TREES Planting Them and Other Problems in g Gloucester Reported in 2008 2009 Reported in 2008 2009 Jim Newton Master Gardener & Peninsula Tree Steward Intern 10:00 A.M. In Library
What is a Master Gardener or Tree Steward? Not one of the top ten gardeners in Gloucester. Not one of the best looking gardeners. But one that has taken a course of 50 hours training designed by many of the land grant colleges in the United States and has been revised by Virginia Tech to reflect the environment of Virginia. Another 50 hours as a volunteer intern under the eyes of Master Gardeners To be a Tree Steward takes another 40 hours of training on the anatomy, care and value of trees. An internship and final project are also required.
Tree Steward Course Work Orientation and discussion of the value of trees. Two sessions on Tree Anatomy, and Physiology Tree planting Four ways Tree pruning with a field trip to prune fruit trees. Roots up and Air Spading (value of professionals) Three classes on Tree Identification and the use of Peterson s Field Guide and a winter field guide. Two field trips to show ability to use field guide. Tree Health. Two exams Ten sessions taught by Professors from CNU or W&M. Final Projects: Tree Inventories Presentations on Tree Care, Diseases or Problems. 20 Hours a year volunteer service.
Inventory of Questions from Gloucester Residents 2008 09 Frequently Asked Questions, coming in our Help line from Gloucester Residents in 2008 2009. Main Library Tuesdays 11:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m. Virginia Cooperative Extension office Thursdays 2:00 4:00 pm p.m. Began collecting these during the summer of 2008 and GMG used these as handouts during that t summer s Farmers Market. We also posted many of these on our website. http://www.gloucesterva.info/ext/mastergardener/questions.htm
TREES PLANTING Most people look up first to see what is wrong with iha tree. Arborists (Tree Doctors) usually look down. Dr. Appleton of Virginia Tech and their Hampton Roads/ Norfolk Research Center, estimates that 75 85% of the urban trees in the area are planted too deep, and 90% have other root problems caused at planting. Planting too deep leads to a number of problems. The roots and the tree suffer from lack of oxygen. The bark that is planted too deep is subject to disease. Circling or girdling roots are also common when trees are improperly planted. Maples frequently have this problem.
PLANTING TREES (Cont.) Most trees and shrubs have been replanted several times before they are purchased. This applies whether they are: 1. Inplasticor metal containers. Cut openthe container. 2. Ball in burlap. Remove all coverings and support. 3. Bare Root, the real old fashioned way (prior to 1950s.) 4. Another way to get a tree where you want it is to ball and move it yourself. The Bare Root format has the advantage that you can see how deep the roots are and see any other root problems.
PLANTING TREES (Cont.) With, but for a very few exceptions, 90% of tree roots are within the top six inches of soil. But if you purchase a tree in a container you will note that the roots have been forced to stay in a confined space and this frequently forces the roots to go in circles and deeper in the container. These roots need to be straightened or cut. If not, as they grow they will strangle the trunk leading to slower growth and eventual death. The best way to avoid this potential problem is to bare the roots. o Soak plant over night in a tub of water o Spray off the soil with hose the next day. o Plant in wide, shallow hole.
A very sick, and strange 30 year old Norway Maple (things are growing under it and no surface roots?)
A very sick 30 year old Norway Maple Anthracnose Dead Branches Look Down, Look Closer
Note the girdling roots
Note the girdling roots First root was 6-8 inches below the surface. Should be no more than 2-3 inches
PLANTING TREES (Cont.) Dig a shallow and wide hole. Then build a mound in the bottom of the hole. Spread the roots out as much as possible over the mound and back fill only with the soil from the hole. Plant so that the 2 top most roots are no more than 2 3 inches deep. Water the entire area thoroughly and press the roots into the mud slurry and tamp down. A thin layer of mulch/compost can be spread over area, but keep it at least 4 6 inches from base of the trunk. This same procedure can be used on ball in burlap plantings or one you are transplanting yourself.
PLANTING TREES (Cont.) While this methodology may sound new to you, Dr. Appleton and a Professor at Washington State University have been using this method for nearly 20 years, (WSU was the home of the Master Gardener Program.) And actually, until the 1950 s, most trees were planted this way. Additionally, Dr. Appleton as a consultant has used this method to replant and save many of the trees planted in the city of Hampton.
TREES THAT CAN BE BARE ROOTED EASILY Scientific Name Acer campestre Acer x freemanii Acer miyabei T Acer platanoides Acer pseudoplatanus Acer rubrum Acer saccharum Acer truncatum Catalpa speciosa Cercidiphyllum japonicum Cladrastis kentukea Cornus mas Cornus foemina Fraxinus spp. Gleditsia triacanthos Gymnocladus dioicus Koelreuteria paniculata Maackia amurensis Malus Parrotia persica Prunus Accolade Prunus sargentii Prunus serrulata Prunus virginiana i i Pyrus calleryana Pyrus ussuriensis Common Name Hedge Maple Freeman Maple Trident Maple Norway Maple Sycamore Maple Red Maple Sugar Maple Shantung Maple Northern Catalpa Katsura Tree Yellowwood Cherry Dogwood Gray Dogwood Ash Honeylocust Kentucky Coffee Tree Goldenrain Tree Amur Maackia Crabapple Persian Parrotia Flowering Cherry Sargent Cherry Japanese Flowering Ch. Canada Red d Chokecherry h Callery Pear Ussurian Pear Scientific Name Common Name Quercus bicolor Swamp White Oak Quercus palustris Pin Oak Quercus rubra Northern Red Oak Robinia pseudoacacia cultivars: Sorbus alnifolia Sorbus intermedia / aria Syringa reticulata Tilia americana Tilia cordata Tilia euchlora Ulmus americana Black Locust Purple Robe, Bessoniana, Twisty Baby Korean Mountain Ash Whitebeam Mountain Ash Japanese Tree Lilac Basswood Littleleaf Linden Crimean Linden American Elm hybrids hybrids except Frontier
PLANTING TREES (Cont.) However some trees do not respond to bare root planting Scientific Name Common Name Trees Difficult to Transplant Bare Root Carpinus spp. Hornbeam Crataegus phaenopyrum Washington Hawthorn Ginkgo biloba Ginkgo Liriodendron tulipifera Tulip Tree Nyssa sylvatica Tupelo Ostrya virginiana American Hophornbeam Quercus alba White Oak Quercus coccinea Scarlet Oak Quercus imbricaria Shingle Oak Quercus macrocarpa Bur Oak Quercus muehlenbergii Chinkapin Oak Quercus prinus Chestnut Oak Taxodium distichum Baldcypress Ulmus Frontier Frontier Elm Ulmus parvifolia Lacebark Elm
Over Mulching Also Buries the Roots and Part of the Trunk
There should only be 2 3 inches of mulch and that y should be 4 6 inches away from the trunk.
TREES OTHER PROBLEMS Anthracnose common problem of dogwoods. Bag worms on Cypress. Borers Pine Bark Beetles Pruning Tent Caterpillars Fungus on Fruit Trees
Anthracnose Dogwoods and Other Trees Anthracnose is a general name given to a variety of fungi that attack various shade trees. Ourhotmoist springs and summers provide the perfect growing conditions for the development and spread of many of these fungi. Susceptible trees include: ash, elm, maples, oaks, walnuts and our state tree the Dogwood. Signs of anthracnose include dead dareas in a tree. First, leaves may turn tan with purple outline that slowly die. Twig cankers may develop where the leaves have died off. This can continue until an entire major branch has died off. Leaf signs August, 2009
Anthracnose on Dogwoods Ifthespringisfairly is fairly dampthebracts or flowers can become blighted. Anthracnose on Other Trees Anthracnose on Ash on Elm on Maple August, 2009
Anthracnose on Other Trees Anthracnose on Oak on Walnut Several cultural practices are recommended for control. Healthy trees can fight off infection. To reduce stress to trees, apply 3 4 inches of mulch around base of tree, but not touching the trunk. Wt Water during dry periods. Fertilize only moderately if necessary, avoid high nitrogen, which promotes growth of succulent sprouts which are more susceptible to the disease. Shady moist conditions are favorable to the disease, so plant trees in sunny areas and avoid overhead watering. Prune dying branches and sprouts during hot dry periods, and clean tools with 70% alcohol after each cut. Plant resistant dogwood varieties ( Stellar series.) August, 2009
Anthracnose on Dogwoods and Other Trees Fungicides are only suggested if the disease is persistent after cultural practices have been used without improvement. Apply fungicides at label rates and directions, beginning at bud break or first sign of disease in the spring. Fungicide id options include: Neem oil (Garden Safe Fungicide): repeat applications at 7- to 14-day intervals. Chlorothalonil (Daconil Weather Stik, Daconil Ultrex, Fertilome Landscape & Garden Fungicide): repeat applications at 7- to 14-day intervals. Mancozeb (Dithane DF Rainshield, Mancozeb DG, Dithane T/O Rainshield, Pentathlon LF, Protect T/O): repeat applications at 7- to 10-day intervals. Propiconazole (Banner Maxx, Fertilome Liquid Systemic Fungicide, Fungonil Lawn & Garden Disease Control): repeat applications at 14- to 28- day intervals. Propiconazole is the preferred fungicide for dogwoods. August, 2009
Bagworms on Evergreen Trees The bagworm is a perennial insect of arborvitae, cypress, juniper, pine, spruce and many other evergreen species. It also attacks certain deciduous trees such as black locust, honey locust and sycamore. Spread of the bagworm is slow because the adult females are unable to fly. Their dispersal over wide areas occurs mainly through movement of infested nursery stock. Additionally, wind can disperse small larvae in early June. Bags with worms inside Bags and Bagworm Damage
Bagworms on Evergreen Trees The insect is most easily identified by the bag or case the caterpillar builds around itself on the plant that it is feeding from. The bag is made from silk that the worm weaves along with bits of the host plant s leaves. When fully mature the caterpillars bag may be 1 ½- 2 inches long. The female will lay 300-1,000 eggs inside the bag. The eggs hatch from late-may to mid June. The larvae are most susceptible to treatment t t mid to late June. Pest Control Timing of Treatment Remarks Bagworm Light Augustto to May Overwinteringeggs eggs remain infestation inside the bags until hatching The first two in late May. Destroy the bags; treatments Remove and eggs will hatch from bags are organic burn bags thrown on the ground. and safe for Bacillus Treat when larvae are young Lightly misting the foliage is the thuringensis mid late June sufficient. Mist blower environment. (Bt) treatments are effective. Pemethrin Apply when bags are less than Avoid using in public areas Malathion ½ inch. May in coastal Virginia. August, 2009 Control is much less effective if applied later than mid June
Borers In 2008, borers were identified in Gloucester on red and white oaks, mock orange and linden trees. Sometimes the holes can be identified by themselves at other times, it is the frass (looks like sawdust) left on the tree as the borer exits that give them away. In either case the borer has already caused damage. Borer hole Borer Frass Inside the Damage August, 2009
Borers Borer holes are usually round or D shaped. Frass may be seen outside holes, as on the oak above. While in the case of fruit trees one might see sap/gum seeping from the borer holes. Pest Control Timing of Treatment Remarks Oak Borer Endosulfan (Thiodan) Treat trunk to ground in early June Heavy infestations in even numbered Permethrin years. Peach Apple/fruit tree Endosulfan Treat trunks and soil borer and mock (Thiodan) around base in July and orange Permethrin repeat in 6 weeks Round headed and flat headed borer Endosulfan (Thiodan) Treat bark of trunk and branches in early May, Imidcloprid as soil drench before Permethrin June and early July infestation in April Imidcloprid Dogwood Borer Endosulfan Treat bark of trunk and (Thiodan) Permethrin branches in mid May and repeat in 6 weeks August, 2009
Pine Bark Beetles Pine Bark Beetles can cause a great deal of damage. If your property is over five acres Virginia i i Forestry Service may hl help. Watering during periods of drought is a very important cultural control, mulching can also help. Pitch tubes of Pine Bark Beetle Galleries under bark So. Pine Bark Beetle Exit hole made by a So. Pine Bark Beetle Beetles send out pheromones that attract more beetles and create hot spots of activity. August, 2009
FOR PINE BARK BEETLES VIRGINIA TECH RECOMMENDS Have dead or heavily infested limbs or trees removed in winter when the beetles are dormant. Burn all refuse. Do not keep wood chips as eggs may remain in the pieces under the bark. Look in the yellow pages under Tree(s) for arborists that are licensed and certified, and include insect management or control in their listing. Pest Control Timing of Treatment Remarks (Conifers) Endosulfan (Thiodan) Treat unhealthy, weakened, or damaged trees in early April, early June, and August if Thoroughly wet all of the bark. Healthy vigorous Permethrin near infested trees. Also effective in trees are not likely to be preventing spread if sprayed on infested attacked and do not trees or wood before beetles emerge, or in require spraying. Beetles preventing infestations in uninfested wood that is cut but cannot be disposed of immediately. Throughout the year, particularly during the growing season, when trees begin dying or wood is cut. Prune out large, dying, or recently dead branches. will not reinfest or attack wood or trees dead more than one year. Dispose of susceptible wood, slash, and bark from stumps by burning. Beetles will not reinfest or attack wood or trees dead longer than one year. Sanitation Throughout the year particularly during the Dispose of susceptible August, 2009
Eastern Tent Caterpillars The Eastern Tent Caterpillar is an unsightly nuisance, but it does not cause significant ifi damage. It is quite common in Southeastern t Virginia. i i In the mature stage they are 2-2 1/2 inches long and have a white stripe down their spine. Treatment is simple and does not require toxins. Break up the tents or communal nests with a stick, pole pruner or other device when first spotted in early spring. You can then burn the nest and caterpillars to eradicate this pest. August, 2009
Gypsy Moth Caterpillars The Gypsy y Moth Caterpillar is a much more dangerous relative and which may defoliate trees and in extreme cases may cause the death of trees. This caterpillar is characterized by five double blue spots and six double red spots on the top of segments and a thin yellow line down the spine. Please report sightings of these caterpillars as soon as possible to your local VA Coopperative Extension Office. August, 2009
Pruning Crape Myrtles Topping Crape Myrtles has become a common practice, but a poorly advised one often called crape murder. In the fall, the crape myrtles store energy in their roots to re-leaf the tree next spring and blossom in the summer. If the tree is topped (picture 1 next page), then it will need to replace all of the missing branches of various sizes with numerous small twigs. One Rule of Pruning is never take off more than 1/3. When these twigs leaf out, they will overlap (picture 2) so much that t they will have difficulty executing photosynthesis th to make sufficient nutrition for the tree. Fi ll ll d t i d l t di Finally, small dense twigs and leaves are more prone to disease and pests than having a range of various sized branches. August, 2009
So Topping a crape myrtle will stress and weaken your tree because it: The tree uses up energy in rebuilding the branching system. Leads to less nutrition due to inefficient/overlapping leafing. Makes the tree more susceptible to disease and pests. Photos Karen Russ Clemson Extension August, 2009
Correct pruning Provides a more open and natural canopy that has a healthy branching structure. It allows sunlight and air to freely circulate through and around the plant. This improves photosynthesis and Reduces the potential for fungal infections. Photo Karen Russ Clemson Extension August, 2009
Should have been pruned 30 years ago Now it needs one or two prunnings
Pear Tree Needs Pruning and Has Fungus Fabraea Maculate August, 2009
Fungus Leads to Rotten Fruit Proper Pruning Could Have Helped to Avoid This August, 2009
Developer s Dream and Grew up tall and spindly in dense stands. They competed for sunlight, but also protected each other from the elements. Arborist s s Nightmare Without mutual protection they will become a quick windfall in a strong wind or ice-storm.
TREES Planting Them and Other Problems in Gloucester Hope You enjoyed the Presentation and Please Fill out an Evaluation THANK YOU
RESOURCES: Arboriculture: Integrated Management of Landscape Trees, Shrubs and Vines. Fourth Edition Harris, Richard W. ;Clark, James R.; Matheny, Nelda P. Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, New Jersey Creating the Urban Forest the Bare Root Method, Cornell University Ithaca, New York, available on line at site below. http://www.hort.cornell.edu/uhi/outreach/pdfs/bareroot.pdf The New York/Mid Atlantic Gardener s Book of Lists. Appleton, Bonnie Lee and Chapline, Lois Trigg. Taylor Trade Publishing Trees and Shrubs: Peterson Field Guides. Petides, George A. Houghton Mifflin Company Boston New York Winter Tree Finder; A Manual of Identifing Deciduous Trees in Winter. Watts, May Theilgaard and Watts, Tom. Nature Study Guild Publishers, Rochester, New York