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

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

 

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

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

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We are now on the other side of the equinox, and while the days are getting longer again, we are beset with Midwest snows and icy temperatures that could persist to the beginning of Spring in March. During this time, there is a likely chance of a “tug-of-war” between our current cold weather and intermittent warm spells, and it’s a good time to check on your trees, especially newly transplanted trees and species with thinner bark.

As you head outdoors, what you might notice are signs of damage to your trees that include splits or cracks that could range in size from less than 1” to up to the entire length of the main stem and/or sunken areas on the trunk (Figs. 1 & 2). What you’re witnessing is winter stem damage known as sunscald or southwest damage (usually located on south to southwest-facing sides of the tree).

So, what is southwest damage and why has your tree been affected by it?  It’s a wound that’s opened during winter due to sudden drops in temperature. These drops can come from different instances like the change from day to night or even from sudden cloud cover on a sunny day. The sun warms the trunk on the south to southwest faces of the tree, then the temperature change causes the bark to split. Repeated instances eventually cause dehydration of the damaged area which causes scalding.

Southwest damage comes from a previously sustained injury and will likely be found on younger trees or species with thin bark including Acer spp., Betula spp., Malus spp., Platanus spp., Prunus spp., and Ulmus spp. If these trees are also stressed, for example, from the dryer hotter summers we’ve been experiencing or other factors, they will be more vulnerable to damage moving into winter months.

As your trees grow and become more established, chances of damage decrease. Install white tree guards in Fall on trees less than 4” to help protect them during the winter. Those of you that are ahead of the game in your tree protection will have already done this last year to help prevent southwest damage (and damage from deer rub if you installed them in the fall before the rut). I commend you on your efforts, but make sure not to leave them on year-round. As things begin to heat up those covers can be a source of moisture retention which can lead to rot on the trunk of your tree. Plan on removing them as Spring sets in and save them for next Fall.

If cracking has already occurred, don’t panic. It’s not the end of your tree. Depending on the extent of the damage the tree may be able to seal off the damage with callus tissue called wound wood (Fig. 4). Healthier trees can produce this more quickly. Some things you can do to assist your tree include the following:

• Putting your tree on a watering schedule (especially in the summer) to reduce water and heat stress.
• Mulching your tree (no mulch volcanoes) can help stop mechanical damage from mowing and other lawn maintenance and can also help with water retention in the soil.
• Herbicide use should be limited and done on days with little to no wind to help reduce drift onto the tree.
• Plan on installing white tree guards mid to late Fall. I like the white corrugated drainpipes you can find at local home and garden stores. Make sure to get a diameter larger than you tree to provide airflow to the trunk.

If you are still worried about the health of your tree, you can always find an ISA Certified Arborist nearby using the Trees Are Good website. They will be able to help assess any other issues and provide excellent professional help.

Resources:
The Purdue Landscape Report
Find an Arborist video, Trees are Good, International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)
Equipment Damage to Trees, Got Nature? Blog
Tree wounds and healing, Got Nature? Blog
Tree Defect Identification, The Education Store, Purdue Extension resource center
Tree Pruning Essentials, Publication & Video, The Education Store
Shrubs and Woody Vines of Indiana and the Midwest, The Education Store
Tree Risk Management, The Education Store
Why Is My Tree Dying?, The Education Store
ID That Tree, Purdue Extension-Forestry & Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube playlist
Subscribe to Purdue Extension-FNR YouTube Channel

Ben McCallister, Urban Forestry Specialist
Purdue Forestry and Natural Resources

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Join Purdue Extension forester Lenny Farlee in this episode of “A Woodland Management Moment” as he talks about planting density when thinking about hardwood tree plantation. In an earlier video, we discussed higher density plantings for timber production. In this video, we’ll continue that conversation and talk about planting with wide spacing specifically for nut production. This episode explores these nut production species like black walnut, their growth in the forests and what that means for woodland management decisions. Watch the video to learn about opportunities, challenges and considerations for balancing growth rates with high quality output.

 

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
The Nature of Oaks Webinar, Purdue Extension-FNR YouTube Channel, Shared from Indiana Forestry & Woodland Owners Association
Conservation Tree Planting: Steps to Success, 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
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
Ask an Expert: Tree Selection and Planting, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store
Find an Indiana Professional Forester, Indiana Forestry & Woodland Owners Association (IFWOA)
Purdue Arboretum Explorer

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

 

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Purdue Extension is proud to share the 2025 Impact Report, a showcase of the people, programs, and partnerships driving stronger, more resilient communities across Indiana. This year’s report highlights how research from Purdue’s College of Agriculture is being put into action, from addressing the spread of tar spot in corn, to monitoring invasive species, to supporting farmers navigating concerns around Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (bird flu).

Here is a quick snapshot of the great articles and information you will find:

• Saving One of Indiana’s Top Crops From Tar Spots
• 4-H Tech Changemakers Lead the Way in AI
• Teaching Small Steps to Achieve Healthier Lives
• Strengthening Financial Security Through Tax Preparation and Education
• Uniting Indiana Residents Against Invasive Species
  Highlighting Lenny Farlee, Extension forester, and Henry Quesada, professor and assistant director of Extension. Check out all of our FNR resources listed below. 
• Supporting Childcare Providers to Create Stronger Communities
• Emergency Preparedness and Response to Highly Pathogenic Avian Flu
• Making the Best Better: Strengthening Teen Leadership Skills
• Check out program impacts

Explore the full report to see how Extension is making a difference statewide and beyond: Purdue Extension Impact Report 2025.

Resources:
What are Invasive Species and Why Should I Care?, Purdue Extension – Forestry & Natural Resources (FNR) Blog
Woodland Management Moment: Invasive Species Control Process, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube channel
Asian Bush Honeysuckle, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube channel
Burning Bush, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube channel
Callery Pear, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube channel
Multiflora Rose, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube channel
Invasive Plants Threaten Our Forests Part 1: Invasive Plant Species Identification
Aquatic Invasive Species, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant (IISG)
Indiana Invasive Species Council
Emerald Ash Borer Information Network, Purdue University and Partners
The GLEDN Phone App – Great Lakes Early Detection Network
EDDMaps – Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System
1-866 No EXOTIC (1-866-663-9684)
depp@dnr.IN.gov – Email Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
Woodland Stewardship for Landowners, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube channel
A Woodland Management Moment, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube channel
Subscribe to Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube channel YouTube channel
Nature of Teaching, Purdue College of Agriculture
Community Development, Purdue Extension

Purdue Extension

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Are you a woodland owner who is just beginning to explore forest regeneration, restoration and reforestation activities?

The Human Dimensions Lab at the Department of Forestry and Natural Resources with Purdue University is conducting research to understand private landowners’ perspectives on regeneration, restoration and reforestation. Private forest and woodland owners are key partners in forest and vegetation management efforts across the United States. These activities may involve tree planting, restoration of native vegetation or other practices aimed at enhancing forest and vegetation cover on private lands. Various federal, state and local programs offer financial and technical assistance to support these efforts and understanding landowner perspectives is important for informing future research and outreach.

About the Research
As part of a collaborative research effort involving multiple universities and the U.S. Forest Service, the Purdue University research team is working directly with private forest landowners to better understand real‑world experiences with regeneration, restoration and revegetation.

Specifically, the research aims to:

• Better understand the opportunities and barriers that landowners face when considering or engaging in regeneration, restoration or revegetation activities, including participation in assistance programs.
• Explore how assistance programs can better align with landowner values, needs and goals.

By learning directly from landowners, especially those who are in the early stages of exploring these activities, the researchers hope to generate insights that can improve the design and delivery of support programs in the future.

Who Can Participate?
The research team is currently recruiting forest and woodland owners who have recently begun exploring regeneration, restoration or reforestation topics and are willing to share their perspectives.

Participation may include an interview or focus group discussion, depending on participant preference and availability. All participation is entirely voluntary.

Why Participate?
By sharing your experiences, questions and thoughts, you can help researchers and land management agencies better understand what works, what doesn’t and what support landowners truly need. Your insights can contribute to more effective, landowner‑centered programs that support forest and woodland stewardship on private lands.

Learn More or Get Involved
If you are interested in participating, have questions about the research, would like to share feedback or know others who may be interested, please reach out before March 15 and visit the Landowners: Share Your Insight form provided by the Purdue Human Dimensions Lab.

Contact Information:
Primary: Katherine Pivaral, Ph.D. Student
Department of Forestry & Natural Resources, Purdue University
Email: kpivaral@purdue.edu

Dr. Zhao Ma, Professor
Department of Forestry & Natural Resources, Purdue University
Email: zhaoma@purdue.edu

FNR looks forward to learning from and collaborating with forest and woodland owners to better understand how regeneration, restoration and reforestation efforts can support both landowners and the landscapes they steward.

Katherine Pivaral, Ph.D. Student
Department of Forestry & Natural Resources, Purdue University

Resources:
Appalachian State University
Michigan State University
University of Massachusetts – Amherst
U.S. Forest Service
Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment (HEE)
Hardwood Tree Improvement & Regeneration Center (HTIRC)
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store
Managing Your Woods for White-Tailed Deer, The Education Store
Deer Impact Toolbox, Purdue Extension
Virtual Tour Brings Forest Management for Birds to Life, Got Nature? Blog Post, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR)
Silvics Succession Management Webinar, Purdue Extension-FNR YouTube Channel
Subscribe: Deer, Forest Management, ID That Tree, Woodland Management Moment, Invasive Species and many other topic video playlists Purdue Extension-FNR YouTube Channel

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Rooted in Research, Northern Research Station: The USDA Forest Service Northern Research Station is highlighting one of its most historic and innovative partners in forest science: the Forest Products Laboratory (FPL) in Madison, Wisconsin. This feature appears in the January issue of the Station’s Rooted in Research newsletter, which spotlights science that supports healthy forests, sustainable wood products, and resilient communities.

Established in 1910, the Forest Products Laboratory focuses on improving the use, durability, and performance of wood and wood‑based materials. Its research supports forest health, climate resilience, and economic development by helping land managers, manufacturers, and communities make informed decisions about forest products.

• Wood durability research
• Innovative wood products
• Dire and materials testing
• Nanocellulose and emerging technologies

FPL scientists collaborate with universities, industry partners and other Forest Service units to bring practical, science‑based solutions to the public. Their work touches everything from housing and transportation to packaging, energy and emerging bio‑based materials.

Learn more by visiting the Forest Products Laboratory webpage.

Additionally, each month, the Northern Research Station’s Rooted in Research newsletter highlights science that supports healthy forests and thriving communities across the region. The January issue introduces readers to the Forest Products Laboratory and explores how FPL’s work complements the Station’s mission to understand and sustain forests from the Midwest to the Northeast.

Subscribe to the newsletter: Northern Research Station – Rooted in Research.

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)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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As the snow flies and the temperature drops, there are still some activities that we can do to remind us that spring is on the way. One of those is planning for tree planting. The Indiana DNR Division of Forestry operates a nursery system that provides tree and shrub seedlings to Indiana landowners. The seedlings are intended for conservation plantings for purposes like wildlife habitat, erosion control, windbreaks, and reforestation plantings. The state nursery also provides Select black walnut, red oak, white oak and black cherry seedlings for those interested in growing trees for timber. These seedlings are a result of tree breeding programs at the Division of Forestry and Purdue University. Seedlings are mostly bare-root one and two year old stock intended for spring planting. Seedlings are still available for purchase from the state nursery system. You can find ordering and contact information for the state nursery at Instructions for Ordering Tree Seedlings.

There are also several private nursery options for ordering tree seedlings in Indiana. The private nurseries may be able to offer species, sizes, and quantities of seedlings not available from the state, and can also sell trees for non-conservation purposes like landscaping and Christmas trees. The National Nursery and Seed Directory provided by the USDA Forest Service provides a directory of seed and plant sources across the region.

When planting trees and shrubs, be sure to check the suitability of your site for the species of plants you plan to use. Long-lived woody plants need to be on sites well-suited to their growth for good long-term results. You can consult the Web Soil Survey for maps and information covering the soil types on your property. You can also consult forestry and conservation professionals for advise and assistance. Purdue Extension offers several resources for planning your tree planting including publications and upcoming workshops. Check out upcoming events: Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) Events.

So, take some time while the snow is falling to make plans for a warm spring day of tree planting.

Resources:
Instructions for Ordering Tree Seedlings, Indiana DNR Division of Forestry
National Nursery and Seed Directory, USDA Forest Service
Conservation Tree Planting: Steps to Success – webinar, Purdue Extension-Forestry & Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube Channel
Web Soil Survey, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
Deer Impact, Purdue Extension Pond & Wildlife
Planting Forest Trees and Shrubs in Indiana (pdf), located on The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center
Planting and Care of Fine Hardwood Seedlings (pdf), located on The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center
Importance of Hardwood Tree Planting , The Education Store
Designing Hardwood Tree Plantings for Wildlife, The Education Store
Resources and Assistance Available for Planting Hardwood Seedlings, The Education Store
Creating a Wildlife Habitat Management Plan for Landowners, The Education Store
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store
How to Build a Plastic Mesh Deer Exclusion Fence, The Education Store
ID That Tree, Purdue Extension-Forestry & Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube playlist
Woodland Stewardship for Landowners, Purdue Extension – FNR Extension YouTube Playlist
Woodland Management Moment, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Playlist

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

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MyDNR, Indiana’s Outdoor Newsletter: Each year, Indiana DNR invites the public to provide feedback on the management of white-tailed deer via the Deer Management Survey.

This electronic survey gathers opinions on deer management at both the county and state levels, covering deer population management, trends in deer populations, and other relevant topics.

The survey will include questions about this past year’s epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) event in southern Indiana, as well as questions regarding Indiana DNR’s approach to managing EHD outbreaks.

Anyone can sign up to receive the survey by visiting the Deer Management Survey webpage. If you have previously filled out the survey, you will automatically receive one in future years.

Resources:
Purdue Extension Pond and Wildlife Management
Introduction to White-tailed Deer Impacts on Indiana Woodlands
Understanding White-tailed Deer and Their Impact on Indiana Woodlands, The Education Store
Monitoring White-tailed Deer and Their Impact on Indiana Woodlands, The Education Store
Managing White-tailed Deer Impacts on Indiana Woodlands, The Education Store
Ask an Expert: Wildlife Food Plots, video, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
How to Build a Plastic Mesh Deer Exclusion Fence, The Education Store
Managing Your Woods for White-Tailed Deer, The Education Store
Bovine Tuberculosis in Wild White-tailed Deer, The Education Store
Handling Harvested Game: Episode 1, Field Dressing, video, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Deer Harvest Data Collection, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
How to Score Your White-tailed Deer, video, The Education Store, Purdue Extension Resource Center
White-Tailed Deer Post Harvest Collection, video, The Education Store
Age Determination in White-tailed Deer, video, The Education Store
Handling Harvested Deer Ask an Expert? video, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Subscribe to Purdue Extension-Forestry & Natural Resources YouTube Channel, Wildlife Playlist

Division of Fish and Wildlife
Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IN DNR)

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