Landowner Guide to Buffer Success Landowner Guide to Buffer Success Steps for Success Through out the year An Introduction to the Landowner Guide to Buffer Success Dear Landowner, In this guide you'll find: You have decided to restore a for- We suggest pinning this guide on We suggest pinning this ested buffer that will provide bene ts a wall where it can be a convenient guide on a wall where it can * Activities by season that are key to to you, wildlife, your stream and in reminder for the next few years. success countless ways downstream. The We also hope the attractive photos be a convenient reminder purpose of this guide is to help you inspire and remind you of the end for the next few years. We * Tips to save time and improve outcomes succeed in your goal. This guide goal of this work. Many resources also hope the attractive includes insights from dozens of con- and many efforts, public and private, photos inspire and remind * Blank areas for making notes for future servation professionals and experi- ours and yours, are going into buffer use (how many ounces of product for ence on hundreds of sites. We hope restoration efforts. We wish you you of the end goal of this your sprayer, etc.) you can learn from our mistakes, much success and believe this guide work. and avoid your own. Probably, the can help. * Attractive photos with informative single most important task is to captions apply herbicide around tree shelters Yours in Conservation, in spring and late summer. USDA Farm Service Agency, USDA * A summary of how trees help streams Herbicides boost the survival rate Natural Resources Conservation Ser- and growth rate to get your trees vice, PA Department of Environmental Protection, PA Game Commission, * A fuller text with complete details quickly past their most vulnerable Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, and additional references stage. Good work at key tasks in Center for Rural Pennsylvania, Ducks the rst three years will give major Unlimited, PA Association of Conser- vation Districts, PA Department of payoffs in the long run. This guide This document was prepared by Chesapeake Bay Foundation's Pennsylvania Of ce in Agriculture, PA Department of Con- February, 2007 with help from many others. Chesapeake Bay Foundation wishes to is written especially for participants servation and Natural Resources, PA thank the following for their insights and valued contributions including photos: Fish and Boat Commission, Partners in the USDA's Conservation Reserve for Fish and Wildlife, and the State Dr. Judy Okay, VA Dept. of Forestry and Chesapeake Bay Program Enhancement Program (CREP), but Conservation Commission Dr. Anne Hairston-Strang, MD DNR Bureau of Forestry Phil Pannill, MD DNR Bureau of Forestry the insights are highly relevant to Art Gover, Pennsylvania State University forested buffer restoration via many Dr. Gary San Julian, Pennsylvania State University Jonathan Kays, MD DNR Bureau of Forestry other efforts. Bill Foose, Farm Service Agency, PA State Headquarters Barry Isaacs, Natural Resources Conservation Service, PA State Headquarters Mike Pruss, PA Game Commission PA CREP Technical Committee CBF Communications Staff and Stream Buffer Specialists Deborah Rudy, Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay Cornell University 3 Nebraska Univsersity February-March * Leaning shelters allow rodents easy entry and could allow herbicide to reach and harm trees. Downed shelters will kill trees. A few * seconds can correct leaning or downed shelters. Avoid damage from nets. Fast growing trees can add 12-18" or more in spring. Remove nets on any tree likely to reach nets Steps for Success this season. Clip off any twisted trees below the twist to reduce Late Winter long-term damage. Work Records for tree shelter checks: Years Date Notes: Checks Done: are Keys to Success in February & March needed Check tree shelters and stakes 1 Tips: Do tree shelter 1. Fix any downed, damaged or leaning shelters checks after the year's 2 frost heaving is ended, 2. Re-drive any loose stakes, replace any broken or rotten but before the spring stakes rush of other work, and 3. Remove nets from trees that will reach nets this season before the wasps get 3 active. Carry some 4. Remove any wasp nests extra shelter ties or wire, a few stakes and 5. Mark any missing or obviously dead trees. a hammer to re-drive 4* Repeat when appropriate. loose or replacement 6. At the proper time, remove shelter if needed stakes. (see the following pages) 5* Wasps, bears, voles, birds, deer and other wildlife are a natural part of a healthy environment. For just a few years, protecting young trees is critical for * * * successful reforestation to provide its benefits for * There may still be a few trees in shelters in Wasp nests can plug shelters, preventing wildlife for many years to years four, five or later, particularly slower grow- tree emergence. Nests also attract bears come. ering species like oaks. and other hungry mammals, leading to tube damage like this. 5 Shelters are a huge boost to February-March survival and growth by allowing easy application of herbicide to keep voles from damaging trees, but most types will need to be removed manually. Some types of shelters Brief Summary On Tree need to be removed. Shelter Removal: Details on the left. Tubex TM shelters installed on If your tree shelters have a vertical perforated CREP sites through 2006 were line (designed to split as the tree grows), they either green or white. Both colors have the vertical perfo- can be left in place unless speci cally causing rated line that should allow most damage. On sites planted through 2006, only of these shelters to come off by TubexTM brand shelters had this feature. If your * themselves. Numerous contrac- shelters lack a vertical perforated line, remove tors used green Tubex TM. Wil- shelters from trees that are 1.5 to 2 inches in liams Forestry used white TubexTM diameter at top of shelter. On sites with real on many sites. All other types worries about voles and buck rub, perhaps wait of shelters will need to be re- moved manually. Don't confuse Damage from longer, but monitor closely to avoid damage/dis- white TubexTM shelters(which can a shelter ease caused by shelters. be left on trees) with other white left on too shelters that lack perforated lines long. Serious If removing shelters, leave any wooden stakes and will need to be removed. * disease and in place to deter buck rub and to mark tree * death can locations. Remove all non-biodegradable stakes occur even before entrapped by trunk for tree health and before trees fill and touch human safety. shelters. Shelters help deter voles and buck rub. If you must remove the * Steps for Success tube, balance Late Winter the overall risks. Tight shelters can cause water and debris to become trapped. Disease * and rot can follow. Details on Tree Shelter Removal: Q: Why must most types of tree shelters be Q: Where can I get more information? removed at 1.5 to 2 inches tree diameter? A: The detailed text at the end of this document (p24) has A: As trees grow, shelters can injure or kill trees. Even more information. You can also ask the conservation before trees reach shelter diameter, trapped water and professional that assisted you with project design. debris can cause disease and rot. Actual girdling of trunks can also occur. The trunk's wide are at ground level is the rst likely point of damage. Despite many claims by manufacturers, most types of tubes do not Before degrade or split adequately to prevent this damage. Buffers that also get cows out of creeks are doubly bene cial. Shown here are conditions before and after a buffer project in a pasture. Q: What else should I consider? Fences limit cattle access to just a few loca- tions to drink or cross. A: Consider the risks of removing shelters for your speci c site (from voles, buck rub, herbicide, mowers). Balance this with the risk of leaving the shelters in place a bit longer. For example, if your site has lots of voles (common), the bene t of being able to easily spray herbicide around trees may outweigh the risk of leaving After tubes in place a bit longer. Regular checks will give you key information to help make decisions. Some persons are testing the idea of cutting the shelter's full length, but leaving it in place a bit longer. Results are not clear at present. 7 Competing vegetation is a serious threat. Competition April for water can outright kill trees. Competition for light and nutrients will stunt trees. Here, the tree shelter (top) * is barely visible. Herbicide controls competition to allow highest possible growth rates. Consistent herbicide use is key to success. Probably no other step is so vital to project success. Spraying continuous strips is best. * * While spraying continuous strips is best, Consistent herbicide spot spraying can be effective. These rings Steps for Success should be larger to prevent unsprayed use is key to success. plants from overtaking the area later in the Spring season. Work Records: Unconventional approach: strips were moved pre-planting, then herbicide spots applied. Better approach: apply herbicide in Years Date Products, Rates and strips, mow area between rows if allowed and appropriate. * Spray is Done: Amounts Used and Needed:* Other Notes for Future Reference: Keys to Success in April 1 Herbicide Application Around Tree Shelters 2 Apply broad-spectrum herbicide (such as Roundup Tips: Adding a pre-emergent ProTM) around sheltered seedlings to protect them from herbicide to your spray mix rodents and to reduce competing vegetation. Regular will extend the benefits of herbicide use is probably the single most critical step 3 your spraying by suppressing for overall success. Adding a pre-emergent herbicide is regrowth. See page 25 for advisable during this spring application. details. While out, in the buffer, also remove any 1. Ideally, spray 3' strips centered on shelters 4 nets as needed. Watch (particularly if mowing is part of plan) but 3-4' spots for any invasive or noxious are OK. plants. Early detection and treatment is key. 2. Always follow label instructions. Most herbicides are 5 highly toxic to desirable trees, shrubs and stream life. 3. In general, apply herbicide in April in southern Pennsylvania, and in MAy in northern Pennsylvania. If unsure, consult your CREP staffer. 4. For more information, see detailed text on page 25. Check the next pages for more spring buffer success * Spray is critical in years 1-3. In years 4 and 5, there activities. may still be a few trees in shelters that would benefit. 9 April-May * Nurseries and orchards rely on "clean cul- ture" via herbicides to control vole damage by eliminating their food and cover. To date, voles are a lead cause of reforestation proj- ect failures. Voles can tunnel * beneath tree shelters, even those installed to depths of 3" or more. * Voles are small, Gnawing on roots and mouse-like stems is often fatal, mammals that and always stunts have been known Voles can damage and kill trees growth. Here, over to give birth to over * until they reach 4-5" diameter. 90% of roots have 70 young in a year. Herbicide use is key to getting trees been eaten by voles. Population surges quickly past this vulnerable stage are common. via vigorous growth. Sever vole problems may require use of a rodenticide containing zinc phosphide which is economical and effective. Consult your project advisor. Measures in fall are even more important. See pages 17, 25 and Steps for Success 27 for more information. The above landscape view shows a site with the barest minimum protection. Herbicide kill spots should be bigger. Continuous strip application would be better. Spring Keys to Success in April-May Herbicide Application Around Shelters The graphs below show the key bene ts of herbicide use around sheltered plants. Note that mere survival is not the goal ­ the goal is reforestation. In Growth possible in 8 years. the second graph, only those plants protected by both shelters and herbicide Active care in years 1-4 is key were gaining size. Declines in height in the second graph were due largely to to growing trees quickly past voles killing the main leader, folloed by resprouting of shorter side leaders. the risks from voles, deer and Robust growth is the goal and routine herbicide use is probably the single competing vegetation. most cost-effective step to aid this. Tree SURVIVAL after two years: Tree GROWTH after two years: Herbicide Helps Herbicide Is Key To Growth Tree SURVIVAL after two years: Herbicide hel s Percent Survival after Two Years Growth (cm) after Two Years (nega- (Source: CBF research at Hopeland Farm) tives mean loss of height) (Source: CBF research at Hopeland Farm) 11 * Control problem weeds June-April before they set seed. Control of "Noxious Weeds", * like this Japanese Knotweeed, is required by law. Other invasive plants, while not on the state list A young buffer of noxious weeds, can be as well on its way bad or worse for overrunning due to good buffer projects. management of competing vegetation * * Combining continuous herbicide strips with mowing can provide complete control of a site's vegetation. On sites with known problems with noxious or invasive plants, this may be practical. * Steps for Success Early detection and treatment of noxious and invasive plants can avoid major infestations and treatment costs. Summer Work Records: Date: Notes on activities, products, rate, etc. Keys to Success in June-August Managing Vegetation that was Not Sprayed in Spring with Broad Spectrum Spray 1. Early detection and treatment of noxious and Tip: When spot spraying for invasive plants can avoid major infestations and noxious or invasive weeds, treatment costs. Best control strategies vary by consider a selective herbicide species. Consult detailed text, p.26) references such as 2,4-D that kills broadleaf and/or professional for more information plants, but not grasses. Using a 2. Mowing can be a useful tool vs. voles and weeds broad spectrum herbicide (like during establishment period ( rst 2-3 years), but RoundupTM) will broadleaf plants also prevents natural tree regeneration. Discuss and grasses. This leaves bare soil appropriateness of mowing with agency staff where weeds will flourish in the providing advise on your project and follow that future since there is no grass to plan. Wide spread mowing after year three is not suppress them. permitted. tree Tips: If mowing will be a part of your management, spray 3' wide continuous herbicide strips in spring (instead of spots) centered on shelters. This will allow mowing of all live vegetation without bumping shelters and breaking stakes. Mow unwanted plants before they set seed. A late season mowing will reduce vole cover going into winter. 13 State-listed noxious weeds such as this Cana- da thistle must be controlled under state law. * State-listed Noxious Weeds ­ control required by law Other Invasive Plants ­ control highly Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense) recommended Multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora) Common Reed (Phragmites australis) Johnson grass (Sorghum halepense) Japanese Knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum) Mile-a-minute (Polygonum perfoliatum) * Reed Canary Grass (Phalaris arundinacea) Kudzu-vine (Pueraria lobata) Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) Bull or Spear Thistle (Cirsium vulgare) With noxious weeds, Japanese Hops (Humulus japonicus) Musk or Nodding Thistle (Carduus nutans) early control is key. Here, mile-a-minute Oriental Bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus) overruns a buffer. Shattercane (Sorghum bicolor) Tree-of-Heaven (Ailanthus altissima) Jimsonweed (Datura stramonium) Purple Loosestrife, including all cultivars (Lythrum salicaria) Best control strategies vary by species. Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) Goatsrue (Galega officinalis) Mowing can be a useful tool in controling weeds Marijuana (Cannabis sativa ) * * Japanese Knotweed, an invasive plant, is common along waterways. * Identi cation of Common Noxious and Invasive Plants in Riparian Areas Canada Japa- Mile-A- Tree-of-Heaven Thistle nese Minute Knot- weed Multi- Reed Japanese Common Reed ora Canary Hops Rose Grass Oriental Bittersweet For further help in identifying and controlling inoxious and nvasive plants, you can refer to Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay's Pennsylvania Field Guide: Common Invasive Plants in Riparian Areas, on line at http://www.acb-online.org/pubs/projects/deliverables-145-1-2004.pdf or purchase by calling 717-737-8622. Photos provided by Deborah Rudy, Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay 15 August-October Regular use of herbicides around shelters is key for highest possible survival and growth rates and faster * canopy closure. Shade is a great deterrent to many of the worst noxious weeds and * invasive plants since they prefer high light conditions. Here is a 12-year old buffer. Spot spraying requires large spots to be effective ­ roughly 4-foot in diameter. Spraying continuous strips would be better. Combined with mowing (if allowed), continuous strips provide fuller control of competing vegetation and voles but eliminate any natural tree regrowth for a few years. * Steps for Success Fall * Left: Spring peepers spend early livies in water as tadpoles. Below: Mayflies spend most of their lives as nymphs in streams. Keys to Success in August-October Another Application of Herbicide Around Shelters * Apply a broad-spectrum herbicide (like Roundup ProTM or Tips: This spray is especially critical other glyphosate product) around sheltered seedlings. This on sites where substantial regrowth application is like the one done in spring, but the pre-emer- gent can be omitted. Spraying can be done from mid-August in treated areas has occurred since through early October, depending on your region and site spring. Competing with vegetation speci c conditions. This application will control competing can be an issue in late summer/ vegetation and will create bare soil conditions around tree early fall. Addressing regrowth of any seedlings. This spraying is a key defense against voles dur- Additional information on voles: ing winter when a lack of other food often leads to damage grass is key, since voles prefer grass Penn State University site (good overview, no photos): on trees. over broadleaf plants for food and http://pubs.cas.psu.edu/freepubs/pdfs/uh094.pdf cover. While working, pay attention Cornell University site (good overview and photos): Follow all herbicide label instructions. The surfactant in to tree health, whether there are http://nysipm.cornell.edu/factsheets/treefruit/pests/ Roundup OriginalTM is highly toxic to aquatic life! vole/vole.asp Formulations like RodeoTM can reduce this risk. invasives regrowing and other details. Also mark any dead trees for replace- University of Maryland site (also tells how to assess ment late. vole levels) http://www.agnr.umd.edu/MCE/Publica- Autumn is also the right time to consider additional steps to tions/Publication.cfm?ID=146&cat=8 avoid vole damage over winter. A late fall mowing removes cover for voles and increases predation. Mowing is allowed Right: Pine voles, Right: Voles in CREP projects during the establishment period (the rst 2- and occasion- tunnel through 3 years). If not needed for vole control, omitting mowing may ally meadow and snow and may increase natural tree regeneration -- particularly in northern prairie voles, gnaw on trees up PA where that potential is higher. Extreme vole problems tunnel below to the height that may justify the use of an economical rodenticide contain- ground and feed snow accumulates. ing zinc phosphide, applied by a professional. Consult your on roots of trees CREP project staff to discuss mowing or rodenticides. More and shrubs. information is available at right. 1 17 Work Records: Work Date Notes: Tasks To Be Completed As Needed Done: Done: Following floods: Within one week of any ood, any time of year, check tree shelters. Downed shelters will kill trees. Leaning tubes invite rodent damage. Also check for damage to any fences, crossings, etc. * If replanting is needed: Replanting should only be done after addressing the cause of the initial failure (most commonly voles and/or competition from plants). Replanting can be done in fall using containerized seedlings or in spring using either containerized seedlings or bare root stock. Either should be successful if other recom- mendations are followed.Consult with CREP staff about cost share prior to replanting. Floods can easily knock down tubes but trees are typically still alive. Prompt action can avoid tree losses that would * otherwise occur over time. 19 Forested buffers: Forested buffers are a stream's best friend. Trees multiply stream habitat. The life of streams is tied to the bottom, literally. Most small organisms cling to rocks, roots and gravel to avoid being swept away. Trees vastly increase the amount and quality of bottom habitat. Compared to a bare soil bank in a meadow stream, a bank with fine tree roots can have a hundred or thousand times more surfaces where living things can cling. Forested streams also have more bottom area. They are typically two to three times wider than a meadow stream of equal flow. With full sun, grasses encroach on the stream and Trout grow on trees. Trees Help Streams channels narrow dramatically. Trout eat stream insects Some ways that trees help Trees give streams more area, that specialize in eating * streams are obvious: they more habitat, more life. leaves of native trees that shade streams and hold the fall into streams. In very banks in place. Other ways real ways trout grow on are less obvious but even trees. more important. Forested vs Grass Buffers Summary of Research by Stroud Water Research Center (located in Chester Co., PA) Trees help streams clean themselves In a recent study, Stroud Water Research Center Study Variable: Forest Buffer Grass Buffer Comments: (with a staff of 30+ stream researchers showed how forested conditions increase a stream's ability to cleanse itself. They studied 16 streams water temperature + - forested areas cooler in summer, in eastern PA, comparing forested sections to warmer in winter, both bene cial grass buffered sections as the same streams owed from woodlots to healthy meadows with streambed habitat quality + - more usable streambed habitat, both no livestock and back again. Forested streams amount and quality can remove 200% to 800% more nitrogen pollution than non-forested streams. The full removal of nitrogen pollution + - forested areas removed 200% to 800% results appear in the table on the left. more nitrogen pollution Added Benefits from Streamside Forests: removal of phosphorus pollution +/- +/- forested area tended to remove more Beyond providing clean water, streamside trees phosphorus, but further sudy is needed also provide a long list of other bene ts. removal of pesticides +/- +/- equal removal in forested area was a * Allowing rainfall to soak into the soil, surprise since sun light is key turning oodwater into well water stream velocity + - lower in forested areas, providing more * Reducing ooding and ood damage, contact time for clean up guarding roads, bridges, houses, land s * Providing quality recreation and related tream width + - forested streams 2-3x wider, income to local communities providing 200-300% more habitat * Providing key habitat for both aquatic large woody objects for habitat + - large woody objects provide key habitat and terrestrial wildlife and bene ts * Providing air quality bene ts, especially + when near animal production facilities means signi cantly better results than the (3X) other buffer option - means signi cantly less helpful than the other buffer option +/- means no signi cant difference for forested thean the grass buffer 21 Complete Details: Doing good things by planting buffers Many landowners view Trees provide critical benefits to streams, buffers as a valued boost providing benefits for both water quality to fisheries. * and for quality of life. Restoring streamside forests provides a big boost to efforts to improve Pennsylvania's streams. Complete Details: A Seasonal Summary of Activites Details for Late Winter Activities (February-March): Checking tree shelters and stakes or otherwise damaged stakes must be remove at least the large wasp nests. Timing: Best done when site is eas- replaced. Doing so in spring before wasps are ily traveled, after most frost heaving active will reduce risk of stings. is nished, before spring ush of tree Nets: Nets help prevent bird entrap- growth occurs and while wasps are ment in tubes, but can ruin many Ties: Shelters are fastened to stakes less active. Most landowners will want trees. Rotting birds typically kill trees, with ties. Over time they can to do this in February or March before so keeping them out keeps both birds become brittle and break. Replacing the busy spring season. and trees healthy. Nets should be as needed with UV resistant ties (or removed from trees that will reach the suitable wire) will keep shelters upright Leaning or downed tree shelters: This nets that year. For fast growing trees, and functioning. To reduce the risk happens mostly from either broken this can be done when trees are 18" of frost heave lifting shelters, leave a ties or broken, rotted or frost-heaved or more from the tops of the shelters. little slack in the ties so that a rising stakes. Frost action in the soil If not removed in time, nets typically stake is less likely to pull the shelter (especially in wetter soils) commonly cause growth deformities in tree tips. up by the tie. lifts many stakes. A few taps from a These deformities will reduce growth 2 lb hammer can prevent toppling, pin- rate and may reduce future timber Note: Streamside forests provide ning and killing trees. Rodents enter value. If you miss a net, clip off any valuable habitat for many types of downed shelters and quickly damage deformed tips below the deformity. wildlife. Bears, birds, voles, wasps, any tree inside. Frost-heaved shelters Later removal of one shoot may be deer all are valuable parts of a healthy (with a gap between soil and shelter) desirable if a double leader results. environment. For a brief time in the A successful buffer after 12 years of also allow rodents to enter easily early years, effort to limit their use and growth (much less a worry if routine herbicide Wasps: On some sites, wasps build damage of young trees is key. Other- applications are done). You can place nests in many shelters. While they wise, the intended wildlife bene ts of a a small board over the tube, avoiding don't seem to directly harm the plants, successful reforestation will not occur. tree as needed, and give it a few taps large nests can prevent trees from to drive the tube back into soil. Be emerging past the nest or may lead to Replanting: Mark dead or missing careful not to snap the ties while ham- rot conditions. Damage to tubes by trees for replanting. Be sure to x the mering, which can bind on the stake bears and other mammals may be re- cause of losses before replanting. and break. In wetter soils, stakes can lated to wasp nests, which bears and Consult your CREP staff regarding rot off before the trees are able to sup- other animals eat. It is advisable to potential cost-share before replanting. port the weight of the shelter. Rotten 23 Complete Details: A Seasonal Summary of Activites Details for Late Winter Activities (February-March): Balancing risks in removing or leaving shelters on trees: If your tree shelters lack a vertical Explanation: As trees grow, shelters Timing: If removal is needed, it can be Stakes: Regardless of type of tree perforated line (designed to allow can become a problem for trees. done as part of early spring check of shelter, any non-biodegradable stakes shelter to split as tree grows) it is The worst problem occurs when the tree shelters or as separate step later must be removed before tree growth necessary to remove shelters by broad are at the base of the tree in spring, using the shelters to pro- entraps them. This is for health of cutting them top to bottom (use care approaches tube diameter. Moisture tect trees for an additional herbicide trees and safety of future users of avoid damaging the tree) and pulling and debris can collect in the tube, application before removal. Shelters the site such as its potential timber them off. Remove when trees reach leading to disease and damage. For- delay hardening-off of tree tissue. If products. If shelters are removed, 1 ½ to 2 inches in diameter at top of estry professionals in the mid-Atlantic removed in fall, tender tissue may be wooden stakes can be left in place tube. suggest that shelters with a vertical harmed by winter temperatures. Buck and provide some bene ts. If trees perforated line can be left on trees rub and vole damage may be reduced become droopy (typically happens only If your tree shelters have a vertical inde nitely unless they are causing for another year by removal in spring after leaf-out), fasten tree to stake with perforated line (through 2006, only speci c problems. This is not conclu- rather than fall. twine that will rot. Stakes may also TubexTM shelters had this feature) they sive for other types of shelters, and deter buck rub. If located can be left in place unless speci cally thus removal, or at least splitting, is Size: Remove or split all shelters that upstream of tree, stakes may also causing damage. required. However, removing shelters lack a vertical line of perforations help in the event of ood. Stakes give exposes trees to increased risk from when trees are 1 ½ to 2 inches in limited protection from large debris, A few people are trying a different voles, buck rub, herbicide and mowers. diameter at the top of the shelter. but will help reduce the amount of approach to shelters that must be Deer and voles will damage trees up Trees will reach 1 ½" to 2" diameter grassy debris collecting on the tree removed. They are splitting the to about 4-5" diameter. Herbicide and at varying rates, depending on species (which could lead to rot). shelters with a knife, and leaving them mowers can damage even larger trees. and site conditions. in place for additional time. If trying For sites with tubes lacking perforated this unproven method, be sure to cut vertical lines, there may be helpful the full length including the portion in middle ground - splitting the tubes the soil which is least degraded by UV with a knife and leaving them in place Periodic monitoring can light and the rst place constriction will for additional time. Be sure to split help avoid damage due to occur. the bottom-most portion that will rst shelters of any type. constrict the tree. Periodic monitoring can help avoid damage due to shelters of any type. Complete Details: A Seasonal Summary of Activites Details for Spring Activities (April-May): Applying herbicide around sheltered plants: Routine herbicide use is probably the When using any herbicide, follow all label with glyphosate to eliminate winter annu- behind the shelter. It will only take a few single most important step for a suc- instructions. The surfactant (sticking als and biennials, and prevent germina- minutes for you to develop the required cessful planting. Do not apply herbicides agent) in the original RoundupTM (called tion of annual weeds for many weeks. technique. directly to the planted trees. Tree hel- Roundup originalTM) and many generic If applying a pre-emergent herbicide , it ters are a big help when spraying herbi- products is highly toxic to aquatic life. Example Mixtures (trade names used as is essential to calibrate your application cide by preventing accidental application To reduce risk, use RoundupProTM (or- example, not recommendation): so that you are applying the intended to the trees. The herbicide glyphosate similar product) and avoid overspray or * Glypro (3 pints/ac) + Princep 4L (2 dosage of herbicide. If you are unsure of (the active ingredient in Roundup ProTM drift onto open water. Even better, use quarts/ac) - annual grasses will the procedure, there are many Coopera- and RodeoTM) provides excellent control RodeoTM (or the equivalent), and add break through rst. tive Extension publications available of grass and broadleaf vegetation, and your own less toxic surfactant. There * Glypro (3 pints/ac) + Pendulum on the internet that will be helpful (for does not have soil residual activity that are many glyphosate products that are AquaCap (2 quarts/ac) - annual example, http://www.bae.ncsu.edu/pro- could harm trees. Eliminating vegetation labeled for use in or near water that broadleaf plants will break through grams/extension/agmachine/turf/Callibrat- near trees is highly effective in prevent- do not contain the surfactant found in rst. ing_a_Backpack_Sprayer.pdf). ing rodents (mainly voles) from damaging Roundup originalTM. Your local farm * Glypro (3 pints/ac) + Princep 4L (2 Best results come from applying a trees. This method is standard practice chemical distributor can guide you in se- quarts/ac) + Pendulum AquaCap calibrated spray to a continuous strip 3' in orchards and nurseries. Voles are a lecting the glyphosate product you need. (2 quarts/ac) - extended control of wide, centered on the row of shelters. serious threat, having impacted plant- grass and broadleaf plants. This is especially the case if mowing ings on hundreds of sites to date. If you apply glyphosate only, you will need to apply it nearly every month You can easily apply these mixtures with will be done. Bumping shelters and during the growing season to maintain a backpack sprayer equipped with a stakes with mowing equipment will lead Additional information on voles: a weed-free (and vole-free!) area around spray wand with a single, off-center, at to broken stakes, loose shelters and Penn State University site (good overview, your trees. To increase the effective- fan spray tip. As long as you have done tree losses. The continuous sprayed no photos): http://pubs.cas.psu.edu/ ness of your treatment and reduce the your tree shelter maintenance, you can strip eliminates the vegetation where the freepubs/pdfs/uh094.pdf number of applications, add a pre-emer- spray each row of trees with a single mower cannot reach easily. Spraying can Cornell University site (good overview and gent (Pre-emergent) herbicide to your pass. The shelter will keep the spray be done from vehicle or on foot. Mowing photos): http://nysipm.cornell.edu/fact sheets/treefruit/pests/vole/vole.asp glyphosate treatment. PRE herbicides mixture off the trees, and the `spray remaining areas provides complete veg- kill weed seedlings as they germinate or shadow' caused by the shelter block- etation management on the site. If you University of Maryland site (also tells soon after. Common active ingredients ing the spray should be minor. You can only use glyphosate, good results come how to assess vole levels) http://www. agnr.umd.edu/MCE/Publications/Publication. are simazine (example: Princep, better minimize the shadow by simply doing a from 3-4' diameter spots sprayed around cfm?ID=146&cat=8 against broadleaves) or pendimethalin quick `wiggle' of the spray wand as you each shelter. Avoid applying (example: Pendulum, better against approach and pass each shelter to get herbicides to any part of desired plants grasses). Either (or both) can be mixed the fan pattern to cover the area directly ­ glyphosate will kill trees. 25 Complete Details: A Seasonal Summary of Activites Details for Summer Activities (June- August): Managing vegetation that was not sprayed in spring with broad-spectrum herbicide: This means the vegetation in areas Use of herbicides to control targeted Mowing: control of rodents by reducing cover other than right around tree shelters. species: Mowing helps control competing during the winter. Mowing may not be There are two common tools for this There are many different noxious vegetation, invasive plants and ro- effective against Canada thistle. Mow- work-herbicide treatment or mowing. and invasive weeds. The best control dent damage to trees. Unfortunately, ing extensive areas of CREP buffers is methods often vary by species. Help mowing also prevents natural tree not allowed beyond year three, unless in identifying problems weeds can be regeneration. Regeneration varies by approved by Farm Service Agency's found at http://www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/ region and by site, with little potential county committee for speci c reasons deputate/watermgt/wc/subjects/streamreleaf/ on grassy sites that lack strong seed such as noxious weed control. Docs/Invasive%20Plants.pdf or your local sources within a hundred yards. CREP CREP staffcan direct you to resources. program guidance on mowing varies In general, avoid using broad-spectrum by region. Be sure to discuss whether sprays that also kill grasses and thus you are expected or allowed to mow require repeat applications over time. with your local CREP staff. If your site (An exception is for the areas im- is not enrolled in CREP, discuss the mediately next to trees as described role of mowing role in your project above where repeated applications are with the conservation professional planned.) Weeds prosper on bare soil. who provides advice on the work and Grasses help suppress noxious and consults the speci cs of your project invasive weeds. Consult a conserva- agreement. If used, mowing should tion professional and/or the following not be viewed as an alternative to reference. The Maryland Department broad-spectrum herbicide use around of Natural Resources Forest Service shelters, but as an effective compan- Riparian Forest Buffer Design and ion. Mowing, if permitted, is especially Maintenance (52 pages) is the most helpful in the rst two or three years. comprehensive and recent (2005) pub- It should be done at least twice in the lication on forest buffer maintenance growing season, more often if needed for the mid-Atlantic region. It has spe- to control competition or avoid seed ci c herbicide recommendations for formation by noxious invasive spe- controlling noxious and invasive plants cies. Mowing helps trees by exposing in appendices c and d. Access it at rodents to increased predation. A late http://www.dnr.state.md.us/forests/download/ season mowing will provide added rfb_design&maintenance.pdf Or call 1-410-260- 8509 to request a hard copy. Complete Details: A Seasonal Summary of Activites Details for Fall Activities (For Fall and as Needed in Any Season): Details for Fall: The above section (June-August) has Survival check and possible replanting: information that applies to late sum- Late summer or fall is a good time to mer and fall as well. One change check plantings for overall health and should be noted: spring herbicide success. Noting problems early will al- application around shelters would ben- low time to remedy them vs. expensive e t from including a pre-emergent to replanting. Your local CREP staffer can prevent weed regrowth after spraying. help troubleshoot or you can consult In late summer or fall applications, the the MD DNR maintenance guide noted pre-emergent is less useful and can be above. Page 34 of the MD DNR guide omitted. It would provide control for offers help on identifying and solving winter annual weeds, but these are not problems. Shelters on apparently typically a problem. dead trees should be left in place. Trees that appear dead may resprout from the root. You may also want to Details for as Needed drop a few seeds of native trees in Activities: the tube with some weed-free soil Following Floods: such as potting mix, or you may simply Trees trapped in shelters knocked replant. Before replanting consult with down by oods will generally die even your CREP staffer about possible cost without rodent damage, which also share. Also, before any replanting, be increases in down tubes. It is unclear sure to x the problem that caused the how long trees survive if pinned down, mortality the rst time. Often, this is but getting tubes and trees upright voles. Regular use of herbicides and sooner vs. later will help. Within a mowing are key control methods. Ro- week of any ood, check that shelters denticides containing zinc phosphide and stakes are upright and sound. may also be practical and economi- Also check for damage to any fences, cal in dealing with extreme cases of crossings, etc. as applies to your rodent damage where conscientious project. herbicide use around tree shelters has not kept voles from damaging plant- ings. Check label restrictions and always follow label directions. 1 PHOTO CREDITS: Cover: photographer's Name, Little Pine Creek, ,June 2006 Inside cover : Photographer's Name. Buffer Panoramic page3: USDA, Steve Smith, Herbicde Spots Page4: Large photo, USDA, Steve Smith, Crep eld trip Small photo, USDA, Steve Smith, leaning Shelters Headquarters Philip Merrill Environmental Center 6 Herndon Avenue Annapolis, MD 21403 410/268-8816 410/269-0481 (from Baltimore metro) 301/261-2350 (from D.C. metro) Pennsylvania The Old Water Works Building 614 North Front Street, Suite G Harrisburg, PA 17101 717/234-5550 Web site: cbf.org E-mail: chesapeake@cbf.org Membership information: 888/SAVEBAY CHESAPEAKE BAY WATERSHED The Chesapeake Bay's 64,000­square­mile watershed covers parts of six states and is home to more than 17 million people. Printed on recycled, recyclable paper 4/07