Thanks to storms and severe weather, tree limbs are down while tree stress is up. But there are ways to help the timber in your area and to keep damage from happening. On this Horticulture Day episode, Caitlin Troutman sits in for Charity Nebbe. We talk with Iowa State University professor of horticulture Jeff Iles about helping trees with storm damage, as well as preventative measures to consider before the next round of severe weather. Then, Iowa State University Extension Horticulturist Aaron Steil joins us to answer listener questions.
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Addressing the challenges that are showing up in our trees and perennials this summer. -
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The oak is the state tree of Iowa and an important part of native Iowa ecosystems, but Iowa’s oak woodlands are disappearing at an alarming rate. On this Horticulture Day, Charity Nebbe talks with DNR District Forester Mark Vitosh about why oak woodlands are at risk and what we can do about it. Then, Iowa State University Horticulture Specialist Aaron Steil joins to help answer your questions about plants and trees.
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The oak is the state tree of Iowa. It’s a keystone species that provides habitat for a variety of wildlife species, including over 500 species of butterflies and moths. But Iowa’s oak woodlands are disappearing at an alarming rate. Iowa Department of Natural Resources District Forester Mark Vitosh said planting a diversity of trees is crucial for a resilient canopy.
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When plants start growing and insects start buzzing, plant diseases aren't far behind. On this Horticulture Day episode, Chelsea Harbach of the Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic at Iowa State University joins to share what you can do to prevent some common diseases. Horticulture Specialist Aaron Steil and Iowa DNR forester Mark Vitosh also join to answer tree and gardening questions.
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Our relationship with fruit trees is a little different than our relationship with other trees. Iowa State University’s Suzanne Slack shares advice about when and how to prune fruit trees, vines and bushes.
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Oak wilt is a serious disease and the best way to protect your trees is by pruning them only in the dormant season. No one is telling you to go outside on one of the coldest days of the year to prune your oaks, but this is a great time to look out the window, make a plan, study the long-term forecast and put it on your calendar. On this Horticulture Day, Iowa Department of Natural Resources district forester Mark Vitosh joins to share everything you need to know about pruning and dispel myths around exploding trees. Then, Aaron Steil joins to help answer your gardening questions.
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Some trees, like oaks, need to be pruned during the dormant season to avoid diseases — though you'll likely want to wait for warmer winter days. Mark Vitosh, district forester with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, joins the show to talk about winter tree maintenance.
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Have you got your Christmas tree yet? If you haven't, there's still enough time to check out your local ditch. In this bonus episode, we hear from one caller about his holiday tradition of sourcing his tree from the side of the road.
