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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAnnual Report of the Village Forester 1980ANNUAL REPORT OF VILLAGE FORESTER 0 1980 The number of diseased elms killed by Dutch Elm disease or phloem necrosis disease last year was down to 7. Large elms are now a rare tree in the Villagc. There are, however, hundreds of small elms now growing throughout the Village. The American elm probably will not entirely disappear, but it may be centuries before they are once again abundant. The Village has always been noted for its beautiful trees. To maintain this environment, each year the Village has planted some trees on its property. Hopefully, individual Villagers *-Till endeavor to replace trees lost on their property. Ofte:,times it is beneficial to plant inexpensive saplings near some of the older trees, for no tree lasts indefinitely. To help you select shade trees for your property, the attached may be of some help. February 17, 1981 David Pimentel Village Forester SHADE TREES Selecting the proper tree for the particular environment is important for trees vary in hardiness, rate of growth, ease of care, shape, form, color, etc. Since most of the Village is beautifully forested already, the major concern is to replace trees that either have been lost or that are old or fragile and might be lost in the near future. Trees are lost to disease, insects, wind, and simply old age -- an important reason why one should plant a variety of species and not a single kind. If presently you have elms or older trees, it would be helpful to plant a young tree nearby as a growing replacement. Depending on the size of the young tree and its species, it takes from 5 to 15 years (see list and diagram) to have a fine shade tree as a replacement. Locate the young shade tree so that it has adequate light and the soil around the roots will not be compacted by autos or pedestrians. Also, if large amounts of salt are applied to the driveway or roadway, the tree should be located to avoid direct application and /or runoff to the roots. All trees require nutrients (fertilizer) and water. Too much as well as too little fertilizer will kill trees. Use fertilizer as directed. In planting a young tree, make certain the excavation in which the tree's roots will be set is large enough so the roots will not be cramped. Make sure the uppermost roots are covered with from 2 to 3 inches of soil. Do not plant the tree too deep or cover a growing tree's roots with concrete, blacktop, or large amounts of soil. Tree roots need aeration. A newly planted tree should be staked or guyed to prevent the wind from moving its roots while the tree is becoming established (at least one year). Keep soil around newly set tree moist, for at least one year. Small shade trees may be obtained from local nurserymen. Large shade trees may be purchased from both nurserymen and tree and landscape contractors. The following is a selected list of shade trees suitable for this area. Note, plant a variety of species and not a single species of tree to guard against future peat and disease outbreaks. RECOMMENDED SHADE TREES Eastern Red Oak (Quercus borealis var. maxima) - a fast growing tree widely used as an ornamental. It has red coloration in the fall and is salt tolerant. Sugar Maple (Acer saccharinum) - This is an outstanding ornamental shade tree. The tree is long lived and has colorful autumn foliage. Yellow Poplar or Tuliptree (Liriodendron tulipifera) - A desirable ornamental tree which is both fast growing and long lived. European Beech (Fagus sylvatica) - A popular, but relatively slow growing, ornamental. Honeylocust (Gleditsfa triacanthos) - A rapidly growing tree with delicate foliage. The thornless variety Moraine locust) is preferred. - 2- Pin Oak (Quercus polustris Z - A small tree with distinctive shape. Ginkgo (Ginkgo_biloba) - Tree has no known fungus or insect pests. A slow gs wing but desirable ornamental tree. Plant only male trees. Sycamore (platenus occidentalis) - end London Plane (P. acerifolia) - Well shaped, fast growing trees with mottled bark. The london Plane is the better ornamental tree. White Oak (Quercus alba) - Extremely slow growing but is a well shaped ornamental tree when grown in the open. Sweetgum or Redgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) - A fast growing tree with peculiar fruit. The tree characteristically has brilliant autumn foliage. Silver Maple (Acer saccharum)- A fast growing tree with brittle limbs, which may be subject to wind and ice breakage. Red Maple (Acer rubrum) - A fast growing tree that is hardy and brilliant autumn foliage. White Pine (Pious strobus) - A fast growing tree that provides a green background for the long winter. Nicely shaped trees. David Pimental Village Fbrester