After last week’s storms the coming weeks would be a good time to assess rain and wind damage to trees and shrubs. So what do you do? Start by asking yourself two questions.
1. Is it worth saving? Probably not if most of one side or the top is gone, especially if it has brittle wood that will be prone to similar problems in the future. Repairing a seriously damaged tree is often a bad investment, since it may never again be attractive and may even become a hazard. A qualified arborist is the best judge of a tree's condition. Request bids from multiple businesses and ask to see proof of professional training and certifications. If you can see that the natural shape will remain after pruning, then you may want to try to salvage it.
2. If you can salvage it, should you do the repair work yourself or hire a professional? If you can safely reach the limbs from the ground with pruning shears or a pole-lopper then you can do it yourself. But take care- many homeowners are injured or do serious property damage while working on trees. And if you aren't familiar with proper tree maintenance procedures, you may do further damage to the tree when you attempt repairs. Also, let a professional arborist work on large trees, trees near utility wires, near buildings and near other landscape plants. You can look in the phone book or go to http://www.isa-arbor.com/ and select “Find a Tree Care Service” to find a certified arborist by zip code. Make sure they carry proper liability and workmen's compensation insurance before allowing them to start the job. They should be prepared to show you proof upon request.
Questions? Contact your local extension office. In Lackawanna County ask for the Garden Help line at 963-6842 or email LackawannaMG@psu.edu
Terry Schettini, Extension Educator
Penn State Cooperative Extension in Lackawanna County
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Monday, August 15, 2011
Sustainable Forests
How well are we caring for the trees in our backyard?
If you are wondering how well we are doing and what we can do about it, the second National Report on Sustainable Forests for the United States and related studies highlight three overarching issues.
First, we are going to face challenges as we lose forest land near urban centers. Development also increases fragmentation (breaks in the forest for roads, etc.) that can cause problems for forest plants and wildlife. These forest losses and fragmentation can affect the quality of our air, water, wildlife habitat, and recreational opportunities. In addition, jobs tied to forestry and forest products would decline. And while harvesting trees is not the leading reason among private landowners for holding land, a lack of markets over time will mean more land is lost to development.
Secondly, our forests are at risk from climate change and bioenergy demand. Already, there is evidence of forests being affected by changes in temperature, precipitation, and insects. We know forests sequester large amounts of carbon and that many people believe they are a source of carbon neutral energy. Harvesting our forests for energy could adversely alter our ecological and economic landscapes.
Finally, forest health and disturbance patterns could lead to unexpected consequences. Careful management and tracking are important on all forests.
To read the National Report on Sustainable Forests - 2010, enter the title into your web browser. If you want help managing your woodlot following principles of sustainable forestry, request a copy of Forest Stewardship Principles for Landowners by calling the Forest Stewardship office at Penn State (800-235-9473) or download a copy at http://sfp.cas.psu.edu/pdfs/FSPrinciples.pdf
If you would like to find out about local groups working on forest issues or just to attend some local workshops … consider attending the events listed below!
Saturday, September 24. Wayne-Lackawanna Forest Landowners Association: Forest and Wildlife Habitat Management on Pennsylvania’s State Forests, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Lackawanna State Forest Headquarters, Thornhurst, PA. RSVPs are required; lunch provided. Contact John Maza for directions and questions, 570-945-7133 or jmaza@state.pa.us.
Thursday, November 3. Wayne-Lackawanna Forest Landowners Association: Management and Biology of Black Bears in Pennsylvania, 6:30 p.m., St. Rose Academy, Mayfield. Refreshments provided. RSVP to Joe Preate, 570-430-6316 or jpreate@aol.com
Questions? Contact your local extension office. In Lackawanna County ask for the Garden Help line at 963-6842 or email LackawannaMG@psu.edu
Terry Schettini, Extension Educator
Penn State Cooperative Extension in Lackawanna County
If you are wondering how well we are doing and what we can do about it, the second National Report on Sustainable Forests for the United States and related studies highlight three overarching issues.
First, we are going to face challenges as we lose forest land near urban centers. Development also increases fragmentation (breaks in the forest for roads, etc.) that can cause problems for forest plants and wildlife. These forest losses and fragmentation can affect the quality of our air, water, wildlife habitat, and recreational opportunities. In addition, jobs tied to forestry and forest products would decline. And while harvesting trees is not the leading reason among private landowners for holding land, a lack of markets over time will mean more land is lost to development.
Secondly, our forests are at risk from climate change and bioenergy demand. Already, there is evidence of forests being affected by changes in temperature, precipitation, and insects. We know forests sequester large amounts of carbon and that many people believe they are a source of carbon neutral energy. Harvesting our forests for energy could adversely alter our ecological and economic landscapes.
Finally, forest health and disturbance patterns could lead to unexpected consequences. Careful management and tracking are important on all forests.
To read the National Report on Sustainable Forests - 2010, enter the title into your web browser. If you want help managing your woodlot following principles of sustainable forestry, request a copy of Forest Stewardship Principles for Landowners by calling the Forest Stewardship office at Penn State (800-235-9473) or download a copy at http://sfp.cas.psu.edu/pdfs/FSPrinciples.pdf
If you would like to find out about local groups working on forest issues or just to attend some local workshops … consider attending the events listed below!
Saturday, September 24. Wayne-Lackawanna Forest Landowners Association: Forest and Wildlife Habitat Management on Pennsylvania’s State Forests, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Lackawanna State Forest Headquarters, Thornhurst, PA. RSVPs are required; lunch provided. Contact John Maza for directions and questions, 570-945-7133 or jmaza@state.pa.us.
Thursday, November 3. Wayne-Lackawanna Forest Landowners Association: Management and Biology of Black Bears in Pennsylvania, 6:30 p.m., St. Rose Academy, Mayfield. Refreshments provided. RSVP to Joe Preate, 570-430-6316 or jpreate@aol.com
Questions? Contact your local extension office. In Lackawanna County ask for the Garden Help line at 963-6842 or email LackawannaMG@psu.edu
Terry Schettini, Extension Educator
Penn State Cooperative Extension in Lackawanna County
Monday, August 8, 2011
Harvest
Finally, after all the hard work, timing the weather, and defending your garden from invaders, it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor. There are so many advantages to a home garden: you plant what you know you will like, you are confident in the manner of care because you did it yourself, and you know what was used or not used on the plants. The hobby is in full production now. In order to pick the vegetables when they are at their peak, keep in mind the following:
Bigger isn’t always better
Most vegetables attain their best eating quality when allowed to ripen on the plant, but often this peak quality is reached before the vegetable is fully mature. Many crops can be harvested several times over the growing season. Some plants, like green peppers, can be picked when they are of useable size, but red peppers should be picked when the color is uniform. Color and firmness, not size, applies to tomatoes too.
Time matters
Seed and transplant producers usually provide “days to maturity”, but this information is a guide. Several factors such as weather, soil fertility, and overall care can influence the growth cycle. Pick your vegetables in the morning, but when the plants are dry. Working in your garden when it is wet is an easy way to spread disease, such as septoria leaf spot on tomatoes. Harvesting early in the day means they are at their peak for crispness, sweetness, and juiciness, after resting and regaining their lost moisture from the previous day. Frequent picking prolongs the harvest.
Handle with care
Be gentle with garden plants while harvesting. Damaged or bruised vegetables can become decayed easily, rendering them useless. If vegetables are not easily removed when twisted or pulled, use a knife, scissors, or hand pruners. These tools help prevent tearing or breaking of a plant which could lead to disease infection. Remember to sanitize and clean your tools frequently. Be gentle with the host plant too. Most bear fruit several times in a season. Future harvest depends on the quality and health of the whole plant.
These are general tips to help in harvesting. Each particular vegetable variety has its own timetable. Some crops are early season, liking cooler weather, and others do better picked after the first frost. For more information on picking vegetables, please contact the Penn State Master Gardeners in Lackawanna County at (570) 963-6842 or email LackawannaMG@psu.edu and request the free publication “Guidelines for Harvesting Vegetables.”
Steve Ward
Master Gardener Coordinator
Penn State Cooperative Extension in Lackawanna County
Bigger isn’t always better
Most vegetables attain their best eating quality when allowed to ripen on the plant, but often this peak quality is reached before the vegetable is fully mature. Many crops can be harvested several times over the growing season. Some plants, like green peppers, can be picked when they are of useable size, but red peppers should be picked when the color is uniform. Color and firmness, not size, applies to tomatoes too.
Time matters
Seed and transplant producers usually provide “days to maturity”, but this information is a guide. Several factors such as weather, soil fertility, and overall care can influence the growth cycle. Pick your vegetables in the morning, but when the plants are dry. Working in your garden when it is wet is an easy way to spread disease, such as septoria leaf spot on tomatoes. Harvesting early in the day means they are at their peak for crispness, sweetness, and juiciness, after resting and regaining their lost moisture from the previous day. Frequent picking prolongs the harvest.
Handle with care
Be gentle with garden plants while harvesting. Damaged or bruised vegetables can become decayed easily, rendering them useless. If vegetables are not easily removed when twisted or pulled, use a knife, scissors, or hand pruners. These tools help prevent tearing or breaking of a plant which could lead to disease infection. Remember to sanitize and clean your tools frequently. Be gentle with the host plant too. Most bear fruit several times in a season. Future harvest depends on the quality and health of the whole plant.
These are general tips to help in harvesting. Each particular vegetable variety has its own timetable. Some crops are early season, liking cooler weather, and others do better picked after the first frost. For more information on picking vegetables, please contact the Penn State Master Gardeners in Lackawanna County at (570) 963-6842 or email LackawannaMG@psu.edu and request the free publication “Guidelines for Harvesting Vegetables.”
Steve Ward
Master Gardener Coordinator
Penn State Cooperative Extension in Lackawanna County
Friday, August 5, 2011
Join Us At....
Bill’s Ace Hardware
921 Drinker Turnpike
Covington TWP, PA 18444
(Every Saturday in August, 11 a.m.—2 p.m.)
And
The Scranton Cooperative Farmers Market
900 Barring Ave
(off Providence Rd. and Albright Ave.)
Scranton, PA 18508
The Penn State Master Gardeners in Lackawanna County will be available to answer your gardening questions and give you the latest research-based information on home horticultural topics. We have plenty of free publications and can help you with such topics as insect identification, disease management, composting, organic gardening, and more! Stop by and see us! For more information please call (570) 963-6842.
Steve Ward
Master Gardener Coordinator
921 Drinker Turnpike
Covington TWP, PA 18444
(Every Saturday in August, 11 a.m.—2 p.m.)
And
The Scranton Cooperative Farmers Market
900 Barring Ave
(off Providence Rd. and Albright Ave.)
Scranton, PA 18508
The Penn State Master Gardeners in Lackawanna County will be available to answer your gardening questions and give you the latest research-based information on home horticultural topics. We have plenty of free publications and can help you with such topics as insect identification, disease management, composting, organic gardening, and more! Stop by and see us! For more information please call (570) 963-6842.
Steve Ward
Master Gardener Coordinator
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Lawn Herbicide and Trees
Watch for Possible Broadleaf Lawn Herbicide Injury to Trees
Damage to trees due to broadleaf lawn herbicides is a rare event; but when it does occur, it can create a lot of anxiety and customer dissatisfaction. This year, damage has been observed on certain tree species (primarily Norway spruce and white pine) following spring applications of a new herbicide called Imprelis. Pete Landschoot, Professor of Turfgrass Science, recently provided an update on this situation. Here’s a brief summary of his report.
Effects on trees:
First, not all applications of Imprelis result in tree injury. The recently observed injury seems to be related to the soaking spring rains we experienced in April and May. We are not aware of any tree injury following fall applications.
In cases where injury did occur, symptoms to Norway spruce began as yellowing, curling, and browning of the current season’s growth. In some cases, injury does not progress much further than slight curling and browning of new growth; however, in other cases complete dieback is observed. In severe cases, the entire tree turns brown and begins to lose its needles. Trees of all ages have been affected to varying degrees. White pine injury appears as severe twisting and curling followed by needle drop of the new season’s growth. Because of the spiral pattern of the vascular system in many conifers, damage from herbicide uptake may even appear as a spiral on foliage.
What can be done about injured trees?
Since a number of factors can cause symptoms similar to Imprelis injury it’s important to make sure tree injury is a result of herbicide uptake. Call a qualified arborist or bring in samples to your local Penn State Extension office.
In cases where injury is clearly herbicide induced, do not fertilize trees for at least one growing season (excess growth can compound injury). If drought begins to set in, watering to alleviate stress may be useful on trees that received slight to moderate damage. Place a soaker hose on the soil near the trunk of injured Norway spruce trees that have low hanging branches. This allows slow irrigation of the soil directly under the tree, and reduces the risk of additional active ingredient being taken up by the tree. On trees with dieback, pruning should be delayed for up to a year to fully assess the extent of the damage, and to allow for recovery.
Penn State Cooperative Extension will provide updates as more information becomes available. To find the latest updates go to http://extension.psu.edu/ and search on the term Imprelis.
To read Dr. Landschoot’s full article go to http://extension.psu.edu/greenindustry/giec/news/2011/some-observations-on-imprelis-injury-to-trees Or contact your local cooperative extension office. In Lackawanna County ask for the Garden Help line at 963-6842 or email LackawannaMG@psu.edu
Terry Schettini, Extension Educator
Penn State Cooperative Extension in Lackawanna County
Damage to trees due to broadleaf lawn herbicides is a rare event; but when it does occur, it can create a lot of anxiety and customer dissatisfaction. This year, damage has been observed on certain tree species (primarily Norway spruce and white pine) following spring applications of a new herbicide called Imprelis. Pete Landschoot, Professor of Turfgrass Science, recently provided an update on this situation. Here’s a brief summary of his report.
Effects on trees:
First, not all applications of Imprelis result in tree injury. The recently observed injury seems to be related to the soaking spring rains we experienced in April and May. We are not aware of any tree injury following fall applications.
In cases where injury did occur, symptoms to Norway spruce began as yellowing, curling, and browning of the current season’s growth. In some cases, injury does not progress much further than slight curling and browning of new growth; however, in other cases complete dieback is observed. In severe cases, the entire tree turns brown and begins to lose its needles. Trees of all ages have been affected to varying degrees. White pine injury appears as severe twisting and curling followed by needle drop of the new season’s growth. Because of the spiral pattern of the vascular system in many conifers, damage from herbicide uptake may even appear as a spiral on foliage.
What can be done about injured trees?
Since a number of factors can cause symptoms similar to Imprelis injury it’s important to make sure tree injury is a result of herbicide uptake. Call a qualified arborist or bring in samples to your local Penn State Extension office.
In cases where injury is clearly herbicide induced, do not fertilize trees for at least one growing season (excess growth can compound injury). If drought begins to set in, watering to alleviate stress may be useful on trees that received slight to moderate damage. Place a soaker hose on the soil near the trunk of injured Norway spruce trees that have low hanging branches. This allows slow irrigation of the soil directly under the tree, and reduces the risk of additional active ingredient being taken up by the tree. On trees with dieback, pruning should be delayed for up to a year to fully assess the extent of the damage, and to allow for recovery.
Penn State Cooperative Extension will provide updates as more information becomes available. To find the latest updates go to http://extension.psu.edu/ and search on the term Imprelis.
To read Dr. Landschoot’s full article go to http://extension.psu.edu/greenindustry/giec/news/2011/some-observations-on-imprelis-injury-to-trees Or contact your local cooperative extension office. In Lackawanna County ask for the Garden Help line at 963-6842 or email LackawannaMG@psu.edu
Terry Schettini, Extension Educator
Penn State Cooperative Extension in Lackawanna County
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