WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE FOREST? Sometimes it can be so frustrating to keep trees alive and vigorous, no matter how careful we are. Other times, trees seem to stay alive despite gross negligence. This eastern redcedar tree–growing on private property near my house–refuses to die, despite this cable wrappedContinue Reading
WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE FOREST? Finally got my hands on a moisture meter for measuring my firewood. Dry or seasoned firewood is considered to be 20% or less. I couldn’t find any firewood that was more than 10%. As many of you know that burn firewood, dry firewood isContinue Reading
WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE FOREST? Went for a hike up on Sam’s Point–Minnewaska State Park Preserve, Shawangunk Ridge–last weekend. Haven’t been up there in a while. One photo shows the aftermath of a fire, leaving behind pitch pine and lowbush blueberry; 2 species highly adapted to frequent fire. TheContinue Reading
WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE FOREST? It’s been a cold winter, at least compared to what we’ve experienced in the last few years. Last year this time, I was wrapping up my maple sugaring season. Today (February 22nd) marks an “old-fashioned” start time. The older residents of the area tellContinue Reading
WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE FOREST? Saw this tree growing far up the mountain in the Town of Olive doing great. It looks like an American holly tree (Ilex opaca). Despite being a broad-leafed tree, it keeps its leaves all year round. You can also see its attractive red berries.Continue Reading
WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE FOREST? Seeing trees like this near one’s house is what keeps tree guys in business for sure. The ash trees probably began growing as “volunteers” or from seed and let go over the past 40 or so years. Now they have been infected by emeraldContinue Reading
WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE FOREST? I was out pruning some apple trees in Andes, Delaware County and noticed this behemoth sugar maple growing nearby. The photo doesn’t do it justice, but that hollow could fit a few families of racoons for sure. Hollowed out trees can be good forContinue Reading
WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE FOREST? Last winter was pretty mild. It probably wasn’t the greatest for snowshoeing or other winter activities, but it was good for maple sugaring. Sugaring requires “warm” days in the 40s followed by freezing nights to induce sap flow. Due to these mild temperatures, IContinue Reading
WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE FOREST? 6 or so years ago, I transplanted a wild sycamore tree from the side of the road to my front lawn. It’s a somewhat poorly drained area where no other tree could probably grow. It’s also far enough away from the road and nearbyContinue Reading
WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE FOREST? We’re in full swing with pruning apple trees. The weather seems to be holding well too. I consider good pruning weather to be slightly below freezing. These colder temperatures reduce the chances of bark tear while pruning. When it gets too warm, the barkContinue Reading