Green Horizons
News for people who take their trees seriously
Vol. 6, No. 3
Winter 2001



Tap into niche market for large Christmas trees

There is a growing niche market for large Christmas trees. Older homes and
some newly-constructed ones have either vaulted or cathedral ceilings that can
accommodate trees considerably larger than the traditional average of 6 to 7
feet. These homes present a market that many growers may be missing, either
because of the species they grow, the area of their plantation (it takes more
land to grow a 12-foot tree than one only 6 feet tall), or because of the
extra labor involved.

It is not uncommon for a homeowner with a large cathedral ceiling to want a
tree from 14 to 16 feet tall even though it is more costly. There also are
businesses, churches, banks, restaurants and a variety of other potential
customers with similar demands.

Most growers in the Midwest rely heavily on Scotch pine. While Scotch pine,
when properly manicured, makes a fine tree in the smaller sizes - up to 8 feet
- most cultivars do not retain bottom branches well when getting into the
larger sizes. A 9-foot tree, for example, will be thin at the bottom which is
an undesirable trait for a Christmas tree. Spruces, Douglas fir, and the true
firs in Missouri have shown limited success. Pines, however, are another
possibility such eastern white, Austrian, or red (some folks refer to it as
Norway pine).

Eastern white pine makes a beautiful tree, with the shape desired, and a dense
crown if shearing commences at an early age. It has few disease and insect
problems, although bagworms can sometimes warrant control. One of the major
objections is that the branches tend to be rather flexible, and decorating
with heavy ornaments can present a challenge. If placed in a good
water-holding stand, which should be done with any tree, white pine retains
its freshness well throughout the holiday season. This tree can be grown to
about any size with good retention of the bottom branches.

Austrian pine has a rich, dark green color, stout branches, long stiff
needles, and will support heavy ornaments. The crown will not be as dense as
white pine, but the longer needles tend to make up for the smaller number of
branches. There is one needle disease that attacks Austrian - dothistroma
needle blight - that can be controlled. The trunk of the tree tends to be
rather heavy, with heavier, less flexible branches than eastern white pine, so
transporting trees of larger sizes can be more difficult.

Red pine is very similar to the Austrian pine. In fact, sometimes it is
difficult to tell them apart. Branching habits are similar, needle length
about the same, color very good, and they both retain their freshness well.
Red pine does not appear to be susceptible to dothistroma, but the trees are
very slow starters when planted from 2-0 seedlings. They are weak bud setters,
often with no more than three buds formed at each cut branch.

Annual shearing of large trees is more time consuming. It can require
pole-type shears, ladders if the ground is fairly level, and even mechanical
support on the larger ones - such as trailers to serve as work platforms,
front-end loaders, or scaffolds. Pricing of the trees must take into account
the added effort and time required to produce trees of this size, but the
market is there.

- Clell Solomon



Grazing cows in a walnut agroforestry practice
Results from on-farm research

In 1999, Larry Harper received a grant from the North Central Sustainable
Agriculture Research and Education program in cooperation with researchers
from the University of Missouri Center for Agroforestry. The primary objective
of the project was to determine the amount and type of damage that cattle
would inflict on a black walnut plantation. Two secondary objectives were
whether soil compaction would be an issue and to demonstrate the potential
profitability of a silvopastoral practice when compared with production of hay
between the tree rows.

The demonstration took place at HarperHill Farms located near Butler. The site
selected for the demonstration was 15 acres, with trees from 12 to 15 years of
age. The trees were planted 40 feet between the rows and 20 feet between the
trees within the rows. Nearly all are grafted to improved varieties. However,
a few trees had not been grafted in order to compare production
characteristics. All trees received 60 pounds of nitrogen in the form of
ammonium nitrate in April of each year prior to grazing.

In April of 1999 and 2000, 25 steer calves weighing an average of 585 pounds
were purchased and placed on the grass. The acreage had been divided into
paddocks of 1 to 2 acres, using single-strand electric polywire, which could
be moved by rolling it on reels so that only a limited amount of fencing was
necessary. The electric fence was powered by a low-impedance charger commonly
referred to as the New Zealand system of electric fencing. All 25 steers
grazed a single paddock for about one day and then rotated to the next
paddock. With 18 paddocks, they would be grazing each paddock every 18 to 24
days, depending on the forage regrowth. The management-intensive grazing
system was chosen for its potential of reducing animal traffic and exposure of
trees to damage as well as its other potential benefits to both trees and
forage.

Steers were short-grazed for only 100 days and sold the first week of August.
They received only forage, salt and mineral. A pour-on treatment was applied
before they entered the grazing system to discourage external parasites and
corresponding tree rubbing. Flies were controlled with insecticide ear tags.

In the third year of the study, 2001, the forage between the rows was
harvested for hay and sold to compare profitability of grazing versus
harvesting. The forage between the tree rows consisted mostly of smooth
bromegrass with some legumes.

The results are in! At most, it was found that the grazed trees may have
diameter growth suppressed by only 20 percent to 25 percent. It appears that
in a management-intensive grazing practice, height growth is not affected by
cattle grazing. Miscellaneous physical damage to trees was noted. A few trees
(seven out of 116) were killed by the cattle. All were less than 4 feet tall
when the cattle entered the grazing area. The most prevalent cause of damage
was rubbing, especially to alleviate the effects of face flies. Cattle browsed
branches from the trees, which seemed to be more mischief than hunger. This
browsing did cause damage by ripping off strips of bark with the small
branches, although most of the wounds have healed. An overall browse line was
noted at about the 5-foot height.

From these observations, it can be concluded that trees must be 10 to 12 feet
tall and have a diameter of at least 3 inches if they are to be safely grazed
with cattle of this size. To overcome the browsing effects and stripping of
bark, it might be wise to prune the trees to at least the 5-foot height. That
would leave half or more of the crown in place as is generally recommended by
most foresters. Other trials have shown that when a single strand of electric
polywire is placed 4 feet on either side of the tree row, grazing can begin
immediately after planting. Cost of the electric fencing is reasonable,
especially when rolled on reels and moved with the cattle from paddock to
paddock.

In terms of profitability, cattle will be more profitable than selling the hay
crop, in most years. During the two years of experience with this project,
HarperHill Farms recorded a gross profit per steer of between $50 and $75.

Since less than 1 acre (.84 acre) was required per steer for the grazing season, 
this figure can be translated into a $60 to $89 gross profit per acre. This 
profit figure does not include costs of land, labor or fertilizer. Land and 
fertilizer costs are charged to the primary enterprise of growing trees for nuts. 
Labor was not charged because the same labor used for 25 steers could suffice 
for a herd of 100 (even 300) head under a management-intensive grazing system.

Short-grazing steers can be a most complimentary enterprise with a black
walnut or other nut production agroforestry system. By removing the cattle the
first of August, the grass has ample time to recover before nut harvest in
September. The manure has time to dry and disappear so it will not affect nut
quality. And, the cattle price trends for the past 20 years show that selling
750- to 800-pound steers the first week of August avoids a traditional late
summer price slump. It also is advantageous because the cattle are not carried
through the August gain slump, or even reversal. Plus, at $12 per acre
(continued on page 5) per mowing, there is a considerable contribution to the
bottom line.

In 2001, the forage was baled for hay and sold. The hay yielded 2 tons per
acre. Half the hay was given to the custom hay operator to pay for harvesting.
The other half was sold for $45 per ton. This was a gross profit of $45 per
acre without land or fertilizer charges.

This research demonstrates that it is practical to combine steer grazing with
a black walnut agroforestry practice. Potential damage to the trees by the
animals can be overcome by management techniques. Slight decreases in growth
of the trees are more than offset by the income potential of the cattle
operation, especially in the early years when there is no income from the nut
crop. Hay can be harvested during years when cattle aren't the most profitable
option.

For more information on this study, contact Larry Harper at HarperHill Farms,
Inc., 908 Danforth Dr., Columbia, MO 65201; (573) 442-5326; or e-mail:
lharper@tranquility.net



MDC Peck Ranch hosts Karkaghnae Club meeting
At a recent Karkaghnae Club meeting, members visited the Missouri Department
of Conservation Peck Ranch near Winona, Mo.

John Tuttle, MDC forester and Don Smith, MDC wildlife specialist, led the
group on a tour as they viewed several projects, including the restocking of
wild turkeys, a study of whitetail fawn mortality, a study about the range of
free-traveling bobcats, various wildlife plantings and food plots, and methods
to deal effectively with red oak decline in the Ozarks. Details were presented
on the MOFEP project, a 100-year project to determine the effect of various
forest practices on the well-being of all forms of flora and fauna in the
Ozarks, and on the hydrology of the area as well.

For more information on the Karkaghnae Club and its monthly forestry-related
activities contact Karl Wolf, 17212 Thunder Valley Rd., Eureka, MO 63025; or
e-mail him at: KarlR22@aol.com



Newsletter deadlines

Because your newsletter must be in the mail at least 30 days before the next
organization meeting and another three weeks is needed to get it ready and
through the printing process, the deadline for the next issue is: February 15,
2002

Send your newsletter material to: Sandy Hodge, 203 Anheuser-Busch Natural
Resources Bldg., Forestry Program, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211.
Phone (573) 884-6729.

Your management tips, ideas and experiences are most welcome!



Home-brewed deer repellent proves effective

An effective deer repellent spray was reported by Dr. Larry Severeid, host of
the national meeting of the Walnut Council in LaCrosse, Wis. this summer. The
concoction has both an offensive taste and smell and appears to stay in place
for an extended period.

During the growing season it needs to be applied to the unsprayed new growth,
and after extensive rainfallit should be reapplied. It is effective for
controlling spring, summer and fall deer browsing damage.

The recipe calls for: 2 dozen large eggs, beaten in a blender, and mixed with
2 or 3 parts water. Add 2 to 3 ounces (1/3 cup) of Hinder (repellent) and 4-5
ounces (1/2 to 2/3 cup) of Durapel or Deer Guard (Bitrex). Severeid also adds
some laundry soap or commercial surfactant.

He applies the solution with a back-pack sprayer that is used only for
non-herbicide purposes. It is better to apply in the morning, when
temperatures are lower, than in the evening.

For winter bud damage protection, Severeid uses only Bitrex applied to the
terminal buds with a paint brush - as this is the only part of the tree that
needs protection at that time. As soon as the buds break in the spring, the
first solution should be used, since food is scarce at this time and the most
damage occurs.

If you try this method, Severeid would appreciate hearing of your experiences
by e-mailing him at: bwtree@aol.com



How to calibrate a backpack sprayer

1. Mark off a 1,000-square-foot area (10 feet by 100 feet or 20 feet by 50
feet).

2. Time (in seconds) how long it takes to spray this area using your normal
spraying procedures.

3. Spray into a 5-gallon bucket for the same amount of time. Make sure to
use the same spray pressure.

4. Measure the amount in gallons.

5. Multiply the number of gallons by 43.56 to get the gallons per acre.

Example: It takes you 25 seconds to spray 1,000 square feet. When you spray
into your bucket for 25 seconds, you measure 2.5 gallons. This amount times
43.56 equals 108.75 gallons per acre.



Cooper County farm manager leverages resources
Farm manager capitalizes on technical assistance and incentives funding to
leverage landowners' resources


When farm operator Virgil Brengarth first made contact with the Missouri
Department of Conservation in 1998 to request farm planning assistance for a
property he managed, he didn't realize the relationship that would develop.

Brengarth wanted to enter the approximately 400-acre farm in Cooper County
that he operated for two Columbia area men - Tom Smith and John Thompson -
into USDA's Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and the Wildlife
Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP). He contacted Reggie Bennett, MDC area
biologist. Soon a management plan for the farm was developed and ranked to
determine if it would be eligible for the programs. Once approved in 1998,
conservation practices were implemented on the property, some with cost-share,
some without.

Brengarth continued to call upon MDC for assistance as he implemented the
plans. With a substantial portion of the forest cover on hillsides adjoining
farmed bottoms, there were black walnut trees on the lower slopes in need of
management. Fred Crouse, consulting forester and Mark McCulloch, resource
forester, worked with MDC's Private Land Services, to mark a 20-acre parcel
for walnut pruning and release.

Three small wetlands were developed. Five ponds/small lakes were built - three
of them between 1 acre to 2 1/2 acres in size -  and stocked with fish.

Several other open-land management practices were installed with help from

Phil Rockers, private land conservationist. These included two glade
restoration projects, reduction of woody cover and prescribed fire. Brengarth
and the owners were delighted to report that "three or four native warm season
grasses were rejuvenated along with a half dozen or more wildflowers and
forbs." A prescribed burn on over 100 acres of fescue pasture was also
implemented to reduce litter and make the site more suitable to the
establishment of legumes in the cool season grass to increase its benefit to
both wildlife and livestock.

Besides wetland construction, landowners Thompson and Smith have built and
installed numerous wood duck boxes in the riparian areas of the farm. The
owners have an interest in migratory songbirds as well and have built and
installed over 200 bluebird nesting houses. MDC's Woodworking for Wildlife
plans were used to construct the boxes.

This spring, Terry Gordon, resource forester, coordinated a CRP tree planting
project comprised of 88 acres and 37,800 trees. The plantation was installed
in a field that was almost entirely sinkholes in a karst topography. Most
recently, Brengarth has been working with Robin Tillitt, MDC fisheries
biologist, on stream stabilization projects on the farm. Another CRP tree
planting project will establish or expand the riparian forest along a 1 1/2
mile stream frontage. A 100-foot cedar tree revetment will be installed, as
will a reinforced stream crossing.



Calendar of upcoming events


January 12, 2002

Tri-State Forest Stewardship Conference. Grand Theatre in Keokuk, Ia. Cost is
$35 and includes continental breakfast, lunch and refreshments. Registration
deadline is January 3, 2002. Go to http://ifdc.nres.uiuc.edu/page20.html on
the Web, or call Julie Rhoads at (573) 882-3234; or e-mail her at:
rhoadsj@missouri.edu


February 5th to March 19, 2002

Advanced Master Tree Farm Course. To be held at University Outreach and
Extension offices with satellite down-link. Call Julie Rhoads at
(573-883-3234); e-mail: rhoadsj@missouri.edu; or call John Dwyer at (573)
882-3537; e-mail: dwyerj@missouri.edu


February 8-9, 2002

Missouri Nut Growers Association nut show. Community Center, Nevada, Mo.
Evaluation of entries on Friday and nut show and business meeting on Saturday.
All are welcome. For more information call Mary Ann Byrd at (660) 925-3253.


February 23, 2002

Tree Farm Stewardship Days Conference, Country Club Hotel at the Lake of the
Ozarks. For more information call Julie Rhoads at (573) 882-3234; or e-mail
her at: rhoadsj@missouri.edu


April 6, 2002

Walnut Council of Missouri Spring Meeting. Starting at 9 a.m., the meeting
will be held on a farm owned by Jim Drew. If you are not a member of the
Missouri Chapter of the Walnut Council and would like to receive directions
and the agenda, please call Dusty Walter at (573) 884-7991; or e-mail him at:
walterd@missouri.edu
Send event dates to:
Sandy Hodge
203 Anheuser-Busch Natural Resources Bldg.
MU Center for Agroforestry
Columbia, MO 65211



Green Horizons is published quarterly by the University of Missouri Center for
Agroforestry and the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources.
All submitted material is subject to editing for style and length.
Editorial board:
Sandy Hodge, editor, Green Horizons, MU Center for Agroforestry, (573)
884-6729
Scott Brundage, Missouri Consulting Foresters Association (573) 443-3977
Howard McCarty, president, Missouri
Chapter of the Walnut Council, 34985 Minnow Pl., Macon, MO 63552
Gene Garrett, director, MU Center for
Agroforestry, (573) 882-3647
Paul Manson, president, Missouri Nut Growers Association, (660) 548-3477
Cory Ridenhour, Missouri Forest Products Association (573) 634-3253
John Shopland, superintendent, MU Horticulture and Agroforestry Research
Center, (660) 848-2268
Clell Solomon, Missouri Christmas Tree Producers Association (660) 273-2368
Larry Harper, president, Missouri Tree Farm Committee (573) 442-5326
Wayne Wittmeyer, Forest Stewardship Program (573) 751-4115
Mailing address:
Green Horizons, c/o Sandy Hodge, MU Center for Agroforestry, 203
Anheuser-Busch Natural Resources Bldg., Forestry Program, University of
Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211