Campus Tree Advisory Committee: November 2020 meeting notes
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Campus Tree Advisory Committee: General Meeting notes from October 2020
Associated Project(s):Attached Files:Article: Preservation of Century-Old Trees Near Siebel Center
Associated Project(s):Master Naturalist Native Tree and Shrub Sale
Associated Project(s):Chancellor Jones expressed his appreciation!
Associated Project(s):Tree Campus USA Celebration - Zoom Meeting
Arbor Day Celebration to be alternate format
Associated Project(s):Eco Talk: The perils of the Bradford pear tree
Associated Project(s):Eco Talk: The perils of the Bradford pear tree
Bradford pear trees. Deposit Photos
Judy Wright Special to The Citizen Jan 23, 2020 Updated 16 min ago
As I write this column today, I am thinking about spring and looking forward to the flowering trees when spring does arrive. I am hopeful, as the up-and-down temperatures of this winter have caused some trees that bloom early to have their flower buds start to swell. I am sure we can remember some springs when the flowering trees either did not flower or their flowers were fewer in number than normal because a hard cold snap that damaged the swollen flower buds.
One of the trees I used to look forward to seeing is now considered by some, and justifiably so, to be an invasive species. Unfortunately, the Bradford pear, also referred to as a callery pear, was planted just about everywhere in the 1990s because of its dense cone shape and white flowers. I recall seeing them everywhere, and how pretty the trees were when flowering. These trees were also chosen, at one time, as the urban tree of the year!
Since then, we have learned that these trees, in spite of their visual appeal, did not come without problems. Imported from China in the 1960s by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as an ornamental tree, they produce an unpleasant scent when flowering. Also, the branches and even the trunks are very weak and can break under snow, ice and even a strong wind. To counteract this weakness, other varieties of the Bradford pear were quickly introduced.
At the time of their introduction as an ornamental tree, it was assumed the Bradford pear trees were sterile and would not produce any fruit. Part of that was correct, they do not produce fruit. however, as the newer, stronger varieties were introduced, it was later learned that they would cross-pollinate with the older varieties, and now they have become an environmental threat in eastern forests. Apparently, the newer varieties of Bradford pears would produce fruit that birds would eat, carry into the forest and deposit the seeds, which would grow.
As the seeds grow into seedlings, the new plants carry the older genetics of the older callery pears, which produce thorns measuring up to 4 inches. It is reported that these thorns are very sturdy and can even destroy tractor tires! Once established, the thickets take over native forest trees like dogwoods, maples, oaks and redbud. Many of these native tree species produce fruit that is nutritious and palatable to birds and other animals, while the callery pear fruit has little nutritional value.
So now you may realize you have a problem growing in your landscape and want to get rid of it. Suggested steps are to first cut the tree down and grind the root out. They will produce shoots or suckers from any remaining root pieces, so you will need to be vigilant and mow them off. They will continue to send shoots up for at least two years before all the root reserves are exhausted. Be vigilant!
Once the shoots have stopped, consider replanting something more environmentally beneficial, such as maple or other shade trees. Redbuds or serviceberry will provide spring flowers, and Japanese maples are visually appealing. Many landscapers realize the damage the Bradford pears are causing and will not plant them. Recognizing the serious environmental problems the Bradford pears were causing, the state of Ohio passed legislation in 2018 stopping the sale or distribution of any callery pears by 2023.
By the way, there are reported to be about 3,000 species of pear worldwide. Pears are relatives of apples and are a member of the rose family. They are native to Asia and Europe, and are reported to have arrived in America with the colonists when New England was settled in the 1600s.
Unfortunately, this is not the first time, nor will it be the last, that I will write about an invasive species that we should be aware of. Invasive species are a significant problem all around the world. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlif/e Service, invasive species are costing the U.S. billions of dollars in damages each year.
While this is staggering, if we each take time to learn about invasive species and then take steps to control those we can manage, such as removing Bradford pear trees even though they are pretty to look at when flowering, we may be able to stem the loss of valuable native species.
Judy Wright is the senior agriculture specialist with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Seneca County. For more information, visit senecacountycce.org or call (315) 539-9251 ext. 109.
Maddie Smith completed a diversity analysis from the campus tree inventory
Message from IDNR, Mike Brunk
Associated Project(s):University of Illinois Home Yard and Garden newsletter is a great way to stay up on Illinois weed, disease and insect problems and management guidance. With the below link you can sign up for direct emails notifications as well.
Issue no. 9 of the Home, Yard & Garden Newsletter is now available on the Web. Point your browser to:
http://hyg.ipm.illinois.edu
IN THIS ISSUE:
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White grubs
http://hyg.ipm.illinois.edu/article.php?id=1098
White grub is a common name for the larvae of June beetles, chafers and Japanese beetles that feed on the roots of turfgrass. The grubs can be found in the first 8 inches of soil beneath turfgrass. They are white, C-shaped larvae, about 1 inch long and have 6 jointed legs attached close to their small brown head capsule. Excessive root feeding by white grubs can leave turfgrass poorly anchored to the soil and can result in brown patches in a lawn that can be pulled back like a rug. This can impact the aesthetics of a lawn and, in some cases, can make sports fields less safe for children and athletes.
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Nimblewill Noticeable During Hot Dry Conditions
http://hyg.ipm.illinois.edu/article.php?id=1099
There have been a few recent calls about nimblewill (Muhlenbergia schreberi). With the hot, dry conditions we have had lately, our cool-season turfgrass growth has slowed, making warm-season nimblewill growth more noticeable. While cool-season turfgrasses are dormant, nimblewill is actively growing and enjoying the lack of competition. This unbalance can allow nimblewill to be a serious weed problem.
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Fire Blight
http://hyg.ipm.illinois.edu/article.php?id=1100
I have received a few reports and questions regarding fire blight on ornamental pears. Fire blight is a bacterial disease that infects approximately 75 different species of plants, all in the Rosaceae family. Apples, pears, crabapples, and ornamental pears are the most seriously affected species. Other rosaceous hosts include cotoneaster, hawthorn, quince, firethorn, and mountain-ash.
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Bacterial Leaf Scorch – New Molecular Service Available
http://hyg.ipm.illinois.edu/article.php?id=1101
It’s the time of the year that we start seeing bacterial leaf scorch symptoms develop in central Illinois, and several samples have been submitted that appear to be infected in the last few weeks. We are now offering a molecular test for this pathogen, which will reduce the turnaround time, and because it’s more sensitive than the previous ELISA test, ca be used any time during the growing season when symptoms appear.
=================================Mike
email addresses for trees?
Associated Project(s):Meeting Minutes for iWG June 7, 2019 (Informal)
Associated Project(s):Attached Files:Arbor Day Celebration
Associated Project(s):Social Media Coordination between Red Oak Rain Garden and Tree Walk
Associated Project(s):Attached Files:Chancellor Jones sends congratulations letter
Associated Project(s):Update - Campus Tree Advisory Charge Letter 2018
Associated Project(s):Attached Files:archived info- 2016 Tree Care Plan
Associated Project(s):Attached Files:Campus Tree Inventory Recommendation - unit approval
Arbor Day Celebration - rain and shine
Associated Project(s):Attached Files:Arbor Day Celebration planned for April 28, 2017
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