Forest Tree Notes
Volume 4, Issue 3
October 2003
ARTICLES
Please note that these articles have a copyright.
Copyright © 2003 Regents of the University of Minnesota.
All rights reserved. Copyright is claimed for all materials except
for the photos, illustrations and articles provided by non-University
of Minnesota Extension Service sources. Although copyright is vested
with Extension, permission is hereby granted for the articles to
be reproduced for noncommercial or for nonprofit educational purposes. The
source must be acknowledged and no alterations can be made to the
article without prior written permission.
Send copyright permission inquiries to Mike Reichenbach at reich027@umn.edu.
The University of Minnesota Extension Service is an equal opportunity
educator and employer.
How
to Control Deer Damage in Tree Planting
Author: Mike Demchik,
University of Minnesota Extension Service
Deer populations have been high in Minnesota for several years. Deer
can severely damage forestry plantations, newly planted windbreaks and home
landscaping by repeated browsing (eating) of the foliage. This damage
is particularly high if preferred browse species are planted. In general
deer will heavily damage plantings of apples, basswood, white cedar, white
pine, and many species often included in wildlife conservation plantings. Wildlife
conservation planting species often eaten by deer include highbush cranberry,
mountain ashes, crabapples, hazelnuts and others. Additionally,
in some parts of the state red/Norway pine, birch, maples and even you spruce
tops are fed on. Only a few trees are not heavily fed on by deer: Russian
olive, some honeysuckles, lilac, Scot’s pine, spruce in most of the state
and balsam fir. Under heavy deer populations, even these are not safe.
So how do you protect trees from deer? While there are several ways
to reduce deer damage, it is almost impossible to completely eliminate deer
damage.
Fencing and Tree Shelters
In other states, particularly Pennsylvania and New York (but also a few
places in Minnesota), electric fencing has been used to keep deer out of
high value plantings. This is expensive and difficult to maintain,
but has been shown to be effective. Typically, the fence is seven strands
and about 7 feet tall. Slanting the wires from bottom to top outward
(20-30 degrees), has been shown to help by a few researchers. For small
or skinny plantings (like windbreaks), woven wire fences as low as four feet
will help as deer will seldom jump into a small, skinny area. Tree
shelters (called tree tubes by many people) are solid or mesh plastic tubes
that protect the trees. These are held in place by a bamboo stake for
the mesh tubes or a wooden stake for the solid tubes. The solid tubes
are usually quite expensive (usually $3 or more dollars each stake included)
while the mesh tubes are less expensive (about $1) but very flimsy and likely
to be damaged. While these work well and the solid tubes provide the
added benefit of reducing tree death during droughts (the air inside the
tube is warm and moist), they are often used by deer for rubbing antlers
and frequently damaged by bears. This means they require regular maintenance
to be effective. A homemade alternative is to make individual fences
8 inches in diameter made of 4-6 foot tall turkey wire (1”X2” holes). These
work very effectively. The added benefit is that they are reuseable
and easy to remove (the deer will prune off any braches that grow through
the wire). They cost a dollar or less each to make.
Bud Capping
Bud capping is essentially stapling a small piece of paper over the terminal
(top) bud on a white pine. This reduces deer browsing of these buds. These
have been shown to be very effective in much of the state; however, deer
in a couple of central Minnesota counties appear to have figured this trick
out. They simply pull to papers off. While this is labor intensive,
the cost is next to nothing (a book of bud capping paper and a few staples
are quite cheap).
Repellants
Repellants work by either producing scents (sulfur or ammonia) which make
the food offensive to the deer or by making the food taste bad (bitter or
spicy). Common scent repellants include eggs/rotten eggs, for example
Deer AwayTM and DeerOffTM (DeerOffTM contains other ingredients, also), garlic
oil (Plant Pro-TecTM and DeerOffTM) and ammonium soaps (HinderTM). These
are effective but must be reapplied regularly. Taste repellents include
bitter tasting compounds like Thiram (Nott’s Chew NotTM) and combinations
(Ro-PelTM) and Capsicum, the chemical that makes hot peppers taste spicy
(DeerOffTM and Miller Hot SauceTM). The effectiveness of repellants
to related to the availability of other foods. The more available other
foods are or the fewer deer, the greater the effectiveness of repellants.
Deer are estimated to do millions of dollars of damage every year to forest
plantings and natural forest regrowth. Managing this damage can be
expensive, but is worth the effort.
Click
here to download a Word document of this article.
New Electronic Publication is Available
Vegetation Management in Forestry and Agroforestry is now available
at the Extension Website. The manual provides an overview
of weed control for the establishment and growth of trees. Special
attention is paid to inclusion of non-chemical as well as chemical
methods. To view the publication go to
www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/naturalresources/M1156.html
Click
here to download a Word document of this article.
Headwaters Forestry Cooperative Learning
Group
Author: Mike Demchik,
University of Minnesota Extension Service
The Headwaters Forestry Cooperative in cooperation with the University
of Minnesota Extension Service and the University of Minnesota Central Region
Partnership are initiating a forest landowners’ learning group that will
include the offering of six workshops in the next year to coop members. The
general public and Woodland Advisors are invited. If you are a coop
member, you get to attend for free (part of your benefits of membership). For
Woodland Advisors, several of these courses will be offered as core or elective
modules. For the general public, the cost varies for each workshop,
please consult the coming events section for more information. The
first four sessions offered include:
- Thursday, October 2, 6:30-9:00 PM at St. John’s University Insects,
Diseases and How Trees Grow and Forest Soils and Protecting Site Value.
- Saturday, October 18, 9:00AM-2:00 PM, at Snowy Pines Reforestation, Nuts
and Bolts of Timber Sales and Forest Measurement.
- On November 1, 9:00AM-4:00PM, at Snowy Pines Reforestation, Financial
Aspects of Forestland Ownership, Aspects of Cooperative Development, Wood
Processing Basics and Wood Drying.
- November 18, 1:00-3:00 PM, Todd County Extension Office in Long Prairie,
you can attend a broadcast of a satellite conference Forestry Cooperatives: What
Today’s Resource Professionals Need to Know.
Click
here to download a Word document of this article.
Woodland Advisor
Program Calendar
November / December Growing and Tending Your Forest. (WA
C3 & C4)
Saturday, November 15, 2003, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Robert Nay Memorial
Park Reserve (Wright County, Maple Lake area).
This session will cover some of the tools that foresters use
to keep forests healthy and productive. This class will discuss
basic silviculture, “the art of producing and tending a forest.” We
will discuss forest management systems and management options.
We will have extra time offered for questions and answers. This
course may be offered primarily as a field course in many parts
of the state and as either two 3-hour or one 6-hour module, check
schedule. Field and classroom components.
Minnesota’s Forest: History, Ecology, and Opportunity. (WA
C1)
Monday, November 10, South Central Technical College, North Mankato.
This introductory session will provide an overview of Minnesota’s
forest ecosystems. It will introduce the three major biomes and
provide a basic introduction to the most important forest types
found in Minnesota. You’ll also learn how forests change and how
different types of human and natural disturbance can affect the
species, type, and condition of the forest.
Financial Aspects of Woodland Ownership. (WA C10)
Thursday, November 20, 2003, 7 – 9 p.m., Sherburne County Government
Center, Elk River.
Woodland ownership comes with many financial considerations.
This course will outline some of the things you should consider
before purchasing woodlands, before you sell timber and every year
thereafter. Some of the discussion will cover Minnesota’s 2001
Sustainable Forestry Incentive program.
Non-Timber Forest Products and Marketing of Forest Products.
(WA C5)
Monday, November 24, South Central Technical College, North Mankato.
Forests produce much more than timber. In this session you’ll
learn about some other products that you can harvest and sell from
your forest. In the first half of this session, we will cover harvesting
of forest products other than timber. While the topics offered
will be relevant to your area, potential examples include balsam
boughs, birch bark, wild fruits and burls. This session will discuss
the potential of these products for local or personal use and for
product sales. The second half of this session will cover the potential
for specialty marketing of timber and non-timber forest products.
While this is intended as an introduction, owners of local forest
products businesses are encouraged to attend.
Forest Wildlife and Biodiversity: Game and Non-game. (WA C7)
Monday, December 1, South Central Technical College, North Mankato.
Do you want to manage your woods for wildlife? This session will
discuss basic wildlife needs and how to meet them on your land
and in your area. This session will be tailored to regional differences;
however, the topics may include management for specific common
species, habitat improvement, management to reduce impacts of nuisance
animals and helping timber harvesting and wildlife co-exist.
Growing and Tending Your Forest. (WA C3 & C4)
Saturday, December 6, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.., Robert Ney Memorial
Park Reserve (Wright County, Maple Lake area)
This session will cover some of the tools that foresters use
to keep forests healthy and productive. This class will discuss
basic silviculture, “the art of producing and tending a forest.” We
will discuss forest management systems and management options.
We will have extra time offered for questions and answers. This
course may be offered primarily as a field course in many parts
of the state and as either two 3-hour or one 6-hour module, check
schedule. Field and classroom components.
Forest Wildlife and Biodiversity: Game and Non-game (WA C7)
Forest Soils and Protecting the Forest. (WA C8)
Saturday, December 6, 2003, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sherburne National
Wildlife Refuge.
WA C7: Do you want to manage your woods for wildlife? This session
will discuss basic wildlife needs and how to meet them on your
land and in your area. This session will be tailored to regional
differences; however, the topics may include management for specific
common species, habitat improvement, management to reduce impacts
of nuisance animals and helping timber harvesting and wildlife
co-exist.
WA C8: The soil is literally the foundation of a productive forest.
In this session you will learn how the soils on your property impact
which trees will grow most quickly and vigorously there. You will
also learn how to avoid common soil related problems, such as rutting,
erosion, sedimentation and compaction. This course will cover these
topics as well as the Minnesota Forest Resources Council’s Voluntary
Site-Level Forest Management Guidelines.
Financial Aspects of Woodland Ownership. (WA C10)
Monday, December 8: South Central Technical College, North Mankato.
Woodland ownership comes with many financial considerations.
This course will outline some of the things you should consider
before purchasing woodlands, before you sell timber and every year
thereafter. Some of the discussion will cover Minnesota’s 2001
Sustainable Forestry Incentive program.
January / February 2004 Nuts and Bolts of Timber Sales (WA C6)
Measuring and Reading Your Forest. (WA C9)
Saturday, January 10, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Stearns County History
Museum
WA C6: Are you thinking about harvesting timber? Have you ever
had loggers make you an offer on your timber? This class will help
you to understand the basics of how to make timber sales a positive
experience for both your forest and your pocketbook. Even if you’re
not considering selling any timber right now, this is an excellent
and rare opportunity to learn about timber sales from the logger’s,
the forester’s and the landowner’s perspective.
WA C9: Many forest landowners don’t have a very good idea of
what they own. Do you want to learn how to estimate how much wood
is in a tree? Or how much wood is in your woodlot? This course
will introduce you to the basics of forest measurement. It will
help you better understand what a bid from a logger or a volume
estimate from a forester means.
Financial Aspects of Woodland Ownership. (WA C10)
Date to be determined, Carlton County, exact location to be determined.
Woodland ownership comes with many financial considerations.
This course will outline some of the things you should consider
before purchasing woodlands, before you sell timber and every year
thereafter. Some of the discussion will cover Minnesota’s 2001
Sustainable Forestry Incentive program.
Non-Timber Forest Products and Marketing of Forest Products.
(WA C5)
Thursday, January 22, 2004, 6:30 – 9 p.m., Anoka County Extension Office
Forests produce much more than timber. In this session you’ll
learn about some other products that you can harvest and sell from
your forest. In the first half of this session, we will cover harvesting
of forest products other than timber. While the topics offered
will be relevant to your area, potential examples include balsam
boughs, birch bark, wild fruits and burls. This session will discuss
the potential of these products for local or personal use and for
product sales. The second half of this session will cover the potential
for specialty marketing of timber and non-timber forest products.
While this is intended as an introduction, owners of local forest
products businesses are encouraged to attend.
Recreational Trail Design (WA E1)
February 7, Saturday, 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Robert Ney Memorial Park
Recreation is one of the most important values for many forest
landowners. This course will discuss trail construction techniques,
layout and maintenance. Special emphasis will be placed on problems
than can occur with trails and how to avoid them. We will discuss
assessment of recreational opportunities in the woodlot using proximity
to public land, topography, opportunities for nice views and attractiveness
of various stands to wildlife species. Basic coverage of liability
issues, posting, safety and equipment may also be covered. In some
areas, equipment dealers may be invited to demonstrate their trail
maintenance equipment.
Forest Wildlife and Biodiversity: Game and Non-game. (WA C7)
Riparian Forestry. (WA E6)
February 21, Saturday, 9-4, Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge
WA C7: Do you want to manage your woods for wildlife? This session
will discuss basic wildlife needs and how to meet them on your
land and in your area. This session will be tailored to regional
differences; however, the topics may include management for specific
common species, habitat improvement, management to reduce impacts
of nuisance animals and helping timber harvesting and wildlife
co-exist.
WA E6: Do you own lakeshore or have a waterway on your property?
Learn how to manage your lakeshore and your riparian areas to protect
the environment and meet your goals. Special regional topics could
include reducing erosion, use of government programs, invasive
weed and native vegetation.
Hardwood Management. (WA E13)
Saturday, February 21, 2004, 9:00 a.m. to Noon, Northeast area,
exact location to be determined.
March / April 2004 Planting Trees and Releasing Seedlings in Your Woods (WA E2)
Dealing with Weeds in Your Tree Planting. (WA E4)
Thursday, March 4, 2004, 6:30 – 9 p.m., Sherburne National Wildlife
Refuge
WA E2: Are you interested in planting trees for your future use
or for your kids? The best time to plant trees was ten years ago,
the second best time is now. Learn the basics of successful tree
planting and maintenance (it is more than just green side up).
Many of the most important steps occur after the trees are in the
ground. Coverage of seedling release for natural seedlings will
also be covered.
WA E4: The best time to think about weed control is before you
plant your seedlings, but whether you are new to tree planting
or have hundreds of acres, this class is for you. This class will
cover the basics of vegetation control, why some weeds dominate
and when and how to treat the weeds. Chemical and non-chemical
methods will be discussed. Regionally, control of invasive weeds
like buckthorn or thistle will be discussed.
Agroforestry: Living Snow Fences, Windbreaks, etc. (WA
E13)
Saturday, March 13, Saturday 9 a.m. -12 p.m., location to be
determined.
Forest and Wood Products Certification Systems. (WA E9)
Thursday, March 18, 2004, Anoka County Extension Office
Have you ever heard of certifying lumber as sustainable. This
session will discuss forest certification and options for landowners,
cooperatives or businesses interested in sustainable forestry.
Dealing With Weeds in Your Tree Plantings. (WA E4)
Thursday, April 3, 2004, 6:30 – 9 p.m. Warner Lake Nature Center
WA E4: The best time to think about weed control is before you
plant your seedlings, but whether you are new to tree planting
or have hundreds of acres, this class is for you. This class will
cover the basics of vegetation control, why some weeds dominate
and when and how to treat the weeds. Chemical and non-chemical
methods will be discussed. Regionally, control of invasive weeds
like buckthorn or thistle will be discussed.
Tree Syrup Production. (Community-based value added production
elective session) (WA E11)
Capstone Event / Volunteer Activities. (WA E12)
Saturday, April 17, 2004, Carlton County, exact location to be determined.
WA E11: Are you interested in developing small-scale value-added
forest businesses in your local area? Are you interested in being
one of these businesses? This session will include presentations
by local value-added forestry businesses, discussion on what is
needed to make one of these businesses a reality and what the opportunities
are in the local area.
WA E12: This is the graduation for the woodland advisors. After
completing the requirements of the woodland advisor program, you
can attend this potluck. This free session includes a presentation
on a topic of local interest, a chance to talk about your woodland
(if you are interested) and presentation of the certificates.
FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO REGISTER
Information and registration form can be downloaded from the
website at www.cnr.umn.edu/cfc/wa or
by contacting Susan Seabury at (218) 879-0850 ext. 108 or sseabury@umn.edu
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