Submitted by Tokina McHarry, James River Soil Conservation District

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Fall greetings to all our readers! The cool, crisp morning and the gradual turning of leaves throughout the county signals to all fall is here, harvest is in full swing, and winter is just around the corner.

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The Soil Conservation’s annual EcoEd day was held on September 14. Fifty-five local 6th graders braved the rainy day to learn about water, soil, trees, prairies, and wetlands. There was also a little reptile fun thrown in the mix. A huge “thank you” goes out to all participants, presenters, supporters, and organizers. This yearly event is a highlight for students across the county.

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Although we have received a few spotty rain showers lately, overall soil conditions are dry. It is important to water young trees prior to freeze up. There are simple management steps to implement now to keep those trees alive through winter and come into spring thriving.

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According to NDSU, for conifers, it’s very important that they go into winter fully hydrated. Conifers that are drought-stressed are more prone to the type of damage called ‘winter injury.’ Winter injury takes many forms and has several potential causes; nevertheless, studies have shown that trees that are well-hydrated going into winter are less likely to suffer damage over the cold season. Watering should get the soil moist, but not saturated, to as deep as you can get it. Remember also that tree roots extend far beyond the edge of the tree crown. The larger the area that can be watered, the better.

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For all trees, how do you know if the soil is dry? You may not see visible signs of wilting. The rule of thumb is – if the first few inches of the soil is dry, then so are your tree roots. Place a trickling hose around the crown area and let it run for 30 minutes. This allows water to slowly sink into the entire root system. Do this every week or two prior to freeze up.

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Another important management tip for fall has to do with if you had issues with fungal diseases this year. On leaves, think spots and blotches, powdery coatings, needle discoloration, and/or premature leaf drop. It’s imperative to rake up and destroy fallen leaves and fruit around the tree. The types of fungi that infect trees can often overwinter in debris under trees. Removing excess litter lessens the chance of survival.

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Also, if you have wildlife pressure – protect tree bases with tree tubes or fences. It only takes one hungry critter to nibble around a tree trunk and kill a tree. If the critter chews through to the phloem layer all the way around the tree, food transport is stopped, meaning death to the tree.  

If you did have a tree planting and have noticed you need some replacements, please call now to start placing those handplant orders. This early ordering ensures better species selection.

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Upcoming Dates:

Sheyenne Valley Envirothon – Oct. 7th – Valley City

Columbus Day - Oct. 12th – Office Closed

SCD Board Meeting - Oct. 14th at 9am – USDA Service Center, Ellendale

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For more information contact the James River Soil Conservation District and Ellendale NRCS office at 701-951-0510, ext. 3. Our field office is in Ellendale at 51 N. 1st Street. Also, remember to visit the James River Soil Conservation District Facebook page and our websites for more information –http://www.jamesriverscd.org/ and http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/site/nd/home/. The NRCS is an equal opportunity employer, provider and lender.