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Fall-Winter tree care PSA – protect from animal damage

Posted by MLF Webmaster on
 October 22, 2019

In the later fall and winter, when other food sources are scarce, voles, mice and rabbits eat the bark and underlying tissue of young trees. Voles frequently girdle a tree by removing a continuous strip of bark and cambium around the circumference of the tree, usually within 30 cm of the base of the tree. Trees do not recover from this girdling and usually die during the following year.

Some commercially available repellents used by fruit growers can effectively  discourage voles, rabbits and deer from feeding on trees. SKOOT and other brand name repellents contain Thiram, a distasteful but harmless fungicide that discourages animals from taking a second bite. With a paint-like consistency, the repellent can be painted onto the tree’s bark from below the original soil line to a height of 150-175 cm to discourage deer browsing, and feeding by rabbits and voles.

Before applying the fungicide, the bark mulch and a few centimetres of soil is removed from the base of the tree to allow the property manager to paint the trunk of the tree from below soil level to a height of 150-175 cm with the repellent to discourage feeding by voles, rabbits and deer.

Ensure complete coverage when applying the repellent and follow the  package directions.

Where there is a known threat of vole and rabbit damage, a galvanized hardware cloth cylinder with a 6-8 mm square mesh can be set in place around the base of the tree and buried to a depth of 5 cm into the soil.

The soil and mulch is then returned to its original form and depth, covering a few cm of the painted trunk at the base of the tree before three 15-20 cm wire staples are used to fix the cylinder in place, centrally around the trunk of the tree. Short pieces of poly-coated wire secure the cylinder to a 125 cm stake, driven at least 25 cm into the soil.

Individual Tree Wraps and Tree Guards may be more effective where vole and rabbit damage is concerned, in areas where there is a low deer population and minimal risk deer browsing.

Rabbits and voles gnaw the bark of young trees, consuming the outer and inner bark, exposing the inner wood. If the chewing extends more than half way around the trunk, the tree may not survive.

Protect the tree by wrapping a soft, flexible plastic tree wrap around the trunk. Starting at the bottom, bury at least 5 cm of the wrap below soil line and work your way upward. Be sure to wrap beyond the typical snow line. Remove the wrap in the spring.

In areas where deer may be a problem from browsing or rubbing their antlers against the tree trunk, use a tree guard 100-125 cm in length.

Tree guards also offer some protection from winter sunscald

Many different tree wraps and protectors are available from garden centers and farm supply outlets. A flexible plastic tree wrap is shown above on the left. A ventilated, corrugated tree guard is shown on its right.  We used both of these tree protectors to protect the native maples that were planted recently. Both installations include the use of a hardware cloth cylinder supported by a sturdy stake.

More information available at:

Protecting Trees from Animal Damage: http://www.agr.gc.ca/eng/science-and-innovation/agricultural-practices/agroforestry/diseases-and-pests/protecting-trees-from-animal-damage/?id=1198877618448

All About Maples Caring for your maple News

Watering our young maples – Tree care on the MLF farm Part 2

Posted by MLF Webmaster on
 September 7, 2019

Newly planted trees (those planted within the past three years) require regular watering and care throughout the annual growing season. The first few years are the most critical to their long term survival and growth.

A 200-250 cm sugar maple sapling that was planted as a bare root tree in mid-May 2018. Note the hardwood mulch placed around the base of tree and the tree-watering bag set in place. The bag capacity is 65-70L when full with a draining time of  6-8 hours, but the bag content can be reduced when used for watering smaller sized trees.

Deep watering to a depth of 30-40 cm keeps the tree’s root zone moist (but not wet) and encourages rapid root regeneration that is essential to the tree’s reestablishment in its new environment.

MLF’s woodlot manager, Mike Fisher has been watering the 200-250 cm sugar maple saplings regularly, partially filling the tree-watering-bags with  40-45 L of water weekly. The trees were watered more frequently during the hot dry weather we experienced in June and July. The water soaks into the soil over a period of 4-6 hours, saturating the tree’s root zone.

It’s a year later and the sapling has grown to 20-25 mm stem caliper. The tree-watering-bag is in place, wrapped around the base of the tree and partially filled with water (40-45 L).

Note: This particular tree was planted in a more exposed location and required a stake to keep it upright while it grew new roots to support the tree. The stake will be removed in spring 2020 if the tree is well “anchored”.

On well-drained soils, 40-45 L per 25 mm of stem diameter/week should be enough water. Don’t overfill the bag as too much water can damage the roots by keeping the soil too wet. Water the trees every 4-5 days during hot, dry, drought-like conditions. 

An economical alternative to tree watering bags – a 20 L bucket with two small holes drilled into the bottom
 Alter the location of the bucket placement relative to the tree trunk by 90 degrees each time you water.
Alter the location of the bucket placement relative to the tree trunk by 90 degrees each time you water.

Above: You can also use a DIY tree-watering-bucket,  an economical alternative to the commercial tree-watering-bag that is shown in the background. Capacity of 20 L. Fill twice to provide the 40-45 L required for each watering. Alter the location of the bucket placement relative to the tree trunk by 90 degrees as you water the sapling during the growing season, to encourage uniform root development around the tree. The duct tape flap covers the “fill hole”, preventing small birds from entering the bucket to get a drink.

The consequences of failing to adequately water recently planted maples – drought stressed leaves as the tree slowly dies.

Year four and after:  you can relax a bit on tree watering in later years but be prepared to water during long periods of drought.

All About Maples Caring for your maple News

Pruning & Gypsy Moths – Tree care at the Maple Leaves Forever farm Part 1

Posted by MLF Webmaster on
 September 4, 2019

Carl Mansfield, MLF’s Arboreal Consultant, spent a morning recently with Woodlot Manager Mike Fisher at the MLF farm.

Carl writes: We checked out the Comfort Maple saplings that we planted in May, 2018 and later toured the property with Mike to see if other trees might need our attention.

Mike has been watering the maple saplings trees regularly (it has been hot and dry out there), filling the tree-watering-bags with 40-45 L of water about every 4-5 days for the past several weeks. It takes 4-6 hours for the water to soak into the tree’s root zone.

We did some light pruning on several of the sugar maple saplings, reestablishing a single, dominant leader on a few trees by selecting  the strongest central branch to be the leader and shortening or completely removing the remaining competing co-dominant shoots.

We removed a few branches with irregular growth and a few that were rubbing against other branches. Any new branches that were growing on the lower third of the trunk were also removed.

We limited pruning to what was essential for now and will revisit these trees after leaf fall in October. The trees are doing fine under Mike’s care.

Mike had a few questions about a group of larger sugar maple trees that had been planted on the edge of the woodlot, a few years after Ken purchased the property.

Small grove of young maples where we found the Lymantria dispar dispar (also known as Gypsy Moth) caterpillars in the tall weeds at the base of the trees.
  • Adult gypsy moths - the caterpillars go through a "pupal stage", emerging as an almond-coloured moth about ten days later.
    Adult gypsy moths – the caterpillars go through a “pupal stage”, emerging as an almond-coloured moth about ten days later.
  • Gypsy moth caterpillars on trunk of young sugar maple tree.
    Gypsy moth caterpillars on trunk of young sugar maple tree.

While inspecting these trees, we found random clusters of Gypsy Moth caterpillars hidden by the tall grass at the base of many of these trees. We eliminated these and visually inspected the lower crowns  for signs of more caterpillars. We found that only a few had managed to climb the trunk and reach the lowest branches. These were also removed. Mike will monitor these trees for the next 2-3 weeks to eliminate this pest.

ADDED NOTE: There are several environmentally friendly products available to homeowners that effectively interrupt the feeding cycle of the gypsy moth larvaes. Most involve preventing the larvae from climbing up the tree trunk to feed on the leaves. Sticky trap insect barriers are available from many retail suppliers.

MLF rarely recommends commercial products but in this instance, the Tree Banding Kit from Lee Valley Tools is more durable, waterproof and long lasting, outperforming similar products. The Banding material in second photo is not waterproof and falls apart after a few rains (personal experience from using several products).

Closer to the residence, we pruned a young bronze beech tree (150-175 cm) that Ken and Edie brought to the farm as a 30-45 cm seedling, when they returned from a trip to Newfoundland.

It had lost its leader to winter desiccation and had a lot of vigorous lateral growth. We clipped the ends of many of these branches to control their further growth and reserved two of the dominant upper branches to be trained in an upwards position to become a new leader for the tree. The final selection of a leader will be made when growth resumes next spring. The tree now has a nice form and is growing well.

The “rust resistant white elm” seedling that was donated to MLF by our friends at the Guelph Arboretum needed a “haircut” too . We planted it as a 40-45 cm grafted specimen in spring 2015. Like the other trees, it has been well cared for by Mike. It is now 3-4 metres in height with a current year’s growth of more than one meter for 2019. We pruned it to maintain its form, removed a few branches close to the ground and shortened several competing terminal branches. Really looks great now.

A walk along the woodlot edge and around the six acre pond confirmed that Ken’s beaver concerns have diminished with no sightings or evidence of recent beaver activity. What we had mistaken for a beaver causing ripples on the pond turned out to be two painted turtles basking in the sun while enjoying a mid-day swim.

Time well spent.

Carl

News

Q&A – What are those white blotches on my tree?

Posted by MLF Webmaster on
 August 22, 2019

Recently we had a question come to our mailbox about white spots on their trees’ bark.

MLF Tree Expert Carl Mansfield replied:

Your tree appears to have lichens growing on the outer bark.

Lichens are colourful crusts found growing on trees, rocks and other objects. They are often thought to be a pest or disease of trees and shrubs, but not so.

Lichens are non-parasitic plant-like organisms that pose no harm to the trees on which they grow. They use the outer bark of trees as a place to live and grow. They do not penetrate into the inner bark of trees and take no nourishment or water from the trees. 

A lichen consists of two different organisms engaged in a symbiotic relationship. One is a fungus, whose job it is to anchor the lichen to an object where it will grow. The other is a bluish-green algae that turns sunlight into food for the lichen. There are many kinds of lichens. They are spread by spores and tiny bits of lichen, blown on the wind.

Lichens aren’t often noticed until a tree appears to be unhealthy or dying; don’t blame the lichens. The only thing they’re killing is time.

  • Carl Mansfield, MLF’s Tree Expert
All About Maples Caring for your maple News Questions & Answers

Pruning young sugar maples – Tree care at the Maple Leaves Forever farm Part 3

Posted by MLF Webmaster on
 August 16, 2019

It’s been almost two years since we planted some 175-200 cm sugar maple saplings on the Farm. An arborist will recommend  that you wait at least 2-3 years before attempting any pruning but we knew a few of these trees could use our help.

Most deciduous trees and shrubs should be pruned when they are dormant, preferably in the early spring just before growth starts. Maples are an exception to the dormant pruning rule and should be pruned when actively growing in mid-summer. When pruned in early-spring, maples ‘bleed’ excessive amounts of sap. Pruning should not be done too late in the fall either, as wounds will not have time to heal before winter.

Sugar maple sapling, 200-250 cm, shortly after it was planted mid-May 2018. Note uniform branching structure and single, dominant terminal shoot.

Without some guidance, young maples can start to branch out in the wrong direction. Newly planted trees soak up the sun, moisture and nutrients as they regenerate new roots to strengthen and nourish the tree. They often need help finding their way during their formative years.

It’s almost two years later and this young maple needs some pruning. Note the multiple leaders at the top of the tree and imbalance of new growth on the right side of the tree compared to the left. Selective pruning will correct these conditions as shown in the tree below.

We did some light pruning during a recent tree inspection. The goal was to encourage the tree’s leader to grow by trimming competing branches. We began by removing any dead (leafless) or damaged branches. These were few and far between. We prefer to use bypass shears when pruning.

A few trees had many strong branches but lacked a central guiding leader. For these trees, we selected the strongest central branch to be the new leader and shortened the remaining co-dominant branches. Where experienced suggested doing so, a few of the larger competing branches were completely removed as we pruned to reestablish a single, dominant leader. Any new branches that were found growing on the lower parts of the trunk were also removed.

If there were multiple leaders at the top of a tree, we selected the strongest, best of the group and either reduced the competing leaders by 1/3 their length or completely removed them (if doing so did not remove an excessive amount of leaves). 

We limited pruning of these young maples to what was essential and made a note to revisit these trees after the leaves fall in October.

Elsewhere on the farm, we pruned several 60-70 mm caliper trees by removing or shortening branches that had an irregular growth habit. We removed the parts of any branches that were growing toward the center of the tree’s crown or downwards in any fashion and removed the smaller of any branches that rubbed against one another.

We reduced the length of many of the lower branches that will not be part of the permanent canopy of the larger canopy trees. A few we removed completely. We will continue to do this selective pruning as the tree grows. This raises the tree’s canopy (crown) providing clearance under the tree.

Removal of a competing branch within the crown of a young caliper tree. We prefer to use bypass shears for our pruning work.

Removal of a competing branch within the crown of a young caliper tree. We prefer to use bypass shears for our pruning work.

We reduced the length of most of the lower branches that will not be part of the permanent canopy of these trees.  A few, we removed completely. We will continue to do this selective pruning annually as the trees grow, raising the canopy (crown) until there is at least 1.8- 2.1 m of clear trunk  under the canopy.

We did not apply any tree pruning paint or wound dressing to the cuts. Using these products hinder the maple’s natural heeling process.

  • Carl Mansfield, Arboreal Consultant, Maple Leaves Forever
All About Maples Caring for your maple News

Lesson Learned – Weed trimmers can kill trees

Posted by MLF Webmaster on
 August 1, 2019

Last summer we visited a landowner who was concerned with the early-fall colour change several of the maples along his laneway displayed. Click here for related story.

  • Premature colour change indicated poor health for these maples.
  • Premature colour change indicated poor health for these maples.

Closer examination revealed that property maintenance staff had severely damaged the bark and underlying tissue around the trunk at  the base of the trees, while using a string trimmer to cut the grass close to the trees. This damage cannot be repaired.

  • Avoid using string trimmers around trees.
    Avoid using string trimmers around trees.
  • Tree damaged by a string trimmer.
    Tree damaged by a string trimmer.
New leaves withered and turned brown on the damaged trees.
New leaves withered and turned brown on the damaged trees.

We revisited the property a few weeks ago and found that the trees had made an attempt to grow this year. Even with the cool, wet spring, they didn’t have a chance. Within a week’s time, the new leaves withered and turned brown. Without the vascular tissue to transfer nutrients and water from the roots to the emerging leaves, the trees will die.

Keep string trimmers away from your trees. Use mulches to control weeds.

Keep string trimmers away from your trees. Use mulches to control weeds.
Keep string trimmers away from your trees. Use mulches to control weeds.
All About Maples Caring for your maple News

Visit to Winkelmolen, June 2019

Posted by MLF Webmaster on
 July 11, 2019
MLF Executive Director, Deb Pella Keen, visiting Winkelmolen Nursery
MLF Executive Director, Deb Pella Keen, visiting Winkelmolen Nursery

Maple Leaves Forever visited Winkelmolen Nursery Ltd. recently to introduce our new Executive Director Deb Pella Keen to the staff and to get her boots dirty with a tour of the nursery facilities and production fields. We were shown high quality native maple seedlings, saplings and larger trees growing in fertile soils as we travelled throughout the nursery. We were encouraged to hear that the nursery is continuing to make incremental increases in their production of native maples, with an awareness of the need for the planting of more native species.

Our hosts, Jeff Winkelmolen and Christian Schramp took time to explain to Deb how trees were being grown and “the why we do this” on many occasions. It was a thoroughly relaxed and entertaining visit. 

We thanked Christian and Jeff for their hospitality and a said a special Thank You to the Winkelmolen family for their continued support of the Maple Leaves Forever Program.

  • A field of two year old sugar maple seedlings.*
    A field of two year old sugar maple seedlings.*
  • One-year-old sugar maple saplings.*
    One-year-old sugar maple saplings.*
  • Two-year-old sugar maple saplings.*
    Two-year-old sugar maple saplings.*

*A note regarding seedling and sapling age:

Seedling age is determined by the number of years the seedlings have grown in a nursery seedbed, or the time since the seed was planted into a nursery seedbed. It takes two years to grow a sugar maple seedling.  This is called a 2+0 seedling. The “2” tells us the number of years in the seedbed. The “0” tells us the seedling has spent no time in a transplant field.

The nursery industry uses this correlation to tell the age of seedlings and transplants. For example, a 2+2 tree spends 2 years growing in a seedbed and 2 additional years in a transplant bed. It is four years old.

The “one year old saplings” above, are 5 year old trees, having spent 2 years in a seedbed + two years lined out in a nursery field + 1 additional year in a nursery field during which time it is cultured to produce a sapling. Timewise, it is five years old from when the seed was planted into a seedbed on the nursery. Its actual age is 2+2+1 or 5 years. Size 100-150 cm. 

A “two year old sapling” is six years old, having spent two years growing in the seedbed + two years lined out in the nursery field + 2 years of specialized cultural care in the nursery. Actual age is 2+2+2 or 6 years. Size 150-250 cm.

All About Maples News

Maple “seed crop” looks strong for 2019!

Posted by MLF Webmaster on
 June 22, 2019

The hot, dry summer of 2018 has produced a heavier than normal “seed crop” on our native maples for 2019.

During the past few weeks (early to late-June), our native red and silver maples have shed their seed crops where they are growing along city streets and in parklands.

The larger silver maple seed can be seen along walkways and on the grass in neighbourhoods. The much smaller red maple seed is harder to find.

5 seeds in upper left are native red maple seeds; directly below are 3 Freeman’s maple seed; and to the right are 3 silver maple seeds on a common seed stalk

A less common, naturally occurring hybrid of these species (Freeman’s maple) occurs where the range of these species overlaps. Its seed is distinct from that of either parent trees.

A dime is included here to give a sense of scale. Freeman’s maple seed is directly above the dime; red maple seed is to the right of the dime; silver maple seed is to the right of the Freeman’s maple, in the upper right of the photo.

The seed of Sugar and Black maple matures in mid-September.

All About Maples News

MLF is proud to support 2019 Ontario Envirothon!

Posted by MLF Webmaster on
 June 13, 2019

(Media Release from Forests Ontario – June 13, 2019)

University of Toronto Schools Recognized as Forests Ontario’s Ontario Envirothon Champions Maple Leaves Forever awards generous cash prizes to top three teams Toronto, ON [June 20, 2019] – The Ontario Envirothon champions, University of Toronto Schools, were presented with a cash prize of $2,500 from charitable foundation Maple Leaves Forever for their achievement in the academic-environmental competition. The cheque presentation was held at the University of Toronto Schools’ Humbert Street location today, with Executive Director, Deb Pella Keen from Maple Leaves Forever and Director of Marketing and Business Development, Chantal Cory and Manager of Education, Allison Hands from Forests Ontario in attendance.

This year’s Ontario Envirothon was the first ever ’virtual’ competition, hosted online by the University of Waterloo’s Faculty of Environment. “We were excited to host this year’s competition, because it provides a challenge for some of Ontario’s keenest young environmental thinkers,” said Brendon Larson, Associate Dean-Undergraduate Studies. “The online format this year allowed greater accessibility for students from across the province, and lowered the environmental footprint of the competition.” Held from May 27th to 31st, the competition saw 90 students from 18 teams test their knowledge of soils, forestry, wildlife, aquatics, and agroecology.

As the reigning champions for the sixth year in a row, University of Toronto Schools will go on to represent Ontario in the NCF-Envirothon later this summer in North Carolina.

First Place Winners – University of Toronto Schools

The Ontario Envirothon is a unique environmental education program that immerses students in hands-on learning and discovery, offering budding environmental leaders a chance to explore career paths in the natural sciences and receive mentorship. “Maple Leaves Forever believes the topics covered by and skills developed through the Ontario Envirothon compliment the foundation’s vision of environmental sustainability,” explained Deb Pella Keen. “We are pleased to be involved in the recognition of the top teams for the fourth year in a row.”

Maple Leaves Forever also recognized the second and third place teams. Runner-ups Westmount Secondary were awarded a prize of $1,250, and third place team London Central Secondary School received $750 from the charity.

The Ontario Envirothon is coordinated by not-for-profit charity, Forests Ontario. “The Envirothon program has been delivering the best in hands-on, scientific competition for the past 25 years. We are truly proud to deliver this program in Ontario,” said Rob Keen, CEO of Forests Ontario. “The 2019 championship upheld Envirothon’s legacy of encouraging students to grow their confidence, their knowledge, and their teamwork skills. These skills are imperative for tomorrow’s green leaders.”

The Envirothon program is an environmentally-themed academic competition for high school students, held across Canada and the United States on regional, provincial, and binational levels. The first-place team from the provincial and state Envirothon Championships go on to compete in the NCF-Envirothon. In total, more than 500,000 students across North America participate in Envirothon competitions annually.

News

Know your trees: Non-Native Crimson King vs Native Red Maple

Posted by MLF Webmaster on
 June 4, 2019

It’s finally spring in Ontario, and the leaves are showing on trees along our streets!

Many people mistake the reddish-coloured leaves of the NON-NATIVE Crimson King Norway Maple, thinking it’s a Red Maple.

In fact, the NATIVE Red Maple has green leaves in spring and summer, it’s only red in the fall.

All About Maples News Planting Advice
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