Maintaining our wooded heritage for future generations.
N 43° 21.598' W 81° 17.683'
Elev. 1064 ft.
Woodlot Health Issues
Bitternut Hickory
Egg and larval galleries under bark
The Bitternut Hickory population in the woodlot is currently experiencing a major attack from the Hickory Bark Beetle. The
result to date has been the deaths of a significant quantity of specimens with many more now in distress. During the spring
of 2006, approximately 50 trees were removed -- and more removals are expected. Although somewhat disappointing to
the association, this is all part of the nature's way. The Bark Beetle is a native species and these infestation cycles appear
from time to time. At the moment, a large portion of Bitternut Hickory trees in Southern Ontario are threatened. But all is
not bleak. In times of severe stress, the tree is known to react by sending up new growth from the stump -- with each
generation being more hardy than the previous. We can now watch to see if that will be the case this time. In the meantime,
we have a supply of very high quality firewood.
The Emerald Ash Borer is a significant threat to the ash tree population in our area. Major infestations exist in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana
and Essex & Kent Counties. It is constantly spreading and will probably impact our ash trees. The origin of the pest appears
to be shipping materials from Asia. To date, control is mainly to destroy all ash trees in the infected area and a firewood quarantine.
Trees can be protected using an intense chemical application program -- not a particularly feasible option. Evidence of an
infestation include significant woodpecker damage, a dying crown and "D" holes in the bark.
Although there is no evidence of the species currently being present in the woodlot, monitoring is taking place.
Garlic mustard poses a severe threat to native plants and animals in forest communities in much of the eastern &
midwestern U.S. as well as Southern Ontario. Many native widlflowers that complete their life cycles in the springtime occur
in the same habitat as garlic mustard. Once introduced to an area, garlic mustard outcompetes native plants by aggressively
monopolizing light, moisture, nutrients, soil and space. Wildlife species that depend on these early plants for their foliage,
pollen, nectar, fruits, seeds and roots, are deprived of these essential food sources when garlic mustard replaces them.
The association has been active in an attempt to control this invading species in recent years. It is an ongoing effort
requiring considerable manpower and persistence. The control program is having success but must continue for some years
to come.
The Asian Longhorned Beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis) is a potentially serious threat to some of North America's most beautiful
and popular trees. It is native to China and believed to have arrived in packing crates. Infestations have been identified in New York,
Chicago and Toronto. In all cases of infestation, the affected trees are cut down and the wood destroyed. The primary victim to
date has been the maple -- but also willow, horsechestnut, poplar and elm. At the moment it is not an imminent threat to the
woodlot -- but the situation is being monitored.
The Common Buckthorn (Rhammus cathartica), an exotic invasive species, was brought to America in the mid-1800's
as hedging material. With no natural controls, it tended to develop dense thickets thus crowding out native species and
preventing seed germination and growth of native trees and shrubs. Buckthorn also leafs out early and retain its leaves late
in the growing season -- seriously impacting other vegitation. It is also known to harbour Crown Rust -- a problem for
oat growers. The seeds are attractive to birds and thus accounts for the extensive spreading of the shrub.
A related shrub, the Glossy Buckthorn, is also an exotic invasive species causing similar concerns. There are, however,
several native buckthorns that exist and are used in the landscaping industry but do not have the invasive characteristics. We
are experiencing perimeter concerns with Buckthorn and are assessing if or how we will respond. Effective control is through
herbicide use and/or physical removal, but residual seeds and roots will quickly regenerate the area if control efforts do not
continue.
More information: Buckthorn Fact Sheet -- Minnesota Department of Agriculture (4 pages -- 159 kbytes) Weed Of The Week -- USDA Forest Service (1 page -- 157 kbytes)
The Emerald Ash Borer is a significant threat to the ash tree population in our area. Major infestations exist in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana
and Essex & Kent Counties. It is constantly spreading and will probably impact our ash trees. The origin of the pest appears
to be shipping materials from Asia. To date, control is mainly to destroy all ash trees in the infected area and a firewood quarantine.
Trees can be protected using an intense chemical application program -- not a particularly feasible option. Evidence of an
infestation include significant woodpecker damage, a dying crown and "D" holes in the bark.
Garlic mustard poses a severe threat to native plants and animals in forest communities in much of the eastern &
midwestern U.S. as well as Southern Ontario. Many native widlflowers that complete their life cycles in the springtime occur
in the same habitat as garlic mustard. Once introduced to an area, garlic mustard outcompetes native plants by aggressively
monopolizing light, moisture, nutrients, soil and space. Wildlife species that depend on these early plants for their foliage,
pollen, nectar, fruits, seeds and roots, are deprived of these essential food sources when garlic mustard replaces them.
The Asian Longhorned Beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis) is a potentially serious threat to some of North America's most beautiful
and popular trees. It is native to China and believed to have arrived in packing crates. Infestations have been identified in New York,
Chicago and Toronto. In all cases of infestation, the affected trees are cut down and the wood destroyed. The primary victim to
date has been the maple -- but also willow, horsechestnut, poplar and elm. At the moment it is not an imminent threat to the
woodlot -- but the situation is being monitored.
The Common Buckthorn (Rhammus cathartica), an exotic invasive species, was brought to America in the mid-1800's
as hedging material. With no natural controls, it tended to develop dense thickets thus crowding out native species and
preventing seed germination and growth of native trees and shrubs. Buckthorn also leafs out early and retain its leaves late
in the growing season -- seriously impacting other vegitation. It is also known to harbour Crown Rust -- a problem for
oat growers. The seeds are attractive to birds and thus accounts for the extensive spreading of the shrub.