Tre e C a re A d v i s o r N ew s l e t t e r http:// www.mntca.org
Gary Johnson and Dave Hanson, Managing Editors
Inside This Issue:
Volume 9 Number 4
Welcome to the Fall 2002 issue of the Tree Care Advisor Newsletter. Prepare yourself
Snake Bark Maples By Mike Zins
1 for an introduction to the family Aceraceae. Cliff Johnson mentions several Acer species in
Quick Hits / Volunteer Opps By Dave Hanson
2 negundo. Mike Zins begins the family introduction with “Snakebark” maples (Acer rufinerve
Putting Down Roots: By Cliff Johnson
3
Dirt & Things: By Bob Condon
4
Autumn Color - A List
5
Rose Research at Bailey Nursery By Esther Filson
6 maples are an interesting but
Transplanting… By Gary Johnson
8
A Printable Letter
17
TCAAG report
18
Contacts
20
his article on fall colors, while Bob Condon focuses solely on one of his favorite trees: Acer is an example).
Trunk and leaves of Snake Bark Maple - St. Paul Campus.
The Snakebark Maples The Snakebark or striped
small group of trees rarely seen in this area. They are generally small in stature and could easily be considered large shrubs. Most of them tend to be plants of borderline hardiness in Minnesota, but certainly worth trying in sheltered locations. These beautiful little trees will never be used for street tree plantings or become household words in our botanical discussions but properly placed specimens could become the center of casual backyard conversation! In the systematic scheme of taxonomy, there are about 14 species grouped together in the section Macrantha of the family Aceraceae. Much of the present classification system is put forth by P.C. deJong based on biochemical studies by Delendick and
Santamour. (Dr. Frank Santamour, now deceased, earned his doctorate at the University of Minnesota and concluded a career as a geneticist at the National Arboretum in Washington D.C.) That aside, 13 species are Asiatic in origin and the 14th member is a native of eastern North America from Nova Scotia to Minnesota and south to Georgia. The species in this group do get along though and unlike any other maple group, they easily hybridize with each other, even with their North American counterpart. So, by placing these species together in a living plant collection such as at an Arboretum, one could really see the results of this leafy woodstock of carefree pollen disbursement and unseen orgy of pollination if the resulting seeds were grown out. Figuring out who Daddy was might prove interesting if not futile!
The group as a whole is pretty homogenous as they all tend to be small trees conspicuously white-striped on green bark. This bark color may vary a bit in shades of green to reddish green. The leaves tend to be 3 to 5 lobed with serrated margins. They can be up to 6” across on some species. Most of the leaves will not attain a good fall color here and tend to remain green to yellow. The seeds are typical maple seeds but again can be variable in size. All the snakebark maples have stalked, valvate buds. Continued on page 16 Acer Rufinerve: leaves and seeds on a specimen in Mullins Woods on the U of M St. Paul Campus.
Page 2
Quick Hits Well, there is a big question on my mind. Are we going to have a real Minnesota winter. It’s starting out strong. So, I am probably not alone when I say “I have yard work to do – and it may just wait until the spring thaw…”
Some of you have been receiving e-mail messages from me. I hope to continue that practice into the future. So, If you have an e-mail address and you have not been receiving anything from me, you can bet I do not have your current or correct e-mail address. Please send me an e-mail ( dlhanson@umn.edu ) and I can verify and update the address book that I have created. Right now I have ten e-mail addresses that get rejected.
So, a couple of callers to the Info-U line have noticed that the 747 number for TCAs is out of date. That is true, and reality is, the number is no longer ours. A greater need was expressed and since the phone extension numbers are in short supply I caved in and gave it up – there were other reasons. What does this mean for TCAs? Check the website ( http://www.mntca.org/ ) or you have to call me ( 612624-1226 ) from now on for information on volunteer opportunities and you might actually talk to a live person (me). I am also contemplating keeping my voice mail message up to date. I simply have to get over the Shade Tree Short Course
challenges of technology presented by the new phones on our desks.
Tree House of Horrors There is a volunteer opportunity (heralded in an earlier group e-mail) that is fading away with every day of Mimi Hottinger - wrapping
the advancing fall – Collecting leaves for the Shade Tree Short Course “Tree House of Horrors.” Collect as
things up at Bailey nurseries.
many species as you can and press them. If possible collect fruits, nuts, twigs with buds, and any other identifying characteristics (cones, fungi).
We’ve been very busy wrapping up all of the “outdoor” work for the research projects and it is nearly complete. Now it is time to sit back and crunch numbers and see where we are at.
Volunteer Opportunity - Teaching Opportunity Have you been chompin’ at the bit to share your wisdom or to put on a good woody plant show? Bruce Granos is the TCA program’s point-of-contact with the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum and he is looking for educators for adult education classes. Possible topics (be creative, dream up your own) might include: “Evergreens for the Home Landscape”, “Trees and Shrubs for the Backyard”, “Insects and Diseases of Woody Plants”, and so on… An “Insect Pests of Woody Plants” class could coincide with an exhibit of giant insects (some 17ft by 25ft) scheduled to be at the Arboretum from May through September 2003. One last request from Bruce - Bruce has volunteered to work the annual Plant Information Fair at the Arboretum on Saturday, April 12th 2003 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. And you’ve guessed it - Bruce would like a partner that day. So, contact Bruce Granos (e-mail bjgbjgbjg@hotmail.com or via phone 952-423-5211) if you are at all interested in volunteering at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. There is a deadline of January 1, 2003 for for spring classes.
Page 3
Putting Down Roots - A column in the Chaska Herald. Why do leaves change color in the fall? By Cliff Johnson, Carver County Tree Care Advisor
ing less efficient at higher tem-
abscission layer acts as a tourni-
peratures.
quet, shutting off the supply of
Pre-winter shutdown hits the leaves first. With the decline of
I heard a state tourism offi-
daylight, chlorophyll molecules
cial explain on WCCO Radio
in the leaf blade begin to break
that leaves haven’t really shown down and disperse; with the disappearance of chlorophyll’s much “fall color” yet because we haven’t had a frost. That incorrect answer is just one of many misconceptions people have about why leaves change color. Well then, if temperature isn’t the trigger for the beautiful scarlets, crimsons, oranges and yellows that begin appearing this time of year, what is? The primary signal to the tree is photoperiod - as day length decreases, trees begin shutting down for the winter.
overwhelming green, previously hidden colors begin to appear.
water and minerals to the leaf blade. Deprived of water, leaf activity grinds to a halt and chlorophyll, which in the healthy leaf must be continually replenished and renewed, quickly bites the dust. Chlorophyll destruction and
It is these sequestered pig-
its spectacular colorful afteref-
ments, stored within the leaf
fects attract thousands of leaf
cells in specialized organelles
lookers to Minnesota’s north
called plastids, that allow de-
woods and southeastern hills, as
ciduous foliage to go out with a
well as to Wisconsin’s many
visual bang rather than a whim-
forested regions. The color
per.
display, which sweeps south at a
The yellows and oranges of birches and sugar maples are due to a class of pigments called carotenoids, the same cheerful
rate of about 40 miles per day,
Nicollet Island: Comparison
is even said to be visible from
Foreground - purple foliage on
outer space as a continental
white Ash
swathe of scarlet and gold.
Background - yellow foliage on
molecules that color carrots,
The show lasts three weeks
corn, egg yolks and daffodils.
or so and then fades. Eventually
The leaf’s primary purpose in Crimsons, scarlets and purples life is to bask in the sun. One are due to anthocyanins, which
the abscission layer begins to
dendrologist compares a tree to also color red cabbages, red “a tower bearing many small roses and purple irises.
hold on the parent tree be-
solar collectors.” A tree’s
wind breaks it. The leaf then
branches, twigs and leaves are positioned at precise intervals and angles to soak up the highest possible concentration of rays. Using sunlight, carbon diox-
The anthocyanins are chemical chameleons, changing color with the pH of the environment. In an acid environment, such as that of the red maple leaf, anthocyanin turns scarlet; in an alkaline environment, such
ide and water, the leaves manu- as that of the ash leaf, anthocyafacture the sugars used by the nin turns plum-colored. tree to pack on its annual three to four tons of wood per acre of forest. The process, called photosynthesis, proceeds best at around 70 degrees F., becom-
The disappearance of chlorophyll is enforced by the formation of an abscission layer at the base of the petiole, where the leaf is attached to the twig. The
black ash
dry and separate, until the leaf’s comes so tenuous that the least falls to the ground, along with its 160,000 companions (on a maple tree). Just below the snap-off point on the twig, a leaf scar forms that seals off the tubes carrying water from the
Acer saccharum leaves: Nicollet
main tree trunk.
Island site.
The species of maple that most of us associate with spectacular fall color is the sugar maple (Acer saccharum). I have planted numerous sugar maples over the years and they don’t all
Continued page 5
Page 4
Dirt and Things By: Robert Condon Dakota County TCA
the landscape. Now, it is time to say some
it was OK by me. Now, if I can just train box-
good things. Boxelder are fast I’ve read many of the articles growing trees that aren’t too Mike Zins has written about particular where they grow.
elder bugs to eat mosquitoes
great trees. The Bladder nut
The blossoms look nice in the
ite trees – good old ‘Acer ne-
doesn’t turn me on too much,
spring and the trees usually
gundo.’
sounds more like a bowel
bloom before the other trees
my fortune will be made. If not I will still enjoy one of my favor-
movement.
wake up. The bugs are really It’s time someone said some- only bothersome in the fall and thing about my favorite tree, only for a short time. They are the Boxelder, more commonly
one of the friendliest trees I
known as ‘Acer negundo.’ I have
know. Rarely have I seen a big
two of them in my yard that I
old boxelder, in a neighborhood
planted 20+ years ago. They
with young children, that doesare about 50 feet tall and almost n’t have a swing hanging from it as wide, oval in shape and quite or parts of a tree house in its Acer negundo Photo Courtesy of: Dendrology at Virginia Tech.
full. This belies their reputation branches. The reason, they are as a scraggy appearing tree. easy to climb with the branches Anyone will tell you the
angles. My grand-daughters
boxelder. They are messy.
each adopted one of my trees
They do throw an unused
as theirs and spent hours in
branch on the ground once in
them. My grand-daughters of-
awhile, though not anymore
ten played house, though how
Acer negundo: Flower
than my neighbors green ash
this worked out with no furni-
Photo Courtesy of: Brooklyn Bo-
and silver maple. They also
ture, I do not know. Higher in
tend to attract boxelder bugs –
the trees branches you’ll find
those friendly red and black
the world of bird nests and
bugs whose biggest fault is that
squirrel resting spots. Simply
they are curious. I noticed we
put, the boxelder is just a real
had them when all we had
friendly tree.
around were maples too. Some
The curious box elder bug. Photo Courtesy of: University of Minnesota Extension Service
reaching out at nearly 90 degree
many things wrong with the
tanic Garden
One thing kind of odd this
say the wood is weak. That is
year, I have a large hosta bed
kinda funny, during some of the
under the trees and several
wind storms we have experi-
others in the yard. They are all enced lately, old boxelder might well mulched. The hostas in the lose a few branches, but it is still large bed under the boxelders waving at you when the blow is
were not bothered by slugs
over. It’s true that they pro-
while all of the others were
duce lots of seeds, but they
riddled as usual. I don’t know if Acer negundo: Samara provide winusually stay on most of the win- it was the trees or the bugs, but ter interest and squirrel food. ter and add some contrast to
Page 5
Autumn Color - A List Continued from page 3: have brilliant color. I once moved a young sugar maple with dazzling crimson leaves to my front yard in Minneapolis and it spent the next 19 autumns displaying yellow leaves. My hunch is that the Minneapolis soil profile didn’t support the crimson color response. I’ve also planted more than a dozen amur maples (Acer ginnala) and can report from experience that this species has awesome red color in the fall. Amur maples grow with multiple stems to a height of 15 to 20 feet. Many of the red maple leaves in northern Minnesota belong to the species “red maple” (Acer rubrum). We don’t have a lot of red maples in this part of Minnesota because they favor a more acidic soil that is more prevalent along the North Shore and across much of northern Minnesota. Another option for fall color is a hybrid maple (Acer x fremanii) that combines the best traits of its parents “silver and red maple” but none of silver maple’s bad habits, which include roots
Yes! Fall colors – at times the fall leaves evoke similar oohs and aahs that we reserve for a fireworks display. In Minnesota, we are lucky to receive a full palette of colors when “Mother Nature” re-paints for the fall landscape. Following is a far from complete list of possible autumn “color” trees: Acer spp., red, sugar, Amur… - yellow to reds and scarlets Aesculus spp., horse-chestnut and buckeyes – browns Alnus spp., Alders - browns Amelanchier spp., Serviceberries – yellow to red Betula spp., birches – yellow Carpinus caroliniana, American hornbeam - reds Carya spp., hickories - yellow to brown Castenea dentata, American chestnut - yellow to brown Cercis canadensis, redbud – yellow Cladrastis lutea, American yellow-wood, yellow to purple Cornus spp., dogwoods - reds Crataegus spp., hawthorns – reds to browns Euonymus alatus, winged euonymus - brilliant red Fagus grandifolia, American beech – yellow to bronze Fraxinus americana, white ash varieties - purple and yellow Fraxinus nigra, black ash varieties – beautiful gold Ginkgo biloba, ginkgo – yellow Gymnocladus dioicus, Kentucky coffee tree - yellow Hamamelis spp. witch-hazel – yellow Juglans spp., walnut / butternut - browns Larix spp., larches – bright yellow Populus spp., cottonwood, aspen – yellow Prunus spp., cherries – red to burgundy Quercus spp., Oaks - reds to browns Rhus spp., sumacs – red to orange Sorbus spp., mountain ashes – reds Vaccinium spp., blueberries – red Viburnum spp., arrow-woods – red to purple
Yellows and reds of Acer ginnala in the fall.
Acer rubrum leaves
Nicollet Island: Acer X fremanii Note the deep cut sinuses strong similarity to Acer saccharinum
Aceraceae:
that protrude from the ground
Center - Acer Negundo
and brittle branches. It has or-
Clockwise Starting at the arrow:
ange-red to reddish-purple fall
Acer saccharum
color. Best cultivar is "Autumn
Acer saccharinum
Blaze." Other trees and shrubs
Acer Platanoides
with nice fall color include white ash, red oak, serviceberry, burning bush, American highbush cranberry and most dogwood species.
Acer ginnala Acer japonicum Acer rufinerve Acer rubrum
Page 6
Rose Research at Bailey Nursery By Esther Filson Terry Schwartz who controls the inventory of trees, shrubs and roses at Bailey nursery gave an exciting talk to the North Central District Rose Convention in August. In his power point presentation, he excited the group with the information about the research and with
Macy’s Pride: An introduction by Bailey Nursery in honor of Macy’s 100th anniversary Photo Courtesy of Bailey’s
some of the promising results that Bailey’s are developing in the production of hardy, disease resistant roses.
they can be a leader in the mar- are made in April through June ket. They have hired Dr. Ping
indoors. There are 2,000 com-
Lim, an internationally re-
binations. 35,000 hips are col-
nowned hybridizer and botanist, lected and 250,000 seeds are to hybridize roses for them.
planted and labeled in January in
Ping’s parents were born in
flats or in greenhouses. The
China and moved to Laos
germination of the seed is 35-
where Ping was born. He was
40%. Black spot fungal spores
educated in Tai Wan and later
are encouraged to enter the
immigrated to the U.S. He has
greenhouses, so they can iden-
worked with Jerry Twomey, the tify and remove seedlings that hybridizer of roses such as:
have a problem with it. No
‘Sweet Elegance’, ‘All that Jazz’
chemicals are used. The seed-
and ‘Apple Blossom’.
lings are evaluated May through October. Of the 100,000 seed-
Bailey Nursery is a 4th genera-
lings, 2,000 are selected. Then
tion family run wholesaler of
they are planted outdoors and
trees, shrubs, and roses
at trial gardens across the coun-
since1905. In recent years they
try for 3 years. Bailey’s has 16
have added perennials also.
testing sites in nurseries all over
They are the largest in the Mid-
the U.S. as well as in France,
west and leaders in the industry
Canada and Australia. They say
in new ideas in technology and
that the difference in their roses
plant material. Soon they will
are that they are :
be celebrating 100 years in the
1) Garden friendly
business. Today they have over 5,000 acres in production with 2,500 acres in Oregon and Ari-
Dr. Ping Lim: Photo Courtesy of Bailey’s
zona. They sell to 40 states,
A gene search goes far and
Canada and recently to China.
wide. Ping and Terry had just
Their main headquarters is in
returned from China and Japan
Newport, MN. Bailey Nursery
searching for particular species
nance roses, Bailey’s feel that
on 2,500 acres. The crosses
2) On their own root stock 3) No chemicals 4) Hardy repeat bloom quality 5) Time tested toughness When they find an exceptional plant, they will bud it or take
cuttings. Cuttings are taken, has supplied our garden centers of roses for their work. There planted in Old Cottage Grove, with the hardy Canadian shrub are many challenges in finding all MN fields and scrutinized. At the attributes that they are roses for years. any one time there are 4-5,000 looking for in their crosses. Now Bailey’s is hybridizing their of these crosses growing in the They also have found that as own roses that will be disease gardens there. They look for crossings continue, the type of resistant and hardy to northern winter hardiness and the ability bloom is becoming more comareas. They say that with to handle any diseases without plex with many more petals, their100 years of experience in the use of chemicals. What unique forms and added colors. the business, and with the poputhey are looking for is beyond larity of the hardy low mainte- In Oregon they research roses the beauty of the roses. They look for repeat bloom, hardi-
Rose Research at Bailey Nursery ness, fragrance, disease resis-
100th anniversary. Another is
coming in the future. Some
tance, vigor, compactness,
‘Mystic Fairy’, a red, repeat
look like carnations, some look
unique colors and forms as well
blooming hardy rose with 1-1/12 like the China roses and some
as ease of rooting. Terry is on a inch blooms. ‘My Hero’ is a
are interesting bi-colors like
committee of 4 -5 individuals
very fragrant, hardy rose with
‘Bonfire’, a red and white multi-
that select 400 roses of 800 to
the form of a hybrid tea. Lastly,
petaled rose. ‘Climbing High’ is
be sent to MN to plant and
‘Apple Blossom’ will be available a promising climber that grows
grow for 4 years. Once Baileys
and it is a fast growing, hardy
decides on which roses they will pink shrub. sell, they will take cuttings of them, grow them in greenhouses to root and then send them to Arizona in November and December. When they are grown to the proper size, they are sent back to MN for sale in February. where orders are filled and they are sent out to retail nurseries for sale. Baileys now grows 1 1/2 million rose bushes in Arizona.
to 6-7 ft. a year. For the future, Bailey’s expects
Six exciting hardy roses hybrid-
that they will be growing all of
ized by Ping available in 2004
their roses on their own root,
will be: ‘Spring Break’ a red
they will be fragrant, have fall
climber, ‘Hot Wonder’ an eye
colored foliage and periclinal
stopper with an iridescent hot
chimera (another way to propa-
pink color that repeats con-
gate using the skin of one rose
stantly, ‘Petticoat’, an apple blos- on another roses to cross). som pink repeat bloomer,
There will be novelty colors due
‘Spring Show’, a wonderful pink,
to gene splicing. The most ex-
‘Funny Face’ an exciting bi-color citing type of roses that we can with multiple blooms, ‘Round
look forward to are HARDY
Table’ a red shrub with repeat
PATIO TREE ROSES! Jerry
This year Bailey’s rose ‘Love &
bloom and ‘Spring Show’ a pink
Twomey’s hybrid shrub rose,
Peace’ was selected as an All
hybrid tea type bloom that
‘Apple blossom’, grows very
American Rose Selection. Ping
grows in one year to 5 ft. X 6 ft. quickly and can be used as an
crossed the "Peace" rose and an and 6-8 inch blossoms covering unknown seedling of Jerry Twomeys. While it is only hardy to Zone 5, it has proven to be unbeatable with internal energy. It reblooms over and over all season, has lush dark green leaves and is quite disease resistant. ‘Elegant Touch’ and ‘Arcadia Sunrise’ were also in-
the bush. Terry said that the carmine and
proud of having
to disease, but many of the
such a fine reputa-
newer crosses have produced
ble family-run nurs-
roses growing with these colors ery that believes which are disease resistant.
along with 2 rambling roses,
hybridized roses and give it a
‘Ramblins Red’ and ‘Little Ram-
name, for a mere $8,000 to
bler’, a white rambler.
$10,000. Flower Carpet Roses
beautiful white rose, chosen by Macey’s Dept. Store for their
nesota tip will be needed!
a history of being more prone
Anyone can purchase one of the
chase ‘Macy’s Pride’, a hardy,
roses grafted on to it. No Min-
yellow colored blooms have had Minnesota can be
troduced this year by Bailey’s
In 2003 we will be able to pur-
under-stock with other hardy
has sent representatives to look at Baileys hardy roses for their future introductions. Bailey’s also has novelty roses
quality is the most important part of their business.
Page 7
Page 8
Transplanting‌ Part I It Might Be Worth Saving Transplanting Trees and Shrubs - Part I: Preparing for the Move
"I don't know anything about planting trees, but my neighbor told me that you shouldn't plant in the autumn in Minnesota." "I was at the local nursery last weekend and they had signs advertising "Fall is for Planting"." Who should you believe?
Part of this contradiction involves mythical information vs. factual information. A bigger part of the contradiction relates to the differences between planting and transplanting. Most of the mythical information revolving around the blanket statement "you shouldn't plant in the autumn in Minnesota" is a misunderstanding. Planting is literally placing a plant in the ground at its (hopefully) permanent growing site. Transplanting involves digging a plant from one site and transferring the tree or shrub to a new site. When planting is done, theoretically, no roots are lost. When transplanting is done the majority of the tree or shrub's original root system is cut off during the process.
It's SHOCKING! The loss of roots during the transplanting procedure normally induces a health condition called transplant shock. This condition is actually less ominous than the term implies, and the vast majority of transplanted trees and shrubs fully recover in a relatively short amount of time. During this shock period, however, the abbreviated root system must recover and reestablish a more characteristic "root:shoot" balance. During this recovery period the tree or shrub exhibits retarded growth above ground (contrary to what's going on below ground), maybe a little branch or twig dieback and often less and smaller leaf production.
As the tree or shrub is growing through this recovery period, it's more vulnerable to stressful weather and landscape conditions that healthy plants would normally be able to tolerate. Short-term drought, hot and windy weather, and early, deep freezes can result in some abnormal damage to the plants. Whether the plant is a native one or an introduced one, they're all vulnerable to transplant shock.
Transplanting… Part I
Page 9
When the leaves are falling, the roots are growing. Autumn, especially early through mid-autumn, is actually an excellent time to transplant many trees and shrubs in Minnesota because of the aggressive root growth going on below ground. Normally, the autumn soil temperatures and moisture content in most Minnesota landscapes are ideal for root growth. That's why most field nurseries "root-prune" trees and shrubs in the weeks during late summer to early autumn. Warm soil temperatures + uniform soil moisture = new roots.
Spring is also an excellent time period for transplanting, especially if it can be done after the ground thaws and the leaves emerge. Both spring and autumn seasons present the advantage of moving largely dormant plants, and the disadvantage of not knowing what the following months will be like (weather-wise). Droughty, hot and windy summers can be just as stressful on newly transplanted trees and shrubs as early, windy, bitterly cold and long winters. Why take the chance and potentially waste all the efforts of transplanting something when it's easier to just buy a new tree or shrub? Good question!
Maybe the plant has some sentimental value, such as a memorial tree or a shrub that you propagated from your grandparent's garden?…GOOD REASON!
Maybe the tree has some historical significance, and is worth preserving, such as the "Eagan Oak" that was transplanted in 2001?…GOOD REASON!
Maybe it's a unique species, or a species that isn't normally found growing in Minnesota, such as the Japanese maple in Grand Marais, or a topiary juniper that has taken you years to develop?…GOOD REASON!
Maybe it's just a beautiful specimen, the most perfect potentilla you've ever seen?…GOOD REASON!
Root Pruning: See illustrative photo sequence page 15
Page 10
Transplanting‌ Part I Maybe the tree or shrub is in pretty bad shape, unhealthy, unshapely, and a new site could improve its appearance?‌BAD REASON!
As a rule of thumb, if the plant is in poor health or poor condition, it probably would be best to transplant it to the chipper and then to the mulch pile. You can do this during any season.
Okay, you've convinced me. Can I move anything, spring or fall? Well, yes, you can move anything, but it may not survive! Literally, just about any tree or shrub can be moved, but there are definite limits to success (a.k.a., the plant actually lives).
Smaller trees and shrubs transplant more successfully. They're younger and recover from the transplant shock much sooner and easier. Plus, there's a better chance that you will be able to transplant a larger percentage of the roots if the plant is smaller. For instance:
Root and Top Growth of a One-Inch Caliper Tree Following Transplanting (Reyes, 2002) A 1" caliper tree would have a root diameter of 4.5 feet. By nursery standards a root ball of about 1.5 feet would be moved. Less than 5% of the root system is transplanted.
First Year. The tree is under severe water stress soon after transplanting. With good care the stress diminishes, and the root system diameter should increase to 4.5 feet (100% of the original) by the end of the first year. Roots and top are now balanced and the tree should grow normally.
Page 11
Transplanting‌ Part I Root and Top Growth of a Four-Inch Caliper Tree Following Transplanting A 4" caliper tree would have a root diameter of 18 feet. A root ball of 3.5 feet would be moved. Less than 5% of the root system is transplanted in the root ball. First Year.
Pruned roots prior to container
Root system diameter increases to 6 feet, 9% of original volume. With less than 10% of the absorbing roots to support a full crown (top), the tree is
planting in June 2002 - U of M research.
often under severe water stress, inhibiting top growth, including bud formation. Second Year. Root system increases to 9 feet, 23% of original volume. The tree is frequently under water stress, inhibiting current season growth. The same root system after 4 months of container growing -
Third Year. Root system diameter increases to 12 feet, 41% of original volume. As root/top balance is gradually restored, the tree is exposed to less water stress and growth improves.
Fourth Year. Root system diameter increases to 15 feet, 60% of original volume. The effective rate of root generation accelerates as the overall diameter of the root system increases.
Fifth Year.
Root system diameter increases to 18 feet, 100% of original volume. Roots and crown and the tree should grow normally.
U of M research
Page 12
Transplanting… Part I Healthy plants transplant more successfully. It takes a lot of the plants stored energy to establish a new, more characteristic root system. If a plant is unhealthy, it probably has a very poor, energy reserve system. Not only will it be more difficult for this plant to recover its root system from the shock of transplanting; the energy drain could push this tree or shrub over the edge from unhealthy to dead. How do you know if it's healthy? If the foliage is undersized for the species, it may not be healthy. If the canopy (branches with leaves) is sparse for the species, it probably isn't very healthy. If there is a lot of branch dieback, it's probably not healthy. If there is decay in the stem/s, infestations of boring insects and/or infectious diseases of the stem or leaves…transplant it to the chipper. SOME plant species just do better if moved in the spring: Stick with Spring
Spring best, Autumn w/care Early Autumn
Carpinus
Acer rubrum
Berberis
Magnolia
Betula
Cotoneaster
Populus
Cornus
Ilex
Quercus (most species)
Prunus
Pinus
Chamaecyparis
Pyrus
Rhododendron
Crataegus
Salix
Taxus
Tilia tomentosa
Tsuga Viburnum
How can I improve the chances of a successful transplant?
Build up the health of the plant before the move. If you're planning on moving the plant in the spring, start with the health program the preceding autumn or summer. If it's nutrient-stressed, fertilize it. Don't allow it to become water-stressed…keep the soil uniformly moist. Control any insect pests or diseases. Prune out any dead wood and/or weakly attached branches. Mulch as much of the root zone as you can stand. This gets rid of grass competition, lessens the need for constant watering, and keeps the soil warmer into late autumn (for best root growth).
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Transplanting‌ Part I
Pruned root
Root prune the plant (see photos page 15), at least one season (spring or autumn) before the move. Root pruning woody plants encourages a more compact and dense root system. Therefore, when you finally move it, the tree or shrub will have a higher percentage of its most important roots contained within a smaller soil volume.
4 months of re-growth on a pruned Fraxinus root system.
As a rule of thumb, for each inch of stem caliper, root prune at a distance of
See photos page 14.
10-12 inches out from the stem of the plant. For instance, if the tree has a one-inch stem caliper, the diameter of the root-pruned area would be 2024 inches. Simply determine the appropriate distance from the stem, draw a circle around the stem with this distance as the radius, and sink the blade of your digging spade down as deep as you can go all the way around this circle. This one practice will dramatically reduce the transplant shock on the plant when it is finally transplanted the following season or year. You've sold me on the idea of transplanting, but the tree is just too big for me to move it. Are there companies that specialize in transplanting large trees and shrubs? Yup. There are several companies in Minnesota that specialize in transplanting large plants with various sizes of tree spades. However, these companies are busy, and it would be smart to include contacting them at least one season before the transplant date. A Partial Listing of Companies That Transplant Large Trees and Shrubs: Minnesota Valley Landscape Halla Nursery Bob Matiski Tree Moving Witzel Tree Moving Strese's Tree Service
952-445-4004 952-445-6555 651-436-1709 651-459-4581, 651-769-1759 507-645-6137; cell 612-282-3526
In Part II, the actual transplanting process will be illustrated and outlined. In the meantime, start your planning!
Photos Page 15: Step 1 - measure trunk Step 2 - distance from trunk Step 3 - spade work Step 4 - completion
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Transplanting… Part I … Photos
Tree Selection: Above: Even small trees suffer from wind damage. This small hackberry with a broken leader and branches is not worth the time and effort it takes to move a tree.
Left: The hackberry pictured here is worth moving. A good dominant leader and a decent branching habit makes it a likely candidate.
Pruned root stubs with a summers re-growth
Malus spp. “Spring Snow” root stock
Fraxinus pennsylvanica “Green Ash” root stock
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Transplanting‌ Part I ‌ Photos Root Pruning encourages a more compact and dense root system. Therefore, when you finally move it, the tree or shrub will have a higher percentage of its most important roots contained within a smaller soil volume.
Step 1: Measure the trunk diameter
Step 2: For every inch of Trunk diameter - measure out from the stem 10-12 inches and use that distance as the radius to trace a circle around the tree
Step 3: Using a 12-18 inch spade - Follow the outline and fully insert the spade, completely encircling the tree. Root pruning complete.
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Snake Bark Maple Continued from page 1
substitute! I planted a few on the St. Paul campus of the University of Minnesota a few years ago and some are With such a homogethriving. Plants in Mullin’s nous group, clear identi- woods are doing well in spite fication among the spe- of rabbit problems two years cies gets a bit hairy. The ago. A plant tucked in by Japanese species and Acer Plant Pathology faces north pensylvanicum, from and looks good. North America, tend to be fairly distinguishable but the Chinese species In his Manual of Woody Landscape Plants book, Mike from the mountainous Dirr offers several comments Himalayan region are on the snakebarks. “They tougher because the evolution and hybridi- offer little urban toughness; zation between species the bark is thin and subject to mower and weed-eater continues. damage; plants appear canker Acer Rufinerve: Trunk and Leaves susceptible under stress; I - St Paul Campus As far as growing the snake- can never remember seeing a barks is concerned, certain prospering snakebark maple requirements must be met under adverse conditions; to insure success. These none is widely available in plants prefer a cool, moist, commerce.” He also states well drained slightly acidic that the snakebark maples soil. They are understory are not commonplace in plants and need partial shade American gardens but for the from canopy trees or build- “Snakeophile” collector ings. Our success with early there are interesting species plantings under heavy sugar to check out. maples at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum was The following species are poor, probably because of the tremendous competition. more commonly seen: Acer pensylvanicum – They do not do well under Moosewood, striped maple cultivation or in open lawn Acer Rufinerve: Leaves and Seeds situations. Think understory Acer capillipes – no common name tree or offer a good shade - St Paul Campus Acer davidii – Father David maple Acer rufinerve – Redvein maple Acer tegmentosum – Manchustriped maple Others to think about are: Acer crataegifolium – Hawthorn maple Acer caudatifolium – Coliseum maple, Kawakami maple
Acer laisuense – no common name Acer micranthum – Pagoda maple Acer morifolium – Yakushima ogarabana maple Acer pectinatum – Forrests maple Acer rubescens – no common name Acer sikkimense – Sikkim maple Acer tschonoskii – Tschonoski maple In conclusion, the snakebark maples are a novelty for Minnesota gardens. The mild winters we have experienced the past few years have raised our hopes and the planted snakebarks have shown what they can be. The most widely planted species is probably Acer rufinerve. The species that probably tolerates the most summer heat is Acer capillipes. The hardiest is probably a northern seed source of Acer pensylvanicum. Given the right planting location and care, I feel these obscure plants can be successfully grown in our area. Alas, if only we could turn common buckthorn into snakebark maple! Oh well, wishful thinking. Mike Zins October, 2002
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A Printable Letter Dear Master Gardeners: How the time flies. Twenty-six years ago when I began formulating plans for the first Master Gardener core course class on the St. Paul campus, little did I, or others, envision how successful this program would be down the road. From those humble beginnings we have learned a lot about all the things that make the program work. Partnerships, cooperation, people, places, programs, problems, solutions, etc., the list could go on. Along the way, we bumped over a few rough spots but stayed the course. In Minnesota, unlike many other states, we have had strong statewide coordination of this program through the efforts of Extension specialists supported by Extension administration. In 26 years we have had only four secretaries which has made for an efficiently run organization and “user friendly” operation. The Master Gardener program is constantly changing but at the same time is trying to stay the same. On many issues we have come full circle. Over the years we have gained the support of county personnel in bringing this program to every county in the state. Today’s Extension reorganization has changed the county structure by making everyone a regional educator. How that plays out is yet to be determined. When I was hired on as an Area Extension Agent, there were many similar positions in the state. In 1989 all area positions were eliminated and most area people joined departments, etc. In 2001 the new reorganization made county staff Regional Educators. What comes around goes around! But it is the programs and Master Gardeners that count most! Interestingly it is just an idea someone gets that gets the ball rolling. The following examples are just a few of many. The vegetable varieties trials was the brainchild of Dakota County Master Gardener Clarence Germaine, now deceased, who loved growing and evaluating vegetables. With the termination of statewide vegetable trials by the late Dr. Clint Turnquist due to his retirement, this idea gained support and through Clarence’s tireless work became very successful. Upon Clarence’s passing, Jackie Smith stepped to the plate and has continued the excellent work Clarence started. The State Fair booth is another example of an idea that led to success. It all started with a conversation from Curt Klint, retired Area Extension Specialist and Superintendent of the vegetable wing at the fair with Bob Mugaas, Hennepin County Extension Horticulturist. Why not have the Master Gardeners set up a booth to answer questions at the fair? We will provide space! Bob ran it by me and we jumped at the chance to be there. With the help of Ray Swanson, Bob Condon, Hank Wessels and others, we have made the fair booth a highly visible and excellent use of the Master Gardener program. As most of you know, we have added demonstrations and plant diagnostics the past couple of years and have established the program with the fair administrators. Other fantastic programs have been initiated by individuals and pretty much carried out by themselves. Leonard Gloeb’s work at Children’s Hospital in St. Paul has earned him volunteer awards and most certainly personal satisfaction.
Continued next page
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A Printable Letter - Continued I could probably go on for pages on all the Master Gardeners and programs statewide that have evolved, say nothing of the myriad of county programs done on local levels. It all happened because of good ideas by enterprising people like you. I have really enjoyed the opportunity to have met so many of you and been aware of +-your projects. Projects, people and administrators come and go, but the Master Gardener program goes on. In 1977, I edited the first Master Gardener newsletter. Today I am writing for the current issue again as the “coordinator.” It all supports my previous statement: What comes around goes around!
Happy Holidays Mike Zins Extension Horticulturist 952-443-1426; zinsx002@umn.edu
A report from the TCAAG - By Lorrie Stromme The Tree Care Advisor Advisory Group (TCAAG) met in September, and here’s the ground we covered: TCA Track at the Shade Tree Short Course in March 2003 We asked for it, and Gary came through for us. Tree Care Advisors will have a “track” at next Shade Tree Short Course (STSC), March 25-26, 2003. We TCA’s are always welcome at the STSC, but this track will provide information geared to helping us in our role as a link between the public and tree researchers. Suggested topics include “How to give a presentation or workshop,” “Diagnosing a Tree Disease,” “Recruiting and Working with Volunteers,” etc. Help design the course: send your topic suggestions to either Dave or Gary. Mentor a Rookie Remember your rookie year as a TCA? Wouldn’t it have been great if you’d had someone (other than Gary and Dave, two very busy guys!) who would help you answer questions, like: “Where can I find a slide set on pruning?” or “How can I possibly find enough tree-related volunteer opportunities to complete my 50-hour commitment?” We all muddled through at first. Now, we are wiser and (sigh) older, and we can make it easier for the next batch of TCA’s to hit the ground running. If you’re willing to field a few phone calls and share your TCA tips, let Dave Hanson know (dlhanson@umn.edu or 612-624-1226).
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Author! Author! Calling all writers. Many of you write articles for newsletters or local newspapers about trees, backyard wildlife, interesting woody plants, and similar topics. Please consider sharing your written expertise with the rest of us TCA’s in future editions of this newsletter. Send your articles (via mail or email) to editors Dave and Gary. Let’s Kill Two Birds with One Stone So suggests veteran TCA, Esther Filson, who opts for combining TCA training sessions with socializing opportunities. So, the TCAAG is recommending that future training sessions include time for TCA’s to learn and get acquainted. Heck, we’re all busy, right? Newest TCAAG Member: Laurie Drolson “The Longest Day of Golf” – that’s how Laurie plans to raise funds to sustain the Peace Garden she designed and helped install in front of her work place in Forest Lake. The garden is a huge, grassroots project. Laurie recruited community volunteers (including kids!) and raised $1,000 in donations (plants, benches, equipment) from local nurseries, florists, and gardeners to cover the installation costs. “Just ask,” is Laurie’s advice about how to involve the community and raise funds. That’s where golf enters the picture. Laurie’s husband, resourceful guy that he is, offered to accept pledges (number of putts, strokes, holes-in-one, etc.) for his all-day round of golf next spring. Laurie recently joined the TCAAG, and right off the bat, she offered to fine-tune the TCA display board, which informs others about TCA’s and what we can do. Laurie is testimony that the adage is right: When you want something done, ask a busy person! TCAAG Members: Paula Denman, Chair – 612-338-1871, pjdenman@mn.rr.net Bob Condon – 952-890-1228, bobnbunny@juno.com Laurie Drolson – 651-464-9829, ldrolson@yahoo.com Bruce Granos – 952-423-5211, bjgbjgbjg@hotmail.com Mimi Hottinger – 507-388-4838, mimih@mctcnet.net Barb Kirkpatrick – 651-490-9816, sambucus@attbi.com Lorrie Stromme – 612-788-5157, stro0293@umn.edu
Contact Phone Numbers Program Contacts:
Gary Johnson – 612-625-3765 or grjonson@.umn.edu Dave Hanson – 612-624-1226 or dlhanson@umn.edu Mailing Address: 115 Green Hall, 1530 Cleveland Ave. North, St. Paul, MN 55108
TCAAG Members:
Paula Denman, Chair – 612-338-1871, pjdenman@mn.rr.net Bob Condon – 952-890-1228, bobnbunny@juno.com Laurie Drolson – 651-464-9829, ldrolson@yahoo.com Bruce Granos – 952-423-5211, bjgbjgbjg@hotmail.com Mimi Hottinger – 507-388-4838, mimih@mctcnet.net Barb Kirkpatrick – 651-490-9816, sambucus@attbi.com Lorrie Stromme – 612-788-5157, stro0293@umn.edu
County Contacts:
Anoka County (Patrick Weicherding) – 763-755-1280 or weich002@umn.edu Blue Earth – (507)389-8325 Carver County - (952) 442-4946 Dakota County (Barb Stendhal) – 952-463-8002 or stend004@umn.edu Hennepin County (Bob Mugaas) – 612-374-8400 Olmstead County (Doug Courneya) – 507-285-8250 or courneya@umn.edu Ramsey County – (Doug Foulk) – 651-777-8156 St. Louis County (Bob Olen) – 218-726-7512
Additional Reference Contacts:
Debby Newman (Info-U) – 612-624-3263 Don Mueller, DNR Forestry – 651-772-6148 or don.mueller@dnr.state.mn.us Great River Greening – 651-665-9500 Ken Holman, DNR Forestry – 651-772-7565 or ken.holman@dnr.state.mn.us Rich Hauer, Minnesota Department of Agriculture (certified tree inspector workshop coordinator) 651-296-0592 or rich.hauer@state.mn.us Paul Walvatne MNDOT – 651-284-3793 or Paul.Walvatne@dot.state.mn.us Tree Trust – 651-644-5800
Photo Credits: Bailey Nurseries rose images and image of Dr. Ping Lim Courtesy of Michelle Meyer, Bailey Nurseries Marketing Department. Box elder (Acer negundo) Tree Photo: Courtesy of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. “http:// www.cnr.vt.edu/dendro/dendrology/main.htm”
Box elder (Acer negundo) Flower Photo: Courtesy of Brooklyn Botanic Garden, “http://www.bbg.org/sci/nymf/ encyclopedia/ace/ace0030.htm”
References cited: For Gary Johnsons’s transplanting article: Reyes, Jonah. 2002. Arboriculture Myth Exposed: Bigger is Better? Tree Care Advisor Newsletter. Volume 9, No. 2. P.15-16. Some information in Cliff’s article excerpted from Red Oaks & Black Birches, by Rebecca Rupp.