Crow’s Nest: Hazard Tree Work

By Daniel Barringer, Preserve Manager

We’ve had a number of oaks die this summer, and other species that appear to have succumbed to the drought. Additionally, we are being proactive in beginning the removal of the 200 ash trees found along public roads at the preserve (see here for my 2012 perspective on Emerald Ash Borer, and here for an update earlier this year). So we have spent the week with a contractor removing these difficult trees.

With the help of a lift the trees could be topped first, then felled without causing much damage to the surrounding forest.

Other trees, such as this tuliptree below (plus the huge one near the visitor center) were pruned to remove dead wood over the trails.

These last two photos are of a tuliptree that was struck by lighting last year. While it was still alive it showed signs of damage. Trees are easier and safer to remove before the the damage gets worse.

This has been a difficult year for our trees. Each of the ones removed showed signs of stress, insect damage, or were already dead. We were able to leave a couple trunks standing, but short enough not to be a hazard, for insects and woodpeckers to enjoy as food and nesting habitat.

One more day to go on the work today, at Green Hills, where a couple more oaks along the road have died.