Friday, April 25, 2014

What's The Best Tree?




What’s The Best Tree?


This winter has been brutal. Not only has it been tough on the folks in Jefferson County, but our plants have suffered as well. The roller-coaster ride of high/low temperatures, ice, snow, wind and rain has left many residents with less than perfect landscape plants. While laurels, rhododendrons, hollies and other broadleaved evergreens have been hit hard, the shade trees in our area haven’t had as much damage since 2009 (the last major ice storm). A lot of trees are being replaced and I am constantly being asked:



“What is the best tree to replant, I need color, shade, flowers and oh, it has to be fast growing but long lived to add value to my home?”    

First, fast growing trees are usually shorter lived. They are genetically set to grow quickly, reproduce, and then they tend to die back or get shabby/weedy looking such as locusts, water maples, poplars, willows, and so forth. These are not 'bad' trees, but they may not be the best tree for the area. In forested areas these trees tend to reclaim fallow land then die off in favor of taller, slower growing, and longer lived trees.   

Selecting the right tree for the site is your best solution for success. The height and spread of the tree should be of primary concern. Choose a tree variety that will survive our Kentucky weather (we are zone 6.). Woody plants can take up to 2 years to accept a site. Test the soil in the area ahead of time for nutrient and pH levels. Do not fertilize the tree for the first year. Fall fertilization is best. If you select a tree with a wide spread, know that grass may eventually cease to thrive under the drip line.



As you know, there is no 'perfect' tree. Insects and disease can occur with all plants but healthy stock can usually defend against these pests. Some other considerations (and examples):

Excessive or large seeds - maples
Excessive or large fruit- walnuts
Smelly fruit - ginkgo trees
Berries - cherries, hollies, etc. may attract nuisance birds
Surface roots- many maples
Pollen- maples
Pealing bark and dropping leaves - Sycamore
Thorns- honey locust

All that being said, there are some great trees for Jefferson Co. just do a little homework (these ARE going to be permanent fixtures in you landscape) to select a tree for your piece of heaven. Here are a few suggestions for urban areas: Red maples, American elm, bald cypress (cool tree, is a conifer but loses its needle fine leaves in the fall with beautiful color. They also tolerate wet/moist soil conditions), linden, sweetbay magnolia, yellowwood, European hornbeam and Shumard oak to name a few.

UK has a list of Recommended trees, shrubs, ground covers and vines:

Ohio State has a nice publication that actually gives some pros and cons of popular trees that also grow here:

Proper planting is important too!



Last, personally, I have found that smaller/younger woody plants accept a site more quickly and go through less transplant shock. The biggest tree on the nursery lot may not necessarily be the best choice so look closely at the plant material.  Looks around, read and then KEEP the tag and information that comes with your tree. The name of the cultivar, growing conditions, temperature tolerance, disease resistance, sex of the tree(yep, there can be both male and female trees, but more on that later) and other valuable information is on that tag!

Happy Spring and just let it grow!

Friday, February 21, 2014

No Likin' Lichen!





No Likin’ Lichen!



Trees are the back bone of our landscapes. We plant them for many different reasons and become concerned when they appear to decline or have problems. Diseases or insects are the assumed culprits, but we forget that environmental or climate factors may be the cause of the perceived threat. Many times we want to reach for the spray bottle or a quick fix to halt what we think is a threat to these stately members of our families.   
    
These photos (from Jefferson County) are a good example of what lichen can look like on woody  plants.





*What you are seeing is called lichens. It is not a disease or parasite.
*Shady, moist conditions provide the correct environment for these organisms to grow.
*There is no need to spray or control as this is not harming the trees. 

The following is From UK's publication on molds and mildews; I have provided a link to the publication as well.

LICHENS:    
 
Lichen is actually composed of two different organisms, an alga and a fungus, which grow together for the mutual benefit of one another. These crusty or leaf-like organisms may be a variety of colors, including brown, gray, green, yellow and white. Lichens form on a variety of surfaces, such as rocks, soil, and fallen logs, as well as on the bark of living trees. When lichens are noticed on trees, they are often thought to be of disease organism. Lichens frequently appear on the trunks or branches of trees that are in poor or declining condition. 

While their presence may indicate there is a problem, they are not in themselves harmful.



Tuesday, January 14, 2014

New Year 2014





 It's 2014!!!!




It’s 2014 and with it comes the tradition of New Year’s resolutions, new beginnings and fresh starts, but for high school seniors it’s the last leg of their high school careers. We have received several requests for opportunities in horticulture and agriculture now that we are back from winter break. Many of these students are applying to universities and making decisions that will affect them the rest of their lives. What they decide to do after graduation will set them on course for new experiences, life lessons and of course new relationships. The Jefferson Co. Cooperative Extension Service is in a unique position to assist both young and more mature students seeking a more diversified and enriched college “experience”.  

Anna Taul, the Assistant Director of Admissions for the University of Kentucky is right here in our Extension office. She is an awesome advocate for the university and knows the best way to introduce you (or a student near you) to the programs available. If you have questions about the University of Kentucky she has answers! Of course she is a pro at the application process, but she can guide you through financial aid, the scholarship program, and even set up a campus tour. Anna advises students in Jefferson County schools, home school programs and JCTC students seeking more opportunities in an advanced education.
Anna Taul

Anna and UK are also advocates of the 55,000 Degree program. This program promotes continuing education for the Louisville metro area and includes all Kentucky universities and colleges. What is the 55,000 Degree program about you say…? Well, LOUISVILLE WAS AT A CROSSROADS as city and county governments merged in 2003. With unity came a community consensus to take stock of our city’s strengths and our challenges. Whether the issue was attracting new jobs or improving quality of life for all residents, the top priority for the new city of Louisville to flourish became increasingly clear: Education.” This is a phenomenal opportunity for the residents of Jefferson County.



Kentucky’s land grant colleges are all about research and education. Both UK and KSU are dedicated to improving the lives of Kentuckians of all ages and all walks of life. Whether you are an eighth grader looking into college prep, a senior seeking university options, or a senior citizen yearning for more, let us help! You have questions? We have answers …and options!



Information on 55,000 Degrees program:

Email address for Anna Taul:

Information on Agriculture and Horticulture in KY:
University of Kentucky:
 



Kentucky State University



Eastern Ky University:


Murray:


Morehead:


Western KY University:


Northern KY University: