Life Sciences Commons^™

Ec04-1759 Nebraska Register Of Champion Trees 2004, Scott J. Josiah, Christine Meyer

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Nebraska is famous for its sports champions, but how about Champion Trees? While Nebraska is considered a "prairie state," trees have always played a prominent role in the quality of life in Nebraska. Native trees were used to build the first pioneer homes, to heat them and protect them from wind. They provide beauty, wildlife, habitat, protection from wind and blowing snow, cleaner air and water and many other benefits.

The Nebraska Champion Tree Register helps to remind us of the contribution trees make to the quality of our lives, and to celebrate the beauty, mystery, inspiration and sense of …

Ec03-1759 Nebraska Register Of Champion Trees 2003, Scott J. Josiah

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This register lists the largest trees of over 80 species identified in Nebraska. The name of the owner and nominator, size and location of each tree follow each listing.

Many people across Nebraska have worked hard to make this register as comprehensive and accurate as possible, but the quest to find the largest trees in Nebraska is never over. Champion trees are by nature old, and old trees diminish and die. Larger trees are newly discovered. Thus, this list continually changes as new nominations are submitted.

G03-1512 Establishing Conservation Plantings Of Nut Trees And Shrubs By Direct Seeding Methods, Steven D. Rasmussen, Scott J. Josiah, John Wilson

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide explains how to plant and raise nut trees and shrubs from seed. Seeding methods, planting design, site preparation and post-planting care are discussed.

Conservation tree and shrub plantings create wildlife habitat, improve water quality, produce marketable nuts, and enhance landscape diversity. Usually, nursery-grown seedlings are used to establish these plantings. However, a number of problems exist when using seedlings, including increased costs and reduced initial tree vigor and survival. Direct seeding of tree and shrub seeds avoids many of these problems, and is a proven, effective means to establish conservation plantings in Nebraska and elsewhere.

G02-1466 Determining The Need To Fertilize Landscape Trees And Shrubs (Revised March 2004), Scott J. Dewald, Steven D. Rasmussen, Charles A. Shapiro, Scott J. Josiah

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Most Nebraska soils are fertile enough to support tree and shrub growth without applying fertilizer. However, when woody plants exhibit poor growth or reduced vigor, yet have had adequate moisture and are not experiencing pest problems or other environmental limitations, the proper applicatin of fertilizer may be necessary. This NebGuide explains how to determine if fertilization of established trees and shrubs is required and how to apply the needed amount.

Ec02-1763 How Windbreaks Work, James R. Brandle, Laurie Hodges, Xinhua Zhou

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Windbreaks are barriers used to reduce and redirect wind. They usually consist of trees and shrubs but also may be perennial or annual crops and grasses, fences, or other materials. The reduction in wind speed behind a windbreak modifies the environmental conditions or microclimate in this sheltered zone.

G01-1433, Environmental Stresses And Tree Health, Jon S. Wilson, Mark O. Harrell

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Environmental stresses cause many health problems in Nebraska trees. Hot and cold temperatures, drying winds, poor soil and root conditions and human activity can damage leaves, bark and roots, and can predispose trees to secondary insect and disease attack. Keeping a tree in good condition through proper maintenance can prevent many environmentally related health problems.

This NebGuide is intended to help tree owners identify tree health problems caused by environmental stresses and provide ways to prevent or reduce damage.

G00-1417 Site Preparation: Key To Successful Conservation Tree Planting In Western Nebraska (Revised February 2002), Doak Nickerson

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Establishing a conservation tree planting can be a challenge in semiarid regions like western Nebraska, where annual precipitation of 20 inches or less is the norm. Tree planting failure commonly occurs as a result of poor site preparation coupled with inadequate weed and grass control the first three to five years after planting. Effective site preparation begins the year before planting. The results help young trees survive and grow in several ways. This NebGuide explains when and how to do site preparation for conservation tree planting in Western Nebraska.

G00-1778 Field Windbreaks, James R. Brandle, Laurie Hodges

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

gricultural producers face many challenges as they try to balance efficient production systems with increasing environmental demands. For these systems to be successful, they must optimize the balance between inputs and final production. Field windbreaks are one way to increase yields while at the same time reducing inputs and improving both environmental quality and production efficiency. Windbreaks reduce wind speed and alter the microclimate in sheltered areas. Field windbreaks reduce wind erosion and the damage to crops caused by wind-blown soil. They improve water use efficiency, reduce risks associated with drought, and manage blowing snow.

Field windbreaks provide positive economic …

Nf99-396 Prevention And Control Of Cercospora Needle Blight Disease In Junipers And Cedars, Steven D. Rasmussen, John G. Duplissis

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebFact discusses methods to prevent and control cercospora needle blight disease in junipers and cedars.

Nf98-358 Winter Injury In Evergreen Trees, Jon S. Wilson, Mark O. Harrell

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebFact examines two major causes of winter injury to evergreen trees: winter desiccation and damage from an early frost.

Nf98-363 Chemical Weed Control In Tree Planting Projects: Part Ii - Post-Emergence Herbicides, John Duplissis

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebFact examines weed control in tree planting projects.

Nf98-362 Chemical Weed Control In Tree Planting Projects: Part I - Pre-Emergence Herbicides, John Duplissis

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebFact examines weed control in tree planting projects.

G98-1777 Windbreak Renovation, James R. Brandle, Jon Wilson, Craig Stange, Mike Kuhns

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Windbreaks are an integral part of many farms and ranches and provide critical protection for farmsteads, livestock and crops. Unfortunately, many windbreaks planted in the 1930s and 1940s are losing their effectiveness due to age, poor health or neglect. In some cases, the windbreak no longer has the necessary density to provide winter protection. In other cases, overcrowding may have reduced the health and vigor of the windbreak, or the windbreak may have been invaded by aggressive sod-forming grasses such as smooth brome, reducing tree growth. Whatever the reason, many older windbreaks need renovation.

Nfs-1 Forestry Best Management Practices For Nebraska

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

A reference guide for loggers, landowners and managers.

Nebraska's Forest Resource

Forests cover 947,000 acres in Nebraska. Other land with scattered tree cover, including narrow wooded strips along streams, windbreaks, and wooded pasture lands, occupy an additional 1,252,000 acres. Managing Nebraska's forest lands can produce significant benefits without negative impacts; however, careless activities in woodlands can damage water resources, soils, wildlife habitat, aesthetic values, and even the ability to produce future benefits.

G97-1329 How To Manage Your Woodlands For Sustained And Maximum Benefits, Steven D. Rasmussen

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide explains how to identify possible forest management needs for a woodland in Nebraska and provides management options to maintain healthy trees and meet desired objectives.

Nebraska's forest lands comprise less than 2 percent of the total land base in the state (718,300 acres). However, on an acre by acre comparison, woodlands provide more associated benefits for society, the environment and our quality of life than most other land uses.

Trees provide soil protection from wind and water erosion. Woodlands help protect the quality of adjacent water resources by eliminating contaminates, shading for cooler water temperatures and contributing organic …

Ec97-1760 Nebraska Conservation Tree Program

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

The Nebraska Natural Resource Districts distribute tree and shrub seedlings for windbreaks, erosion control, wood products, Christmas trees, wildlife habitat, and other conservation purposes. These trees are not to be used for ornamental purposes or resold with the roots attached.

This booklet contains color pictures and descriptions of most of the species distributed. Table I describes the different soil characteristics across Nebraska. Table II is a quick reference of species recommendations. This information will help rural landowners select the proper species for their particular plantings needs. You may also scan an index of the trees this booklet describes.

Ec96-1770 Windbreaks For Snow Management, James R. Brandle, H. Doak Nickerson

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

In areas of high winds and blowing snow, windbreaks can reduce the amount of effort spent on snow management. They can be designed to spread snow across a large area or to confine it to a relatively small storage area. The design of your windbreak will depend on your objective. Field windbreaks designed to distribute snow evenly across a field should be tall and porous. In contrast, windbreaks designed to capture snow and control drifting should have multiple rows with high density. There is no one set design, number of rows, or width of planting that is ideal for every …

Ec96-1768 Windbreak Management, James R. Brandle, Craig Stange

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

The windbreaks on your farm are an important part of the agricultural landscape. They provide protection for the farmstead, livestock, and crops; provide habitat for wildlife; and contribute to an overall healthy environment for you and your family. They are living systems with youth, maturity, and old age. Like any other living thing they need proper care and management in order to continue to function at their best.

Windbreak management requires an understanding of how your windbreak works. Your goal is to maintain the health and vigor of individual trees and shrubs while maintaining the overall structure of the windbreak …

G96-1304 Windbreak Design (Revised March 2004), Scott J. Josiah, Jon S. Wilson

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide provides general information for designing a tree and shrub windbreak. Landowners should work with a natural resource professional to develop site-specific tree planting plans.

What is the best design for a windbreak? The answer depends on the purpose of the windbreak, the benefits desired and the characteristics of the site where the windbreak will be located. The optimum windbreak will include enough trees to provide both wind and snow protection.

G94-1195 Care Of Newly Planted Trees, David P. Mooter, Mark O. Harrell, Laurie J. Stepanek

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Mulching, pruning, watering, wrapping, staking, and fertilizing affect the growth and development of young trees. This NebGuide explains the proper practices of caring for newly planted trees.

Landscape trees provide beauty and utility. The care they receive during the first few years after planting is critical. This NebGuide discusses cultural practices that are recommended for young trees. Many recommendations have changed drastically in recent years in light of new and more thorough research.

G94-1200 Anthracnose Diseases Of Shade Trees (Revised July 1997), Laurie J. Stepanek, Mark O. Harrell, David S. Wysong

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide describes anthracnose diseases in sycamore, ash, oak, maple and walnut trees and offers suggestions for control.

Anthracnose diseases affect a wide variety of plants including many popular shade trees. Sycamore, ash, oak, maple, and walnut commonly exhibit symptoms each spring. Although the symptoms may appear serious, anthracnose diseases rarely kill trees. In most cases, healthy trees quickly recover from anthracnose infections with little damage to their long-term health.

Cc92-365 Stewardship Forest: The Sign You Care

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

What is a "Stewardship Forest?"

Forests are more than just trees, they are a vital resource in Nebraska. Forests provide homes for deer, squirrels, birds and a multitude of other animals. Forests clean air, purify water and protect valuable topsoil. Forests provide wind protection and conserve energy. Forests are a place to hike, picnic and camp. Forests grow wood for fuel, posts and lumber to build homes, furniture, toys and tools. Forests provide solace and beauty.

A "Stewardship Forest" is a parcel of well-managed forest or associated land whose owner is publicly recognized for being a "good steward" of the …

Ec91-1764 Windbreak Establishment, James R. Brandle, Patricia Boehner, Sherman Finch

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

successful windbreak planting depends on proper establishment and care during the first few years after planting. Time spent in site preparation, weed control, and replanting is repaid many times during the lifetime of the windbreak. Take no shortcuts in the planning and establishment of your windbreak.

Windbreaks are investments in the future value of your property. Each windbreak system is unique and your windbreak should be designed for your site and objectives. Your local conservation office can provide help in designing and installing your windbreak. These organizations can also help with recommendations on where to buy planting stock and how …

Ec91-1771 Windbreaks And Wildlife, Ron J. Johnson, James R. Brandle, Mary M. Beck

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Windbreaks can support wildlife that add beauty and pleasure to our lives. They also sustain birds that eat insect pests, improve hunting opportunities, and provide a focal point for family outdoor activities. The world around us would be less appealing without the stimulation--the color, sounds, tracks, and mystery--of wild creatures; windbreaks help wildlife and in some areas are essential to survival of the wildlife we enjoy. You can add wildlife benefits to windbreak plantings whether your main goal is to shelter crops, livestock, roads, or a home or farmstead. This publication provides an overview of windbreaks and wildlife, and gives …

G91-1036 Environmental Stresses And Tree Health, Jon S. Wilson, Mark O. Harrell

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide is intended to help tree owners identify tree health problems caused by environmental factors, and ways to prevent or reduce damage.

Environmental stresses cause many health problems of Nebraska trees. Hot and cold temperatures, drying winds, poor soil and root conditions and man's activities can cause direct damage to leaves, bark and roots, and can predispose trees to secondary insect and disease attack. Maintaining a tree in good condition through proper maintenance can prevent many environmentally related health problems.

G90-957 Is Burning Wood Economical?, Rollin D. Schnieder

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This publication discusses factors to consider in determining the economics of heating with wood.

Many residents are trying to reduce their home heating costs by burning wood in a fireplace, stove or furnace. Before getting too "fired up" over wood heating, it's a good idea to be able to answer "yes" to the question, "Is it worth it?"

People can frequently justify burning wood for social reasons because they enjoy the fire--it's fun, good exercise, an enjoyable family outing, or it gives a feeling of independence from the use of our nonrenewable energy resources. From a purely economic point of …

G89-923 Windbreak Maintenance And Renovation, Jon Wilson, Mike Kuhns

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

What are you doing to maintain your windbreak? Is renovation necessary? This NebGuide can help you decide.

Windbreaks are integral parts of many Nebraska farming and ranching operations. They protect man, animals, crops and buildings from cold winter winds, hot summer winds, and deep snows. Windbreaks prevent wind erosion and provide wildlife habitat.

All windbreaks, even well-designed ones, need regular maintenance. Some windbreaks, especially those that are older or neglected, may need more drastic treatment or renovation.

G88-881 Heating With Wood I. Species Characteristics And Volumes, Mike Kuhns, Tom Schmidt

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Heat content, burning characteristics and overall quality of woods commonly burned in Nebraska, as well as information on buying firewood, are included here.

Wood is a source of heat currently used by many Nebraskans, and more firewood likely will be burned as the cost of other energy sources, such as gas and electricity, rises. In order to use firewood effectively, an understanding of species' characteristics and firewood volumes is needed.

G88-866 Christmas Tree Selection And Care, Mike Kuhns, Rollin Schnieder

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This guide discusses types of trees, tree species, cut tree care, offers tips on decorating trees, considers tree disposal and laws governing the display of Christmas trees, and suggests a proper type of tree stand.

Introduction

Christmas trees have been a tradition in the United States since the Revolutionary War, when homesick Hessian soldiers decorated fir trees as was their custom in Germany. Since then the custom has spread. It is now difficult for many people to imagine Christmas without the Christmas tree tradition.

To insure a safe and happy holiday, you need to know a few things about selecting …

G88-873 Growing Shrubs From Seed, Richard J. Lodes, Mike Kuhns

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide is about gathering and growing seeds for shrubs.

Growing shrubs from seed is educational and fun. Many shrub species are not available commercially, so gathering seed and growing your own plants may be the only way to get them. Interesting or unusual shrubs from a neighbor's yard or from the wild can be propagated from seed. Shrubs started from seed also may be less expensive than commercially produced seedlings.