In this spring bloom edition of ID That Tree, meet a rare find in Indiana, the yellowwood tree, a species native to Brown County. This species is recognizable by clusters of white flowers that bloom in May/June, compound leaves and smooth gray bark that resembles American beech.
Purdue University - Extension - Forestry and Natural Resources
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On this episode of ID That Tree, meet the Northern Catalpa, native to southern Indiana along the Ohio River bottoms. This species, which provides rot resistant wood great for outdoor usage, features beautiful flower clusters in early summer, huge heart shaped leaves in whirled formation, and long bean-like fruit pods.
If you have any questions regarding wildlife, trees, forest management, wood products, natural resource planning or other natural resource topics, feel free to contact us by using our Ask an Expert web page.
Resources:
ID That Tree, Playlist, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources Youtube Channel
A Woodland Management Moment, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR Youtube Channel
Shrubs and Woody Vines of Indiana and the Midwest, Purdue University Press
Native Trees of the Midwest, Purdue University Press
Investing in Indiana Woodlands, The Education Store
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store
Northern Catalpa, The Purdue Arboretum Explorer
Lenny Farlee, Sustaining Hardwood Extension Specialist
Purdue University Department of Forestry and Natural Resources
Posted on August 27th, 2021 in Forestry, Forests and Street Trees, Plants, Urban Forestry, Woodlands | No Comments »
Scouting is the essential first step of an IPM program. Shown here is Tammy Kovar, owner of Biological Tree Services, a nine-year TCIA member company based in Sarasota, Florida. All photos and graphics courtesy of the author.
Tree Care Industry (TCI) Magazine: Plant health care (PHC) is the science and practice of understanding and overcoming the succession of biotic and abiotic factors limiting plants from achieving their full genetic potential in our landscapes and urban forests. Plant health care has been practiced as long as modern arboriculture itself and, as a science-based concept, is an important component in overall integrated pest management (IPM).
Pest management in our urban forests is a moving target and sometimes is overwhelming, especially for those early-career professionals. I remember from my early days in the field the overwhelming thought of needing to know every pest for every tree! I literally had a truckload (back seat of a king cab) of university publications, bulletins and articles ripped out of magazines for reference in the event I couldn’t figure it out quickly and on site. Just that fear of not knowing was often very stressful. Well, that has changed significantly.
Adult emerald ash borers typically take flight about the same time that black locust trees bloom, indicating a good time for treatment.
The point is that first, you don’t have to know everything, and second, resources now are easily and readily available. Today, the smartphone and computing opportunities available on mobile platforms, apps such as the Purdue Tree Doctor and other web-based apps have improved diagnostics significantly, making it simpler for the technician to get a better idea of their pest issue and easier to find a control strategy.
One of the basic and most important keys when starting a PHC program is just learning to recognize the concerns for common trees already in your care. Tree identification is critically important to determine whether the tree is even a host for any given disease or insect. As a technician, you don’t need to know every tree in North America; just focus on those that are commonly found and that you are called upon to investigate for pest issues with your clients and customers. Few things are as awkward as misidentification of a tree and the corresponding application. Recommendations for treating emerald ash borer on a European mountain ash (Sorbus aucuparia), which is not susceptible to EAB infestation, could be fairly damaging to your credibility and your company!
Each state has a land-grant college with resources to assist PHC technicians.
Get some help
All there is to know and what you need to know can be mind-boggling; however, it is more manageable when we are able to discover the resources available. Often overlooked, local extension services from state land-grant colleges provide a tremendous collection of experts trained and educated in pest management. They often have plant and pest diagnostic laboratories assisting with identification of those challenging diseases or insects, usually at a very economical cost, along with the appropriate management strategy to apply for control.
Resources:
Planting Your Tree Part 1: Choosing Your Tree, Purdue Extension YouTube Channel
Tree Installation: Process and Practices, The Extension Store, Purdue Extension resource center
Ask an Expert: Tree Selection and Planting, Purdue FNR Extension YouTube Channel
Webinar: How to Identify Trees in Indiana, Got Nature? Post, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources
Shrubs and Woody Vines of Indiana and the Midwest, Purdue University Press
Native Trees of the Midwest, Purdue University Press
ID That Tree, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources YouTube Playlist
Purdue Plant and Pest Diagnostic Lab
Emerald Ash Borer Information from Purdue
Lindsey Purcell, Urban Forestry Specialist
Purdue Department of Forestry and Natural Resources
On this edition of ID That Tree, Purdue Extension forester Lenny Farlee introduces you to the swamp white oak, a native Indiana species typically found in bottomlands and wet sites. This member of the white oak group has rounded lobed leaves that are dark on top and light colored on the flip side, and produces acorns that are held on long stems.
If you have any questions regarding wildlife, trees, forest management, wood products, natural resource planning or other natural resource topics, feel free to contact us by using our Ask an Expert web page.
Resources:
ID That Tree, Playlist, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources Youtube Channel
A Woodland Management Moment, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR Youtube Channel
Shrubs and Woody Vines of Indiana and the Midwest, Purdue University Press
Native Trees of the Midwest, Purdue University Press
Investing in Indiana Woodlands, The Education Store
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store
Swamp White Oak, The Purdue Arboretum Explorer
Lenny Farlee, Sustaining Hardwood Extension Specialist
Purdue University Department of Forestry and Natural Resources
Posted on August 23rd, 2021 in Forestry, Timber Marketing, Wood Products/Manufacturing, Woodland Management Moment, Woodlands | No Comments »
Let the Sun Shine Indiana is a new Facebook page that has resources for landowners and natural resource managers along with woodland lovers. With commitments to sustain the health and diversity of our forests, grasslands and wildlife for future generations, this collaboration will be sharing educational data, problem-solving and management practices, along with main focus on recovering and maintaining oak-hickory ecosystems for the benefit of both the wildlife and the people of southern Indiana.
Followers will find educational content, management tips, and timely discussions focused especially on restoring and maintaining our vital oak–hickory ecosystems, benefiting both the wildlife that rely on these ecosystems and the people who depend on them for recreation, livelihood and long‑term land stewardship.
This collaboration is made up of scientists, natural resource managers, communication specialists, foresters, wildlife biologists, etc. from a variety of organizations, universities and agencies across Indiana, who share a common goal – restore southern Indiana’s open oak woodlands – because with the sun comes life.
To learn more about Let the Sun Shine In Indiana and shared resources visit their website.
Resources:
ID That Tree, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources YouTube Channel
A Woodland Management Moment, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Woodland Stewardship for Landowners, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources YouTube Channel
Shrubs and Woody Vines of Indiana and the Midwest, Purdue University Press
Native Trees of the Midwest, Purdue University Press
Investing in Indiana Woodlands, The Education Store
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store
Forest Stewardship Practices for Oak-Hickory Ecosystems in Indiana, Purdue Extension – Pond and Wildlife
Forestry for the Birds Pocket Guide, The Nature Conservancy
Directory of Professional Foresters, Indiana Forestry & Woodland Owners Association
Explore the Rich World of Oaks, Purdue Extension – FNR & Partners
Judie Brown, Coordinator
Let the Sun Shine In – Indiana (LSSI)
In this spring bloom edition of ID That Tree, meet the bladdernut, which features clusters of tiny white/yellow flowers in the spring. Learn more about this small shrub from Purdue Extension forester Lenny Farlee inside.
If you have any questions regarding wildlife, trees, forest management, wood products, natural resource planning or other natural resource topics, feel free to contact us by using our Ask an Expert web page.
Resources:
ID That Tree, Playlist, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources Youtube Channel
A Woodland Management Moment, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR Youtube Channel
Shrubs and Woody Vines of Indiana and the Midwest, Purdue University Press
Native Trees of the Midwest, Purdue University Press
Investing in Indiana Woodlands, The Education Store
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store
Lenny Farlee, Sustaining Hardwood Extension Specialist
Purdue University Department of Forestry and Natural Resources
Figure 1. White webs of fall webworm are a common site along roadsides and forest edges.
Purdue Landscape Report: Just after the browned leaves on branches of trees attacked by periodical cicadas began to disappear from view, webworms and their associated browning started to spread through the landscape. Two of the more common webworms I have been seeing are the mimosa and the fall webworm. While neither of them can outright kill trees, they are unsightly, especially at the end of the summer when substantial portions of the tree are disfigured. Treatment late in the summer does little to reduce injury, because it can be difficult to penetrate the webs with insecticides, and because most of the damage has already been done. The best course of action is to plan on managing these insects next year, when they are more easily controlled with insecticides.
Figure 2. Fall webworms and fecal pellets feeding in web.
Fall webworm attacks a wide range of deciduous trees including flowering fruit trees, black walnuts, elm, hickory and bald cypress. They are most common in suburban areas, roadsides and forest edges that lack the predators and parasites the webworms encounter in the forest. In June adults emerge from wintering sites to lay eggs in the canopy. Eggs hatch into caterpillars that encase branches in webs as they feed. By the end of the second generation in late August webs can cover substantial portions of trees. Caterpillars are yellowish-green with black spots and long white hairs, and grow up to 1.5″. Caterpillar feces falling from trees can be a problem during heavy infestations.
Figure 3. Brown webbing caused by the mimosa webworm is extensive on honeylocust plantings throughout the state.
Unlike fall webworm, the mimosa webworm only attacks honeylocust and mimosa trees. Leaves on ends of branches become webbed together and turn brown as lime-green caterpillars skeletonize leaf tissue. Heavily infested trees appear frosted brown. In early June, adults emerge and lay eggs on trees. First webs can be seen on ends of branches in mid-June when oak leaf hydrangea and tree lilac are in bloom. The second generation of adults fly and lay eggs starting in late July. A third generation occurs in the fall. The dangling caterpillars can be a nuisance under heavily infested trees. We are seeing an uptick in the abundance of this pest because the last two winters have not been cold enough to kill them.
Resources:
Purdue Landscape Report
Ask an Expert, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources
Purdue Plant Doctor App Suite, Purdue Extension – Entomology
Landscape & Ornamentals: Bagworms, The Education Store, Purdue Extension
Bagworm caterpillars are out feeding, be ready to spray your trees, Got Nature? Post, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources
Fall Webworms: Should You Manage Them, Got Nature? Post, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources
On this edition of ID That Tree, meet the American hornbeam, also known as the musclewood or the water or blue beech. This native Indiana understory tree stands out due to its gray bark and striations that resemble muscles and sinews as well as its doubly toothed leaves.
If you have any questions regarding wildlife, trees, forest management, wood products, natural resource planning or other natural resource topics, feel free to contact us by using our Ask an Expert web page.
Resources:
ID That Tree, Playlist, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources Youtube Channel
A Woodland Management Moment, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR Youtube Channel
Shrubs and Woody Vines of Indiana and the Midwest, Purdue University Press
Native Trees of the Midwest, Purdue University Press
Investing in Indiana Woodlands, The Education Store
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store
American Hornbeam, The Purdue Arboretum Explorer
Lenny Farlee, Sustaining Hardwood Extension Specialist
Purdue University Department of Forestry and Natural Resources
Posted on August 4th, 2021 in Forestry, Forests and Street Trees, Plants, Wildlife, Woodlands | No Comments »
In this edition of ID That Tree, Purdue Extension forester Lenny Farlee introduces you to a member of the Indiana maple family that doesn’t follow the rest of its family’s traditions. Learn about the boxelder and its unique traits inside.
If you have any questions regarding wildlife, trees, forest management, wood products, natural resource planning or other natural resource topics, feel free to contact us by using our Ask an Expert web page.
Resources:
ID That Tree, Playlist, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources Youtube Channel
A Woodland Management Moment, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR Youtube Channel
Shrubs and Woody Vines of Indiana and the Midwest, Purdue University Press
Native Trees of the Midwest, Purdue University Press
Investing in Indiana Woodlands, The Education Store
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store
Boxelder, The Purdue Arboretum Explorer
Lenny Farlee, Sustaining Hardwood Extension Specialist
Purdue University Department of Forestry and Natural Resources
If you have any questions regarding wildlife, trees, forest management, wood products, natural resource planning or other natural resource topics, feel free to contact us by using our Ask an Expert web page.
Resources:
ID That Tree, Playlist, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources Youtube Channel
A Woodland Management Moment, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR Youtube Channel
Shrubs and Woody Vines of Indiana and the Midwest, Purdue University Press
Native Trees of the Midwest, Purdue University Press
Investing in Indiana Woodlands, The Education Store
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store
Yellowwood, The Purdue Arboretum Explorer
Lenny Farlee, Sustaining Hardwood Extension Specialist
Purdue University Department of Forestry and Natural Resources
Posted on July 28th, 2021 in Forestry, Gardening, Invasive Plant Species, Plants, Urban Forestry, Woodlands | No Comments »
In this episode of A Woodland Management Moment, Purdue Extension forester Lenny Farlee talks about a variety of hand tools you can use to assist with invasive species control and timber stand improvement on your property if you choose not to use power tools.
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
Shrubs and Woody Vines of Indiana and the Midwest, Purdue University Press
Native Trees of the Midwest, Purdue University Press
Investing in Indiana Woodlands, The Education Store
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store
Woodland Stewardship for Landowners Video Series, Playlist, Indiana Department of Natural Resources YouTube Channel
Lenny Farlee, Sustaining Hardwood Extension Specialist
Purdue University Department of Forestry and Natural Resources
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