Invasive Trees

      Much has been written in this blog about cedar trees invading grasslands. It's a huge problem out west and one that I work to control on my grass. Cedars are not the only invasive trees. Ash trees also take over grasslands when there are mature ash trees in the vicinity. A neighbor sprayed some of my grass this summer to eliminate ash seedlings. Deciduous trees will quickly re-sprout when cut off unlike coniferous trees which die when cut below the bottom branch.

   Then, there are Russian Olives both invasive and annoying. In the early 40s when multi-tree rows, called shelter-belts were planted to avoid another dust bowl, often the outside row was Russian Olive. The mistaken notion was that they would be a natural cattle fence.  WRONG! They are a scrubby prickly tree that spread quickly. and have even been know to puncture tractor tires...not mine.

  All this leads to a report that the last two days I've been working to remove Russian Olives from grassland. As a deciduous tree it's not enough to simply cut them. When they are cut the stump needs to be treated with a 'stump killer' herbicide or they quickly regrow. This is one more activity that is better than a gym membership!  

Takk for alt,

Al

This is a young Russian Olive awaiting my attention.