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Sp290-F Maple Leaf Pouch Galls, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Forestry, Trees, and Timber

Eriophyid mite species cause a variety of pouch galls on red, sugar and silver maples. Pouch gall formation, a localized growth reaction of the infested plant, occurs as a result of mite feeding activity. The species of mite can be identified by the specific characteristics of the gall on the host plant.

Sp611 Trees To Plant Under Power Lines, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Forestry, Trees, and Timber

Serious conflicts often develop between utilities and trees. Trees that grow into electric wires pose serious safety issues and often result in less reliable service. Util- ity companies spend more than $1 billion annually for tree pruning, passing this cost on to the consumer. In addition, trees are often disÞ gured by improper pruning and killed or seriously injured by excavation for underground wires and pipes.

Sp616 Fast-Growing Trees, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Forestry, Trees, and Timber

Many homeowners desire shade from large trees to provide some degree of cooling during hot summer days. Often, new buildings and developed properties on former agricultural land are devoid of shade trees. In other cases, large trees that have provided shade for years have declined, been damaged in storms and other weather events and eventually have died and been removed. Owners often prefer a source of shade quickly for their homes and properties. Fast-growing trees could be the answer. However, there are some inherent problems with fast-growing trees that should be considered.

Sp576 Protecting Trees During Construction, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Forestry, Trees, and Timber

Trees add considerable value to homes and buildings. We enjoy, appreciate and need trees around our homes and places of business. They provide shade and privacy, improve and diversify the landscape, and attract wildlife. When choosing property for construction, trees can be an attractive asset.

However, problems with trees often arise when construction begins. Most construction crews are not conditioned to notice or appreciate landscape trees and may inadvertently cause irreparable damage. Often tree injuries and their effects are not noticeable until the years following project completion. The subsequent need to remove a tree can be expensive because of newly …

Sp615 Why Do Trees Die?, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Forestry, Trees, and Timber

The answer to “Why do trees die?” follows a reverse chronological sequence. Trees die because respiration terminates. Respiration terminates because carbohydrate production ceases and stored carbohydrates are depleted. Carbohydrate production ceases because photosynthesis discontinues. Photosynthesis discontinues because the factors necessary for photosynthesis are interrupted or obstructed. Those factors include: sunlight, water, nutrients, temperature, CO2 and O2. Factors for photosynthesis are interrupted because of human activities or environmental changes. Many are summarized here.

Sp610 Tree Susceptibility To Salt Damage, The University Of Tennnessee Agricultural Extension Service

Forestry, Trees, and Timber

Although de-icing salts assist in keeping pavement dry and safe during ice and snow, their extensive use can cause damage to woody species along streets and highways. Trees and shrubs can be injured by salt spray and drift, by salt that leaches into the soil or by a combination of both.

Sp617 Mulching Your Trees And Landscapes, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Forestry, Trees, and Timber

A protective covering of various materials, either organic or inorganic, spread over the soil surface to reduce evaporation of moisture, improve plant growth, discourage weedy species and enhance the appearance of the landscape is known as mulch. Inorganic mulching materials include landscape fabric (geotextile) and plastic fi lm that are primarily used for weed control and retention of soil moisture, while rocks, gravel, brick chips and shredded rubber are used more for decorative purposes. Most inorganic mulches do not decay and thus do not improve soil properties. Grass clippings, straw, pine needles, leaves, peat moss, compost, wood fiber and bark …