Since I have added up the rain received since May 1 as nearly 35 inches by Aug. 18 out here in southeast Kandiyohi County, I thought it might be a good idea to repeat some information about flood-stressed trees. These would be the same trees that suffered through a couple years of drought not too long ago.
We have been told by the University of Minnesota that trees affected by drought or flood might take three to five years to die and by then we will have forgotten what they experienced several years prior.
Trees that are flood-stressed exhibit a range of symptoms that may include: leaf chlorosis (yellowing), followed by leaf loss, reduced leaf size, early fall coloration and leaf drop; water sprouts or small shoots emerging from the main stem; crown dieback; and large seed crops or no seed crops in years following a flood.
Symptoms may progress and ultimately kill a tree over a period of several years or they may lessen as the tree recovers. It is very difficult to link a flood to the cause of tree death years later.
We have also experienced severe strong winds this year, resulting in loss of branches and limbs. Small branches that have been damaged extensively should be removed to the next branch, but never cut off the branch collar.
Storm damage that leaves a large tear where a limb came down should be pruned smooth by removing jagged and protruding wood. Don’t remove large heavy limbs with a single cut. If a branch is too heavy to support with one hand, a three-cut method should be used.
A word of caution when dealing with oak trees. The oak wilt season is April through July, so it is best not to prune oaks during this time. And if it is absolutely necessary to remove a broken branch, paint the wound immediately with latex paint or shellac to deter insects carrying the oak wilt disease fungus.
This is not necessary to do on any other species of trees when pruning. Just remember not to cut flush with the trunk — leave a collar to heal over.
If you have tree loss due to flooding, drought, emerald ash borer or other diseases or pests, this is a good time to take a look around the neighborhood and see what species of trees catch your eye and plan for trying something new.
It has been suggested never to plant more than 10% of any one variety of tree in order to avoid disaster — i.e., like emerald ash borer that we are now experiencing. Check out the mature size of the tree you are planting so it will fit the area down the road.
In the fall you may be able to find bargains on potted trees as nurseries don’t want to overwinter them. Bare-root trees are available in early spring and are usually a good price.
If you are looking for windbreak trees, order early from Kandiyohi Soil and Water Conservation District. You need to buy in quantities of at least 25 if they are bare root. Evergreens come potted.
Master Gardener Sue Morris has been writing a column since 1991 for Kandiyohi County newspapers. Morris has been certified through the University of Minnesota as a gardening and horticulture expert since 1983. She lives in Kandiyohi County.
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