Hamilton County Soil and Water Conservation District - 2016 Native Tree Sale

It's time for Hamilton County Soil and Water Conservation Districts - Fall Native Tree Sale! They have even more species available this year as well as online ordering! Learn more and see what they are offering online. 

Order/Payment deadline: September 3rd  

Tree pick up: All orders must be picked up on Friday September 9th between 2-6 at the Hamilton County 4-H Fairground - Lama Barn in Noblesville. 

Click the link below for more information.  

http://www.hamiltonswcd.org/native-tree-sale.html

Shade Trees and Scale Insects in Hamilton County Landscapes

High populations of scale insects are drawing attention in Hamilton County yards this spring. The insects, commonly called lecanium scales, feed on the sap of a variety of trees including maple, oak and many others. This week alone we have had two samples come into our Educational Center for problem diagnosis. One sample was found on oak while the other was a mature maple.

The first signs of scale infestation are often noticed before one sees the insect itself. Most noticeable is the sticky, wet substance on under-story plants, yard furniture, or automobiles. This material, known as honeydew, is excess fluid that is excreted as the insects feed. Under-story leaves and other surfaces may be lightly speckled or heavily coated with the shiny drops of honeydew. Eventually a sooty mold fungus grows on this substrate, blackening the foliage, twigs, and bark, and other objects beneath scale-infested trees. Dieback of twigs and branches and premature leaf drop may result as heavily-infested trees compete with scale insects for necessary moisture.

Lecanium scales can vary in size and color but are generally oval in shape. Females molt several times before reaching adulthood. With each molt, the female’s body grows bigger, while her legs and antennae become proportionately smaller. By the time of the second molt, the female scale, with her hardened, brownish, hemispherical body, is incapable of moving from the spot on which she has become fixed. Male scales are delicate, flat and nearly transparent.

Normally, scale populations are kept in check by environmental factors and natural enemies such as ladybird beetles. Heavily-infested trees may show some dieback of twigs and branches and there may be some early leaf drop. Landowners can reduce other stress on trees to help them recover. For landscape trees be sure to water in times of drought and avoid disturbances such pruning and root damage. When populations are heavy on specimen trees, horticultural oils and other insecticides can be applied.  For more information, click here for a great publication from Michigan State University Extension.

Excerpts were taken from Vermont Dept. of Forestry Lecanium scale fact-sheet.

Not all Firewood Heats Equally

Heating costs seem to rise each year with the ever-increasing demand on our nations' energy sources. Many have found wood is an excellent asset in offsetting yearly heating costs. With wood being a renewable fuel source a glowing fire can be a practical complement to any central heating system and can go a long way toward aiding the pocketbook.   The EPA has found wood burned for home heating is a leading cause of air pollution in many cities. Wood stoves sold after July 1, 1988 must meet certain air quality standards.

Certain species of wood produce more heat than others. The heat a log produces depends on the density, moisture content, resin and ash in the wood.   Below are Indiana trees that have high heat production values.   

      Ash, Apple, Black Locust, American Hornbeam, Dogwood, Hickory, Hophornbeam, Hackberry, Mulberry, Oak, and Osage Orange.   

Indiana woodland owners have an excellent source of firewood on their own properties. Not only is the heat source provided, but also the quality of the woods can be upgraded with the removal of more undesirable trees for firewood. Undesirable trees are those that are poorly formed, diseased, or damaged.  

For those with no access to a woods, there are many other means of obtaining firewood. Most firewood is sold by the cord. A standard cord is a stack of wood 4 x 4 x 8 feet.  Wood is also often available as industrial wood scraps. There are several sawmills in Indiana, and some mills offer slabs, edgings and trimmings for firewood. 

Most wood species will not burn readily if they have been freshly cut, so the wood should be reasonably seasoned. Wood should also be purchased months prior to use. Proper wood size, well-seasoned wood and a mixture of various kinds of wood will enhance the enjoyment of your fireplace or wood stove.

Purdue Extension has several publications on heating with firewood. Check out these publications for more information.  Residential Wood Stove Installation and Wood for Home Heating.  

Tar Spot on Maple

This week I have had numerous calls about black tar-like spots on maple trees throughout Hamilton County. The spots are not truly tar, they are in fact fungal leaf spots that are becoming noticeable that likely started forming after the rainy start we had earlier this summer.

Tar spots on maples are caused by fungi in the genus Rhytisma. Although tar spot disease may cause premature defoliation of leaves, seldom are they detrimental to the overall health of infected trees. Tar spot diseases are best managed by raking and destroying fallen leaves since the fungi overwinter on leaves.

There are a few other common foliage leaf infections found on maples, click here to read more about these diseases.

Weather Extremes Can be Tough on Landscape Plants

If for no other reason than usual weather, 2015 will go down in the history books as a year to remember. We have experienced abnormal rains and extended dry periods within a few months. Over the past few weeks, Hamilton County homeowners have been calling the Purdue Extension office about stress symptoms on oak, maple, and other tree species. Some of the samples received include leaf scorch - the browning of leaves - branch die back and premature defoliation.

Click here to read the full article from Purdue University.