1999 Issues by Minnesota Shade Tree Advisory Committee

VOL. 2, NO. 4 • AUTUMN 1999

Crookston’s Community Forest

What’s Wrong With My Ash?

Winter Protection

‘Tis the Season...

Letters

8-9 STAC Award Application 10 STAC News 11 Potpourri

Autumn ’99 ◆ The Minnesota Shade Tree Advisory Committee’s mission is to advance Minnesota’s commitment to the health, care and future of all community forests.

MnSTAC . . . 25 Years Young! Twenty-five years young and going strong! ThatÕs MnSTAC today. Members and friends came together at the Minnesota Humanities Center in St. Paul on Sept 30 to reminisce, reflect on what MnSTAC has meant to them and recall both the successes and the current needs of urban forests. A quarter of a century ago, many individuals who would later become the core of MnSTAC were quietly advocating for trees in their own ways. But particularly when Dutch elm disease continued to ravage the stateÕs shade trees, they recognized the need for better communication and support among community Òtree people.Ó Today the group includes citizens-at-large and public officials, people from state and federal agencies, private businesses, municipal governments and educational institutions . . . all advocating for the health and welfare of community forests! Your winter Advocate will feature some of MnSTACÕs founding members and milestones in the groupÕs history. In the meantime, hereÕs a glimpse of a few of the familiar faces who were at the Silver Anniversary reunion!

TREE TRUST

GARY JOHNSON

In This Issue

Bonnie Lawrence, community forest volunteer, St. Paul and Terri Goodfellow-Heyer, MN Horticulture Society. Bonnie Lawrence is one of the citizen activists in the group. She says she started out planting trees for fun with leftover seedlings from Kirk Brown (Tree Trust) in 1991. That sparked her love for trees, her affiliation with MnSTAC and her leadership role in numerous St. Paul inner city planting projects. ◆◆◆

Visit us on the Web at http://www.cnr.umn.edu/FR/extension/MNSTAC/MNSTACindex.htm

Veteran STACers Jim Hermann, Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) and Dave DeVoto, former Director of Forestry for MPRB. Dave is officially retired, though you’d never know it. The Mystery Question: Where was Dave on October 2, 1974, and who was with him? (Look for the answer in your January Advocate!) ◆◆◆

estled along the banks of the Red Lake River about 25 miles east of East Grand Forks and 90 miles south of the Canadian border, Crookston is in the heart of the Red River Valley. This city of 8,175 takes pride in the appearance of its community, values trees as essential to that appearance and invests time and resources to building and maintaining its trees. The Crookston urban forest is a great example of what can happen when city leaders, state agencies, the business community and citizens share common goals, then work together to make them happen. The quality community forestry program in place today got much of its early momentum from disaster. Dutch elm disease hit the city hard, wiping out many of the mature street and shade trees at a rate of up to 300 a year during the height of infection. (Today, about 57 trees a year are affected and the cityÕs stringent inspection program is directed to continually reducing that number.) Coming to Crookston as Director of Parks and Recreation, Ray EcklundÕs background was with the Minneapolis Park Board. Ingrained with the beauty of trees and familiar with resources to enhance community forests, Ecklund found himself among others with Òtree vision.Ó People wanted tree-lined boulevards and wooded parks (there are about 17 acres of park land). They wanted to create a good first impression for the city, spruce up the entire community and beautify the downtown area. They wanted healthy riverbanks. (Steep river banks, vulnerable flats and flood-protection levees add to the challenge.) Today, the whole downtown area is a historic district. New decorative lights and paver sidewalks have been installed. Where there were once only four trees, 120 line the boulevards. There is good diversity now: hackberry, green and black ash, ironwood, RAY ECKLUND

Crookston RAY ECKLUND

Crookston’s downtown-area community forest has grown from four trees to 120. ◆◆◆

COMMUNITY FOREST PROFILE

silver maple, bur oak, aspen and others have been added. Four or five acres of city-grown seedlings provide some of the nursery stock for planting. The six people in the street department (and sometimes city staff in other public works roles) routinely prune in winter. Being in storm country, they are called on to clean up and maintain trees year-round. The University of Minnesota, Crookston also places high value on community forests. The campus maintains its own high quality forest and grounds system, which is a wonderful enhancement to the city. University professionals also collaborate with city personnel for community-wide benefit. Ray Ecklund cites great support for community projects from the Minnesota Departments of Natural Resources and Agriculture as well. Passing the heritage of tree appreciation to CrookstonÕs youth is important. Students in the third and fourth grades are involved in extensive Arbor Day activities, where city and school officials, business people and citizens actively participate with the young people in tree-related projects and programs. Since 1973, Ray has been City Administrator. Although his position takes him in many directions, the Crookston community forest benefits greatly from his parks background and never-ending tree advocacy. He is still involved in tree inspection and urban forestry planning. Crookston clearly supports a strong community forest, looks with pride at what has been created so far, planting over 200 new trees each year on public land. In a unique collaborative relationship, citizens who want trees on their boulevard can call the city and get on a list to receive trees. The city does the planting, but the citizen takes care of the tree. The result is much more personal investment and better care for boulevard trees. Next time youÕre in northwestern Minnesota, take time for a visit to CrookstonÕs community forest. ItÕs worth the trip.

Healthy riverbanks are one of Crookston’s community forestry goals. ◆◆◆

Autumn ’99 • ADVOCATE

Ash

FOREST HEALTH

??? What’s Wrong with my

Transplant Habitat Ash does best in its natural habitat. For example, the green ash is native to bottomlands and flood plains. When we plant it in the hot, hard clay soils found in most urban environments, it is far from home.

Ash Anthracnose The most common cause of ash decline is ash anthracnose, a fungal disease very common in wet weather, especially in the spring. Symptoms include small purple spots, large irregularly-shaped brown blotches, deformed leaves (that are often misdiagnosed as herbicide injury) and defoliation. Defoliation greatly distresses tree owners, but itÕs not a long-term problem and will not kill the tree. The tree will generally refoliate; however, repeated defoliation causes stress. The recommendation is to provide for good plant health through cultural practices such as mulching and watering, which minimizes the impact of anthracnose to the tree. Fungicides are generally unnecessary and often cost-prohibitive.

Ash Plant Bug Similar to tarnished plant bug, this pest feeds by piercing the leaf and sucking plant sap. The result of this feeding is a noticeably light yellow stippling, concentrated in random areas of the leaf, and leaf deformation. The damage is usually only aesthetic, but feeding by the ash plant bug can contribute to tree stress.

Ash Rust This fungal disease is a curiosity in some areas of Minnesota and seldom threatens tree health. It is not common and requires an alternate host, marsh grasses (Spartina species) so it is only found near wetland areas. Ash twigs and petioles swell with gall-like formations, ADVOCATE • Autumn ’99

leaves become distorted and bright orange pustules may be seen on infected plant parts.

Ash Borer While not common, the ash borer can cause severe damage and tree death by tunneling in the sapwood of the tree.

Verticillium Wilt of Ash This soilborne fungus persists in the soil indefinitely. The fungus infects through the roots and moves into the xylem of the vascular system, impairing the movement of water up the tree. Symptoms include an irregular chlorotic pattern on the leaves, often developing into a marginal scorch pattern. However, marginal scorching or brown blotches may be the first symptom noticed. Wilting of foliage is generally absent. Defoliation often occurs suddenly and individual leaflets composing the compound leaf fall independently of each other, often leaving the petiole on the tree.

CINDY ASH

sh decline is the progressive loss of the health and vitality of ash trees. It is common and can originate from many causes. Among the symptoms are stagheading, dieback and eventual death. Ash can be confusing to work with because of the large range of possible problems. Many of the causes by themselves do not lead to decline, but accumulated insult to the tree can trigger decline.

Damage from anthracnose, the most common cause of ash decline, can be minimized by cultural practices that promote plant health. ◆◆◆

Nectria and Cytospora Canker Canker is a term used to refer to a dead area of the bark and sapwood which is usually surrounded by living tissues. Nectria and Cytospora cankers are caused by fungi that can only attack trees low in vitality. The world is full of canker fungi waiting for an opportunity to infect trees. When a tree is stressed, it is low on energy and cannot combat the invasion of a fungus like a healthy tree would. Healthy trees react to invading pathogens by Defoliation in a young tree due to mobilizing numerous defenses (this takes verticillium wilt. energy) and compartmentalizing the ◆◆◆ pathogen (think of this as jailing or containing the Òbad guysÓ). Trees donÕt heal (like people do); they seal over the invaded area as they continue to grow. Symptoms of Nectria, Cytospora or other cankers start with a distinct color change in the bark. The discolored area dries out and becomes What’s Wrong continued on p. 4

CINDY ASH

???

sunken on young stems or thin-barked areas, followed by the development of fungal fruiting bodies (reproductive structures that produce spores). The size (diameter) of the cankered area depends on the health of the tree. Really stressed trees have bigger cankers.

Ash Yellows Ash yellows is a special type of bacteriaÑa bacteria without walls, called a phytoplasma (formerly known as an MLO; mycoplasma-like organism). It colonizes the phloem (food-conducting tissues) of the tree and interferes with the movement of plant hormones. It uses the plant sugars present in the phloem for itself, denying the plant. The term ÒyellowsÓ refers to a typical, unnatural light yellow-green color caused by this disease. Chlorosis appears in mid to late summer. Ash yellows is spread by grafting and there is a risk of it being transmitted in the nursery. It can survive in the tree without symptoms. The only distinctive field symptom is a witchesÕ broomÑa chlorotic, bushy, short-branching bush of growth where we donÕt expect foliage to be, typically on the lower trunk of the tree. Branches in witchesÕ brooms fork repeatedly, have short internodes and often have simple (not compound) leaves. Unfortunately, not all infected trees have witchesÕ brooms, making a field diagnosis difficult.

New research is looking for insects that may act as vectors of ash yellows. Insects in the leaf hopper family and other phloem feeders with the habit of sucking and spitting are suspect, but not yet proven guilty. In Iowa and Wisconsin, nine cities were studied in 1994 with an average of 12% of the ash street trees having the phytoplasma. Trees in Minnesota were also sampled in Falcon Heights and St. Paul, revealing 14% and 34% infected trees respectively. Green ash trees can live a long time with ash yellows, but dieback and death occur when ash yellows is combined with other stresses. All ash species are susceptible, with white ash being most susceptible and green ash intermediate. In recent field tests with selected commercial cultivars at Iowa State University, Autumn Purple proved to be the most tolerant white ash when tested against several other cultivars. In green ash, Bergeson was the most tolerant; Summit the least. Ash yellows is incurable, but not fatal in an otherwise healthy tree.

Ash Bacterial Decline This newly recognized disease was discovered by Tom Harrington, Iowa State University Forest Pathologist, while studying the phloem of ash trees showing signs of decline. Ash bacterial decline is common in urban ash in Iowa. Symptoms include very thin, unthrifty crown tufting of foliage, prolific seed production and severe defoliation. In a study where young, potted ash trees were inoculated with the new bacteria, growth stopped immediately. More research is needed on this disease.

Abiotic Stresses Phenoxy-herbicide damage (broadleaf or dandelion weed killers) causes extreme thinning and tight

CINDY ASH

Witches’ broom, shown at left, is the only distinctive field symptom of ash yellows. ◆◆◆

CINDY ASH

What’s Wrong, from p. 3

Damage from chemical drift can look dramatic. ◆◆◆

twisting of leaves. Long Ôrat tailsÕ may form at the tips of some affected leaves. This damage is generally not a long term threat to the health of established trees. Salt damage is a problem along heavily-traveled highways where de-icing salts are regularly applied in the winter, or near sidewalks and driveways where salt is used. Along highways, airborne salt deposits cause the apical (terminal) bud to abort; the axillary (side) buds produce a spray of twiggy shoots which can resemble brooms caused by other diseases such as ash yellows. The damage caused by salts can reduce plant health and result in distorted growth patterns. Other urban factors contributing to ash decline include drought, soil compaction, anaerobic soils, restricted root spaces, mechanical damage, secondary diseases and insects.

Winter Injury We tend to overlook winter injury as a cause of ash decline, but it can be significant. A stressed tree can not properly prepare itself for winter and is prone to injury from severe temperatures and wind. Winter injury is one of several ÒsuspectsÓ when an owner claims the tree was perfectly healthy in late November and then half- dead in March. Information for this article was largely taken from a presentation by Dr. Mark Gleason at the Minnesota Shade Tree Short Course, March 1999. Dr. Gleason is a Extension Plant Pathologist at Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa. He holds doctorates in plant pathology and environmental sciences, and is responsible for disease management on all horticultural commodities. His e-mail address is mgleason@iastate.edu

Autumn ’99 • ADVOCATE

Winter Protection C

Tree wrap

Tree wrap problems: nectria rot has damaged this tree that was left wrapped too long. ◆◆◆

Wrap with Care The merits of ÒwrappingÓ the stems of young and thin-barked trees in the autumn for winter protection have long been debated and are likely to continue. The little field research that has been conducted on tree wrap ranges from inconclusive to discounting its benefits. However, anecdotal evidence of the benefits of stem protection abound and many gardeners and growers swear by it. You can avoid any potential problems that stem protectors may pose by following Tim PowerÕs suggestions closely. Apply the stem protection in late autumn, and remove it after snow-melt in the spring. Use light-colored, loose stem protectors when possible. If you use the paper wrap, attach it to the stem with masking tape (not duct tape, staples or wires). By following these simple rules, you wonÕt be doing harm to trees.

Winter Protection

Wraps are generally used on deciduous trees. Properly applied, tree wraps can offer protection against sunscald, frost cracking, animals and contact damage. Wrapping materials vary, but popular with many tree professionals today because of the convenience and ease of use is plastic tube-type wrap. It looks like a piece of white corrugated drainage pipe with a slit on one side. One popular brand comes in precut 30inch lengths and is sized according to diameter (2 in. up to 4 in.). The tubes slide easily onto the trunks. Timing and size are important in the proper application of the wrap. It should go on after the first hard frost, generally in early November. It is important to wrap the tree loosely, choosing wrap that is larger than the trunk so there is dead air space between the wrap and the tree. This allows air circulation. Masking tape is then placed around the wrap in two or three spots. The goal is to secure it against casual grabs or contact jolts. Once the weather warms in spring, it is critically important to remove the wrap. Keeping it on longer creates a warm, wet area around the trunk. Insects and pathogens quickly move in. Progressive garden stores and nurseries sell tube-type wrap or more traditional tan or white rolls of kraft-paper. Starting at the base of the

GARY JOHNSON

hilly autumn temperatures remind us that our trees will soon be called upon to withstand the rigors of another frigid Minnesota winter. What can we do to help them through the cold months ahead? Other than mulching and watering well before the ground freezes if itÕs a dry autumn, there isnÕt much to do for older, large trees. If a tree is young, freshly transplanted or has thin bark (linden, maple, crabapple, mountain ash, etc.), additional support is wise. Tree wraps, mulch and proper moisture can help trees weather harsh winter months.

Winter Protection continued on p. 6 ADVOCATE • Autumn ’99

Winter Protection, from p. 5 Winter damage, like the frost canker shown here, is particularly severe in nonhardy species such as this Autumn Purple white ash. ◆◆◆

tree, this paper is wrapped upwards generally to the first branch, then fastened with masking tape. Again, prompt removal in the spring is critical. These tight wraps do not allow for dead-air space around the tree, so warmth and moisture trapped against the trunk are even more likely.

Mulch protects roots, moderates temperatures and helps hold moisture near the roots. It also thwarts weeds and, depending on mulch material, may enrich the soil. A good mulch circle is as large as possible, one to four inches thick, starting about six inches away from the base of the tree. The reason for the depth range has to do with the coarseness of the mulch material. Fine materials like pea gravel or fine wood chips smother weeds and hold moisture with shallower depth than coarser materials like bark mulch Wire mesh; or very coarse Prevent animal damage with 2–3” between chips. ÒMany of a staked cylinder of mesh. wire and the trees IÕve trunk seen injured by winter weather At least 24” height for would have bendeciduous trees, 12” efited greatly for conifers from proper application of a Drive stake to good organic 12” minimum mulch before winter,Ó comSupport stake ments Tim Power, LawÕs Nursery. (See Advocate, Vol. 2, No. 2, Spring, 1999 page 9 for more information about mulching.)

Watering Proper moisture is the most essential element for healthy trees. The key is to keep tree roots moist, but not saturated. To check the moisture level of a tree, dig carefully between roots at the time the tree goes dormant and before frost sets in. Soils make a huge difference in how well moisture is retained near the roots. Gravity pulls the moisture down, but cohesion and adhesion between water and soil help keep it in place.

GARY JOHNSON

Mulching

Species selection For best wintering successes, choose tree species that are native to the area or have a proven track record of being able to adapt to Minnesota winters. Thanks to Tim Power, owner and operator of LawÕs Nursery, Hastings for providing the information for this article.

Anti-desiccants Anti-desiccants are sometimes used to reduce winter exposure damage to evergreen trees and shrubs. These products, which are sprayed on the foliage, provide an additional waxy coating over the foliage that helps reduce moisture loss in the leaves and subsequent ÒbrowningÓ of the foliage during the winter. However, they need to be applied every 2-4 weeks during the winter, and can only be applied when temperatures are well above freezing. This in itself does not make its use very practical for Minnesota. Also, some people believe that applying these anti-desiccants to deciduous plants located near highways will prevent them from suffering from salt spray damage. False. In his extensive research on deicing salt damage to trees and shrubs in Minnesota years ago, Dr. Ed Sucoff discounted this myth.

Autumn ’99 • ADVOCATE

Anything that encourages lush growth late in the summer, such as the application of high nitrogen, quickrelease fertilizers at high rates, should be avoided. The onset of cold winter temperatures can be very unpredictable and this lush growth may not have had the time to Òharden offÓ fully enough to withstand freezing temperatures. This can result in significant die back of the tender growth, negating any positive effects that the fertilization may have provided. Late summer and autumn fertilization, when necessary, can be accomplished without encouraging lush, lateseason growth, however. Simply follow these simple, bio-ÒlogicalÓ steps: ◆ Reduce your rates of nitrogen per unit. Instead of applying four pounds of nitrogen/unit, cut it in half. ◆ Use a slow-releasing source of nitrogen, such as one of the many organic forms of nitrogen (e.g., decomposed manures) or a synthetic, slow-release form. ◆ Never exceed the recommended rate of nitrogen per year. For instance, if three pounds of nitrogen per unit is the recommended application for a year and you apply fertilizer at three different time periods, the total amount of nitrogen should not exceed three pounds. And remember, if water is not at a sufficient level, no amendment is as effective as it should be and sometimes can be harmful. To learn more about nitrogen, fertilization and timing, contact the University of GeorgiaÕs Forest Resources on-line publications web site at http://www.forestry.uga.edu/efr. Then, click on Tree Health Care, and finally click on any of the nitrogen/fertilization topics under the Tree Nutrition Series. All of these publications were authored by Kim Coder, a frequent and popular speaker at our Minnesota Shade Tree Short Course. These publications are generic and are just as applicable to Minnesota as they are to Georgia.

ADVOCATE • Autumn ’99

‘Tis the Season . . . for Christmas Trees! ÒWell, for starters they arenÕt a burden. They belong in the environment, provide erosion control and compost material. They stabilize river banks. Some of them even end up in tidewaters and oceans for fish habitat. An acre of them produces enough to meet the daily oxygen needs of 18 people.....Ó

U OF MN FOREST RESOURCES EXTENSION

Fall Fertilizing: Do I or Don’t I?

The annual harvest ItÕs easy to catch Carl VogtÕs enthusiasm when begins early on the he starts talking about Christmas trees. A grower, many tree farms that member of the Minnesota Christmas Tree Assosupply the country’s ciation and extension forester at the University of seasonal appetite for Minnesota, St. Paul Campus, Vogt goes on to say holiday trees. that itÕs common for people to think they are giving ◆◆◆ the environment a break when they purchase permanent holiday trees and ornaments. They donÕt stop to realize It Really DOES Last Forever! that Christmas trees are grown Artificial tree owners insist specifically for that purpose on that theirs is a better choice environmentally sound tree because the tree is being used farms. He works hard to educate every year. But...is it an environthe public: Christmas trees are a mentally sound choice? crop, a renewable resource, that Artificial trees are made from benefits the environment as they non-renewable resources, such as grow and when they are recycled petroleum-based plastics, steel and after the holidays. aluminum. Also, the average use How many Christmas trees of an artificial tree is six years. currently grow in the state? No Then it is tossed in a one knows for sure. There are landfill, where it about 100 Christmas Tree remains in a composed Association member growers, but state for centuries! non-member landowners are hard to track. Vogt estimates that about seven million Christmas trees are currently growing in Minnesota. About 2.5 million are sold each year as trees, wreaths and green holiday decorations and at least another 1.75 million are planted to keep a steady supply for the years ahead. For each tree marketed, at least two

Christmas Trees continued on p. 12

LETTERS TO THE ADVOCATE

We welcome reader comments and ideas, and share these observations from Tom Horwath.

Weed Barriers: Friend or Foe? On a calm, clear summer evening one half of a large double-stemmed oak tree on the boulevard failed at ground level and fell into the street. This portion was quickly removed by our city tree crew. I was asked to evaluate the remaining portion for safety purposes. The remaining portion leaned toward two houses. The lean appeared naturalÐnot worsened by the failure of its other half. I immediately noticed the condition of the outer sapwood of the remaining stump. It wasnÕt solid, healthy wood, but appeared to be in a state of decay. Next I noted that the entire tree was rock mulched around the trunk, extending out about three feet. Beneath the rock was a layer of impermeable plastic weed barrier. I have been observing weed barriers for many years now, casually noting the conditions of the trees and the soils beneath these weed barriers. Almost invariably IÕve noted very wet soilsÑeven under air- and water-permeable barriers. IÕve also observed very shallow tree roots, suggesting low soil oxygen levels, and creating unstable conditions for trees. I marked this oak for removal by our city tree crew. When I came in to work the following day I was told that the tree fell over the previous evening Ð just hours after I had marked it. Although possible, oak trees donÕt often fail at ground level. I strongly suspect this tree failed as a consequence of the plastic weed control placed around the trunk. I believe the soil conditions were abnormally altered in such a way as to infect the root crown area with a fungus that weakened the tree and caused both stems to collapse on clear and calm days. In short, I believe the ÒkillerÓ of this tree was the plastic weed control. Whenever I observe weed control Ð plastic or fabric Ð around trees, I warn the residents that it is not recommended around trees. After this oak incident, IÕm wondering if I should raise my voice even louder when speaking against this landscape device. Are we killing the trees by trying to keep them weed free? Tom Horwath is City Forester for Edina. Comments or questions can be directed to him at 612/8260308.

Get Recognition for Your Project! Many of us are involved in community tree planting projects and a tremendous amount of work goes into organizing and implementing these projects. MnSTAC would like to recognize those efforts, projects and partnerships but we need your help! Please make a list and nominate worthy candidates! MnSTAC Award Categories include: Outstanding Volunteer Project AwardÑAwarded to an individual volunteer or group that has organized and implemented the most innovative and successful project involving volunteers. Outstanding Youth Project AwardÑAwarded to an individual youth, school or youth group that has organized and implemented the most notable youth project. Outstanding Partnership AwardÑAwarded to organizations and/or individuals who have jointly implemented a project that demonstrates a high level of cooperative spirit and effort. Outstanding Arbor Day Award/Arbor Month CelebrationÑAwarded to the community and/or school that has organized the celebration that best commemorates and furthers the Arbor Day ideal. Outstanding Community Forestry Maintenance AwardÑAwarded to the individual or organization that has implemented the most exemplary comprehensive maintenance program for the trees under their jurisdiction. Distinguished Service AwardÑAwarded to the MnSTAC member who has contributed most significantly to urban and community forestry on behalf of MnSTAC. Tree Care Advisor of the Year AwardÑAwarded to an individual Tree Care Advisor who has contributed most significantly to urban and community forestry through community service work. Special Merit AwardÑAwarded to an individual or organization for unique, exemplary achievements in community forestry serving as an innovative model for other programs. Achievement CertificatesÑAchievement, Sponsorship, Stewardship and Media Certificates are awarded to those groups that have contributed significantly to community forestry in line with the categories list above. Application forms are available from Gail Steinman at 612/920-9326. Applications are due February 25, 2000.

Autumn ’99 • ADVOCATE

MINNESOTA SHADE TREE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ◆ 1999 AWARD NOMINATION FORM 1.

Name of Project or Program Project Location (City &/or County)

Nominee (Name of the individual and/or primary organization as it should appear on the award. For partnerships with multiple organizations, list other organizations in the Project Summary.) Individual Primary Organization Contact Person/Title Mailing Address City

Zip code

Phone (______)______–____________ Fax (______)______–____________ E-mail ___________________________________________________ 3.

Nominator Mailing Address City

Zip code

Phone (______)______–____________ Fax (______)______–____________ E-mail ___________________________________________________ 4.

Award Category (Check all applicable award categories.)

❑ ❑ ❑ ❑

Outstanding Volunteer Project Outstanding Youth Project Outstanding Partnership Outstanding Arbor Day/Arbor Month Celebration

❑ ❑ ❑ ❑

Outstanding Community Forestry Maintenance Distinguished Service Award Tree Care Advisor of the Year Special Merit Award

❑ ❑ ❑ ❑

Achievement Certificate Sponsorship Certificate Stewardship Certificate Media Certificate

Brief Project Description (Briefly describe the project in the space provided here.)

Project Summary (Enclose a one-page Project Summary. This summary is required as part of the nomination and should include brief statements on the project’s background, intended purpose, plan of action, implementation activities, budget and funding sources, positive results, and its impact on the community forest.)

Supporting Documentation (Enclose supporting information in 8-1/2” x 11” loose-leaf, clear plastic pages. This might include proclamations or resolutions supporting the project, press clippings or other printed materials, photographs and/or slides, posters or any other materials that document facts or statistics in the Project Summary.)

All entries must be received by 4:30 pm on Friday, February 25, 2000. Send completed entry to: MnSTAC Awards c/o Tree Trust, 6300 Walker St., St. Louis Park, MN 55416 Questions? Contact Gail Steinman at 612/920-9326; e-mail treetrust@willow.nc. ADVOCATE • Autumn ’99

STAC INFO & NEWS

About MnSTAC The Minnesota Shade Tree Advisory Committee (MnSTAC) was established in 1974 by a group of concerned citizens to address the health and well being of community forests. MnSTAC provides a forum where people forge a collective vision for the future of MinnesotaÕs community forests and: ◆ advocates for public and private community forestry interests ◆ unites for the exchange and dissemination of ideas and information ◆ serves as the State Urban Forest Council to advise the State Forester on the implementation of state and federally-funded programs. MnSTAC is recognized throughout Minnesota and the country for its expertise, advice, coordination and support for community trees. It is an organization of diverse individuals who represent a broad spectrum of tree-related interests. It fosters and supports local community tree programs across the state so healthy community forests are fully integrated into community development, infrastructure, education and management. The MnSTAC resources listed here encourage your calls, questions and sharing of ideas. MNSTAC BOARD OF DIRECTORS President: Glen Shirley, City of Bloomington —612/948-8760 (Fax: 612/948-8770) Vice President: Kirk Brown, Twin Cities Tree Trust—612/920-9326 Katie Himanga, Heartwood Forestry —651/345-4976

(Board, continued) Ken Holman, DNR Forestry —651/772-7565 Gary Johnson, U of M Forest Resources —612/625-3765 Mike Max, EnvironMentor Systems, Inc. —612/753-5505 Dwight Robinson, MN Dept. of Agriculture —651/296-8578 Bob Slater, MN Dept. of Transportation —651/779-5104 Mark Stennes, Top Notch Treecare —612/922-3239 MNSTAC COMMITTEES AND TASK FORCES Arbor Month Partnership Chair: Don Mueller, DNR Forestry —651/772-6148 Constitution and Election Chair: Ken Simons, Ramsey County Parks —651/748-2500 Education and Research Chair: Gary Johnson, U of M Forest Resources—612/625-3765 Forest Health Chair: Steve Kunde, Kunde Company —651/484-0114 Legislative Advisor: Mark Schnobrich, City of Hutchinson —320/234-4459 Outreach Co-Chairs: Peter Bedker, Treescapes —612/682-9562 Mike Max, EnvironMentor Systems, Inc. —612/753-5505 Planning Chair: Dave DeVoto, Stacy, MN —612/462-3347 Publicity and Awards Chair: Gail Steinman, Tree Trust —612/920-9326 Scholarship Chair: Ralph Sievert, Mpls. Park and Rec. Board—612/370-4900 Tree Emergency Response Chair: Katie Himanga, Heartwood Forestry —651/345-4976 Tree Preservation Task Force Chair: Paul Buck, City of Plymouth —612/509-5944 Wood Utilization Task Force Co-Chairs: Mike Zins, U of M Arboretum —612/443-2460 Ext. 247 Jim Hermann, Mpls. Park and Rec. Board —612/370-4900

Regional MnSTAC Committees These regional MnSTAC committees are in place to add more voices to the forum and encourage networking more easily at the local level.

Southeast STAC Southeast STAC represents communities in the eleven counties of the Hiawatha Valley Resource Conservation and Development Area. Chair: Henry Sorensen Asst. Pub. Service Director, City of Red Wing 651/385-3674 Sec./Treas.: Katie Himanga Heartwood Forestry, Lake City 651/345-4976

Headwaters-Agassiz STAC HASTAC, the Headwaters-Agassiz Shade Tree Advisory Committee, is northwestern MinnesotaÕs branch of MnSTAC. The NW Regional Development Commission is the fiscal agent. Chair: John Johnson City Forester, City of Thief River Falls 218/681-1835 Sec./Treas.: Jeff Edmonds DNR Forestry, Bemidji 218/755-2891

West Central STAC West Central STAC started in 1997 to help communities in the northwest region share ideas, information and local success stories in managing community trees. Chair: Bob Fogel Director of Parks, City of Moorhead 218/299-5340 Sec./Treas.: Dave Johnson DNR Forestry, Detroit Lakes 218/847-1596

NE MnSTAC The newest of the regional STACs, Northeast Minnesota STAC began in May 1999. TheyÕve launched an enthusiastic agenda for reaching the citizens of the Arrowhead region on issues regarding community trees. The group meets monthly at the Coleraine Public Library. Chair: Kelly Morris City Forester, City of Grand Rapids 218/326-7600 Secretary/Treasurer/Technical Advisor: Dan Jordan IRRR–Mineland Reclamation 218/254-3369 Coordinator: Kathleen Preece Minnesota BetterFORESTS magazine 218/326-0403 e-mail kathleen@uslink.net.

Autumn ’99 • ADVOCATE

Tree Potpourri Events and Conferences Nov. 18ÑMnSTAC Monthly Meeting, St. Paul. Contact 651/772-6148. Dec. 8-10ÑMinnesota Turf and Grounds Conference, Mpls. Contact 612/625-9234. Dec. 16ÑMnSTAC Monthly Meeting, St. Paul. Jan 5-7ÑMNLA Convention and Trade Show, Mpls. Contact MNLA 651/633-4987 or www.mnlandscape.org Feb 1-3ÑTrees and Utilities National Conference, Nebraska City, NE. Contact NADF 402/474-5655. Feb. 26ÑMinnesota Greening Conference, Hennepin Technical College, Brooklyn Park. Contact Minnesota Horticulture Society 651/6433601. Mar. 13-15ÑBuilding with Trees National Conference, Nebraska City, NE. Contact NADF 402/4745655.

URBAN AND COMMUNITY FORESTRY CALENDAR

Opportunities Global ReLeaf Forest Ecosystem Restoration ProgramÐAmerican Forests is accepting proposals for tree planting projects that may qualify for Global ReLeaf forest funding. For information, contact American Forests at www.amfor.org/grc/grdesc.html

New Publications After the Storm: What to do with Storm Damaged Yard Trees. Revised fact sheet. Contact MN DNR-Forestry Division 651/7727925. Caring for Your Native Woodland. Meredith Cornett. Homeowner Fact Sheet Series. Contact MN DNR-Forestry Division 651/772-7925. Oak Wilt in Minnesota. David French and Jennifer Juzwik, College of Natural Resources, U of MN. Contact U of MN Extension Service Distribution Center 612/625-8173.

Patterns of Tree Failure. Ed Hayes. Published in Tree Care Industry, April 1999. Contact MN DNR-Forestry Division 651/772-7925.

Internet ◆

International Society of Arboriculture: www.ag.uiuc.edu/~isa

Planting and Caring for Community Trees: Together, We Can Do It. MnSTAC Report to the 1999 State Legislature. Contact MN DNR-Forestry Division 651/772-7925.

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Minnesota Department of Natural Resources: www.dnr.state.mn.us

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National Arbor Day Foundation: www.arborday.org

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National Urban and Community Forest Advisory Council: www.treelink.org/connect/ orgs/nucfac/index.htm

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The Simple Act of Planting a Tree: www.treelink.org/simpleact/index.htm

Protecting Trees from Construction Damage: A HomeownerÕs Guide. Gary R. Johnson. 1999. Major revision of the original by Miller, Rathke and Johnson. FO-6135 1999 revision. U of MN Extension Service Distribution Center 612/625-8173. Refer to publication number when ordering.

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Things to Consider to Repair or Replace Storm-Damaged Yard Trees. 1998. MN Recovery Forestry Task Force. Contact MN DNR-Forestry Division at 651/772-7925.

Tree Trust: http://willow.ncfes.umn.edu/ treetrust/ttrust2.htm

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National Tree Trust: http://www. nationaltreetrust.org

Tree City USA (Video, 7 min., 45 sec.) Contact National Arbor Day Foundation 402/474-5655.

◆ University of Minnesota Forest Resources Extension: http://www.cnr.umn.edu/FR /extension/pages

Autumn: A Fine Time to Plant! There is a semi-myth in Minnesota that planting trees and shrubs in the autumn is a dangerous and foolish practice. Part of the reason that this myth exists is the fact that people have confused the terms ÒplantingÓ and Òtransplanting.Ó Planting is literally the installation of trees and shrubs in the landscape soil and can successfully be done anytime the soil is workable. So, planting in the spring, summer, and autumn can be and is done very successfully. Planting in the summer usually requires more irrigation than normal, and planting in the autumn will be more successful if the plants are comfortably mulched. Transplanting involves the lifting (digging) of trees or shrubs from one site (usually a nursery) and planting them in a new site. ADVOCATE • Autumn ’99

Transplanting in the autumn is not as successful as spring or summer transplanting, but there are exceptions. Some species (hawthorn) survive best when transplanted in the spring. Other species (fir, oak) are not as sensitive. Bare-root transplanting is more successfully done in the spring. Balled-and-burlapped trees or machinespaded trees may be successfully transplanted spring, summer or fall - depending on the species. So, if you have B & B plants that were heeled-in, donÕt hesitate to plant them in the autumn. Just make sure they are well-watered and mulched before the cold temperatures descend upon them.

Minnesota Shade Tree Advocate A quarterly newsletter published by the Minnesota Shade Tree Advisory Committee. Managing Editorial Group: MnSTAC Education Committee; Gary R. Johnson, Chair Editor-in-Chief: Jan Hoppe Design: Jim Kiehne Material in this newsletter is not copyrighted. Reproduction for educational purposes is encouraged. Subscriptions are free. Articles, news items, photos and videos are welcome. This publication was produced with the support of the U.S.D.A. Forest Service, Northeastern Area; State and Private Forestry. Address inquiries to: Jan Hoppe Minnesota Shade Tree Advocate 115 Green Hall 1530 Cleveland Ave. N. St. Paul, MN 55108 Printed on recycled paper using soy-based inks.

Christmas Trees, from p. 7 are left in the ground, adding oxygen and habitat values to the environment. Christmas trees are fully grown for market in 5-20 years. The supply is high at the moment for the needs of the market, which means some of the stands will become too large to sell as holiday trees. The owner then needs to decide: What are my options? Do I clearcut to get the trees off the land, then replant? Do I let them grow into a closely spaced conifer forest? Of course neighbors hope the trees will stay right where they are, and are often jolted if a grower decides to cut and replant. About half of the people buying Christmas trees choose artificial trees; the other half buy the real thing. Customer preferences change from time to time. Currently, short needle trees are preferred but in a year or two long needles may be back in style. Species preference over time includes scotch pine, balsam fir, white spruce, white pine and more recently Fraser fir. Some customers are interested in living trees and buy small potted trees to be replanted or plant lawn trees that can be decorated for the holidays. Many are surprised by the painstaking work involved in growing Christmas trees. Everyone wants the perfect tree, but trees donﾃ付 grow that way without help! Regular pruning, watering if needed, weed and disease control are all part of the process. Pruning/shearing is intensive work with a hand shears. A grower might be able to prune 300 - 500 trees on a good day. A few

Minnesota Shade Tree Advocate 115 Green Hall 1530 Cleveland Ave. N. St. Paul, MN 55108

Real Christmas Trees are a Fire Hazard: Truth or Myth? Some people fear real Christmas trees because they believe they pose a fire hazard. The truth is that fires involving Christmas trees include about an equal percentage of real and artificial trees. Real Christmas trees are involved in less than one-tenth of one percent of home fires. Research shows that newspapers, boxes, curtains and cleaning supplies pose a much higher fire threat than Christmas trees. Keys to a safe tree are freshness, plenty of water, carefully inspected lights and electrical connections and turning lights off when leaving home or going to bed.

exceptional shearers have pruned 1,000 trees in a day. Real Christmas trees are available in every community in Minnesota. To find a nearby farm or lot that carries Minnesota Grown Christmas trees, call the MN Department of Agriculture at 651/2978695 or 1-800/657-3878 for a free copy of the Minnesota Grown Fresh Produce and More Directory. Christmas tree information is also available at the MDA website at www. mda.state.mn.us and at www.christree.org

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