That used to be an issue for us when we lived in town. I'm much happier letting my "lawn" go a little wild. The critters like it, and I don't use chemicals.
Iowa groves look sad
- Thread starter 2speedy1
- Start date
Winter Burn
This article covers winter burn, a common problem of evergreens including those with broad leaves, needles and scale-like leaves grown in open, unprotected locations and exposed to severe winter conditions.
hort.extension.wisc.edu
Resistance is apparently starting...
‘New hope’: ash trees rapidly evolving resistance to dieback, study reveals
Subtle DNA changes in trees demonstrate Charles Darwin’s natural selection – although human help may be neededwww.theguardian.com
Neighbor at the end of the street has an oak tree that I'm 99.9% sure is infected with oak wilt.
The evergreens in northern WI had some weirdness over the last several years as well but last couple of times I've been up there they appear to be doing better.
I thought I had heard it was viral or fungal type of deal instead of ash borers but not sure.
I thought I had heard it was viral or fungal type of deal instead of ash borers but not sure.
Mulberry trees also seem indestructible. I have a few new ones and have been pruning them like crazy to keep them shorter.
We have a weeping mulberry, it is the most fun I have ever had with a tree. I am trying to make the drooping young branches into a design, much like a hairdo. It will be interesting to see once the leaves fall off this fall.
In an attempt to diversify species I have several younger oaks, swamp white, white, and bur, plus more mature reds and pin oaks. I knew that it is recommended pruning should only be done during certain winter months to reduce the possibility of oak wilt infestation but for one reason or another I've missed that window a couple times over the years (not a top priority in the dead of winter when it's too cold). When visiting with the owner of a reputable nursery to determine if I was still in the window to prune, I discovered there are many cases of Oak wilt in the Cedar Falls, Ia area that was quite concerning to him so he wanted me to error on the side of caution. One of the main contributors to its spread are those little black "picnic" bugs. A lessor known fact is that it can be transferred from one tree to another if their proximity is close enough for their roots to cross paths.
I read about such things as "ash borer resistant" trees whether by breeding or natural selection and the first thought that crosses my mind is that the borers can adapt also--think of Roundup resistant waterhemp or some of the corn rootworm situations.
Have 4 ash trees in our backyard major shade for our patio in the backyard had all 4 treated by a company each tree was priced on the diameter he measured chest high the treatment is good for 2 years the total cost with tax 950$ trees are looking good!!
These bugs are also known as sap beetles, and that name gives a better clue as to how they infect oak trees. They feed on sap the oozes from fresh wounds or pruning cuts.
In Iowa, it is best to start wrapping up oak pruning around March 1st, although I have pushed to mid March in cold years without any problems.
It is wise to seal wounds from storm damage with paint or a pruning sealer
H
We have had good luck with 3 of our 4 pear trees. The lone disappointment was hammered by a buck when it was young, and it has never gotten back on track.
One challenge has been fighting their tendency to grow vertical. Japanese beetles are a headache, but they go after plums and grapes first.
H
I've heard there are a few spots there where balsam fir grows wild also.
Bluffton Fir Stand
Bluffton Fir Stand is a 94-acre preserve featuring a sheer limestone bluff up to 140 feet high.
Balsam Fir
The balsam fir (Abies balsamea) is a medium-sized tree, 50 to 60 feet in height. It is native to northeast Iowa where it grows on moist slopes. Habitat: Grows on steep north facing slopes. Found in northeast Iowa. Balsam Fir Tree Hardiness: Zones 3 through 6 Growth Rate: Slow Mature Shape...
naturalresources.extension.iastate.edu
Last edited:
I'll never understand the disdain people have for dandelions. They last a few weeks, then they're gone. Just mow them with your grass.
When wood chips, grass clippings, cardboard and chicken manure become the most sought after commodities...
You just cant tell anything with leaves. It is aboout shoulder height is all. Not much to look at, but messing with the 3' long long supple branches is fun. I am wrapping them all in the same direction, maybe a behive hairdo look or an inverted cyclone someday? I wont know what I have until the leaves drop.
Attachments
I have this red oak tree (one of those popular "fast-growing / softwood" oaks) I planted last October that had a rough winter. I think the lack of snowfall and probably not enough moisture took a toll on it. It took a long time to bud this spring and when it did only the branches on the left side of this photo grew leaves, the right 'half' remained dead. Since then I've been giving it a dose of 20-20-20 plant foot and water and it's grew basically everything above the support pole. It's growing so fast on top it's top-heavy from all the leaves and I'm going to have to add more support.
questions: the lower right side branches appear dead - do I cut them off? I don't want to set this tree back worse than it is already. For a while I thought half the trunk was dead too, but it looks healthier now. suggestions?
questions: the lower right side branches appear dead - do I cut them off? I don't want to set this tree back worse than it is already. For a while I thought half the trunk was dead too, but it looks healthier now. suggestions?
Attachments
Last edited:
Lay off the fertilizer. Don't prune the dead stuff until after Thanksgiving, or not at all. You might be out of the woods, or not. If tangled roots are an issue there's nothing you can do until the next stressful spell puts in back in decline. If the roots have taken hold and are NOT strangling each other you should have clear sailing. The picture doesn't show, but I'd prefer no sod within 3' of the trunk and no mulch touching the trunk.
BTW, the leaves suggest Pin Oak to me, not Red Oak. If so iron chlorosis would be your next problem in many parts of Iowa.
