Callaway County
Jarman's Weekly Agronomy News
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Jarman's Weekly Agronomy News |
Don't rush to prune trees after ice storms
When an ice storm strikes, many homeowners are eager to get outside and immediately begin pruning their ice-damaged trees. Usually, such haste does not pay.
There is no real reason to rush working on ice storm damaged trees, even if it takes till April or May. The main concern is safety. Unless iced-up limbs are a hazard, the best course is to wait for warmer weather. Especially if people have not had much experience with a chainsaw, there are a lot of things that can go wrong. If there is ice all over everything, it makes chainsaw work much more hazardous because you can lose your footing.
Chainsaw safety procedures are outlined in the MU Guide Sheet G1959, "Basic Chainsaw Safety and Use." The guide is available online at http://extension.missouri.edu/explore/agguides/agengin/g01959.htm.
If the damage is extensive, it is probably wise to seek professional help. Do not allow yourself to be pushed into services. Get bids if there is a lot of work.
In general, removal or serious pruning will be required if there is a ragged break, where branches are splintered. Those are very difficult for the tree to heal with callus tissue. The broken limb must then be cut back to another branch. Do not leave stubs. You want a smooth surface for the callus tissue to develop. A stub will die back to the next limb or trunk.
But, avoid pruning limbs flush with the trunk. We used to say, make it look pretty by cutting a branch off flush with the trunk. Now, the conventional wisdom is to start an inch or so away from the trunk on the bottom, then angle the cut so it's pretty flush at the top.
This preserves the branch collar - that rough, upraised tissue on the underside of the branch next to the trunk. Preserving the branch collar makes a smaller wound and promotes rapid growth of callus tissue to cover the wound quickly. It is important to remember cutting off large limbs is a dangerous business. And it is much more dangerous for people that do not have a lot of experience. To locate a qualified arborist, check the website of the American Society of Consulting Arborists at http://www.asca-consultants.org, which lists certified professionals nationwide.
The source for information found in this article is Chris Starbuck, state extension woody plants specialist at the University of Missouri (573) 882-9630.
Pruning Workshop
A pruning workshop will be held on February 21, 2004 from 1:30 to 3:30. Participants will get hands-on experience with pruning ornamental shrubs and trees and fruit trees. There will be discussions of the principles of pruning for better health and growth of trees and shrubs. Dr. Chris Starbuck and Dr. Michele Warmund from the MU Horticulture Department will conduct the session.
The workshop includes handouts and refreshments costs $10.00. You can enroll by calling the Boone County University Extension Center at (573) 445-9792. Space is limited so register early. Registration deadline is February 17. The workshop will be held at 6301 South Scott Blvd. in the west part of Columbia. It will be held rain, snow or shine.
Callaway County Private Pesticide Applicator Training
A Private Pesticide Applicator Training (PPAT) will be held at the Callaway County Extension
Center on February 10, 2004 beginning at 6:30 p.m. PPAT will allow attendees to become licensed or certified to purchase, apply and direct the application of Restricted Use Pesticides (RUP).
Currently licensed applicators can become recertified by attending the class. After a new regulation went into effect last year, there is no difference between the training for certification and recertification.
Other classes will be held in adjacent counties. Contact your local Extension Center or the Callaway County Extension Center for more information (573) 642-0755.
Western Produce Auction Meeting
Commercial vegetable growers may be interested in attending the upcoming Western Produce Auction Meeting, February 6th in Versailles, MO on the grounds of the Central Missouri Produce Auction. Missouri has four successful produce auctions, and there is increasing interest by growers in this cooperative method of marketing. The program begins at 8:00 a.m. and ends at 3:00 p.m.
Growers from produce auctions in Missouri, Iowa, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota will be attending and sharing information about managing a produce auction, marketing and growing produce.
The Central Missouri Produce Auction is located 10 miles south of Hwy 50 or 10 miles north of Versailles on Hwy W. For more information or to arrange lodging, contact Alvin Shirk at (660) 458-6605 or for more information, Lewis W. Jett, State Vegetable Crops Specialist (573) 884-3287.
University of Missouri Extension programs are open to all.
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