Notes from a Recent Tree Seminar

By Jason Ferrell and Donna Zandt

Pin Oak on right side of #7

This past week Assistant Superintendent, Jason Ferrell, along with Landscape Manager, Donna Zandt, attended a tree workshop in Belle Plain, KS. The speaker for the workshop was Tim McDonnell, the Community Forestry Coordinator for the Kansas Forest Service. The workshop covered areas of selecting and planting trees, drought stress, diseases and choosing the right tree for your location.

There are many different factors to consider when selecting a new tree. The most important are the size, condition and planting space for your location. It is also important to know what the disease and insect pressures are for your area in order to select trees that are resistant. A few of the more common diseases and insects in our area are pine wilt, canker and emerald ash borer.  Other things to look for when selecting a new tree are trees with a well-developed leader, no cross branches and free of mechanical or insect damage. 

Planting the tree can be the most critical step to a trees success. The two most common ways of purchasing a tree are either in a container or balled and burlapped. Container grown trees tend to have more trouble establishing due to spiraling of the roots while in the container. Before planting, the container must be removed and roots sliced and loosened to promote outward growth. For balled and burlapped trees, the top half of the wire basket and burlap should be removed to promote outward growth. Trees should be planted so that the root flare (which is right above the roots) should be at soil level. A soil ring that is 4 to 6 inches high should be built around the edge of the hole and covered with mulch.

As most of you know 2011 and 2012, were very hot and dry years that has caused a lot of stress on trees. Water is one of the most important resources for a trees growth. More than eighty percent of the variation in tree growth is because of water supply.

Growing periods with little water can lead to decreased rates of diameter and height, poor resistance to disease and insects, disruption of food production and distribution, and changes to the timing and rate of physiological processes, like fruit production and dormancy. The first visible sign of a tree experiencing drought conditions are wilting of the leaves.

As mentioned above when selecting a new tree, the size, condition and planting space for the location must be taken into consideration. Some trees for our area that are drought tolerant are Caddo Maple, Trident Maple, Red Oak, Shumard Oak, White Oak, Chinese Pistache, Golden Rain Tree and Lace Bark Elm.