlands in Putnam County to learn about forest and wildlife management.

November 1st, Saturday is the main event. It includes educational sessions at Turkey Run Inn on topics of interest to woodland owners, including American chestnut restoration, new prescribed fire legislation, and using phone apps in nature. These sessions aim to support landowners in managing and appreciating their woodlands.

Attendees will have the opportunity to meet and network with other woodland owners from across Indiana. The Charles Deam Forestry Stewardship Award will be presented to honor exemplary forest stewardship. Additionally, the John F. Datena Distinguished Forester Service Award will be awarded to foresters for their service to Indiana forestry throughout their careers.

Indiana Forestry & Woodland Owners Association (IFWOA) promotes responsible stewardship of Indiana’s woodlands. With over 500 members statewide, IFWOA supports landowners who value conservation and sustainable forest management.

Resources:
Indiana Forestry & Woodland Owners Association (IFWOA) YouTube Channel
Magnificent Trees of Indiana, video, IFWOA YouTube Channel
The Nature of Oaks, video, IFWOA, Purdue Extension Forestry & Natural Resources YouTube Channel
Grassland Management, Purdue Extension Pond and Wildlife Management
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
ID That Tree – Video Playlist, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube Channel
Subscribe – Purdue Extension-FNR YouTube Channel

Liz Jackson, Engagement Lead
Indiana Forestry & Woodland Association (IFWOA)

Phil Woolery, IFWOA & HTIRC Engagement Specialist
Indiana Forestry & Woodland Association (IFWOA)
Hardwood Tree Improvement & Regeneration Center (HTIRC)

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The Natural Resources Teacher Institute (NRTI) is a weeklong, immersive professional development workshop designed to provide teachers with the knowledge, skills, and tools to effectively teach their students about forest ecology and forest management in Indiana. The program is normally based at the Morgan Monroe State Forest near Martinsville, Indiana, but every five years a reunion program is held in Tippecanoe County for past participants. The second reunion program was held on July 9th and 10th providing participants opportunities to learn more about wildlife, forest products, habitat restoration and tree identification.

Past and present Purdue FNR staff members provided instruction for two of the programs. Participants were treated to an introduction to bird biology and population monitoring through a bird banding demonstration at the Purdue Wildlife Area by Patrick Ruhl, Clinical Assistant Professor, and Jessica Outcalt, Natural Resources Training Specialist. Bird netting and banding requires special licensing and fortunately for us, Patrick Ruhl holds those credentials, allowing participants to measure, place a leg band, and release several species of birds.

Participants were also lead on a hike at Martell Forest by retired faculty members Harmon and Sally Weeks, highlighting ID of several native trees and plants and their importance to a variety of wildlife. Copies of tree and shrub ID books authored by the Weeks were also provided to participants.

We had an introduction to making maple syrup and collecting honey on a property that is also integrating the Forestry for the Birds management recommendations into their property activities. A tour of the Springboro Tree Farm, managed by Rich Hines and family, introduced the maple syrup production process and provided a tour of their property demonstrating bird- friendly habitat management in conjunction with maple syrup and honey production.

Restoration of rare habitats was the topic for our tour of the Granville Sand Barrens and neighboring properties managed by Bob Easter, Stewardship Director for NICHES, lead us on a tour of the Granville Sand Barrens and Roy Whistler Wildlife Area. Bob provided a background on the history of the area and the efforts to restore the rare sand barrens community, home to several plant NICHES Land Trust. and animal species with threatened or rare designations in Indiana.

The Natural Resources Teacher Institute is coordinated by Lexi Eiler Alwine, IN DNR Forestry Education Specialist, Donna Rogler, retired IN Project Learning Tree Coordinator and originator of NRTI, Mary Cutler, Naturalist for Tippecanoe County Parks and Recreation, and Lenny Farlee, Purdue FNR Extension Forester. All of these folks also happen to be Purdue Forestry and Natural Resources Alumni as well! NRTI is made possible by support from a host of individuals and organizations sponsoring teacher participation.

Resources:
Purdue Forestry and Natural Resources Facebook Page
Project Learning Tree
Indiana Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry
The Nature of Teaching, Purdue Department of Forestry and Natural Resources
The Nature of Teaching: Trees of the Midwest, The Education Store
The Nature of Teaching: Adaptations for Aquatic Amphibians, The Education Store
Trees of the Midwest Webinar, Nature of Teaching YouTube channel
Indiana Forestry Educational Foundation, Indiana Forestry & Woodland Owners Association
Forest/Timber, Playlist, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources YouTube Channel
Natural Resources Teacher Institute Takes Forestry to the Classroom, Purdue FNR News
Purdue Extension

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

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The Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment (HEE) just updated their newsletter for the 2025 spring/summer season. The HEE is a long-term research initiative dedicated to understanding the ecological and social impacts of forest management in Indiana’s Central Hardwood Region. Launched in 2006, the HEE is one of the most ambitious forest ecology studies in the United States, designed to span 100 years across over 9,000 acres of state forest land. The HEE studies the effectiveness of different forest management methods in promoting successful oak and hickory regeneration and the effects of these management practices on plant and animal species. With nine partnering universities and agencies conducting research on the ecological and social impacts of long-term forest management, HEE has been an integral part of completed research for over 30 plus M.S. and Ph.D. level graduate students. The project has also employed more than 250 undergraduate and post-graduate students to conduct summer field work.

Highlights from the new Newsletter include:

• 2025 Field Season Round-Up
  By Kat Shay
  “The crew has been hard at work this field season—they finished all the Yellowwood State Forest plots and are in the last unit of Morgan Monroe State Forest now…”
• Breeding Bird Surveys
  By Rae Garrett
  “Breeding bird surveys were completed this field season, despite the weather doing its best to thwart our plans!…”
• Nightjars/ARUs
  By Haley Holiman (SIU)
  “Southern Illinois University’s nightjars crew deployed ARUs all across the HEE and conducted point count surveys…”
• Bats
  By Dr. Joy O’Keefe and Team
  “The bat crew monitored roost trees, conducted mist-netting, and performed radio-telemetry surveys…”
• Digital Forestry
  By Purdue University Digital Forestry
  “During leaf-off this winter we began backpack and UAV LiDAR mapping the inaugural HEE Unit 3 for our long-term project…”
• Botany News
  By Megan Crecelius
  “Southern Illinois University’s nightjars crew deployed ARUs all across the HEE and conducted point count surveys…”
• Out and About: HEE Outreach
  By Kat Shay and Rae Garrett
  “From radio interviews to presentations on fire ecology, the HEE team has been actively sharing research and connecting with partners across the state…”
• HEE Proposal Request
  By Mike Saunders
  “Proposal requests for the 2026–2028 HEE budget will be sent out in the next few weeks… “

To view the full newsletter visit: HEE Newsletter.

Resources:
Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment – Wildlife Responses to Timber Harvesting, The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center
The Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment: Indiana Forestry and Wildlife, The Education Store
Breeding Birds and Forest Management: the Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment and the Central Hardwoods Region, The Education Store
The Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment: 2006-2016, The Education Store
Shrubs and Woody Vines of Indiana and the Midwest, The Education Store
Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment Playlist, Subscribe to Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube Channel
Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment – Prescribed Fire, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube
A Woodland Management Moment, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Investing in Indiana Woodlands, The Education Store
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store
Finding help from a professional forester, Indiana Forestry & Woodland Owners Association

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Dr. Rado Gazo, professor of wood processing and industrial engineering who has been a part of the Purdue Forestry and Natural Resources faculty since 1997, has been named as the 2025 recipient of the Wood Engineering Achievement Award – Lifetime Achievement by the Forest Products Society.

“I joined the Forest Products Society as a graduate student in 1990 and have actively participated in various roles ever since,” Gazo said. “While I did not seek this award, now that I have received it, I am very humbled by the recognition of my colleagues and peers.”

The Forest Products Society is a premier international not-for-profit technical association founded in 1947. The award recognizes accomplishments and innovations in the discipline of wood engineering including structures, structural elements, building codes, consensus standards, design procedures and education.

According to the FPS announcement,

“Gazo has educated students, industry professionals and the public about the applications of industrial engineering and operation research techniques to problems in primary and secondary wood products manufacturing industries. His research and development activities have focused on evaluating tree, log, and lumber quality using CT, laser, and image scanning techniques. His efforts led to the first commercially available industrial-grade CT scanner and related optimization software, as well as the first successful automated hardwood lumber grading system. Dr. Gazo also created Hardwood University for the continued education of hardwood industry professionals and landowners in the Central Hardwood Region.”

In 2020, Gazo created Hardwood University, a self-sustaining collaborative program with the Indiana Hardwood Lumbermen’s Association, which aims to provide hardwood industry professionals and landowners in the Central Hardwood region with cutting-edge information and training. Gazo is one of the primary instructors for the program, which trains around 200 professionals annually.

Hardwood University, which consists of 10 sessions annually, is intended for new employees in the hardwood industry as well as those preparing for advancement or cross-training. The program, which takes place monthly at various Indiana hardwood plants and Purdue agricultural centers, offers informational and technical sessions on topics ranging from forest taxation to tree and log scaling and grading; log bucking; marketing hardwood veneer, stave and sawlogs; grade-sawing lumber; air drying and kiln drying lumber; hardwood lumber grading; lean manufacturing and logistics; and sawmill efficiency and quality control.

In addition, Gazo has worked with more than 130 companies, providing technical assistance, troubleshooting and consulting services as well as implementation of manufacturing best practices.

Most recently, Gazo was named among Purdue researchers working on the Indiana Wood Utilization Team, which will aim to create and implement a strategic plan to increase awareness of the benefits of using forest resources in the state, after gathering input from an industry advisory board and a series of roundtable discussions across the state.

Gazo has authored or co-authored more than 320 publications and has given more than 450 presentations in his field.

In 2017, he received the Southern Regional Extension Forestry Award for Excellence for the online book chapter “Critical Factors Affecting Supply Chain Management: A Case Study in the US Pallet Industry,” coauthored with Dr. Henry Quesada and Scarlett Sanchez.

To view this article along with other news and stories posted on the Purdue Forestry and Natural Resources website view: Rado Gazo Receives Lifetime Achievement Award from Forest Products Society.

Resources:
Wood Products Manufacturing Technology Minor, FNR Minor
Hardwoods of the Central Midwest, The Purdue Arboretum
Wood Products, Purdue Extension – Forestry & Natural Resources (FNR)
Wood is Best Video, Forestry and Natural Resources YouTube Channel, Woodisbest.org
An Introduction to Trees of Indiana, The Education Store, Purdue Extension resource center
Native Trees of the Midwest, Purdue University Press
Shrubs and Woody Vines of Indiana and the Midwest, Purdue University Press
ID That Tree, Playlist, Subscribe to Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources YouTube Channel
A Woodland Management Moment, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Investing in Indiana Woodlands, The Education Store
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store
Finding help from a professional forester, Indiana Forestry & Woodland Owners Association
District Foresters for 10 plus acres, Indiana Department of Natural Resources
Hardwood Tree Improvement & Regeneration Center (HTIRC)

Wendy Mayer, FNR Communications Coordinator
Purdue University Department of Forestry and Natural Resources

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Welcome to ID That Tree! In this episode, Purdue Extension Forester Lenny Farlee introduces us to a striking native shrub known as Wild Hydrangea. Found in forest understories and along wooded slopes in southern Indiana, this plant is especially noticeable in summer thanks to its large, white flowers. Learn how to identify this species by it’s unique characteristics. Whether you’re a student, hiker, gardener or just curious about native plants, this video offers a quick and informative look at how to spot Wild Hydrangea and appreciate its role in Indiana’s woodland ecosystems.

 

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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The Wisconsin Forestry Center at the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point has just released a new episode of SilviCast, the go-to podcast for silviculture professionals. In this episode, titled “Black Gold,” forestry expert Lenny Farlee is interviewed about the science and management of black walnut, one of North America’s most valuable hardwoods.

Eastern black walnut is often regarded as one of the most valuable timber species in central and eastern North America. A single high-quality tree can be worth thousands of dollars, sometimes even shaping the outcome of an entire timber sale. Given that level of interest, it may seem like we already know everything about this remarkable species. While researchers and foresters have gained a deep understanding of its silviculture and genetics, there is still more to discover.

Lenny Farlee is a Purdue University Extension Forester and a member of the Hardwood Tree Improvement & Regeneration Center (HTIRC). With decades of experience in hardwood silviculture, he brings practical insight and research-based knowledge to the conversation around managing black walnut for long-term forest health and productivity.

To listen, search SilviCast on your favorite podcast app or listen directly on the SilviCast: Black Gold episode page. You can also explore the full series at linktr.ee/SilviCast.

Other Resources:
ID That Tree: Black Walnut
Hardwoods of the Central Midwest: Black Walnut
Hardwood Lumber and Veneer Series: Black Walnut
Morton Arboretum: Black walnut
Facts About Black Walnut, The Education Store
Purdue Arboretum Explorer
Black Walnut, Native Trees of Indiana River Walk, Purdue Fort Wayne
The Woody Plant Seed Manual, U.S. Forest Service
Fifty Common Trees of Indiana
An Introduction to Trees of Indiana
Native Trees of the Midwest, Purdue University Press
Shrubs and Woody Vines of Indiana and the Midwest, Purdue University Press
Investing in Indiana Woodlands, The Education Store
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store
ID That Tree, Purdue Extension-Forestry & Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube playlist
Woodland Management Moment , Purdue Extension-FNR YouTube playlist

University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point

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

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With rainfall well below average, watering your trees is more important than ever. Indiana typically receives around 3.14 inches of rain in September, but as of 2025, only 1.31 inches have fallen—making this month even drier than last year. These conditions can lead to dry, wilted leaves and stress for trees across the state, especially during prolonged heat. To see how drought is affecting your area, visit the U.S. Drought Monitor for Indiana-specific maps.

In this video, Lindsey Purcell, Executive Director of the Indiana Arborist Association, explains why consistent watering is critical and shares practical tips to help your trees stay healthy through dry spells.

Extreme heat can have a major impact on tree health and survival. Water is the most limiting ecological resource for a tree, and without adequate moisture, decline and death are imminent. It reduces carbohydrate production, significantly lowering energy reserves and production of defense chemicals in the tree. Check out this publication titled Drought? Don’t Forget the Trees! to learn what to look for for any weakening issues including pests that like the dry conditions.

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.

More Extreme Heat Resources:
Climate and Drought Maps, Purdue Indiana State Climate Office
Summer Tree Care, Purdue Landscape Report
Drought? Don’t Forget the Trees!, The Education Store, Purdue Extension resource center
Extreme Heat Including Fact Sheets, Purdue Extension – IN-PREPared
Extreme Heat – Resources, Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN)
Drought Information​, Indiana Department of Natural Resources
Planting Your Tree Part 1: Choosing Your Tree, Purdue Extension YouTube Channel
Tree Selection for the “Un-natural” Environment, The Education Store
Tree Pruning Essentials Video, Purdue Extension YouTube Channel
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
Submit Sample, Purdue Plant & Pest Diagnostic Lab
Find an Arborist, Indiana Arborist Association

Ben McCallister, Urban Forestry Specialist
Purdue Forestry & Natural Resources

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Step into the woods and into the legacy of sustainable forestry with a full-day field tour of the Goetsch property in Beloit, Wisconsin—one of the highlights of this year’s Walnut Council National Meeting. This unique site, donated to the Council in 2019, showcases nearly a century of hardwood forest management, including majestic walnut trees planted in the 1930s and thousands of younger trees carefully cultivated over the past four decades.

Participants will explore hands-on demonstrations in crop tree release, regeneration planting, drone-assisted monitoring, and sawmilling. The tour includes bus transportation, lunch, and expert-led discussions on real-world forestry practices in action.

Connect, Learn, and Share at the National Meeting in Rockford, Illinois
The full program runs Sunday, July 27 through Tuesday, July 29 at the Hilton Garden Inn Rockford Conference Center, offering a rich mix of networking, education, and inspiration:

• Sunday evening kicks off with a welcoming dinner and informal “Landowner Show & Tell,” where members share personal stories, tips, and lessons learned.
• Monday features the Goetsch property field tour, followed by an evening banquet with a keynote by Illinois State Forester Kenneth Jolly.
• Tuesday brings a full day of indoor programming, including expert presentations on hardwood management, roundtable discussions, and a landowner panel.

Companion tours are also available, including visits to Anderson Japanese Garden and Midway Village Museum.

Whether you’re a seasoned forester, a new landowner, or simply passionate about sustainable hardwood management, this event offers something for everyone. Register for the full event or individual days, and don’t forget to book your hotel by June 28 to receive the special group rate.

View the Meeting Agenda

Meeting Registration Page

This program will be submitted for CFE credits from Society of American Foresters.

Questions? Call 765-496-5013 or email walnutcouncil@gmail.com.

About the Walnut Council:
Founded in 1970, the Walnut Council is an international association representing nearly 700 woodland owners, foresters, forest scientists, and wood-producing industry representatives in 45 states and three foreign countries. The purpose is to assist in the technical transfer of forest research to field applications, help build and maintain better markets for wood products and nut crops, and to promote sustainable forest management, conservation, reforestation, and utilization of American black walnut (Juglans nigra) and other high quality fine hardwoods.

Resources:
Indiana Forestry & Woodland Owners Association (IFWOA) YouTube Channel
Deer Impact Toolbox, Purdue Extension Pond and Wildlife Management
Grassland Management, Purdue Extension Pond and Wildlife Management
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
ID That Tree – Video Playlist, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube Channel
Subscribe – Purdue Extension-FNR YouTube Channel

Liz Jackson, IFWOA Engagement Specialist & Walnut Council Manager
Indiana Forestry & Woodlands Owners Association (IFWOA)

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Welcome to ID That Tree! In this episode, Purdue Extension Forester Lenny Farlee introduces us to a relatively common Indiana shrub called Witch-Hazel. Discover the characteristics of the environment this shrub is found in, the features of the shrub itself and the interesting history behind it! As a nature lover, student or someone who’s simply just curious about local plants, this video is a great way to get a quick run-down on important information and identification.

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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Purdue Landscape Report: Tree care, in many cases, can be expensive if you require the assistance of an arborist for pruning or removals.  Extreme weather events, characterized by extensive rain and wind, can cause damage to the canopy or, in worst-case scenarios, lead to tree failure.  In cases of failures, weather is often the final push to already existing issues.  One cause that can lead to decay, decline, and failure if applied incorrectly can also extend the life of your tree with proper application.

Mulch is the double-edged sword that can promote healthy growth by maintaining soil moisture and temperature through extreme heat, cold, and drought, enrich the soil in the critical root zone, maintain a safety area from mechanical damage from lawn care tools, and add a nice aesthetic.

But it can also cause decay through excess moisture to the root flare, damage from pests like mice and insects that can live in mulch, expose the tree to pathogens, and promote unnecessary root growth and/or stem girdling roots that cut off nutrient supply between the root system and the rest of the tree.

The application is the same if it’s the first time mulching a tree or a re-application.  Add enough mulch so there is a 2–3-inch layer sloping away from the tree with at least a 3–5-foot radius around the stem (older, larger trees can benefit from larger mulch rings).  No volcano mulching, make sure you also have around a 1-2-inch gap between the stem and the start of the mulch ring.

If you are reapplying mulch, first rake the old mulch to even the layer and mix some into the soil if possible.  If your tree has already been mulched and has been volcano mulched, simply dig out the excess, exposing the root flare and creating that 1-2-inch gap between the stem and the mulch.

This simple act is relatively inexpensive, does not require a lot of time, and will help keep your tree healthy, extending its life.  If you notice any other issues with your trees, hiring an ISA Certified arborist is the next step in managing your trees’ health.  To find an arborist near you and verify credentials, use the link at Find an Arborist, Trees are Good, International Society of Arboriculture (ISA).

View the original article on the Purdue Landscape Report website: Simple Steps to Care for Your Tree: Mulching.

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 – The Education Store, Purdue Education’s resource center
Moist soil and rotten roots makes it easy for trees to come crashing down – Fox 59 News
Expert: Some storm damage can be easily prevented – Fox 59
Why Is My Tree Dying? – The Education Store
Tree Risk Management – The Education Store
Tree Pruning Essentials, Publication & Video, The Education Store
Mechanical Damage to Trees: Mowing and Maintenance Equipment – The Education Store
Trees and Electric Lines – The Education Store
Tree Defect Identification, The Education Store
Planting Your Tree, video, Purdue Extension
Tree Installation, The Education Store
Tree Wound and Healing, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources
Subscribe – Purdue Extension-FNR YouTube Channel

Ben McCallister, Urban Forestry Specialist
Purdue Forestry & Natural Resources

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