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4 Ways To Keep Snakes Away From Your Willow Tree

Snakes are a normal part of our ecosystem. If you have trees on your property, you are more than likely to see them now and then. Not everyone wants snakes slipping and sliding through their yard though.

Willow trees are an ideal shelter for snakes due to the cover they offer and proximity to a water source. You can prevent snakes near your willow tree denying their food source, removing areas of cover near the tree, and by housing guinea hens near your willow tree, which are predators of snakes.

Luckily, keeping snakes away from willow trees can be an easy process. Keep reading on below to learn about why keeping snakes away from your willow tree is a good idea and how to do it!

Why You Should Keep Snakes Away From Your Willow

Most snakes are harmless and scared of humans, but that does not mean you want them on your land. Many can coexist with snakes, but there are reasons you just can’t!

In general, you should keep snakes away from your willow tree if you:

Are afraid of snakes
Have venomous snakes
Have livestock such as chickens
Aren’t able to utilize your willow tree

For the first one, if you’re just plain ol’ afraid of snakes, then keep them away from your willow tree! Simple as that.

Venomous snakes are important to the ecosystem, but you should be wary of keeping them close to your home. If you find a snake near you, ALWAYS do some preliminary research based off the look of the snake to reasonably deduct what species it may be. Overall of course, this is a good reason to deter snakes.

If you notice a venomous or suspicious snake, contact a professional for identification and removal.

If you keep livestock, having snakes around can be detrimental to your animals. Snakes eat eggs, chicks, and even full-grown birds.

Lastly, having snakes around your willow tree can make it difficult to enjoy your tree. Many love sitting under the tree and enjoying the shade and beauty it provides. Naturally, being afraid of snakes in the area can make it impossible to enjoy your landscape.

Signs That Snakes Are In Your Yard & Near Your Willow

Snake hole at soil field around green forest area, wildlife nature presentation.

There are a few easy ways to tell if you have snakes. One obvious way to know is if you find snake sheds. According to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, snakes shed their skins between 4 and 12 times a year.

You can tell the size of a snake by the length of the shed. This can help you determine the type of snake you may have.

Additionally, you may see snake droppings or even tracks in the sand or dirt.

The droppings look a lot like bird droppings and can vary in size. The tracks in sand are lines. Snakes use their scales and muscles to help move.

Holes can also be a sign of snakes as well as a sign of mice or rats. These are food for snakes, so you may have a rodent problem as well.

If you’re suspecting you may have a venomous snake in your yard, check out this article by the CDC which lists the common types of venomous snakes in the US.

How To Keep Snakes Away From Your Willow Tree

The first step to figuring out why snakes are near your willow tree is to find out what they are eating. This could be rats, toads, or even insects, depending on the species of snake. It is important to figure out their food source to eliminate them.

Most snakes will not come to your home without a reason. If you find that you have a rodent problem, immediately deal with the infestation to help deter snakes from staying.

You can do this with humane traps, or by eliminating the food sources which the rodents are after. So do not leave pet food or any other types of food in areas they can get to.

Remove any potential hiding spots for the snakes. This includes clutter, excessive branches, and piles of leaves. If snakes have a place to hide, they are more likely to stay around your willow tree.

Snake-proof your home and yard by patching up any holes and adding snake-proof fencing. If you have animals such as chickens, snake-proof their pens so the snakes cannot get in for an easy meal.

Snakes will often eat chicken eggs or chicks if given the opportunity and some larger snakes can eat adult chickens.

If you have these livestock near your willow tree, moving them to another area of your property will help to keep snakes away.

If you believe you have a problem snake, contact a local pest control specialist in your area to help remove the snake. Alternatively, you could also buy a snake trap with the help of a professional.

Avoid using glue boards as you can accidentally harm other animals instead of the ones you are targeting.

Using Scents To Repel Snakes From Willow Trees

Willow tree by the Pond with the mirroring on the surface

Some strong scents can keep snakes away. Scents such as clove, cinnamon, and eugenol work wonders at deterring snakes from making your willow tree their home.

Clove oil is a potent smell and can be useful in many pest applications. APHIS has noted that the use of these oils can help deter snakes. You can use these scents directly on the snakes and their environment as well.

APHIS suggests two ways to use these oils: as an aerosol spray or as a fumigant. They make note of the Environmental Protection Agency determining that it is under an exemption from the EPA, meaning it is not regulated for use as a repellent.

APHIS gives an aerosol spray recipe. They say to use one percent of the oil, one percent sodium lauryl sulfate, and ninety-eight percent water. This spray is to be used directly on the snakes and will not work on surfaces to prevent snakes.

While you may not be fond of spraying these directly on a snake near your willow tree, you can look into a repellent like Bonide’s Stopper 8751 Snake Repellent, which contains both cinnamon and clove oil, to spray near your willow tree.

While there isn’t scientific evidence backing the product, there are countless anecdotal reviews stating it’s effectiveness.

Using Plants To Keep Snakes Away From Your Willow Tree

While many of the plants that make claims to repel snakes are ineffective, other plants, such as roses, cacti, and other thorny plants, may work. Snakes cannot crawl through these plants, so growing them in landscaped areas around where snakes might live would work.

Plants such as mint help deter mice and rats. Deterring mice or rats can help eliminate the snakes around your yard. As we have discussed before, rats and mice can attract snakes to your property.

Planting plants that will deter the food sources of snakes is important to help keep away the snakes that prey upon them.

Guinea Hens: The Ultimate Snake Control For Your Willow Tree

A group of guinea fowl and chicken feeding outdoor

Consider purchasing Guineas to help with your snake problem. Guineas are a type of fowl known for their ruthless behavior. They will hunt a snake down and quickly dispose of it!

Guineas are an excellent resource for repelling snakes. These birds are fast and loud and often chase snakes. They are often known as watchdogs since they alert to any trespassers. Be careful, as they can be aggressive, roam miles, and can be very annoying.

The downside of guineas is how loud they are. So if you have neighbors, this might not be the solution for you.

They are easy to care for and often take care of themselves. Provide water, shelter, and some food and you should have a wonderful edition to your property and willow tree.

Even better, guinea hens eat ticks as well and can keep your property tick and snake-free!

Natural Methods To Deter Snakes From Your Willow

Some natural remedies to get rid of snakes are smells that would deter them, natural predators, and making the area unpleasant for the snake.

Using powerful scents like cedar can help deter snakes from living around you. Another way is by making the area unpleasant. Change up your landscape, throw smoke bombs in their holes, and be active in your yard.

Cedar is also bad for their respiratory system and the respiratory system of most animals, so be mindful of your own animals. However, it could potentially keep snakes away from your willow (along with other animals in the process.)

Will Mothballs Repel Snakes?

A common myth is that mothballs will keep snakes away. This is untrue and bad for the environment. Mothballs can be harmful to living creatures as well. If an animal consumes them, they may die.

The smell does not deter snakes, and it is also illegal to use mothballs in this way, as it’s intended purpose is for moths. So, use mothballs for their intended use only to prevent any damage.

Properly use mothballs in airtight containers inside places moths go like closets.

Reasons Snakes Are Good For Your Willow Tree

Snakes are an important part of the ecosystem and without them, there is an imbalance in the food chain. Snakes eat pests such as mice and rats, and without them, these pests will overpopulate.

Mice and rats can carry and transmit diseases to humans. Snakes eating them helps prevent the transfer of zoonotic diseases to people. This is essential to help maintain public health.

If a snake is making the area under your willow tree its home, ask yourself why. If you have a willow tree planted along the water, the snake could be looking for fish to eat or water to drink.

Non-venomous snakes are important to keep around since they eat many pests like mice and rats and become food for other animals like large birds of prey. Snakes help with biodiversity and are sadly in decline with many endangered species. This is due to their habitat decline and other critical environmental issues.

Biodiversity is important for a healthy ecosystem. When the balance gets thrown off, it can cause major issues. Burmese Pythons in the Everglades in Florida, for example, always have to be removed from non-native environments.

These snakes took over and eat almost everything in their wake. This has caused an imbalance in the Everglades. If snakes are permanently removed from their native environments, this can cause a similar issue to the Everglades.

Some harmless species of snakes include:

Rat Snake
Garter Snake
Hognose Snakes

As the name suggests, rat snakes eat rats. They get to be around four to six feet long and are not venomous. Additionally, they are native to North America and make their homes in forests and grass.

Garter snakes eat a vast diet of anything they can get their jaws on. This includes pests like leeches, rats, and spiders. They are not venomous and get to be around three feet long.

Hognose snakes love to eat toads. They are not venomous and play dead when threatened. They live in sandy areas and stay fairly small.

Overall, most garden snakes are harmless to just let live. There are, however, reasons to deter them.

That’s All For Now!

Snakes can be a scary visitor to your yard, and naturally, unpleasant to see.

Many claims are floating around on various natural remedies and easy remedies to repel snakes. Mothballs are a commonly mentioned remedy, however, this is not only wrong but usually illegal to use.

Preventing snakes is the best way to repel them. Snake proof your yard and keep organized and picked up. If the snakes have nowhere to live, they are less likely to stay. Clean up anywhere snakes can hide.

Consider learning to live with non-venomous snakes. These are important members of the ecosystem, and allowing them a place to live can benefit you.

Overall, snakes are pretty easy to keep away from your willow tree if you follow these simple tips!

References

“APHIS Wildlife Services Snake Repellent.” USDA, 2003, www.aphis.usda.gov/wildlife_damage/nwrc/publications/Tech_Notes/TN_SnakeRepellents.pdf.

“Snakes in and around the House.” Npic.orst.edu, 2020, npic.orst.edu/pest/snake.html. Accessed 15 Nov. 2021.

“USDA APHIS | Vertebrate Control Products.” Usda.gov, 2013, www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/wildlifedamage/programs/nwrc/product-registration-unit/CT_Control_products#:~:text=%20Vertebrate%20Control%20Products%20%201%20REPRODUCTIVE%20CONTROL.. Accessed 15 Nov. 2021.

By Zack DeAngelis
December 20, 2021

12 Fastest Growing Oak Trees: Growth Chart

If you are planning your landscape and are looking for a beautiful talking piece, you may be considering an oak tree. Good choice. These trees are stately and provide plenty of shade, but how fast do they grow and when can you expect shade?

In truth, some of the quickest growing oak trees include the Japanese Evergreen Oak, Nuttall Oak, Southern Live Oak, and Valley Oak, all of which can grow up to 36 inches per year. Healthy oak trees can live anywhere from 100-600 years and reach heights of over 100ft, depending on the species.

We’ll walk you through 12 of the fastest-growing oak trees and give you some insight into what the best conditions are to grow each tree. Let’s get to it!

Are Oak Trees Fast Growers?

Before we get ahead of ourselves, let’s answer the obvious question: are oak trees fast growers? We know that there are different types of oak trees, and some grow faster than others, but what about compared to a maple or aspen tree?

Compared to other species of trees, oak trees are considered slow-growers. Some species of Poplar, for example, can grow up to 8 feet in a single year. Willows, Aspen, and Maple trees are all faster-growing trees than the mighty oak.

But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t plant them! Oak trees, though slow-growing, will provide you (and most likely your children and grandchildren) with years of shade, beauty, and wildlife habitat.

The 12 Fastest-Growing Oak Trees

So, you’ve decided to plant an oak tree and you’re wondering how long it’ll take to grow? When will you have shade? How big will it get?

We got you covered!

Here’s a chart of the 12 fastest growing oak trees, and how tall you can expect them to grow. Be sure to check out which zones each oak tree will perform the best in so you can plant a tree that will last for many years, if not centuries.

Tree	Annual Growth	Lifespan	Full Height	Best Hardiness Zone

*growth may vary based on conditions

Let’s take a closer look at each of these fast-growing oaks and see which one might be best suited for your yard, park, or space.

Quick side note, if you’re interested, you can view our piece on how long oak trees live here.

Japanese Evergreen Oak

Our first fast-growing oak tree is not native to North America, as the name suggests. It has an impressive lifespan that can stretch through millennia.

The Japanese Everygreen Oak can grow up to 36 inches per year but only reaches about 30 feet at its full height. So, although it is a fast grower, it will only grow for about 10-20 years before reaching its full height.

This particular oak is great for smaller yards. It still provides plenty of shade, branching out with a spread of up to 20 feet. Don’t expect too many compliments on your Japanese Evergreen Oak. It’s not the showiest of the oaks, and will not change colors in the fall.

Southern Live Oak

The southern live oak is an iconic tree in many of the southern states of the U.S. It grows just as wide, and in some cases wider, than it grows tall. If you’ve ever seen those iconic droopy-branched trees with beautiful Spanish moss hanging from them, you’ve probably spotted a Southern Live Oak.

Southern Live Oaks typically grow between 24 and 36 inches per year, making them one of the faster-growing oak trees. They grow to a height of about 50 feet, sometimes reaching 80 feet, but the most impressive thing about the Southern Live Oak is its spread! This tree can reach up to 120 feet wide!

Talk about a shade tree, right?

Southern Live Oaks need lots of space to grow. As they grow older, roots can grow close to the surface and impact sidewalks and roads. They are pretty tolerant of most conditions, including drought. They are also resistant to tree disease and pests.

Valley Oak

The Valley Oak, also called the California White Oak, is native to California. It is a large oak tree considered one of the faster growing oaks. Like many oaks, it measures its lifespan in centuries.

This impressive tree grows between 24 and 36 inches per year and can reach a height of up to 130 feet. Its impressive height is paired with a canopy spread of about 50 feet, making it an excellent shade tree. With time, its branches can even spread far enough to touch the ground.

Valley Oaks prefer full sun conditions and need an area greater than 10’ to grow properly. According to the University of North Carolina, Valley Oaks can have a trunk up to 10 feet in diameter!

Nuttall Oak

Unlike the Southern Live Oak and Valley Oak, the Nuttall Oak grows more upright and provides a little less shade due to a smaller spread.

The Nuttall Oak grows between 24 and 36 inches per year and reaches heights of about 40-60 feet. It’s a favorite of tree nurseries because it is easy to transplant and one of the fastest-growing oaks while young.

Another great characteristic of the Nuttall oak is its tolerance for a variety of soil conditions. Poorly drained soils and varying PH conditions are no hindrance to this tough oak.

Southern Red Oak

Not to be confused with the Southern Live Oak, the Southern Red Oak is an impressive, fast-growing oak tree that is sometimes referred to as Spanish Oak.

The Southern Red Oak grows anywhere from 12 to 36 inches per year, reaching heights of 60 to 80 feet. It has an impressive lifespan of about 150 years and is an excellent shade tree with a spread of up to 70 feet.

Besides providing plenty of shade, the Southern Red Oak is pretty resistant to diseases and pests that plague other oak types. It grows best in full sun and well-drained soil, so long as it is not clay. You don’t have to worry too much about branches breaking off, but the acorns will litter your yard and attract critters (but maybe you’re okay with that!).

Water Oak

Despite its name, the water oak does not require wet conditions to thrive, though it does love growing alongside streams and near water sources. It is native to the southeast but is found throughout much of the United States from Washington to New Jersey.

The water oak typically grows about two feet per year, reaching a full height of 100 feet. It is a shorter-lived tree with a lifespan of 60 to 80 years. This majestic tree can have a spread of up to 70 feet, providing plenty of shade.

If you’ve ever thought about what a typical acorn looks like, you’re probably picturing the acorns from a water oak: Dark brown in color with a ridged brown cap. Water Oaks are great to have around in the fall as they will change to a bright yellow once the seasons start changing.

Pin Oak

Pin oaks are one of the most commonly seen trees around human populations. They’re often used in parks and along streets, as parking lot islands, and planted in yards. Why are these trees so popular?

With a pyramid shape, little upkeep requirements, and beautiful fall colors, the Pin Oak is a very popular tree! The roots have little potential for problems and even in the wintertime, this tree is pretty to look at.

The Pin Oak grows about 24 inches per year and reaches a full height of 60 to 70 feet. It provides decent shade, having a spread of up to 40 feet, but has the potential for branches to break off.

Pin Oaks provide food for squirrels, deer, and other mammals in the form of their acorns. This is one of the reasons why they make such good trees for parks.

Coast Live Oak

Coast Live Oak, California Live Oak, and Encina are all the same tree here. This tree is similar in shape and appearance to the southern live oak as it has a massive trunk and the branches spread out enough to touch the ground in some instances.

The Coast Live Oak grows about two feet per year and reaches a full height of around 70 feet. It’s a long-lived oak, its lifespan numbering two centuries on average. It has an impressive spread of up to 70 feet.

This admirable tree provides food and shelter for birds, squirrels, and other tree-using animals. It is an important tree in California, its native home, but is susceptible to some of the more serious tree diseases such as sudden oak death.

Canyon Live Oak

As the name suggests, canyon live oaks are found in high-elevation, mountainous regions. Its home range includes the west coast from Oregon down to Arizona. This little tree can survive at altitudes of up to 9,000 feet!

Canyon Live Oaks grow about two feet per year and reach a full height of up to 100 feet. More often than not these trees only reach heights of 20 to 60 feet. They’re typically as wide as they are tall and can appear more shrub than tree in some cases.

These hardy trees thrive in several different soil conditions, making them attractive to many homeowners in drought-ridden areas such as California. They’re quaint little trees that can provide food and shelter for wildlife as well.

Laurel Oak

Native to the southeast and eastern Texas, the Laurel Oak is a tall, proud, and fast-growing oak. It’s not quite as showy as the Pin Oak in the fall, but its leaves do change color.

Laurel Oaks grow up to two feet per year and reach a full height of up to 100 feet. For its height, it has a smaller spread than expected of up to 45 feet. It is another short-lived oak with a lifespan of 50-70 years.

These trees have more of the picturesque acorns that attract squirrels, deer, and other wildlife. Unfortunately, the branches are susceptible to breaking, so be careful if you decide to plant these next to your house or outbuildings.

Red Oak

Red Oaks are one of the prettiest oak trees to see in the fall, with vibrant reds, oranges, and browns. But trees aren’t all about looks, right? Red oaks also thrive in a variety of conditions but tend to prefer moist and well-drained soil.

These mighty trees grow up to two feet per year and reach a full height of up to 140 feet. They can live up to 500 years, providing generations with shade and wildlife viewing. Red Oaks are one of the easier trees to transplant, making them a favorite in tree nurseries.

Willow Oak

The final fast-growing oak on our list is the Willow Oak. It’s one of the most stately of the oaks and is a prized landscape piece for its ornamental value.

Willow Oaks grow between 13 and 24 inches per year. It’s one of the shorter oaks, reaching a full height of up to 60 feet. It can live for up to a century and has beautiful fall colors of yellow and red.

Willow Oaks make great shade trees and are very attractive to birds and small animals. They’re also easy to transplant and require little upkeep. So sit back, relax, and enjoy this majestic tree!

What Is The Best Oak Tree To Plant?

Single big oak tree in a meadow near the forest

If you’re set on planting an oak tree, you’re making a great choice. Oak trees are strong, stately trees that grow to last. They provide plenty of shade on a hot summer day to both you and the wildlife that depend on them for food and shelter.

Although oak trees are slow growers, they are typically easy to care for and can be a family project that will stay a part of the property for generations to come.

So, which oak tree is the best? Which one should you plant?

This question is a little difficult to answer because there are so many different types of oak trees, each with its own unique qualities. To get right down to it, you’ll need to ask yourself a few questions:

If you’re interested in this topic a bit more in-depth, you can check out our guide for the best oak trees to plant here.

What Are You Looking For In An Oak Tree?

When you think of planting an oak tree, are you picturing a tree you can sit under in the summertime and enjoy the shade? Or are you looking for an ornamental tree that can be a talking piece for visiting guests? Maybe you want one that will be bursting with colors in the fall?

If you’re in the market for a shade tree, Live Oaks are a good choice. These massive trees boast wide trunks, drooping branches that sometimes touch the ground, and impressive shading with a spread of over 100 feet for some types.

Looking to get shade quickly? If you want a faster growing oak tree, consider the Nuttall Oak or Japanese Evergreen Oak. These are going to be the fastest growing oak trees, growing about 3 feet per year.

Want an oak with the prettiest fall foliage? White, Red, and Black Oak trees as well as Pin, Sawtooth, and Chinkapin Oak trees are all great choices for oak trees with beautiful fall leaves. As the seasons change, these trees will begin to change from green to all our favorite reds, oranges, and yellows of fall.

If you’re thinking about planting a White, Red or Black Oak Trees, check out our guide to planting oak trees in your backyard.

What about small yards? If you don’t have very much space, don’t let the reputation of the ‘mighty’ oak scare you away. There are plenty of options for smaller yards. The Nuttall, Pin, and Japanese Evergreen Oak are all great choices. These trees don’t get too tall or wide, so they can thrive in even the smallest of yards.

I just want an awesome-looking oak tree. If you’re not too concerned with space, don’t have a lot of time for upkeep, and just want a cool-looking tree, try the Willow Oak. This tree is considered one of the best-looking oak trees and will definitely grab the attention of your guests in the fall.

What about cold climates? If you live in the northern regions of the U.S. it can be tough to find a tree that will survive in such harsh conditions. The best oak trees for cold weather include the Scarlet Oak, White Oak, Swamp White Oak, Bur Oak, and Black Oak. These can all survive in hardiness zone 3, which can see temperatures as low as -40° F.

Hot climates? Texas, Florida and Louisiana are three of the hottest states in the country. Which oaks survive the best in scorching temperatures of over 100°F? Myrtle Oak, Cork Oak, Live Oak, Holm Oak, and Japanese Evergreen Oak Trees can all survive up to zone 10.

That’s About It!

That’s all we have for now on the fastest growing oak trees. To recap, here are the 12 fastest growing oak trees:

Japanese Evergreen Oak
Southern Live Oak
Valley Oak
Nuttall Oak
Southern Red Oak
Water Oak
Pin Oak
Coast Live Oak
Canyon Live Oak
Laurel Oak
Red Oak
Willow Oak

Depending on what kind of oak tree you are looking for, you may want to consider what hardiness zone it thrives in, what PH conditions it needs, it’s maintenance requirements and how much space you need.

This way, you can choose the oak tree that will thrive in your unique situation. With a few years’ work you’ll be able to kick back and relax under a beautiful, stoic shade tree that will be around for years to come.

References

Gilman, E. F., Watson, D. G., Klein, R. W., Koeser, A. K., Hilbert, D. R., & McLean, D. C. (2019, April 11). Quercus Laurifolia: Laurel Oak. IFAS Extension University of Florida. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ST549

Hinckley, T. M., Dougherty, P. M., Lassoie, J. P., Roberts, J. E., & Teskey, R. O. (1979, October). A Severe Drought: Impact on Tree Growth, Phenology, Net Photosynthetic Rate and Water Relations. The American Midland Naturalist, 102(2), 307-316. https://www.jstor.org/stable/2424658

Phipps, R. L., & Whiton, J. C. (1988, January). Decline in long-term growth trends of white oak. Canadian Journal of Forest Research, 18(1), 24-32. https://cdnsciencepub.com/doi/abs/10.1139/x88-005

Wallace, Z. P., Lovett, G. M., Hart, J. E., & Machona, B. (2007, May 31). Effects of nitrogen saturation on tree growth and death in a mixed-oak forest. Forest Ecology and Management, 243(2-3), 210-218. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378112707001624

By Zack DeAngelis
December 16, 2021

5 Ways To Eat Maple Syrup Straight From The Tree

There’s nothing better than a stack of warm fluffy pancakes drizzled with delicious maple syrup. But as you’re savoring the flavor you may be wondering where maple syrup comes from? Maple trees, sure, but does maple syrup just flow out of it and get collected?

Maple syrup comes from the sap of maple trees. What comes directly from the tree is not syrup, but rather the sap of the tree. It’s always best to boil sap, but you can eat sap straight from the tree including directly from the tap, in carbonated sap, in your hot chocolate, and in fruit drinks.

Read on to find out how you can utilize your maple trees to produce sap, and what you can do with it once it starts flowing. We’ll also talk about the best times to collect sap!

Is Pure Maple Syrup Straight From The Tree?

So, what the heck is maple syrup? Where does it come from and why is it so delicious?

Pure maple syrup does not come straight from the tree. It goes through a process of boiling before it becomes syrup. The syrup you see on the shelves of your grocery store goes through further processing and preserving to keep it from spoiling.

What comes straight from the maple tree is called sap. This sap is collected from maple trees via taps that are installed directly on the tree trunk. Tapping season only happens in the spring when temperatures are below freezing at night and above freezing during the day.

This temperature variation creates a vacuum inside the tree, sucking in and releasing out the sap as it cools and warms. When temperatures cool down, the sap is sucked back into the tree to be used as nutrients.

As the roots suck in water, a process happens to replenish the supply of sap. According to a 2015 study, even when stressed from drought or pests, trees have a backlog of carbon that they use to keep producing sap.

Once the temperature warms back up the next day, the sap flows through the taps again. This process can happen for up to six weeks, as long as the temperatures continue to fluctuate.

In fact, the bigger the fluctuation in temperature, the more sap produced according to Indiana Dunes National Park Service.

How Is Maple Syrup Made?

Pail used to collect sap of maple trees to produce maple syrup.

With all that being said, how in the world do you make maple syrup from tree sap? It’s actually pretty simple, which is why a lot of people make it a hobby to collect sap and make homemade syrup.

But, to make syrup it takes A LOT of sap. According to the University of Vermont, to make a single gallon of maple syrup you need over 40 gallons of maple sap!

Once you collect the sap, it needs to be boiled to reduce the amount of water and concentrate the sugar content. Because there is so much evaporation, many people do this outside over a campfire or outdoor stove.

The boiling process should continue until the sugar content is around 66%, which can be measured with a hydrometer like Homebrew Guys Triple Scale Hydrometer. That’s when you know you have your syrup! The color should be light to medium for optimal flavor.

Can You Eat Raw Maple Syrup (Sap)?

When we say ‘raw maple syrup’ what we really mean is the sap that’s used to make maple syrup. So, can you eat raw sap straight from the tree?

Absolutely! But, take caution. It’s always best to boil sap and make syrup first.

You can eat raw maple syrup (sap) as it is sterile inside the tree and does not come in contact with any bacteria or harmful substances. The only time it has a chance to come in contact with harmful agents is when it exits the tree via a tap.

There are tons of different types of taps, each with its own unique design, and you can sterilize them all you want before putting them in the tree. But the fact of the matter is, if you want enough sap to actually use, you’ll have to leave the tap in for at least a few days if not weeks.

While the tap is in, it has the potential to collect some unwanted bacteria. This is rare, but it does happen if a bird or insect lands on the tap or in the sap – hey, they like sweet foods too!

To prevent this, you can install a filter on your collection system. The Maple Tapper 3pc Maple Syrup Filter Set is an excellent choice. It comes with 3 filters – 2 for filtering the sap during collection and 1 for the boiling process if you plan to make your sap into syrup.

If you’re wondering how in the world the sap won’t just sit on the filter, you’re thinking of the heavy, sticky quality of syrup. When sap comes from the tree it’s very watery, so it can flow right through the filter.

Another option is to place a lid over your collection bucket or container that covers both the tap and the collection container. This is considered best practice in the maple tapping biz, and the taps you purchase will typically come with both a lid and a hanging system for your collection container.

Is Maple Syrup Sweet Right From The Tree?

Before we get into all the ways you can eat maple syrup (sap) straight from the tree, let’s discuss if it tastes good or not. We all know maple syrup is deliciously sweet, but what about maple sap?

Sap straight from a sugar maple tree typically contains about 2-2.5% sugar. This sugar comes from the process of photosynthesis, which converts water and CO₂ into glucose: a sugar!

According to Michigan State University, the sugar is stored in the tree’s wood during wintertime. Once spring rolls around, the sugar is converted into sucrose (sound familiar? That’s table sugar!) which dissolves into sap.

Here’s what all that science jargon boils down to: The sugar content of maple syrup is around 66%, while the sugar content of sap is 2.5%. That’s the difference in sweetness between syrup and sap. In truth, sap isn’t all that sweet.

Is it sweet straight from the tree? Not really. Not in comparison to finished maple syrup. But fresh sap does contain a lot of nutritional benefits, is unrefined, and there is anecdotal evidence that certain local saps can even help with allergies, similar to local honey.

Different Ways To Eat Maple Syrup Straight From The Tree

Now that you’ve devoured a couple of knowledge nuggets about syrup, sap, and the sap production process, let’s get to the meat of this post: how can you eat maple sap straight from the tree?

Get Maple Sap Fresh From The Tap

If it works for beer, why not sap? You can drink sap straight from the tap of your maple tree. If you’ve ever been to a maple festival, you may have already experienced this!

Place your cup right below the tap and fill it up. The contents will look like regular water, which it mostly is. Sugar content is not uniform and will vary from tree to tree. Trees that are more active use more energy (sugar) and therefore produce less sugar in the sap.

Your cup of sap will not be as sweet as syrup, but it does contain a little bit of sugar. It’s a nice change from plain water and enjoyable on a crisp spring day.

The best time to drink sap straight from the tap is on the first day. This will minimize the chance of it containing any bacteria. If the sap looks cloudy, it’s not a good idea to drink it as this indicates contamination.

Drink Maple Sap In A Carbonated Drink

If you’re a fan of things like seltzer water, club soda, or sparkling water, then you’ll enjoy this unique way to eat sap straight from the tree.

If you don’t have your own carbonator machine, you won’t be able to enjoy this option. But if you love sparkling water, it might be time to get one!

The AirSoda Carbonator is a great choice, modestly priced, and will definitely work to make carbonated sap.

To make carbonated sap, simply substitute your maple sap for water. Carbonate it up and drink it just like sparkling water. It’ll be a little sweeter than plain water, which isn’t a bad thing especially when the sweetness comes from good old mother nature!

Boil Sap To Enhance The Sweetness

This isn’t necessarily straight from the tree, but it’s close enough! Boiling your sap is what makes it into syrup, but you don’t have to go through that entire process of collecting 40-some-gallons before you enjoy maple sap!

Use your collection bucket or a cup to gather some sap, however much you want, and boil it for about 20-30 minutes. This will reduce the water content and concentrate the sugar content to give you a slightly sweeter taste than what comes straight from the tap.

This method is far simpler and takes less time to do than completing the entire maple syrup process. It won’t be as sweet as syrup, but it will be a much tastier drink than straight from the tap.

Boiling also has the benefit of purifying the sap, just in case there’s something in there that isn’t supposed to be.

Make A Fruity Sap Drink

There are plenty of things out there that are used to flavor water – lemon juice, flavor drops, flavor packets, energy boosts, vitamin packets. Pretty much everything!

You can do the same to your sap right from the tap. Consider adding pure fruit juice to the sap to give it a delicious fruity flavor. You can use your favorite flavors – blueberry, pineapple, cranberry, strawberry. Whatever you’d like!

Another option is to make lemonade. Use the same recipe on your lemonade packets as you would for plain water.

Make Maple Sap Hot Chocolate

Forest of Maple Sap buckets on trees in spring

Move over, fall! Spring is taking over the hot chocolate season. There’s nothing wrong with a delicious cup of hot chocolate on those cold spring mornings and nights.

And you can use your maple sap to make it!

If you’re using hot chocolate packets like Swiss Miss Hot Cocoa Mix, simply substitute your sap for water.

If you’re noticing a trend here it’s because there is one: You can pretty much substitute maple sap for anything that would otherwise be water. Use it in your morning cup of joe, in your recipes, for baking, and, well, you get the point. The possibilities are pretty endless!

What Trees Can You Tap For Sap?

The industry standard for maple sap is to tap a sugar maple or black maple. They both have about the same sugar content in the sap.

Other trees that can be tapped for sap include red maple, silver maple, and boxelder. Birch, walnut, and hickory trees can also be tapped to make syrup, but the sugar content will not be as high as maple trees, and the process to make syrup is different.

Each tree can produce about ten gallons of sap, which might sound like a lot, but when it boils down to it (pun intended) it only makes about a quart of maple syrup.

If you were wondering if an oak tree can be tapped, it can’t. You can read more about the major differences between oak and maple trees here.

When Is The Best Time To Tap A Tree?

If you’re looking to tap your own maple trees for sap, knowing the best time can be essential to gathering enough sap for your delicious syrup.

The time to tap into a maple tree will vary depending on region and elevation. The biggest indicator is the temperature. You’ll want to start tapping your tree when temperatures consistently get above freezing during the day and below freezing at night.

The temperature fluctuations typically start mid- to late-February and last until April. You’ll know when the tapping season is over if the trees begin to bud. This process of budding takes up a lot of energy, so the tree will not produce excess sap. Instead, they’ll use the nutrients to create new shoots and leaves.

That’s All For Now!

That’s all we have for now on how to eat maple syrup (sap) straight from the tree! To recap, here are all the ways you can eat sap straight from the tree:

From the tap
In a carbonated drink
Boiled
Add fruit juice or flavoring
Make hot chocolate
Use it in your coffee
Baking
Cooking

When in doubt, you can always boil your sap for a little bit to make sure it’s completely safe to drink, but for the most part sap straight from the tree is perfectly fine to eat.

References

Ball, D. W. (2007). The Chemical Composition of Maple Syrup. Journal of Chemical Education, 84(10), 1647. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/ed084p1647#

Muhr, J., Messier, C., Delagrange, S., Trumbore, S., Xu, X., & Hartmann, H. (2015, December 07). How fresh is maple syrup? Sugar maple trees mobilize carbon stored several years previously during early springtime sap-ascent. New Phytologist, 209(4), 1410-1416. https://nph.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/nph.13782

Perkins, T. D., & Van Den Berg, A. K. (2009, April 21). Chapter 4 Maple Syrup – Production, Composition, Chemistry, and Sensory Characteristics. Advances in Food and Nutrition Research, 56, 101-143. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1043452608006049

By Zack DeAngelis
December 16, 2021

8 Differences Between Black Walnut Trees and Walnut Trees

Today we’re talking about the differences between black walnut trees and walnut trees! Keep reading, we’ve got a list of differences between these two trees that you’ll want to know.

The walnut that we usually enjoy eating today is called the English walnut from the English walnut tree. However, there is a walnut tree found throughout North America that is the only wild nut tree in the United States, the black walnut tree. Black walnut trees are largely used for their wood.

Black walnuts are incredibly nutritious but are traditionally hard to harvest. Read on to learn about the wild black walnut tree as well as the protein-packed and valuable wood from the walnut tree!

Black Walnuts Are Wild, English Walnuts Come From Orchards

Eastern black walnut fruits — Eastern black walnut (Juglans nigra)

The black walnut, Juglans nigra, is a commonly found tree in the United States. They have huge husks similar to the size of tennis balls and are also of similar color.

The black walnut tree reaches a height of 75 feet and even is found to be heights of 150 feet. Historically, Native Americans and European settlers used black walnut trees due to their variety of uses.

The black walnut can be consumed and the husks can be used for dyes because black walnuts have a slightly more bitter taste than English walnuts; they are used for flooring, gun stocks, and even furniture! The black walnut tree is the only wild nut tree in the United States.

Black walnuts, similar to black cherry trees, are considered pioneer species since they easily grow in barren environments. Also contributing to their success as a wild nut tree, is the fact that they are allelopathic, meaning that they release chemicals into the ground from their roots, making the surrounding area uninhabitable for other trees.

The English walnut, Juglans regia, originated from Persia, modern-day Iran. The English walnut is harvested exclusively from orchards for a few reasons. Due to its highly palatable flavor, the English walnut is extensively used in desserts, baking, oils, and other food products.

The English walnut is significantly easier to open as compared to its counterpart, the black walnut, and is what we commonly find in stores when we go to buy walnuts. The English walnut, although commonly used for foodstuff, is also used in furniture, cabinetry, guitars, millwork, and construction.

Talk about a Jack of All Trades! Walnut wood is resistant to decay and warping, shrinks mildly, and is a hardwood that is easy to work with.

Black Walnut Hulls Stain

black walnut, Juglans nigra fruit — Black walnut (Juglans nigra) fruit

Black walnut trees are incredibly versatile, which is no wonder the black walnut has numerous historical uses.

Black walnuts contain juglone, which acts as a mordant for dyeing fibers. This allows permanent dyeing of materials without the use of other substances that would normally allow the dye to stick.

Other walnut trees produce juglone but at a substantially lower amount than black walnut trees. The dye from black walnuts comes from the hulls, which encases the fruit or the nut. The dye is released by soaking and simmering black walnut hulls in water.

The neon green tennis ball-sized black walnut hulls produce a tan to black colored dye on both plant and animal fibers, depending on how long the material is soaked in the dye. The dye is so potent that hulls can be saved and frozen to use for dyeing throughout the year, additionally, hulls stain skin, countertops, and sinks.

Black Walnuts Have The Highest Protein Content Of All Nuts

The black walnut contains the highest amount of protein found in any tree nut! Additionally, they have high levels of vitamin A, iron, fiber, and antioxidants. Walnuts are a great way to get protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins.

Both English walnuts and black walnuts are powerhouses, packed full of antioxidants and polyunsaturated fats, which help to lower blood sugar, balance gut bacteria, reduce cholesterol, and help improve cardiovascular health.

Black walnuts have the highest level of protein of any nut and one cup of black walnuts has 32 grams of protein and 8 grams of fiber, although high in fat and calories.

Black walnuts are full of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin E, folates, melatonin, iron, potassium, and magnesium. In comparison, English walnuts have 16 grams of protein, higher fat content, and 8 grams of fiber. In addition, walnuts are a great source of vitamin B6, manganese, copper, and folic acid.

While walnuts may be high in fats, they contain high levels of healthy fats. All walnuts contain high levels of omega-6 fatty acids and omega-3 fatty acids.

Black Walnuts Are The Only Wild Nut Tree

The black walnut tree grows throughout North America, from Canada to Florida. It grows exceptionally well in sandy loam soil or clay soil. Black walnut trees are widely used in construction, hardwood flooring, and even in desserts and for baking.

Roughly 65% of wild harvests come from Missouri annually. Black walnuts are considered to be a pioneer species because they grow easily along roads, like a weed, and pop up in barren forest regions as a result of forest fires. Black walnut trees also grow easily in full sun and spread aggressively.

Furthermore, the hulls and nuts provide food for surrounding animals. Animals then spread the walnut seeds through excretion, enabling them to spread fast.

Black walnuts grow quickly and are allelopathic, meaning that they produce a biochemical called juglone that influences other plants. It inhibits the growth of plants competing with the black walnut by releasing the juglone into the environment.

This biological phenomenon directly contributes to their spread across the Northeast of the United States as the only wild nut tree.

Kinda cool, but we have a black walnut tree on our property 🙂

You can check out our black walnut tree here.

English Walnuts Are Generally Grown For Food, Black Walnuts Are Generally Grown For Their Wood

Although black walnuts are highly nutritious and easy to find, they are not the main provider of walnuts that we consume. Generally, the walnuts we find in the grocery store are from English walnut trees.

English walnuts have a much thinner and easily breakable shell or hull compared to the black walnut, allowing the fruit to be harvested more easily and as a whole.

Black walnut trees are typically grown more so for their wood, due to the nature of their hard-to-harvest fruit from hulls. Black walnut wood is used in furniture, gunstocks, oars, coffins, and flooring. The wood has a remarkably straight grain and is a beautiful dark color.

Black walnut is extremely valuable due to its hardness and ease to work with, as well as resistance to insects and decay, and is on par with cedar and black locust. Black walnut trees also grow comparatively quicker than English walnut trees attributed to their use for timber.

Walnut trees, although generally known to chemically ward off other plants, can be companion planted with certain vegetables. Juglone is a toxin that excretes from walnut trees and can inhibit other plants from growing nearby. However, some plants are resistant to this. If you were about to give up on your black walnut tree, here are some vegetables that are resistant to juglone:

Beans
Beets
Carrots
Corn
Melons
Onions
Parsnips
Squashes

Walnut trees are also traditionally known to have medicinal properties. The leaves have been used to treat conditions such as swelling, ulcers, and diarrhea.

English Walnuts Originated From Persia, Black Walnuts Are Native To North America

The black walnut is native to eastern North America. Black walnuts adapt easily to a variety of environments and are the first to grow in barren environments after fires, and alongside roads; making them what is known as a “pioneer species”.

The English walnut tree, however, is said to have originated from Persia, modern-day Iran, and brought to Greece and the Roman empire. These were traditionally revered as royal gifts and known as foods of the Gods.

They were said to have been sent to the King of Greece from the King of Persia, contributing to their spread throughout the world. It wasn’t until the mid-1700s that the English walnut was cultivated in the United States in California and was commercially planted in the mid-1800s.

Black Walnuts Have An Incredibly Tough Shell, English Walnuts Have A Thin, Soft Shell

If you have ever seen a black walnut up close and personal, you have probably almost broken your ankle on one of the tennis ball-sized husks. I have done that more than once even though they are lime green!

The shells of black walnuts are incredibly hard and would probably injure you if you got hit with one. Their shell is so hard that some sources say to drive over the hull with your car.

Although, if you’re not up for that, the best way to harvest the nuts is on a hard surface with a hammer. Yeah, they are that hard! I know it is a common practice to step on the walnuts with shoes, but personally, that has never worked for me.

Black walnut shells are commonly used in sandblasting, that’s how hard they are! They can be used to sandblast ships, smokestacks, and even jet engines!

English walnuts, on the other hand, have a much softer and thinner husk, which comes off much more easily than that of black walnuts. English walnuts occasionally have hard-to-remove hulls that stick tight against the seed, but compared to black walnut husk removal, the English walnut seems like a breeze!

Once the shell has been removed from the English walnut, removing the nut inside is easy. The English walnut meat can also be harvested more easily as a whole. For black walnuts, harvesting them whole is almost impossible. This in part, is probably why the English walnut has been grown in orchards, harvested, and sold in grocery stores.

Black Walnut Trees Grow 75-100 Feet Tall, English Walnut Trees Grow 40-60 Feet Tall

English walnut trees take significantly longer to mature and produce a large crop of nuts, than their counterpart, the black walnut. Nuts can begin to be produced around 4-6 years but generally take 20 years before a crop can be harvested.

The black walnut is significantly larger than the English walnut tree. It grows to a height of 75-100 feet tall and can have a spread of 75-100 feet wide. Currently, the Black Walnut of Virginia tree made the National Register of Champion Trees in 2019 at a whopping circumference of 246 inches, 104 feet tall, and a crown spread of 56 feet!

Although the English walnut tree typically ranges from 40-60 feet tall, Giant Ogden in Utah ranks as the largest English walnut tree in the state. It was planted more than 100 years ago and is 85 feet tall and has a trunk circumference of 223 inches!

That’s A Wrap!

That’s all we have on the differences between black walnut trees and walnut trees. Walnuts are chock full of essential vitamins, protein, and minerals, moreover, they have a diverse range of uses.

To recap, here are the 8 differences between black walnut and walnut trees:

Black walnuts are wild, English walnuts are from orchards
Walnut wood is resistant to decay, warping, shrinking, and is incredibly hard
Black walnut hulls stain
Black walnuts have numerous health benefits and the highest protein content of all nuts
Walnuts are jam-packed with vitamins, minerals, and an abundance of healthy fats
Black walnuts are the only wild nut tree
English walnuts are generally grown for food, black walnuts are generally grown for their wood
You can grow juglone resistant vegetables near walnut trees including beans, beets, carrots, corn, melons, onions, parsnips, and squashes
English walnuts originated from Persia, Black walnuts are native to North America
Black walnuts have an incredibly tough shell, English walnuts have a thin, soft shell
Black walnut trees grow 75-100 ft tall, English walnut trees grow 40-60 ft tall

Walnuts are serious nutritional powerhouses with loads of vitamins and minerals. The black walnut and English walnut, although similar, have vastly different tree sizes and uses.

Additionally, all types of walnuts are used for their fruit as well as for their wood. Contrary to popular belief, there are juglone-resistant plants, including a handful of vegetables. Walnut trees are incredibly versatile.

Although the black walnut tree has commonly been thought of as a nightmare, these health-packed nut trees might have just become my new favorite! Maybe yours too?

References:

Browne, Greg T., et al. “Resistance to Phytophthora and graft compatibility with Persian walnut among selections of Chinese wingnut.” HortScience 46.3 (2011): 371-376.

Querné, Aurélie, et al. “Effects of walnut trees on biological nitrogen fixation and yield of intercropped alfalfa in a Mediterranean agroforestry system.” European Journal of Agronomy 84 (2017): 35-46.

Rugman-Jones, Paul F., et al. “Phylogeography of the walnut twig beetle, Pityophthorus juglandis, the vector of thousand cankers disease in North American walnut trees.” PLoS One 10.2 (2015): e0118264.

Schlesinger, Richard C., and Robert D. Williams. “Growth response of black walnut to interplanted trees.” Forest Ecology and Management 9.3 (1984): 235-243.

Tooley, Paul W., and Kerrie L. Kyde. “Susceptibility of some eastern forest species to Phytophthora ramorum.” Plant Disease 91.4 (2007): 435-438.

By Zack DeAngelis
December 16, 2021

9 Differences Between Aspen And Quaking Aspen Trees

When you think of an aspen tree, you are most likely thinking of a tall, white-barked, slender tree that has golden-yellow leaves in the fall. This is a Quaking Aspen. But did you know there is another, less-well-known aspen tree growing in North America?

The quaking aspen and bigtooth aspen are the two types of aspen trees found in North America. There are a few ways to tell these trees apart, including the shape of their leaves, the bark color and texture, the height of the trees, and where they are found in North America.

Aspen trees are beautiful to see and are quite unique because they can clone themselves. Read on to discover the 9 differences between bigtooth aspens and quaking aspens.

Are Aspens And Quaking Aspens The Same?

There are six species of aspen trees, but only two are found in North America. The quaking aspen and the bigtooth aspen. These trees are very closely related to poplar trees, both of which are part of the genus Populus.

Aspen trees are only differentiated from poplar trees by their scientific classification. Even then, the lines become a little blurred. Although grey poplar and white poplar are different species, they are still part of the Populus genus and are even classified in the same section as aspen trees.

So, are aspens and quaking aspens the same thing? Yes! It is similar to asking if a grey wolf is a wolf… yes, of course! But a grey wolf is a species of wolf, just like quaking aspen is a species of aspen.

Zooming out further, aspen trees are part of the willow tree family. These include willows, poplars, aspens, and cottonwoods.

Aspens are deciduous trees, meaning they lose their leaves in the fall. According to Bryce Canyon National Park Service, the aspen flowering season is in May and June, but aspen tree seeds rarely successfully establish themselves. Instead, they reproduce by cloning themselves.

Wait, what? Don’t worry, more on that later…

First, let’s check out the major differences between bigtooth aspens and quaking aspens. We’ll also go over how these trees are similar.

9 Differences Between Aspen And Quaking Aspen

The differences between trees may not be as obvious as the differences in animals. But if you look closely, you can see subtle differences that will clue you into what type of aspen tree you are looking at!

Along with the descriptions below, you can use something like Mark Mikolas’s Beginner’s Guide to Recognizing Trees of the Northeast. This can further aid you in your quest to differentiate one aspen from another.

With location maps for each species and over 400 pictures, you are sure to recognize more of the trees around you!

CHARACTERISTIC	QUAKING ASPEN	BIGTOOTH ASPEN

Aspen & Quaking Aspen Leaf Difference

The first difference we’ll look at is the leaves of the tree. You’ll have to look close in the spring, summer, and early fall to use this to differentiate. Both quaking and bigtooth aspen are deciduous trees, so they will not have leaves in the winter.

According to NCR Forest Management, both trembling aspen and bigtooth aspen have heart-shaped leaves that are green in the spring and yellow, golden, or (more rarely) red, in the fall.

The biggest difference will be in the outer edges of the leaves. Quaking aspens will appear smooth but have small jagged edges. Bigtooth aspen will have much more pronounced edges, hence the name ‘bigtooth’ aspen.

Another difference in the leaves is the size. Bigtooth aspen leaves are bigger than quaking aspens, reaching up to five inches in diameter while quaking aspens are only two to three.

Aspen & Quaking Aspen Bark Difference

Using bark to tell the difference between trees is a great tool to have in the winter when it’s impossible to see the leaves because, well, they’re all on the ground!

The bark of quaking aspen is typically white with black scars running along the width of it. These scars are where lower branches were naturally self-pruned while growing.

quaking aspen trees. — Quaking aspen trees.

The bark of bigtooth aspen is more of a greenish color, according to the Maine Forest Service, but smooth in appearance except in older trees. Older trees may have furrows in the bark, especially at the base of the tree.

The bark of both the bigtooth and the quaking aspen has a remarkable property – they can photosynthesize in the winter! While most other trees are being lazy and dormant during the winter, aspen trees are still hard at work, growing and producing sugars and carbohydrates!

This is possible because the bark is so thin on aspen trees. Beneath this thin layer is a green layer that is filled with chloroplasts needed for photosynthesis.

Aspen & Quaking Aspen Height Difference

Aspens are medium-sized trees. They’re certainly not grouped with giant sequoias, but neither are they secluded to small, shrub-sized trees.

That being said, quaking and bigtooth aspens differ in the final height they will reach at maturity. In general, both trees are considered fast growers, especially because of their ability to continue growing in winter.

Quaking aspens can reach a height of up to 80 feet but typically range somewhere between 20 and 80 feet. Bigtooth aspens also max out around 80 feet, but they are often taller, averaging around 60 to 80 feet.

Aspen & Quaking Aspen Width Difference

As with height, the diameter of quaking and bigtooth aspens differ slightly, giving you a good indication if you are unable to identify the leaves.

Quaking aspens are usually 3-18 inches in diameter according to the U.S. Forest Service. Bigtooth aspens average 8-10 inches.

So, while bigtooth aspens are generally taller than quaking aspens, they are usually thinner around the middle.

Aspen & Quaking Aspen Common Range

Quaking aspens are widely distributed in the United States. In fact, they are the most predominant deciduous tree in North America!

In terms of range, quaking aspens are found throughout Canada and into Alaska. They can be found as far south as Mexico, but the largest continuous stands are found in the northeast and the north-central regions of the U.S.

Patchy areas in the west can be found, especially in Utah and Colorado.

The bigtooth aspen is less widely distributed than the quaking aspen. They are found primarily in the northeast and north-central United States. You can find them in southeast Canada as well.

In areas where quaking aspen and bigtooth aspen coexist, they often grow near each other or in the same stand.

Aspen & Quaking Aspen Preferred Environmental Conditions

Some things that affect a tree’s ability to grow include PH, precipitation, and soil type. For aspens, they’re like coyotes and will thrive almost anywhere!

Bigtooth aspens prefer gently rolling hills, floodplains, sandy areas, and the bottom of upland slopes. But really, they’ve been found in almost every soil type and condition. They have a soil PH limit of 4.0, which is pretty acidic!

These aspens are found at lower elevations than quaking aspens, typically thriving at elevations lower than 3,000 feet, according to the USDA Fire Effects Information System.

Quaking aspens are more at home in the mountains. They prefer mountainsides, mesas, plateaus, and can be found at the bottom of valleys and canyons. You might spot one up to 11,500 feet, which is why a lot of leaf peepers love to go to the Colorado mountains to see the aspens change!

In terms of soil, quaking aspens also like sandy conditions, but will thrive in shallow and rocky terrain as well.

Both quaking and bigtooth aspens need moist, well-drained soil to thrive and expand their root systems. Both trees are shade-intolerant, although bigtooth aspens can tolerate shade better than quaking aspens.

Aspen & Quaking Aspen Seed Dispersal

Flowering branches of the aspen tree with aspen tree catkins. — Aspen tree catkins.

Both quaking and bigtooth aspens are dioecious. Soooo what does that mean? All dioecious means is that there are distinct male and female trees, similar to how boxelder trees are.

Flowering for quaking and bigtooth aspens begins around March-April. The bigtooth aspen has a shorter duration of active flowering than the quaking aspen, and seed dispersal happens up to 3 weeks after the quaking aspen disperses its seeds.

The fruits of both trees are called catkins. These catkins contain pear-shaped seeds with white tufts. Each tree can produce up to 1.5 million seeds per season!

Believe it or not, almost none of these seeds will turn into full-grown aspens. Conditions have to be perfect for an aspen seedling to grow, and these conditions are rarely met. This is mainly because of the tree’s extreme intolerance to shade. It often gets overshadowed by larger trees or saplings.

Aspen & Quaking Aspen Average Longevity

Aspens are not long-lived trees. Unlike the mighty oak, which some species can live for centuries, aspens rarely live beyond 100 years.

According to the National Wildlife Federation, quaking aspens typically live for about 50 years. Bigtooth aspens average 60-70 years before they begin deteriorating.

Most tree deterioration is caused by fungus rot or pests such as gypsy moths. Quaking aspens are more susceptible to disease and pests than bigtooth aspens.

Aspen & Quaking Aspen Name Differences

This difference is a bit of a cheap shot, but names are important!

Populus tremuloides, the quaking aspen, is so named because of the way its leaves flutter with the slightest breeze.

This is because the leaves are attached to branches by a thing called a petiole that is long and flat. This petiole allows the leaves to swivel even with the lightest touch of wind. Hence the name quaking or trembling aspen.

The bigtooth aspen is named after the large tooth-like serrations that are found on the leaves. The bigtooth aspen also has petioles that allow the leaves to swivel in the wind, but it’s not as impressive as on the quaking aspen.

What’s So Special About Quaking Aspens?

Everyone seems to make a fuss over these trees. Is it their leaves? Their stark white bark? What’s so special about quaking aspens?

Probably the most unique feature of quaking aspens is Pando. Pando means “I spread” in Latin and refers to the largest organism on earth – a stand of quaking aspen trees!

I’m sure you have a lot of questions bursting at this point: how can an aspen tree be bigger than a whale, for starters.

A single aspen tree is not bigger than a whale, but aspen trees have a unique way of reproducing called suckering. When a stump or root system dies, new stems can grow from them through a unique process done only by aspen and some poplar trees.

The most interesting part? These new stems that eventually grow into new trees are a clone of the original tree. This means these clones are identical to the parent trees in terms of genetic makeup.

Meaning…it’s all one organism! Pando is still being argued over in the scientific community, as a few people aren’t willing to call the cloned trees part of the same organism, but still. It’s pretty amazing, right?

Pando weighs in at about 13 million pounds and covers 106 acres. It came from a single male aspen tree, but now contains over 40,000 individual trees! Pando is located in Fishlake National Forest in central Utah.

Because of this amazing ability to clone itself, quaking aspens are often the first trees to reestablish after disasters like flooding and forest fires. Once the fires or floods have raged through, fresh shoots will develop quickly from the dead stumps or dying root systems.

This is true for areas that have been affected by mining as well. As long as the parent tree is still present, aspens will flourish in the area! Although, after 30-40 years, they will begin being out-competed by taller trees that cast shade on the aspens, killing them off.

Wrapping Things Up!

That’s all we have for now on aspen trees! To recap, there are two types of aspen trees in North America: Quaking aspens and bigtooth aspens.

Quaking aspens are the most widespread and well-known aspens, distinguished by their white bark and small, heart-shaped leaves. Bigtooth aspens have greenish bark with bigger, jagged-edged leaves.

Both trees can clone themselves through suckering, but if not, they can produce millions of seeds each year to establish new trees.

All in all, aspens are pretty unique and are beautiful to see in the fall when their leaves turn golden yellow. They are a keystone species, and many plants and animals would be out of home and shelter if not for the mighty aspen stands!

References

Campbell, R. B., & Bartos, D. L. (2001). Aspen Ecosystems: Objectives for Sustaining Biodiversity [USDA Forest Service Proceedings] [P299-305]. https://www.fs.fed.us/rm/pubs/rmrs_p018/rmrs_p018_299_310.pdf

Davis, D. D., & Frontz, T. M. (2003). Growth and mortality of bigtooth aspen trees stressed by defoliation [General Technical Report]. North Central Research Station. https://www.fs.usda.gov/treesearch/pubs/15850

Painter, L. E., Beschta, R. L., Larsen, E. J., & Ripple, W. J. (2015, January 01). Recovering aspen follow changing elk dynamics in Yellowstone: evidence of a trophic cascade? Ecology, 96(1), 252-263.

Shepperd, Wayne D.; Binkley, Dan; Bartos, Dale L.; Stohlgren, Thomas J.; and Eskew, Lane G., compilers. 2001. Sustaining Aspen in Western Landscapes: Symposium Proceedings; 13–15 June 2000; Grand Junction, CO. Proceedings RMRS-P-18. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. 460 p

By Zack DeAngelis
December 16, 2021

6 Simple Steps To Keeping A Blue Spruce Tree Small

In recent times, the idea of smaller trees has gotten more and more popular. With this, most trees prefer to grow very large if they are allowed to, so how can you keep a blue spruce tree small?

Typical Blue spruce trees grow 12 inches or less per year. To keep your blue spruce tree small, you’ll want to prune the tree each year during the late winter/early spring. You can also choose a small blue spruce variety, like the baby blue eyes spruce, which grows 2-3 inches per year.

While their are dwarf blue spruce varieties, read on to learn more about what a blue spruce needs, how it grows, and steps you can take to keep it small and manageable!

Blue Spruce Tree Basics

As mentioned, to know how to keep your blue spruce small, you first need to know the wants and needs of your tree, so that you can provide and alter them to affect the tree.

Requirements Of Blue Spruce Trees

To start, blue spruce trees need full sun. This means that you need to find a location that provides adequate (full) sun exposure. You can, however, use this to your advantage if you want to keep your blue spruce small. If you slightly decrease the amount of sun, but not by too much, it can slow the growth of your tree without hurting it.

In addition to sun requirements, blue spruce trees require semi-moist, well-draining soil. This means you need to water regularly. However, you have to find or make soil with particulates such as sand or large organic matter so that the water can drain off.

Blue spruce trees can also adapt to drier winds and soils, meaning they are not too picky in those regards. However, you will need to work with your tree to find what it specifically needs in your area.

Similar to other plants, spruces also may like slightly acidic soil and extra nutrients. Although, they do not require them to grow successfully.

Growth Of Blue Spruce Trees

On average, blue spruce varieties are categorized as medium to slow growers. According to information from the Utah State University Cooperative Extension, established blue spruce trees generally grow up to 12 inches per year.

With vertical growth also comes horizontal growth, which needs to be considered if you want to keep your blue spruce small.

Going along with this, if some factors for your spruce are limited to a safe extent, such as sunlight and water, your spruce may grow slower without sustaining any damage.

Blue Spruce Tree Roots

It is also good to mention that most spruce trees often have shallow and wide root systems. This is important to know, for watering and fertilizing reasons.

During their first year of growth, blue spruce tree roots only penetrate the soil about 2.5 inches.

Thus, you don’t have to absolutely soak the soil underneath the blue spruce tree to water it.

This means that while pruning and keeping your blue spruce small, you should be careful, as you don’t want to impact or stress out the root system too much.

Picking The Right Blue Spruce Variety To Keep It Small

Decorative blue spruce or Picea pungens branches natural pattern close-up. Lush evergreen Christmas tree texture background

Another thing to keep in mind when wanting small blue spruce is picking out a specific variety. As with most things, each blue spruce variety has its own characteristics, including size and shape, meaning you can pick one for your very specific needs.

They are breeding specific blue spruces that are easier to take care of and better adapted to their environments. Now you can almost grow them anywhere.

If you are looking to have smaller spruce, you can now pick one of their dwarf or miniature varieties. These varieties are predisposed to be smaller and grow slower.

The smaller dwarf blue spruce varieties can even grow as small as 5-6 feet on average, making them great for small spaces or manicured gardens.

6 Steps To Keep Your Blue Spruce Tree Small

Now that we know the tendencies of blue spruce trees and what they need, we can learn some simple steps and tips on how to keep them small.

As a warning, blue spruce trees do not take well to excessive pruning. If you accidentally prune them too much or too often, they can slow in growth. They may also catch diseases or infections through their open wounds.

Most people recommend making a plan for pruning ahead of time. Then slowly prune off excess or dead branches over a long period to avoid these potential damages.

1. Get Your Tools And Plan

The first step to keeping your blue spruce small is to make sure that you have the correct tools and a solid plan for pruning.

To start, there are a few tools you will need to prune your tree.

One great tool is a hand pruner or a long pruner, such as the TABOR TOOLS Tree Trimmer. The carbon steel blades and comfortable handles make them perfect for trimming your tree with precision.

Spruce needles and sharp branches mean you may also want to get a nice pair of gloves. For example, these Dowelife working gloves. They are cut-resistant and have coated palms to increase grip.

If the tree you’re starting with is very tall, you also may need a larger pole pruner, such as this Sun Joe Pole Chain Saw. The multi-angle head and extendable pole allow for up to 14 feet of reach.

Along with these tools, you should have an adequate plan for the pruning of your tree. This is important so that you know what you are going to do so you do not trim too little or too much.

To do this, take a photo of your tree or draw a few examples of what you might do. After deliberating, you should have a clear idea of what you want to do. Then you are ready to prune your blue spruce.

2. Prune Dead And Large Blue Spruce Tree Branches

To start your pruning process, begin by pruning off the dying and large branches from your blue spruce tree.

As for dying branches, you can easily prune them off, allowing your blue spruce tree to have more airflow, and giving it the ability to move more of its energy to healthy branches.

You can prune these pretty closely, since pruning dead branches does not affect the tree, and simply maintains aesthetics.

In addition, trim off excessively large branches, especially if they are in odd places such as near the top of the tree. Prune these sparingly and allow the tree to recover fully afterward.

It is also good to mention trees that are one-third to half the diameter of the tree are usually posing some competition to the trunk. This may inhibit the growth of the trunk, which could aid in keeping the tree smaller.

3. Eliminate Undesirable Branches Off Your Blue Spruce Tree

Another step to take in pruning your blue spruce is to eliminate any undesirable branches. This means that you should take off any branches that are growing in unwanted directions, or that are unsightly.

Similar to the other pruning rules, prune sparingly, and should also look into other forms of maintenance, such as staking or altering the branches before cutting.

Remember to not do this too often, but periodically.

4. Prune Your Blue Spruce To Create A Small Shape

Picea pungens. Branch of a blue spruce close up

If this is your first time pruning your blue spruce tree, you will most likely need to prune slightly all over to create a standard shape.

Going back to the first few steps, you should already have the correct tools and a plan in mind to help you along the way.

If your tree is weak, or you are nervous that you could damage it, look into pruning a new shape over a longer period. This allows you to change the shape of the tree safely, which includes fewer risks compared to pruning the tree all at once.

With this idea of pruning for the first time, follow the natural shape of your tree. As mentioned, most blue spruces have taped shapes, having a smaller rounded crown, and a wider base, creating a Christmas tree-like shape.

In the end, if you follow this pattern of pruning slightly (no more than a fourth the diameter of the crown) in the natural shape of the tree, you should not encounter any issues along your way.

5. Prune Your Blue Spruce To Keep It Small

After you prune your tree for the first time, it most likely will continue to grow. Many trees and plants can even grow bushier when pruned, especially if it is near growth nodes.

You should either already have a plan or at least a general idea of what shape you are looking to maintain.

If you have not pruned your spruce in a while, it may have grown in odd ways, or completely lost its original shape. If this is the case, you may have to restart and create another general shape through gradual pruning.

In most cases, however, your spruce should only have a bit of top growth, and possibly a few loose branches extending from the sides. You can simply trim these over the seasons to maintain the original shape.

If you choose to prune your blue spruce, do so seasonally over a long period if you want to keep your tree’s shape without harming it. It’s best to prune your blue spruce during the late winter/early spring when it will have a long period of optimal growth ahead of it.

6. Maintain Your Blue Spruce Tree’s Health Over Time

Alongside these pruning steps, it is important to maintain overall tree health. To do this, make sure that most of its water, sunlight, soil and other needs are being met consistently.

If you fail to meet your blue spruce tree’s health needs over a long period, your tree will usually show signs of stress, such as falling or yellowing needles.

You can improve your tree’s health by also supplying it with compost every once in a while, and by mulching underneath. Not only will this increase soil health and nutrition, but it also helps to retain moisture near the roots.

To keep your blue spruce tree healthy, read our guide on how to make your blue spruce tree more blue here.

How To Take Care Of Baby Blue Spruces

One of the most challenging things of raising and maintaining a small blue spruce is raising it from the seedling to the adult stage.

Watering and sunlight errors, nutrient deficiencies, weather damage, or pest damage are just a few of the many issues you might encounter during this time.

As for watering and sunlight, to take care of your baby blue spruce, water it whenever the soil looks dry. Be sure you initially plant it in a location that has adequate sun for its needs.

Make sure you start your spruce off right by including rich soil, which could be new garden soil, fertilizer, or compost.

Weather damage can also be a big obstacle for baby blue spruces. Especially when they are very young, many weather events can damage your spruce. You should be wary of windstorms, lightning storms, snowstorms, or even harsh rain.

These weather events can cause a multitude of problems, for instance, snapping branches, lost needles, or even changing the orientation of your tree. Problems of this magnitude are more prevalent in places with frequent storms.

To help with these issues, it’s a good idea staking or protecting your blue spruces before and during these events. A stable and semi-covered tree is safer from any harsh rain and debris.

Pest damage can be another issue with blue spruces. This refers to small animals such as squirrels eating/damaging branches/foliage, or even large animals such as deer breaking branches or eating foliage.

While using artificial pesticides is not recommended, there are a few options you can try to help address these problems. Repellents are a great option to deter things like squirrels and deer without actually harming them, yourself, or your tree.

Maintain Your Blue Spruce Tree’s Shape

In most cases, to keep a blue spruce tree small, you will need to trim and prune off the branches and foliage. This can cause issues, as most times gardeners can have trouble with keeping a consistent tree shape while pruning.

Artistic Pruning Blue Spruce Trees

You might prefer to prune your blue spruce into a specific shape. If this shape is not its natural growing pattern, you will most likely have to prune the tree regularly.

Experiment with things such as binding, bending, or staking branches. Doing so in a particular direction will allow them to grow in the direction you want.

Trim Blue Spruce Trees After They Take Shape

For most gardeners, the natural shape of the blue spruce works well. However, they want their tree to be smaller in stature as compared to its natural form.

To maintain a natural tree shape, you first have to see how your tree grows on its own. After this, you can begin by picking a height you want, and by trimming the rest of the tree from there down.

On average, most blue spruce trees have a (rounded) tapered top, with a wide base, almost going up in a perfectly conical shape.

That’s A Wrap!

In the end, blue spruces are pretty classic trees that can offer a nice touch to any garden. They come in many varieties with different shapes and sizes, making them capable of adapting to a plethora of growing areas and conditions.

There are also a few important things to know about blue spruce growth, such as its speed, vigor, and large root system. Knowing these factors is important to understand what your spruce needs and how to prune it safely.

There are a few crucial steps to take to keep your blue spruce small, which include making a plan, getting the right tools, pruning with the natural shape, maintaining a general pruning shape/schedule, and much more!

Each spruce will have its own needs, wants, and pruning guidelines, so go out and have fun trimming!

References

Silvics of North America. (1990). United States: U.S. Government Printing Office..

Erhart, E., & Hartl, W. (2003). Mulching with compost improves growth of blue spruce in Christmas tree plantations. European Journal of Soil Biology, 39(3), 149–156.

Hanover, J. W. (1975). Genetics of Blue Spruce. In Google Books. Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture.

By Zack DeAngelis
December 16, 2021

9 Amazing Differences Between Eucalyptus And Gum Trees

Some gum trees are eucalyptus trees, and some eucalyptus trees are gum trees, but not all gum trees are eucalyptus trees. Hah! Confused yet? Both eucalyptus and most gum trees are native to Australia, but nowadays they are also grown in the U.S. because of their valuable properties for fuel, pulp, paper, and oils. So, what’s the difference between the two?

Eucalyptus gum trees and non-eucalyptus gum trees can be distinguished apart based on their leaf shape, bark, growth cycle, native habitat, and height. The main difference between eucalyptus and gum trees is that eucalyptus is a genus while gum trees are species.

Read on to explore all the differences between eucalyptus trees and gum trees. We’ll go over differences, similarities, and also go over why they’re called gum trees (hint: it has to do with chewing gum!)

Are Eucalyptus And Gum Trees The Same?

Before we get started, we should probably establish if eucalyptus and gum trees are, in fact, different.

Eucalyptus is a broad umbrella that encompasses most of the gum trees out there. blue gum, manna gum, rainbow gum, red cap gum, and silver dollar gum are all part of the Eucalyptus group (genus).

However, some trees fall outside that umbrella. black gum, sweetgum, and water gum are not eucalyptus trees. Instead, they are each in their category.

Eucalyptus trees are a part of the myrtle family, which are evergreen trees. Water gum is also part of the myrtle family, but black gum and sweetgum are not. Black gum and sweetgum are both deciduous trees, meaning they lose their leaves in the winter.

So, what exactly does all this mean? It means that most gum trees are eucalyptus trees, but a few gum trees are not eucalyptus trees.

For example, when talking about blue gum trees, yes, they are eucalyptus trees. But when talking about sweetgum trees, no, they are not eucalyptus trees.

9 Differences Between Eucalyptus And Gum Trees

For our purposes here, when we talk about eucalyptus trees, we’re referring to the most common ones like blue gum, rose gum, and red gum. When we refer to gum trees, we’re going to be talking about the non-eucalyptus gum trees like sweetgum and black gum.

How can you tell the difference between a eucalyptus tree and a gum tree? There are a few obvious differences, while some are more subtle. Let’s check it out!

If you’re interested learning more, take a look our piece on the different things gum trees are used for here.

Differences In Eucalyptus And Gum Tree Leaves

The leaves of an evergreen tree are easy to identify all year round. However, if you’re looking for sweetgum leaves, be sure to check before winter hits as this tree is deciduous and will lose them in the fall!

Sweetgum leaves have five deeply-lobed points that form a star shape, according to the Missouri Department of Conservation. The tips are pointed, with small serrations around the outside.

Eucalyptus trees like the blue gum do not have lobes. The leaves are rather oblong-shaped like a canoe and are tinged slightly blue. Redgum trees have leaves that are shaped more like a spear tip, are longer than a blue gum tree, and the leaves are simple green instead of tinged with blue.

Both water gum and black gum (non-eucalyptus) have oblong-shaped leaves as well. While a water gum’s leaves will remain green all year, the black gum is deciduous and will change to a brilliant red in the fall.

Bark Differences Between Gum And Eucalyptus Trees

According to the University of Tasmania, Eucalyptus tree forests show a great tendency to start fires.

All in all, eucalyptus trees tend to be a pretty significant forest fire hazard as they’re quite dry. Their bark often peels off and litters the forest floors, or else hangs in strips. When caught, these strips readily transfer the fire to the crown of the trees where the highly volatile oil on the leaves, then catches fire.

The sweetgum tree has light gray bark with vertical and rounded ridges along the trunk. This is very distinctive from a eucalyptus tree, which has a smoother appearance and a light brown/tan color. Additionally, the bark of the eucalyptus tree often appears as if it’s peeling away from the trunk.

Differences In Height At Maturity Between Gum And Eucalyptus

Both eucalyptus trees and gum trees are fast growers. It is one of the main reasons why they are grown in North America despite being native to Australia. The fast growth rate and hardwood nature of the trees are great for manufacturing furniture, cabinets, and other timber products in a somewhat sustainable way.

When left to grow to their heart’s content, sweetgum and water gum trees will reach a height of up to 130 feet. Black gum trees are a little smaller, reaching a full height of only 30-50 feet, according to the University of Kentucky.

Eucalyptus gum trees are, in general, taller than non-eucalyptus gum trees. The blue gum, for example, can reach heights of up to 260 feet! That’s a big tree! Interestingly, up to 70% of a blue gum’s growth occurs in the first 10 years, according to the USDA Fire Effects Information System.

Native Range Of Eucalyptus And Gum Trees

We mentioned earlier that most eucalyptus and gum trees are native to Australia, but let’s dive down into the specifics.

Eucalyptus blue gum trees feel at home in Tasmania and southeast portions of Australia. Since the mid-1800’s they’ve also graced the U.S. in California and Hawaii, where they’ve since been able to thrive naturally. You can also find them in Arizona, but only as ornamental trees or windbreaks.

Sweetgum trees are native to the United States. They’re found mainly in the southeast from east Texas over to central Florida. They’re also found as far north as Connecticut and the southern regions of Illinois and Arkansas. Black gums are also native to the U.S.

The major difference here is that eucalyptus gum trees are native to Australia and its surrounding islands. Non-eucalyptus gum trees like sweetgums and black gums are native to the United States.

Growth Cycle Of Eucalyptus And Gum Trees

Trees spend a whole lot of their time growing, gathering resources, and growing some more. They also spend quite a bit of time trying to conserve as much energy as possible so they can continue to grow and succeed.

Leaves help trees grow by doing their whole photosynthesis thing, but when fall and winter approach, the days grow shorter, and the photosynthesis party slows down.

It’s for this reason that deciduous trees like the sweetgum and black gum tree drop their leaves in the fall. It prevents moisture loss while the tree goes into a semi-dormant state.

Evergreen trees like eucalyptus trees lose their leaves a few at a time over the entire year, replacing them slowly. The leaves also have a glossy/waxy coating on them that helps prevent moisture loss, so there is no need for the tree to spend energy dropping the leaves.

Fruits Produced By Gum And Eucalyptus Trees

Keeping with our eucalyptus blue gum and non-eucalyptus sweetgum comparisons, these two trees also produce very different fruits.

Bluegum trees produce fruit that resembles a spinning top. It is narrower at the bottom, wider at the top, and capped on top. Each fruit contains several seeds, but the chances of the seeds becoming trees are pretty low.

Sweetgum trees produce strange, alien-looking fruits that are round and spiky. When on the tree, these spiky fruits are typically green. They quickly turn brown once they fall off. Each fruit carries an average of two seeds.

The timing of the fruits is another variable between these two trees. Eucalyptus trees like blue gums will usually ripen their fruit between October and March. Sounds like a weird time to be growing fruit, right? That’s because, in Australia, October is around springtime and March is the end of summer and the beginning of fall.

Sweetgums typically ripen their fruit around the same season, but in North America that is from April through September. Early fall is when you can find these spiky fruits on the ground, so be sure to wear shoes around them!

Differences In Environmental Needs Between Eucalyptus And Gum Trees

Both sweetgums and eucalyptus trees love the sun. They prefer to be in full sun but can tolerate partial shade, especially sweetgums.

Eucalyptus trees prefer soils that are well-drained with low salt content, but they can thrive in a wide range of soils and climates. For example, in Hawaii, blue gums grow in soil that is highly acidic and formed from volcanic ash. In Portugal, they grow in sandstone- and limestone-derived soils.

Sweetgums are even more adaptable than eucalyptus trees when it comes to soil conditions. They’ll thrive in swampy areas, plateaus, clay soils, and near river bottoms. Sweetgums can withstand the heat and the cold, thriving through 100°F and -5°F, respectively.

Eucalyptus blue gums are a little less tolerant of cold temperatures. They start to shiver at 30°F and cannot survive anything lower than 20°F.

Hardwood Use Of Eucalyptus And Gum Trees

Trees are used for a lot of things that many of us take for granted: furniture, cabinets, paper, wine corks, chewing gum, and medicine like aspirin.

The fast growth rate of both eucalyptus and sweetgum trees makes them an ideal candidate for a semi-sustainable resource. In tree plantations, they can be harvested in as little as 7 years. The plan was to use these trees for furniture, railroad ties, and firewood, among other things.

Things didn’t go according to plan in California…

Millions of blue gum trees were planted in the hopes that they could be harvested for their wood and made into useful stuff.

What was quickly discovered was that the lumber would easily split, twist, and crack. In addition to this, the wood couldn’t be properly treated, so using it for lumber or furniture was out of the question.

Despite this, blue gums are still used for windbreaks, shade, and as ornamental trees in yards. They also provide medicinal benefits and can be used as firewood.

Sweetgums are more useful in the lumber industry than eucalyptus trees. The wood does not crack or twist, so it can be used for a variety of purposes such as railroad ties, pulpwood, plywood, trim, crates, boxes, general lumber, and veneer.

Root Differences Between Eucalyptus And Gum Trees

Roots are an important aspect of a tree. In some cases, the tree is just the tip of the iceberg, while the majority of the organism lies beneath the soils.

Eucalyptus trees like blue gum typically do not have a taproot. This is the root that grows straight down from the trunk of the tree and is used to anchor it in place. Instead, blue gums will grow a wide network of more shallow roots spreading out beneath the trunk.

Despite the lack of a taproot, blue gums can affect water resources as deep as 45 feet below the surface and as far as 100 feet away from the tree. This can often create soil erosion and lower water levels around streambeds within the tree’s vicinity.

Sweetgums are highly adaptable and can survive both with and without a taproot. They change depending on the site conditions. If sweetgums grow on windy slopes, they’ll develop a deep, strong taproot that keeps them from being uprooted by the wind.

On the other hand, if sweetgums are growing in swampy, poorly drained soils, they rarely develop taproots. Instead, they’ll grow shallow root systems that spread out rather than down.

Why Are They Called Gum Trees?

Does it have to do with chewing gum? Yep! Gum trees produce a sticky sap when the tree is injured. The sap covers the wound similar to how our skin scabs over. This allows the bark to heal without having any nasty bugs or birds trying to move inside the wound.

When the sticky sap hardens, it forms a substance that can be used as chewing gum. Back in the day, it’s said that this sap helped the settlers and soldiers at Fort Smith, Arkansas, who used the sap as a kind of candy and a way to pass the time.

Are Eucalypt And Eucalyptus The Same Thing?

While perusing the internet to quench your thirst for eucalyptus knowledge, you may come across a familiar yet strange word: eucalypt. So, what the heck is it? Is it the same as eucalyptus?

Eucalypt is a word often used to describe a group of eucalyptus trees. For example, you might hear the phrase “a eucalypt forest” which refers to a forest of eucalyptus trees. It’s also used as the plural form of eucalyptus, similar to how ‘cacti’ is the plural of cactus.

That’s All For Now

Hopefully, this article has cleared up the confusion between eucalyptus and gum trees. While most gum trees are eucalyptus trees, some are in their categories like sweetgums, black gums, and water gums.

If you are interested to learn more about the uses of gum trees, click here!

Both eucalyptus gums and non-eucalyptus gums grow quickly, making them useful for manufacturing wood products and medicines. But there are several differences between the trees.

To recap, the major differences between the two include:

Leaves
Bark
Height at maturity
Native range
Growth cycle
Fruits
Environmental needs
Uses
Roots

Both trees have their pros and cons, but all in all, they are both impressively tall and fast-growing trees that give the world a little more nature to enjoy.

References

Dickinson, K., & Kirkpatrick, J. (1985). The flammability and energy content of some important plant species and fuel components in the forests of southeastern Tasmania. Journal of Biogeography, 12(2), 121-134. https://eprints.utas.edu.au/2698/

Lindbeck, J. M., O’Bryan, C. A., Martin, E. M., Adams, J. P., & Crandall, P. G. (2015, Jan-Jun). Sweetgum: An ancient source of beneficial compounds with modern benefits. Pharmacognosy Review, 9(17), 1-11. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4441155/

Luu, T. C., Binkley, D., & Stape, J. L. (2013, February 01). Neighborhood uniformity increases the growth of individual Eucalyptus Trees. Forest Ecology and Management, 289, 90-97. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378112712005841

Myburg, A. A., Grattapaglia, D., & Schmutz, J. (2014). The genome of Eucalyptus grandis. Nature, 510, 356-362. https://www.nature.com/articles/nature13308

By Zack DeAngelis
December 16, 2021

6 Best Fruit Trees That Have Shallow Roots: Identification Guide

In recent times, more and more people have been interested in being more self-sufficient and healthy with their food. In most cases, this means looking into types of fruit trees that are easy to grow and will produce lots of delicious food. In addition, most people also want to look for fruit trees that are easy growing and won’t be invasive/damaging with their roots.

The most common fruit trees that have shallow, non-invasive roots include but aren’t limited to:

Pawpaw trees
Dwarf plum trees
Dwarf citrus trees
Apple Trees
Lemon trees
Dwarf cherry trees

Typically, these trees can be grown indoors, in pots as well.

Read on to learn more about why you should have fruit trees, why it is important/beneficial to have shallow-rooted trees, and what specific trees have shallow/non-invasion roots!

Why Are Fruit Trees So Popular?

As mentioned, in recent times, fruit trees have been becoming increasingly popular for multiple reasoning, including production, appearance, and environmental impact.

To start, more people are deciding to grow fruit trees for the simple fact that they make fruit. Not only is fruit delicious, but when you grow it yourself, you know exactly what is going into it.

Another reason why people choose fruit trees is that they look nice. In many settings, fruit trees are a great addition to front yards/gardens, being able to look tidy and clean while still producing food.

In addition to this, fruit trees add a little bit of height to your yard, but you don’t have to worry about them overgrowing an area (especially if you regularly prune them).

Lastly, people are choosing to grow fruit trees due to their positive environmental impact. For instance, planting trees in general sequesters carbon in the wood/soil, however, fruit trees also have the added benefit of feeding local pollinators with their flowers.

In addition, eating fruit from personal trees (as compared to store-bought) saves carbon/energy used in industrial farming/fruit shipping.

Basics of Fruit Trees

To understand and how your fruit tree grows well, you need to know the basics: how they grow, what they want, etc.

How Fast Do Fruit Trees Grow

On average, the typical fruit tree grows around 13-24 inches per year, although there are some exceptions among different species and varieties.

According to information from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, standard size fruit trees generally reach heights of 25-30ft tall, while trees with dwarf rootstock typically only grow 10-15ft tall.

In addition to this above-ground growth, trees also exhibit root growth below the ground. With fruit trees, this can also be important to know, as you may want to monitor all of their growth so that you can keep them in check.

What Kind Of Soil Do Fruit Trees Need?

Fruit trees usually want well-draining conditions, with sunnier days and cooler nights.

With this, most people advise to, first of all, find a spot that is sunny during the day. On average, sunny spots are usually warmer, which most fruit trees also like.

If the area is also cooler at night, this is a benefit, as fruit trees like to have cooler nights as compared to their days. In addition, fruit trees like well-draining soils, so planting on slopes or in the loose substrate can also help them to thrive.

People advise against planting fruit trees in areas with valleys or compact soil. This is for a few reasons, the first of which is because those areas tend to accumulate and retain more water, which fruit trees don’t like.

Another reason why people don’t plant fruit trees in those areas is that in the colder months, valleys can become a cooling sink, harshly dropping in temperature and causing risk for frost/cold damage.

Picking The Best Fruit Tree Variety

Variety is another thing to keep in mind with fruit trees. Not only are there hundreds of types of fruit trees, but there are also countless varieties for each type of fruit tree, making them very versatile and adaptable to many areas.

With this, you can use these facts to your advantage to pick a tree that will work best for you and your environment.

To start, you should pick a tree that bears a fruit that you like. It is also slightly important to pick a fruit that is suited for your area (although this isn’t entirely necessary as varieties can be suited for different areas).

After you find a specific type of fruit tree you would like to grow, you can then look into different varieties of that tree.

Different varieties of the same tree will yield different results, from different sized trees to different tasting fruit, so have fun and pick what sounds interesting/fun to grow!

Benefits Of Having Shallow Rooted Fruit Trees

While it may be clear that shallow roots are a “good thing”, people rarely discuss why shallow roots can be beneficial to your garden/yard.

According to Colorado State University Extension, fruit tree roots typically grow and stay within the top 6-24in of soil underneath the tree. On rare occasions, the roots can deeper (3-7ft) if the soil allows.

To start, having shallow roots allows for each plant to have a larger area of absorption. When plants don’t grow very deep roots, they tend to grow more shallow, yet wider-spread roots. With this, having shallow roots can make it easier to water/feed your trees, and can even make them more stable in the ground.

Another reason to have shallower roots in trees is for companion planting. With shallow roots, more plants can be grown in one area being interconnected, actually forming underground connections with each other and supporting each other.

It depends on what kind of companion plants you use next to your tree, but it needs to a light nutrient required plant or flower that won’t take too many nutrients from the tree.

Next, a big benefit to having shallow roots has to do with damage.

On average, trees that form larger, deeper roots can tend to pose a risk for things like buildings and waterlines. With this, having trees with shallower roots mitigates this risk, while still giving you the benefits of having a tree in the first place.

Lastly, another benefit to having shallow roots is that you can easily grow them in pots.

For most trees with larger tap roots, they can be difficult in pots as they can either damage the pot or become stunted. In comparison, growing shallow-rooted trees in pots can be easy, and in some cases even more effective than growing them in the ground.

6 Fruit Trees That Have Shallow Roots: Identification Guide

Now that we have discussed what shallow roots are, why they are beneficial, and how they relate to fruit trees, we can now look at specific examples of fruit trees that have non-invasion roots!

One last quick note, another benefit of having shallow roots is that you can grow a few of these trees below inside due to less soil requirements! Growing many of the trees below inside should work quite well if they’re given the proper care and attention.

If you’re interested, you can also read our piece on the best fruit trees for rocky soil here.

Pawpaw Trees

While this may not be the most apparent option, pawpaw trees are a great example of fruit trees with shallow roots. Pawpaw trees tend to grow rapidly and strongly, also making them great for home gardeners.

Pawpaws have a large area where they can grow, however in the US, they are fairly hardy to zones 5-8, which covers most of the pacific northwest and pacific southwest. Additionally, pawpaws grow well in the midwestern, southwestern, and south eastern United States.

So, basically, pawpaws grow well anywhere except for the northern hemisphere of the United States.

In addition to this, pawpaw trees are also fairly unique and bear a delicious fruit that allows people in the northern hemisphere to grow something “semi-tropical” in appearance and flavor.

Dwarf Orange & Dwarf Citrus Trees

On this list, there are a lot of dwarf species because they tend to grow slower/smaller. With this, dwarf oranges (or another citrus), are another great option for shallow-rooted trees to add to your garden.

To explain the “dwarf-tree” phenomena, in most cases, it is simply a regular tree (such as an orange) that is grated onto the rootstock of a smaller/shallower growing tree. This allows the tree to look and bear fruit like a large tree, with the size and ease of smaller trees.

To identify, dwarf orange trees look very simple, with large, regular-shaped, deep green leaves. Like most citrus, dwarf oranges create simple yet elegant white flowers that come with a strong scent.

Due to the nature of dwarf trees, growing they do allow you to use pots, as they are small and the root system should have no trouble growing in a medium-large container indoors.

One downside to growing dwarf citrus trees is that they do have specific requirements for things like soil/heat, so you may not be able to grow them in your area (or may have to take special care with them).

Again, I really like these. Outside, dwarf orange trees typically grow best in warmer, humid climates, but they can be grown almost anywhere indoors!

Lemon Trees

Unlike some other citrus trees, lemon trees tend to be fairly non-invasive root systems on their own. This means that you should be able to find almost any lemon tree and not have to worry about it growing large invasive roots.

Just like other citrus, lemon trees have simple dark green (and leathery) leaves and create strong-smelling white flowers that turn into fruit.

Due to these characteristics, many people opt to grow lemon trees in containers on their patio. This is an especially great option if you live somewhere colder, as lemon trees tend to prefer warmer environments like the pacific northwest.

It’s also common to see lemon trees grown indoors. In-fact, my mom likes to grow one of these inside each year!

Lemons are also a great option as they create a fruit that is widely appreciated, yet versatile. By this, I mean having a lemon tree could save you money from buying at the store, while supplying you with enough to make things like lemonade, lemon tarts, lemon muffins, etc.

Dwarf Cherry Trees

Red Ripe Cherry Berries Prunus subg. Cerasus on tree In Summer Vegetable Garden.

Similar to the dwarf option of citrus trees, cherries can also come in dwarf varieties, which give you the benefit of fruit without the hassle of large-tree upkeep.

Dwarf cherry trees tend to grow only 12-15 feet high and wide (although some can come smaller/larger), making them great for smaller areas (especially if you are interested in pruning them back regularly). In addition, cherry trees create thin, simple green leaves, along with beautiful small flowers that have a sweet scent.

Another benefit to growing dwarf cherry trees is that they can withstand a lot of weather conditions. With dwarf varieties, most people cite that they can withstand temperatures as low as 40 degrees Fahrenheit, making them more widely plantable in the U.S as compared to citrus.

Many people also site that dwarf cherry trees produce a load of fruit in a fraction of the space, making them a great option for people who want to produce a lot in small areas.

Apple Trees

Being one of the most popular fruit trees, some specific varieties of apple trees can grow shallow roots. In most cases, these are heirloom varieties, like golden delicious, granny smith, and mcintosh apple trees. This meaning they have developed long ago and have been passed down from generation to generation.

Even better, apple trees can grow in any non-tropical climate!

Most apple trees produce simple (thin) green leaves that fill the tree. They also tend to lose their leaves in fall, regrowing them (along with beautiful flowers) back in the spring, later producing fruit that bears in fall.

One benefit to apple trees is that most varieties (heirloom, rootstock, regular, etc.) tend to not grow invasive roots in the first place. This is a great feature, as it makes them fairly accessible, as you can find one in almost any garden store in the spring/summer months.

With this, apple trees normally do like to spread out though, so unless you regularly prune, they may not be the best option for smaller growing areas. This however can be combatted by buying and maintaining columnar varieties, that grow along a fence or straight upward.

Similar to cherry trees, apple tree varieties are used to colder growing areas, making them more versatile and perfect for growing locations in the northern hemisphere.

Plum Trees

Plum trees are another great and common option that tends to not grow invasive/deep roots. In addition, you can normally find them in many varieties, including dwarf selections.

While they can’t withstand freezing temperatures, plum trees can withstand pretty cold ones. Plum trees grow best in zones 3-10, which you can view where those are on the USDA Hardiness Zone Map here.

Plum trees also grow simple green leaves and fragrant flowers, bearing very fleshy fruit.

According to some people, plum trees can be problematic in the way they grow above ground, commonly/frequently needing trimmings to keep them from overgrowing an area.

However, properly pruning a tree is an important step in maintaining any fruit tree you have.

Great Tools For Maintaining Fruit Trees

With all of this information, it is important that you successfully maintain your shallow-rooted fruit tree, as they can come with some more care guidelines as compared to other trees.

Watering/Caring For Fruit Trees

After you pick out what tree you specifically want, it is important to fully care for and meet all of its needs. This usually means finding out what it likes, such as its preferred temperatures, soil moisture, soil nutrients, etc.

After finding out this information, you should be adequately suited to care for your tree in all of the specific ways it needs. With this, most trees tend to need occasional watering, trimming, fertilizing, etc.

Fertilizing Your Trees

While fertilizing isn’t required, it can help with the growth and health of your tree (especially if it is potted). There are many options such as compost, organic, etc, however, some great options (depending on your specific tree), include the Miracle-Gro Citrus, Mango, Avocado fertilizer, and the Miracle-Gro Water Soluble Plant Food.

Remember to always read the packaging (or home guidelines) for your fertilizer so you don’t overfertilize/burn the roots of your tree!

Trimming Your Fruit Trees

Trimming can be another important factor with your trees, and you should look into what your specific fruit tree wants/needs in terms of trimming.

With this, most trees do benefit from occasional trimming and pruning, especially with dead or diseased branches. In most cases, pruning trees (and plants for that matter) can increase growth, increase health, and even increase fruit production!

One great example of a tool suited for trimming smaller fruit trees is the TABOR TOOLS Bypass Lobber.

For instance, you should always trim apple trees and thin out their branches. Additionally, there’s a process of thinning apple trees called, well, “thinning” where you remove excess apples that grow in bunches and weigh down on the tree.

When this happens, the result actually allows the apple fruit to grow better and get all the nutrients that the branch has to offer, leading to a better and more nutritious fruit overall.

That’s A Wrap!

In the end, there are many reasons why shallow-rooted fruit trees are beneficial to your yard, which include creating beneficial plant relationships and maintaining safety around your home.

With this, there are many great options for shallow-rooted fruit trees such as pawpaws, dwarf citrus, or apple trees. Each of these come with their specs, benefits, and drawbacks, so you should find what would work best for you!

After you pick your tree, make sure to maintain it with proper care such as fertilizing, watering, trimming, etc. And remember, in the end, the most important thing is to connect and have fun with your tree!

References

Atkinson, C., & Else, M. (2001). Understanding how rootstocks dwarf fruit trees. Compact Fruit Tree, 34(2), 46-49.

Faust, M., & Zagaja, S. W. (1983, July). Prospects for developing low vigor fruit tree cultivars. In International Workshop on Controlling Vigor in Fruit Trees 146 (pp. 21-30).

Waugh, F. A. (2018). Dwarf fruit trees. BoD–Books on Demand.

Rogers, W. S., & Booth, G. A. (1959). The roots of fruit trees. Scientific Horticulture, 14, 27-34.

By Zack DeAngelis
December 9, 2021

4 Reasons Why Birch Trees Can’t Grow In The Shade

Birch trees are deciduous trees. This means they lose their leaves in the winter. They require full sun, which is up to six hours, and prefer cool soil.

Birch trees are very adaptive and hardy. They can thrive in many types of soil, as well as in various climates. However, most birch trees cannot grow in the shade because they need full sun to stay healthy. While they can grow in partial shade, balance is important for your tree to thrive.

Whether you hope to grow a birch tree in your shadier yard or you have one already and have some concerns about its health, I hope this article helps you! Keep reading to find out more about how to care for your birch trees.

Where Do Birch Trees Grow Best?

Birch trees are in the family of Betulaceae, which includes hazelnuts, alder, and hornbeams. Their light-colored bark, thin leaves, and shading properties are their most recognizable traits. Their bark peels off in sheets as well.

This tree makes a wonderful landscaping tree because of its unique look! Striking colors stand out in any yard and provide a special interest. Adding other plants in the backdrop can help make this tree even better.

Birch trees’ size varies based on their species. They flower beautiful flora.

These trees do best on the north or east sides of buildings. This guarantees they receive full sun in the mornings and shade in the evenings.

Birch trees are very forgiving. The only things they will not enjoy are overly wet or dry soils. They grow well in zones two through nine; however, this varies by species.

How To Care For Birch Trees

These trees can grow upwards of thirty feet. They have a shallow root system and need to be watered well. However, they dislike too much water. Mulch will help retain a decent moisture quality for the roots without being excessive.

Each variety has different requirements, though. Water Birch does very well in flooding zones, unlike others of its kind. Consider soil quality before you plant.

Prune your tree in late fall or winter. Birch trees lose sap if cut during spring and summer because of the growth patterns of the tree. Bores can also be a big issue on trees, but you can treat them by applying an insecticide. Bonide Annual Tree and Shrub Insect Control is a fantastic purchase if you are looking for one!

Can Birch Trees Grow In The Shade?

Birch trees need full sun to grow, or around six hours a day. However, they will tolerate partial shade. The shade helps them by providing a cooler environment which they enjoy.

Finding the right balance between shade and sun is important for the proper growth of the tree. It is important to remember that while they will grow in partial shade; they are not shade trees. Allowing them to have enough sun is important for the trees’ overall health.

Most species, however, do not appreciate shade and must have full sun to grow properly. You should consider this before planting.

Some varieties can grow in the shade, but that does not mean all will. Research the individual trees you are interested in for the best results while growing.

Can White Birch Grow In The Shade?

Closeup of a birch leafminer caterpillar next to damaged edges.

Like most birch trees, plant white birch trees in the sun. These are medium-sized trees and can reach heights of 50 to 70 feet tall. They do, however, make excellent shade trees.

You may also see white birch trees referred to as paper birch or canoe trees. This is because their bark peels in sheets, which look like paper, and their lumber makes fantastic canoes.

Catkins are the flowers of these trees, and the male and female catkins grow on the same tree. The only difference is the female catkins drop seeds.

White birches will often grow in areas after a fire when much of the plant matter has died. Water this tree well and add mulch around the base to help the soil retain moisture.

Do Silver Birch Trees Grow In The Shade?

Silver birch trees are shade intolerant. They grow in Asian and European countries and favor colder climates. This tree is beautiful to look at, as it has stark white bark with black coloring placed on it.

This tree is a marvel to see. It grows where others will not and among other conifer types. It can tolerate many soil types as well.

When the leaves turn yellow in the fall, it provides a beautiful landscape. This tree can grow between 30-50 feet tall and it makes quite a mess when the catkins and leaves fall to the ground.

Partial shade may be beneficial, especially in warmer climates; however, you should not plant them in full shade.

What Climate Do Birch Trees Grow In?

Birch trees are native to regions of cooler climates. These include Europe, Northern states, Asia, and Canada. They grow best in zones 2-7 and thrive in wet sandy soil.

This also depends on the species. There are over 40 species of Birch. These vary by size, color, and location.

Sweet birch trees, for example, are native to Eastern North America. The oils from Sweet Birch trees are often used to make birch beer. This is like root beer and has a nice wintergreen flavor.

Another wonderful variety is the Himalayan Birch. This tree is unique because it grows high in the Nepal mountains. It looks similar to all the other varieties and grows catkins as well.

Sometimes, you will hear birch trees called paperbark. This makes sense, seeing as many used birch bark as paper before the invention of modern paper.

Are Birch Trees Fast-Growing?

The growth of birch trees depends on a variety of factors. They grow roughly 18 to 20 inches a year, which is a little higher than average.

Factors to birch tree growth rate are:

Nutrition
Soil quality
Sunlight amount
Water amount

If given proper care, this tree will thrive.

What Are The Benefits Of Birch Bark?

The Ojibwa Indians used Birch bark for many uses. They used birch to make canoes, dishes, and many other wood products. They used the bark for most of their crafting, as it is naturally waterproof.

The bark can also make a brown dye and oil for leather. The Native Americans used these trees in so many ways!

Birch sap has a similar collection process to maple syrup. After collection, the sap gets turned into a sweet syrup and has its place in the culinary world. It is also a key ingredient in birch beer.

Why Should You Plant Birch Trees In Threes?

Growing Birch trees in threes can be a fantastic way to keep trees shorter. This is because the crowding restricts the growth of the tree.

This method can also make for a wonderful look for your landscape. It also lessens the amount of maintenance needed because less pruning is not as necessary. Be sure to plant the groups at least 5 feet apart.

Three is also a popular number in designing. Like comedy, most things come in threes. With landscaping, this is because of the eye-catching ability the threes have.

How Sun Do Birch Trees Need?

Birch tree sunlight requirements vary by species. The average is around six hours of full sun a day.

These trees will do better on the north or east side of any structure. This is due to the way the sun rises and falls. Doing this will ensure they receive the proper amount of light they need to function.

You can help the tree get more sunlight by pruning it. Another option is pruning the branches on any surrounding trees. This helps open the canopy for more light to come through.

The best course of action at ensuring proper sunlight is making sure you plant your tree properly. Research the variety you decide to plant and determine if it is right for your area. Once you determine that, choose the best area in your yard.

How Do Birch Trees Survive?

These trees survive by placing themselves where other plants die. After forest fires, these trees love to take over. Along with being able to handle most soil types and lots of water, this tree becomes the ultimate survivalist.

These trees adapt well to their climate. Since they often live through the harsh winters, this tree has adapted for survival. Flexible branches and losing leaves help this tree live through the cold. The branches flex to hold up under the weight of snow and the loss of leaves helps prevent freezing.

This tree also has thick bark, which insulated the inside of the tree, preventing the inside water from freezing. These adaptations are important to helping the tree survive.

Tragically, many factors have led to some varieties of birch trees becoming endangered. Betula murrayana or the Murray birch is one of these. This tree is native to Canada and Michigan and is critically endangered.

Can You Save A Dying Birch Tree?

The first step to saving any dying plant is to discover why it is dying.

There are many reasons that a birch tree may suffer and appear to be dying, which include:

Pests
Lack of water
Diseases
Not the right amount of sun

Once you decide on the issue leading to your issue, it is important to decide on proper treatment.

If it is pests, you need to figure out what pest it is to determine the proper treatment. Birch leafminers and bronze birch borer are the main two pests that affect most Birch trees. However, it is the bronze birch borer that can kill the tree.

These borers bore into the bark and feed on the trees. The only proper way to treat this problem is to catch it early and prune infected branches.

Birch trees need plenty of water. The solution to this is simple: mulch around the tree and water it more often. Mulching will help retain more moisture and thus eliminate dryness.

Diseases that affect the birch trees are not so easy to treat. The best way to treat these diseases is prevention because a healthy tree is less likely to succumb to diseases. Make sure your tree gets ample sunlight and care for your trees properly.

How Do You Grow A Birch Tree From A Branch?

Propagating can be a rewarding experience. Propagating is the act of taking a cutting from a plant and growing roots from it. This is an easy way to help produce new plants from existing stock.

Propagating can be a great way to grow trees, as they take less time to mature. It is also quite simple with most trees.

All you need is clean pruning shears, rooting hormone, and rooting medium. Cut a 6-inch section of softwood from your tree, wrap it in a wet paper towel until you are ready to root it. Remove all but the top two leaves and then dip the end into the rooting hormone and then place the stem into the rooting medium.

Rooting medium is easy to make. Add one part perlite, one part peat moss, and one part sand. This is a well-draining mix but also will retain enough moisture to help root your cutting.

Over the next few weeks, keep the soil moist as your cutting roots. Once a good amount of roots grow, transfer your tree into a bigger pot.

Propagating can be a fun project to do!

How Fast Do Birch Trees Grow?

Birch trees typically grow fairly fast, which can be good or bad depending on your goals. These trees can grow up to 36 inches a year, depending on species.

Varieties such as dwarves typically grow slower than the larger varieties. These dwarf varieties make decent landscape trees. People looking for smaller trees often go for varieties like the dwarf river birch because they stay small and require less maintenance.

If you want a quick tree to grow for your landscape, this tree is for you! However, this tree may not be appropriate for those not wanting a large tree that grows as much as the birch every year. You may need to prune often to maintain an appropriate size.

That’s All For Now!

Birch trees are unique and beautiful trees. They make fantastic landscape trees due to this uniqueness. Known for their striking coloration is the main feature of these trees.

These trees are easy to maintain, they enjoy most soil types, thrive in excessive water, and thrive in the cold. They do not have many pests as well.

Birch trees grow well in full sun and do not tolerate shade very well. They are fast-growing, easily adapting trees, and can grow up to 36 inches a year. They have thick bark, small compact leaves, and a love of the cold.

The bark on these trees has so many uses! It makes syrup for many culinary uses, including birch beer. Birch bark can also become a brown dye, and some claim it has medicinal qualities.

No matter what reason you prefer these gorgeous trees, they are all fantastic! I hope you learned a bit more about how to care for your birch trees. Happy planting!

References

Birch Trees Have Problems…Lack of Water and Borers. (n.d.). ANR Blogs. https://ucanr.edu/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=16261

Feb 15, F. | H. 1005 | U., & Print, 2021 |. (n.d.). River Birch. Home & Garden Information Center | Clemson University, South Carolina. https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/river-birch/

Penn State Extension. (2019, September 22). Planting in Sun or Shade. Penn State Extension. https://extension.psu.edu/planting-in-sun-or-shade

By Zack DeAngelis
December 6, 2021

Should You Plant An Oak Tree in Your Backyard? Pros & Cons

Oak trees are some of the most beautiful and most common trees that are grown throughout the United States. So vast, so beautiful, and truly a symbol of strength and endurance, oak trees are not known specifically for their size but are sure enough to always make a statement.

In truth, oak trees should be planted anywhere from 15-30ft away from your home and all other structures. Smaller oak trees should be planted at least 15ft away, where large oak trees should be at least 20-30ft away from your home. Oak trees branches generally have a spread of at least 50ft.

Depending on your location and the amount of space you have, and dependent on your own personal preferences when it comes to your outdoor space, there are a lot of variables when considering an oak tree, and today, we’re here to offer you an in-depth look to help you decide. But first – let’s start with the basics – and learn a bit about oak trees!

What Is An Oak Tree?

Part of the Quercus species of tree – although there can be five hundred plus types of oak, they generally can all be categorized into one of the two: White Oak or Red Oak – and as a subset of the Red Oak – a Black Oak.

Depending on the type, oaks can be considered a medium to tall tree, as many oak trees range anywhere from 60-100 feet tall when fully grown. While they all grow at different rates and speeds, and even in differing environments, with differing shaped crowns, oak trees all have that distinctively oak, lobed leaf.

Although the leaf varies in color, shape, and size, a similarity amongst oaks is that they produce the fall-favorite acorns! Acorns are actually considered a fruit – I know, right? and an oak tree can produce up to 1000 acorns every year.

Fun Fact: Did you know planting a single acorn can actually produce an oak tree? If germinated and taken care of properly, an acorn can successfully start to grow!

Oak trees are a monumental tree in the United States of America – and you will absolutely be sure to see an oak tree in almost any wooded area. However, the question we wonder is – should we be planting oak trees in our backyards? But before we dive into that – let’s talk white, red, and black.

The Difference Between White, Red, And Black Oak Trees

Although there are many variations of oak trees out there, oak trees widely fall into one of these colored categories as either a White, Red or Black Oak tree. Similar in many senses, there are also some distinct differences amongst the oaks.

White Oak Trees

Native to North America and growing up to 100 feet tall, White Oak Trees take their sweet time until they finally achieve those skyscraper heights.

Tall but with a lighter gray-toned, shorter, and stockier bark, White Oak branches grow upward and out, mimicking that of an upward crown. With dark green leaves in the spring and summer and burnt orange to wine red in the fall – the White Oak is always a showstopper.

Red Oak Trees

Growing up to 80 feet tall and with a rate of growth much faster than a White Oak, a mature Red Oak provides a beautifully rounded-off crown spread and is the absolute perfect medium-sized tree. With its bristle-tipped leaves, a Red Oak provides those beautifully rusty brown and red leaves in the fall and is the easier of the oaks to grow.

Black Oak Trees

Technically considered a variation of a Red Oak, and although called Black Oak, the interesting thing about a Black Oak is that its bark is actually yellow inside!

With lobed-shaped leaves, and velvety-textured, bi-colored leaves year-round, and with a darker green on top and a coppery tone underneath, a Black Oak’s leaves are nothing short of amazing. Growing up to 100 feet in size, Black Oaks, although a bit more uncommon, make great shade trees and have a distinctively dark, almost-black trunk.

Further, all types of oak trees are classified based on their barks, leaves, acorns, and shapes.

What is Special About an Oak Tree?

Oak tree branches on blue sky background.

Before we start talking about planting an oak tree – let’s simply talk about why oak trees are so special! A symbol of strength, morale, resistance, and wisdom – an oak tree is a tree that has been fully loved and accepted worldwide and has much significance in many cultures.

Oak trees grow slowly; however, they stand very tall and can live up to 300 years. There are hundreds of oak tree variations across the globe, and in the United States of America alone, we have 90 different types.

An oak tree is a tree that wears many hats, thus, making it one of the most beloved trees. Its bark even has therapeutic properties.

An oak tree’s fruit, the acorn, will feed many species of livestock and also is edible to humans. The tree itself is the home to many different animals, as its vast canopies provide ample shade and protection for wildlife.

Specifically, from the bark of Red and White Oak trees, lumber is created and is used in construction, flooring, and furniture – due to its natural strength and durability.

How Much Space Do I Need For An Oak Tree?

Now that you know a little bit more about oak trees, and you may have more of an overall feel of the oak tree you would want to plant – there are some ideas to consider about the space before you start digging.

Beautiful, old, red oak (Quercus rubra) in the middle of a green meadow in the park

Plant Oak Trees Away From Overhanging Structures

I know that it may be hard to visualize an oak tree in its fullest capacity when you begin to plant; however, it’s important to think about how tall the tree will get and the amount of space that is available before planting.

Before you plant – take a walk around the area that you want to plant the tree in. Stop, and look directly upwards! Do you notice if there are any power lines close by? Is the roof too close? Are there streetlights nearby that can get in the way? Any structures that it could interfere with?

We often forget to look up when planting trees because we are focused on the here and now, and more often than not, the view in front of us. But when planting a tree, the most important area to consider before any other is the air space.

Making sure there are no limiting factors in the air space before you plant is so so important – especially when dealing with trees that are larger-than-life.

Oak Trees Need Minimum 15ft Of Space From Any Home

The next step in determining if you have the space for an oak tree is simply at eye level. Take a look at the area surrounding where your oak tree will be planted.

Remember, oak tree branches can get quite wide, so making sure there are no sheds or other restrictions on either side, and in front of or behind the anticipated planting spot is extremely important.

Make sure that you plant your oak tree at least 15ft away from any sheds, barns, and houses. If you already have an oak tree planted near your home, make sure that the spread (branches) are trimmed so that they are not touching your home and are as far away as possible.

Oak Trees Need To Be Away from Underground Structures

Another essential idea to consider before planting an oak is the ground coverage. Do you have pavers/concrete nearby? Do you have a pool? Oak trees grow fast and have vast roots, and need space underground to grow!

Much like in the space above our heads, there can’t be anything limiting the underground area because it not only can stunt the growth of the tree, but the roots can collide with and uplift any pavement.

If you’re planting a new oak tree, make sure that your oak is at least 50ft away from any septic field, lines, or underground wiring. It’s important to make sure that the roots of the tree don’t get intertwined with any underground utilities.

Should Your Oak Tree Provide Shade?

The next thing to consider is sun coverage. Imagine a canopy of leaves straight above where you’re going to be planting the tree – will it bring a lot of sun coverage to the area, or will it be too much shade?

As a general rule, most oak trees have a spread of at least 50ft. The spread is how far the branches and leaves stick out from the center of the tree. When considering planting an oak tree in your backyard, place your oak tree in a spot with ample room for the oak tree’s spread.

Mostly a personal preference, it’s good to think about whether or not you want sun or not in your outdoor space – because once you plant this tree and it grows, it will be difficult and costly to remove it!

Oak Trees Produce Debris

Remember, oak trees produce up to 1000 acorns a year – so, it’s important to consider debris when choosing an oak. Make sure the tree isn’t around any pools or growing over gutters – because the acorns can actually cause blockages in filters or gutters!

Besides that, if it’s growing over a lounge area or possibly an outdoor dining area – are you prepared to constantly pick up and move acorns from the area?

The thing with planting an oak tree is that there can’t be restrictions in terms of space. The trees need ample space to grow, and giving this tree the proper space, is one of the key ingredients in having this tree grow successfully! Besides space, planting an oak tree also consists of many personal preferences, all of which should be considered prior to planting.

The Pros of Planting an Oak Tree in Your Backyard

Garden tree being planted into the ground

Now that you’ve considered the space and your own personal preferences let’s talk about the benefits of planting an oak tree!

Oak Trees Are Strong

Stranding tall yet strong, oak trees are a great tree to plant in your backyard because of their sturdiness and stability. There is no doubting how stable these trees are, making it a great choice for a tree that may be close to your home, especially in areas that exhibit high winds and more extreme weather conditions.

Oak Trees Are Aesthetically Beautiful

Oak trees offer a wide variety of dark green leaves and velvety textures – and have some of the most beautiful Autumn colors. From reds to golds to browns to oranges, oak trees never have a dull moment and will continue to wow you from season to season.

Oak Trees Are More Disease Resistant Than Other Trees

Oak trees are very resilient. They are able to grow in many different soil environments and can even survive a drought! Oak trees are trees that surely love full sun, can take a lot of heat – and are generally not susceptible to disease or fungus.

Oak Trees Produce Countless Acorns

How about those acorns? Oak trees produce high-protein acorns that, although they can be consumed by humans, help feed nutrition to many different species of wildlife. Producing up to thousands of acorns a year, or even up to one million in a lifetime, healthy oaks can produce protein for animals and humans for years and years to come.

An oak trees’ leaves are also nutritious and provide food to over 500 species of moth and butterflies!

Oak Trees Are Environmentally Friendly

As you’d probably assume, oak trees are very environmentally friendly – but it’s not just because they are a tree! Oak trees actually provide health to the environment by stabilizing soil with their roots.

Believe it or not, because of their wide crowns and canopies that produce a ton of shade, they not only help a bunch of different wildlife species, but oak trees can even help you save on electricity! By providing areas of vast shade to your yards and homes, oak trees can potentially help by keeping your electric bill lowered!

Oak Trees Attract Wildlife To Your Property

Based on your personal preference, this can be considered a benefit – if you happen to like wildlife. Ranging from animals as small as birds or ducks to bigger animals such as deer or bears – oak trees attract all types of wildlife, and if you’re into that kinda thing, Oak trees would be perfect for your backyard!

Oak Trees Are Easy To Grow

Oak trees are also extremely easy to grow and are low maintenance in regard to the growth process. It’s possible to have an oak tree sapling form from a few seeds or an acorn.

Once planted, depending on the type of oak tree you choose, you can expect the tree to grow deep roots and continue to grow for many, many years thereafter.

If you’re interested, you can read our full guide on the best oak trees to plant here.

Oak Trees Can Live Hundreds Of Years

You would only need to plant an oak tree once because it can live for hundreds and hundreds of years. Because of its longevity, the oak tree is a common choice amongst the entire United States of America – and has become a staple in the American culture.

You can read our full guide on how long oak trees live here.

If you don’t want to read the guide just yet, you can view our table below for some data on how long most of the common types of oak trees live.

TREE	LIFESPAN	ANNUAL GROWTH	FULL HEIGHT	BEST HARDINESS ZONE

The Cons Of Planting An Oak Tree in Your BackYard

Although there are many pros – there are also a lot of cons to consider when deciding to plant an Oak Tree!

Oak Trees Are Messy

Firstly, as wonderful it is that Oaks produce an abundance of acorns, acorns can be a mess to clean up and a lot to keep up with if you’re trying to keep your backyard tidy. Oak trees also shed catkins and other heavily pollinated flowers.

If you have an Oak over your patios or gardens, you will surely be doing a lot of maintenance to your space to keep it clean!

Oak Tree Roots Destroy Utility Lines

Although the Oak Tree itself is sturdy, the roots are, in this case, the root of the problem! The roots growing so deep and vast contributes to its sturdiness; however, it can possibly destroy anything in its underground path.

Because of this, you shouldn’t plant an Oak close to your home because the roots can crack foundations and other structures.

Oak Trees Require Annual Pruning Maintenance

So, although considered relatively low maintenance in the growth process, as it will grow well on its own without intervening, when an Oak Tree is grown, it requires routine pruning. If the branches get too heavy, they can actually break off and snap.

Insects Are Attracted to Oak Trees

Much like wildlife, oak trees attract many different types of insects, and because of this, it may not be a great idea if bugs aren’t your cup of tea. If oak is too close to your home, it’s likely that you will have some extra insects flying around and possibly getting indoors.

Oak Trees Attract Nearby Wildlife!

As mentioned earlier, the additional wildlife in your backyard can be pro – but it also can be a con! Because an oak tree attracts all of your favorite typical forest animals and insects – one oak tree can house an entire life cycle! Again, it’s your personal preference if that’s something you want in your yard!

Oak trees can also attract some unwanted guests, such as raccoons or squirrels. Although cute from a distance, a raccoon family or squirrel family moving in isn’t always the best thing and can cause problems for you and your family.

Where To Plant An Oak Tree

If you choose to plant an oak tree – we recommend planting it in an area that has full sun, well-drained soil, and has a humus-rich soil. An oak tree will grow best in this environment and especially in a hardiness zone of 8-10.

However, this is a general rule. Refer to the table we put above for more accurate info based on your specific tree.

Wrapping It Up

All in all, an Oak tree can be or may not be an option for you. The thing is – there really isn’t a right answer as it all comes down to personal preference.

Although there can be some destruction, or maybe the tree attracts some extra bugs – there’s nothing like the beauty the tree brings to the space and the abundance of food and life that it offers.

A true forest tree at that, oak trees are monumental in the USA and can be a great addition to your space.

References

And, C. D., & Rambal, S. (1995). Field study of leaf photosynthetic performance by a Mediterranean deciduous oak tree (Quercus pubescens) during a severe summer drought. New Phytologist, 131(2), 159-167.

David, T. S., Gash, J. H. C., Valente, F., Pereira, J. S., Ferreira, M. I., & David, J. S. (2006). Rainfall interception by an isolated evergreen oak tree in a Mediterranean savannah. Hydrological Processes: An International Journal, 20(13), 2713-2726.

Drake, C. (2011). Biomimicry: emulating the closed-loops systems of the Oak tree for sustainable architecture.

Schmid-Siegert, E., Sarkar, N., Iseli, C., Calderon, S., Gouhier-Darimont, C., Chrast, J., … & Reymond, P. (2017). Low number of fixed somatic mutations in a long-lived oak tree. Nature Plants, 3(12), 926-929.

By Zack DeAngelis
December 3, 2021

What To Do With Pine Trees? 21 Pine Wood Uses

Pine trees are one of the most absolutely beautiful wonders of nature on the planet. Even better, they grow quite well in many environments and are readily available for many uses. The wood has properties allowing it to be resistant to elements often found within nature.!

Pine trees are fantastic growing trees in the spruce family. They have plenty of uses from decoration to construction. Some common uses include sap production, resin production, building furniture, and in-garden use. Pine trees can be used for firewood and even as ornamental trees as well.

Read on to learn more about what some advantages to growing/using pine wood are, and some great things that you can do with pine!

What Are the Advantages Of Pine Wood?

Pine trees are hardy trees. Typically, they are grown in the Southern Hemisphere and are grown agriculturally for timber. The trees are loved for their fast growth.

Some of the properties of pine wood are:

Stiffness
Workability
Resilience
Resistance to rotting

Because of how readily available this wood is, it is also relatively inexpensive when compared to harder woods like oak. Pine is considered softwood; therefore it provides less wear and tears on carpentry tools.

The stiffness of the wood is important for the integrity of buildings. If the wood was flimsy. The building is more likely to rot away into nothing.

Due to its lighter weight, it is easier for somebody to move the wood around than it would be if it was heavier wood. This makes it much easier to work with.

You can even save money on wood by harvesting trees from your property. You turn it into the wood for building by either finding a mobile lumber mill or buying one yourself! One great example of a home mill is the Carmyra Portable Chainsaw Mill.

What Should I Do With My Pine Wood Chips?

During the processes of turning pinewood into paper and wood planks, or even cutting a tree down, byproducts are created like wood chips. Wood chips are good for a ton of uses:

Use Pine Wood Chips For Mulch

Mulch is important for many reasons. Mulch helps retain moisture in the soil, prevents weeds, and fertilizes your plants. Pine wood chips in their own right are able to absorb moisture quite well.

So, if you’ve recently been logging pine wood or have even had some cut down in your yard, you can use the scraps from the wood (the wood chips) as a mulching agent!

You can even mulch using the spent bedding as a way to provide extra nutrients to your plants!

Pine Wood Chips Make Excellent Compost

Composting with wood chips is a fantastic way to help reduce waste, create wonderful compost, and save money.

Use your wood chips as the brown part of your compost mix, and then save food scraps, leaves, grass clippings, and animal waste as your green material. You can use a composter such as this Miracle-Gro Small Composter.

You can also build your compost bin using pine wood to build three compartments. This allows each compartment to always be in different stages and thus allowing you to have a constant supply of compost.

Make sure to use a finer chip for your compost as this will speed up the decomposition process. Larger chunks will not harm your compost but will take longer to break down.

Hugelkulture Pine Wood Chips

According to Oklahoma State University Extension, Hugelkulture is a sustainable and economical way to garden! Hugelkulture means, mound culture, or hill culture. The premise of this style is creating mounds of organic matter. A good hugelkulture design with self-watering and self-fertilizing.

Wood chips are a perfect resource to build mounds. They will decompose, creating lush compost in your beds!

Pine Wood Chips Make Great Animal Bedding

According to UMass Extension, commercial pine bedding has a variety of uses, Including animal bedding! The chips help by absorbing moisture and odor and eventually break down.

Because of its pricing, pinewood chips make wonderful animal bedding. Unlike cedar chips, pine chips do not agitate animals’ noses. More pungent woods like cedar can irritate the sinus cavities of your animals, so using pine is a wonderful way to keep your animal’s housing clean as pine absorbs urine well.

Many people use a deep litter method when raising livestock like chickens. Instead of continuously scooping their coop, they pile more bedding on top, occasionally turning it over to help aerate the underlying layers. This creates an environment similar to a compost pile.

After a few months of deep littering, pine chips should break down into rich compost for your garden!

Use Pine Wood Chips To Cover Pathways

Pathways within a garden can often become overgrown with grass and weeds. Many choose to lay landscape fabric; however, this is not environmentally sustainable.

Using pine chips is an economical way to cover your garden walkways to prevent overgrowth. Make sure to replenish the layer as the chips begin to break down.

Cover Play Areas With Pine Wood Chips

If you have ever been to a park, you know that the playground is often filled with mulch. An economical way to fill your kids’ play area is with pine chips.

You can get free wood chips by contacting your local arborist or signing up for ChipDrop, which is a service for finding free wood chips near you.

A warning, however, is that ChipDrop usually supplies you with a lot of wood chips, so if you do not need a lot, purchase your wood chips commercially. You can also purchase a chipper such as the Sun Joe Silent Wood Chipper for yourself on Amazon!

What Can You Make Out Of Pine Wood?

Pinewood is loved by all for many projects! Due to its versatility, affordability, and availability, it is the choice for many for their work.

Here is a wonderful Beginner’s Guide to Woodworking!

Make Pine Wood Furniture

Woodworkers love working with pine wood. It is an easy and inexpensive wood for beginners and makes fantastic furniture. It is not as hard on tools, absorbs stain and paint well, and holds up as furniture.

Some kinds of furniture built out of pine are:

Tables
Beds
Chairs
And many more

Pine provides a clean medium for most projects and a lovely solid piece of furniture. Dressers made from pine have been handed down as family heirlooms for generations.

Furniture making is a skill many enjoy learning. Many furniture companies as well love using pine wood pieces because of how versatile the wood is.

Use Pine Wood For House Trim

Housing trim is usually made of pine. This is due to its cost. It stains and paints well, providing a clean trim inside and outside the home.

Time is typically used around the ceiling, door frames, and windows. It helps hide where the drywall meets. Floorboards are also usually made of pine as well.

Treated pine trim outside can hold up for years. It is aesthetically pleasing for most homes as well!

Use Pine Wood Plywood

Commonly, plywood is made from pine. Other kinds of wood such as fence boards, two-by-fours, and most other commercially available wood are made of pine. This is because of its hardiness and availability.

Using treated plywood is a great way to make things like chicken coops and animal pens. It is a relatively inexpensive build and can be used by even the beginner Craftsman. Pine holds up well to the wear and tear that comes with raising livestock.

Make A Deck Out Of Pine Wood

Deck boards are commonly made of treated pine. A sealed and treated pine wood deck should last well over ten years. Pine makes a fantastic wood for this project because like all other projects, it is a common wood.

Once the deck is put in, one should seal their wood with a sealant, like Thompsons Water Seal. It is important to do this because it helps maintain the integrity of the wood and prevents rotting.

Keeping your deck boards sealed and cleaned will prevent any rotting.

Use Pine Wood Flooring In Your Home

Hardwood floors are a beautiful addition to any home! Caring for a hardwood floor can be tricky, but once you get the hang of it, it is worth it. Pine is a very neutral wood to use for this project!

Pine flooring gives a nice look with its knotting and grain. Many favor it just for its look. It can be stained to give it a darker look as well. Of course, hire a professional to install the floor and get a proper stain to give your pine wood the best tint possible.

Use Pine Wood For Siding

Pinewood does fantastic as siding! Typically they are used as sheets for the siding and treated. Another way to use it as siding is through logs on a log cabin. Your entire house can be built from pine!

Usually, siding is nailed on piece by piece. However, you can buy panels.

Pine Wood Can Be Used For Decorations

Some artists use pine wood as a medium. Whether they paint on it, cut slices and make charcuterie boards, or do wood burning.

Pinewood makes a great medium to make decorations for your home!

Some people use pine to make butcher blocks. This can be used as a cutting board or even as decorations.

Wood burning is a fun craft for most people to do. It is relatively inexpensive to get into and the most common wood to use is pine. You can cut pinewood from your trees or purchase it from any craft store.

What Is Pine Wood Commonly Used For?

Pine wood is the main character when it comes to building materials; however, pine has many other uses other than building a home. It is a main crop in the forestry industry because of its demand in the industry.

Often, people go to school to learn to grow pine wood in forestry services so they can make a living. According to information from Mississippi State University Extension, Pinewood is a major crop in the United States.

Pine Wood Is Used For Paper

Pine wood makes sturdy paper. Paper mills carry in thousands of pine trees a year to produce paper by the ton. The wood is turned into pulpwood, whose final product is paper products.

Use Pine Wood For Outdoor Firewood

Do not burn pinewood indoors. This is due to it producing excessive smoke and alkaloid content; however, pine can make wonderful wood for bonfires.

The smoke will quickly dirty your chimney. Make sure before burning any wood inside your fireplace, you make sure your chimney is clean and free of soot.

Ashes from the wood can be used for things as well. Insects hate it as well as it provides natural fertilizers for plants. Wood ash also helps raise the pH of the soil.

Pine Wood Is Used As Building Material

As detailed above, pinewood is the superior building material. This is the main use of pine trees in the United States. It is just one of many uses for this versatile tree.

This wood is used as the main framing of a house. Pine wood planks are used to build the bones of the home and plywood is often used for subflooring.

This creates a strong shell for a house that should last decades!

Use Pine Wood For Gardening!

In gardening, pine is used in many ways. Wood chips, garden boxes, and pine straw are important to every gardener.

Pine makes great garden boxes and pine straw is a great mulch for plants, the only downside to pine straw is how long it takes to break down if you are attempting to compost it!

Some people even take pine wood and use it inside their garden beds to fill their raised beds before adding soil on top of that. This is an economical way to have raised beds. Over time, the wood will rot and create compost to feed the plants.

Another use in the garden is using logs to build fencing and raised beds. There is no need to cut the logs into planks as many enjoy the rustic look. The logs will break down so it is not a permanent solution.

Using Pine Wood In Farming

In the agriculture industry, pine is used for various tasks such as making fencing. Logs are cut to make posts and fence boards. Pine chips, sawdust, and shavings are used for animal bedding. Plus, farmers grow the trees as a crop.

Christmas tree farms are a lucrative business. Many farmers create a tree farm and turn it into agritourism. This creates a double profit as many families enjoy going and cutting a tree.

Farming Christmas trees is a passive income since you only sell the trees once a year. However, it can be a wonderful way to make extra money for Christmas time.

Tree farms take years to produce. During this time, pine straw is harvested from underneath the trees. The straw is harvested and baled like you would hay, and sold to nurseries everywhere.

This makes pine trees a cash crop. Not only is it a cash crop, but it is a more versatile cash crop than growing trees such as oak, because with oak trees you can only use the wood.

That allows people to use their pine trees as a means of making money by selling them for decoration purposes, while waiting for the trees to mature enough to harvest the wood.

What Are Some Other Common Pine Tree Uses?

Pinewood is a very valuable material in carpentry. It can be used to make high-value wood items such as wood frames, windows, doors, etc. On top of this, pine trees can also be used to many many other things such as sap and resins.

Many think of pine trees as wood and straw. There are, however, many other products made from pine trees and their wood.

Pine Nuts Can Be Used For Food

Pine nuts are the seeds produced by the tree. This is made in recipes such as pesto! People also eat the inner bark, needles, and pollen of the tree. It is often seen as survival food since trees are prevalent.

The trees can also be fed to various animals such as goats. Rabbits also enjoy the pine cones that fall off the tree. Christmas trees that aren’t treated are often donated to zoos to feed their animals after the holiday season.

Pine Trees As Ornamental

When you think of pine trees, chances are you think of the ones that create pine straw and lumber. However, pine trees and Christmas trees are in the same category. Christmas trees are farmed for decoration in homes every holiday season.

The branches are also harvested and used to make wreaths and other decorations. Pine cones are also turned into decor for year-round enjoyment!

Use Pine Trees For Landscaping

Planting pine trees can make a wonderful addition to your landscaping. They grow well and provide an interesting plant for your yard. With the right kind, you can even decorate it for Christmas every year!

That’s A Wrap!

Pine trees are versatile and fast-growing trees. The tree itself makes many products, including paper and wood. Renowned for its agricultural uses and its uses in gardens including making garden beds and pine straw.

Pinewood makes a fantastic mulch. Mulch is important and keeping a garden. Weed-free and well-watered.

If you have a pine tree and it isn’t growing, make sure to check out our guide on why your pine tree isn’t growing and how to fix it.

References

“Eastern White Pine Fact Sheet – Signs of the Seasons: A New England Phenology Program – University of Maine Cooperative Extension.” Signs of the Seasons: A New England Phenology Program, The University of Maine, 2014, extension.umaine.edu/signs-of-the-seasons/indicator-species/pine-fact-sheet/.

White Pine, Eastern, et al. Pinus Strobus Figure 1. Middle-Aged Eastern White Pine. 1994.

Chalker-Scott, L. (2017). Hugelkultur: what is it, and should it be used in home gardens?

By Zack DeAngelis
December 3, 2021

How Many Walnuts Grow On A Tree? Full Walnut Timeline

Walnut trees, most commonly English and black walnuts in the United States, are used most often for their nut production and sometimes timber. But how many walnuts grow on a tree each year?

On average, a mature walnut tree produces 50 to 80 pounds of unshelled nuts every year. Many species of walnut tree will begin producing at 7 to 8 years old but take until the 15-year mark to mature fully. Some walnut trees produce more heavily every other year as well.

We’ll be discussing how to plant and properly care for a walnut tree. This includes pointers to help your walnut tree grow! Alongside this, we will cover the full timeline of a walnut tree’s life.

Walnut Growing Season And Conditions

Walnuts have a growing season ranging from 140 to 150 days, beginning in late April or early May.

Most walnut trees require the temperature to stay above 27 to 29 ℉ while in the early stages of ripening. Walnut harvesting season is from mid-September through November.

You can tell they are ready for harvest when the hulls turn green, split, and start to fall naturally from the tree.

Despite this, there are some hardier species like the Carpathian English Walnut. These are better suited for harsh winter climates. The Common English walnut, butternut, heartnut, and black walnuts are more acceptable in milder and warmer climates. Be sure to choose the right species for your local climate!

How Long Does It Take To Grow A Walnut Tree? A Full Timeline

Say you find walnuts nearby. What’s next? How much time and care will go into growing it? How soon can you expect to harvest walnuts of your own?

While walnut trees are not the most complex to care for, they do require more attention than some others, like oak trees. However, walnut trees give back many times over in nut production what they require in care.

Starting from the top, or more appropriately the nut, let’s go through the full timeline of growing a walnut tree!

If you’d like to learn more about walnuts, read our post: 8 Differences Between Black Walnut Trees and Walnut Trees.

Day 1: Finding Viable Walnuts To Plant

Walnut nuts in green husk on tree on natural background. Growth, spring, summer, nature. Food, seed, organic, health, vegetarian.

The first step to planting your own walnut tree is finding viable walnuts. Identify a local species of walnut tree and wait for the perfect moment.

Collect your walnuts in the fall during their harvest season! Some walnuts, like black walnuts, need to be hulled and washed directly after collection. When doing so, wear protective gloves. Some walnut trees have toxic oils on their leaves and in their sap.

You might find something like the Large Nut Wizard useful for gathering numerous walnuts. You’ll need quite a few to get started, so collect as many as you see fit, within reason of course. It will also come in handy once your tree bears nuts for you to harvest in the future!

While you are washing your walnuts, discard any that may float. If walnuts float, they are underdeveloped or poorly filled. Poorly filled walnuts will not germinate properly, so keep an eye out for the ones that sink! They’ll be perfect to move on to the next step.

From the walnuts that sunk during washing, cut open a small sample. If they are full of solid, white meat, then they are viable. Non-viable walnuts will be beige and give off an unpleasant smell. Use this information to generate a percentage of viable nuts out of what has been collected.

If a large percentage of the harvested walnuts are viable, you will need fewer nuts per plot or container. Now we’re ready to move to the next stage of preparation, stratifying.

Day 1-120: Stratifying Your Walnuts

Stratification is an important, but not completely necessary, step to your walnut tree journey. It can be done in one of two ways.

Place your walnuts in a container filled with a mixture of damp sterile sand and peat moss. This aids in germination and will help ensure it is uniform later on. Place the walnuts in your mixture at 2-3inch layers and keep refrigerated for 90 to 120 days.

An example of moss would be Hoffman Canadian Sphagnum Peat Moss. It increases the amount of moisture your mixture will hold, as well as the time it will stay moist. When you’re keeping your walnuts moist for up to 4 months, dampening them less often definitely comes in handy!

While stratifying, you can use containers like coffee cans, plastic storage bags, buckets, and similar closed spaces. As long as they fit in your refrigerator, you can use them.

During this time, the sand and peat moss mixture must remain moist and cool.

The optimal temperature range for stratifying walnuts is 33 to 40 ℉. In terms of moisture, the sand and peat should be damp to the touch, but not soaked. Too much moisture may lead to molding.

This process can be done naturally as well, though it is less controlled. By planting in a similar mixture in the fall and leaving them throughout the winter, the walnuts will experience the same dormancy.

With this method, you risk a large freeze halting germination completely.

After stratification is complete, you can finally move on to planting your walnuts!

Day 1-120: Planting Walnuts In The Spring

According to the University of Missouri, there are multiple ways to plant your walnuts. These include planting in plots, creating a nursery, and planting in containers.

If you are going to plant in a plot, also known as in place, there is a bit of extra preparation. A seedbed for planting is the first step. It should be in an area that gets full sun.

You should also weed the area and keep it weed-free throughout the time it takes your walnuts to sprout.

After tilling and preparing the soil, dig 2 inch deep planting plots and place three to five stratified nuts per plot. Depending on the species, plots should be 20 to 80 feet apart.

The soil should be moist and kept moist for sprouting. Space out the walnuts in each plot as well as you will only keep the strongest ones in the future.

A nursery is another viable method for planting multiple walnut trees. Unlike planting in a plot, these will require transplanting later on. A seedbed is the first step in this method as well, though it will look slightly different.

Like before, till the soil and dig 2 inch deep holes for your walnuts. With this method, they should be 2 feet apart in rows that are a minimum of 4 feet apart.

Keep your nursery weeded and well-watered throughout sprouting and while growing your seedlings. You will transplant the seedlings the following year, which we will cover further down.

The last method, growing trees in containers, allows for the close monitoring of the nursery, with earlier and simpler transplanting later on.

Choose open bottom containers, the preferred type, or planters with sufficient drainage. The open bottom containers allow for air pruning, which helps prevent taproot circling. If you are using open bottom containers, place them on a wire bench to allow this air pruning to occur.

The potting soil you choose needs to allow free movement of water throughout the entire container. Mix in a slow-release fertilizer that will allow your walnut tree to get the proper nutrients for approximately seven to nine months.

Plant only one stratified nut per container and water daily. Container-grown trees require very careful attention and monitoring.

However, container-grown seedlings can be transplanted in the fall instead of the following spring. They can be held in containers over the winter, but be sure to keep the roots protected from freezing temperatures and insulated.

After the trees go dormant, cover them with an insulating cover or hay mulch.

Day 1- Year 1: Fertilization And Transplanting Of Your Seedlings

Keep an eye out for germination in four to five weeks. Your walnuts will begin sprouting and will require more attention.

Around mid-June in all cases aside from container planting, fertilize your seedlings with a slow-release fertilizer. Each plot should be fertilized in the first method, and fertilization occurs per row in the nursery method.

After fertilization, seedlings from the plot and nursery methods require watering once conditions become dry. Continue to water your container trees daily until transplanting. Any seedling area will need to be kept weed-free during this time as well.

For your container planted trees, the transplanting season starts three weeks to a month before the first killing frost and can continue into mid-November. If you keep them warm and covered as we discussed before, they can be held until the spring.

Weed and prepare the new planting location and start digging your walnut seedling a new home! The hole needs to be twice as wide as the root ball, and 16 to 18 inches deep, and spaced properly.

You should attempt to preserve as many roots as possible during this process. Space the holes according to the walnut species, though 30 to 50 feet is usually safe for planting at home.

Throughout this first year, monitor all of your nursery and plot seedlings to decide which ones you will keep.

The strongest growing tree at each plot, as well as your strongest nursery contenders, needs to be selected out of the bunch. Any other seedlings can be cut off below the root collar and disposed of.

You will transfer your nursery seedlings at the end of this section of the timeline. Once your seedlings are a year old, around March, the seedlings you choose to transplant need prepped.

To transplant, you will need to dig 16 to 18 inches deep around each seedling, preserving as many fibrous roots as you can.

The transplant process from here is the same as with the container-grown seedlings. Walnut seedlings will benefit from a layer of mulch 2 to 3 inches thick, kept away from the bark to prevent rotting.

Years 1-5: Growing Walnut Saplings

Once you have transplanted your saplings, the work gets lighter but does not end. Keeping the area weeded and properly watered is most important at this stage.

For the first 2 years, your saplings will need your help to get water regularly. You should water your seedlings as soon as the ground has dried completely around them. Deep watering, or watering down into the soil, will also be necessary periodically.

Deep watering can be done less frequently, around one to three times a month at the hottest point of the year, after the 2 to 3-year mark. The irrigation should occur about 2 feet deep around your tree. Walnut trees are not considered drought-hardy and benefit from this irrigation.

Pruning will also help your sapling stay healthy and grow through the early stages. This should be done sometime between the late summer and late fall. If walnut trees are pruned during the late winter or spring, it may cause bleeding or excessive sap flow.

When pruning, remove any damaged branches to prevent further spread. Thinning out crowded areas allows for more sunlight and air to reach the tree as well.

Years 5-15: From Seedling To Fruit Bearing Walnut Tree

Year 5 is the earliest your tree will begin producing nuts, though most start year 7 or 8. By the time you reach year 15, your tree should be in full production, providing the 50 to 80 pounds of nuts mentioned earlier.

When it comes to harvesting the fruits of your labor, you will know it’s time when the nuts begin to fall themselves. After you notice this, you can encourage the ripe nuts by gently shaking the limbs by hand or with something long and sturdy.

At this point, the nut collector you used to collect your initial walnut will come in handy again! After shaking, roll the cage along the ground, gathering the nuts. The quality of walnuts depreciates quite quickly, so be sure to collect them often.

Nuts lose quality faster inside their husks. If the husks remain after harvest, remove them manually. Easier to remove husks can be hand-peeled or rolled against a hard surface until they come free. For those that are harder to remove, dampen and store in an airtight container for 1 to 3 days.

All nuts need to be washed after their husks are removed to get rid of any remaining material. Walnut husks can stain your skin, so wear gloves!

Walnuts can then be dried in one of three ways between 95 and 105 ℉:

Place on baking sheets outdoors: Make sure your trays somewhere they will receive plenty of sunlight (a southern wall preferably) and wait for 3 to 4 days.
Dry on baking sheets indoors: They can be dried similarly indoors with low humidity.
Place in an onion sack: Hang indoors, but be sure to shake the bag daily to rotate the nuts.

You can tell your walnuts are properly dried when the kernels and the packing material are brittle and break easily.

Once dry, you can store walnuts for 3 months to 2 plus years depending on the storage method. Always keep them stored in a cool, dry place.

At room temperature, walnuts will keep for 3 to 6 months.

To keep your walnuts good for even longer, store them at even lower temperatures. Below 32 ℉, they last up to a year. If you store them below 0℉, walnuts may stay good for 2 or more years.

Years 15-50: Maturing Walnut Trees For Timber

Other than just nuts, walnut trees are often used for their timber. Walnut wood is very hard and sought after for projects such as furniture building.

Your tree can fit the criteria for timber sale anywhere from 30 to 80 years after planting. The longer it is allowed to grow taller, the more it will be worth. Also, the straighter your walnut tree is, it is more likely to meet the proper standards for sale.

According to the Missouri Department of Conservation, there are two types of walnut wood quality. Veneer or lumber grade are the categories your tree might fall into.

The specifications for both are quite different, but veneer trees are much rarer, raising demand for them.

Consult a forester to assist you in identifying the value of your trees.

Your Results Walnut Disappoint!

Terrible puns aside, that’s all the information we have for now! Hopefully, you have a decent concept of what and how long growing a walnut tree takes.

With time and a bit of dedication, you’ll have walnuts to spare in the future!

You may decide to keep your walnut tree for many generations to enjoy. You might also decide to continue to plant and teach them how to sell their own trees in the future. Either way, your beautiful trees will provide for you and yours for many years to come.

References:

Balandier, P., Lacointe, A., Le Roux, X., Sinoquet, H., Cruiziat, P., & Le Dizès, S. (2000). SIMWAL: a structural-functional model simulating single walnut tree growth in response to climate and pruning. Annals of Forest Science, 57(5), 571-585.

University, U. S. (n.d.). Walnuts in the Home Orchard. Extension.usu.edu. Retrieved November 4, 2021, from https://extension.usu.edu/yardandgarden/research/walnuts-in-the-home-orchard

Pecan and Black Walnut in Agroforestry Practices. (n.d.). Retrieved November 4, 2021, fromhttps://extension.missouri.edu/media/wysiwyg/Extensiondata/Pub/pdf/agguides/agroforestry/af1003.pdf

Le Dizès, S., Cruiziat, P., Lacointe, A., Sinoquet, H., Le Roux, X., Balandier, P., & Jacquet, P. (1997). A model for simulating structure-function relationships in walnut tree growth processes.

Selling Walnut Timber. (n.d.). Missouri Department of Conservation. https://mdc.mo.gov/magazines/conservationist/2013-02/selling-walnut-timber

By Zack DeAngelis
December 1, 2021

Grow Your Business with Tree Journey

Why You Should Keep Snakes Away From Your Willow

Signs That Snakes Are In Your Yard & Near Your Willow

How To Keep Snakes Away From Your Willow Tree

Using Scents To Repel Snakes From Willow Trees

Using Plants To Keep Snakes Away From Your Willow Tree

Guinea Hens: The Ultimate Snake Control For Your Willow Tree

Natural Methods To Deter Snakes From Your Willow

Will Mothballs Repel Snakes?

Reasons Snakes Are Good For Your Willow Tree

That’s All For Now!

References

Are Oak Trees Fast Growers?

The 12 Fastest-Growing Oak Trees

Japanese Evergreen Oak

Southern Live Oak

Valley Oak

Nuttall Oak

Southern Red Oak

Water Oak

Pin Oak

Coast Live Oak

Canyon Live Oak

Laurel Oak

Red Oak

Willow Oak

What Is The Best Oak Tree To Plant?

What Are You Looking For In An Oak Tree?

That’s About It!

References

Is Pure Maple Syrup Straight From The Tree?

How Is Maple Syrup Made?

Can You Eat Raw Maple Syrup (Sap)?

Is Maple Syrup Sweet Right From The Tree?

Different Ways To Eat Maple Syrup Straight From The Tree

Get Maple Sap Fresh From The Tap

Drink Maple Sap In A Carbonated Drink

Boil Sap To Enhance The Sweetness

Make A Fruity Sap Drink

Make Maple Sap Hot Chocolate

What Trees Can You Tap For Sap?

When Is The Best Time To Tap A Tree?

That’s All For Now!

References

Black Walnuts Are Wild, English Walnuts Come From Orchards

Black Walnut Hulls Stain

Black Walnuts Have The Highest Protein Content Of All Nuts

Black Walnuts Are The Only Wild Nut Tree

English Walnuts Are Generally Grown For Food, Black Walnuts Are Generally Grown For Their Wood

English Walnuts Originated From Persia, Black Walnuts Are Native To North America

Black Walnuts Have An Incredibly Tough Shell, English Walnuts Have A Thin, Soft Shell

Black Walnut Trees Grow 75-100 Feet Tall, English Walnut Trees Grow 40-60 Feet Tall

That’s A Wrap!

References:

Are Aspens And Quaking Aspens The Same?

9 Differences Between Aspen And Quaking Aspen

Aspen & Quaking Aspen Leaf Difference

Aspen & Quaking Aspen Bark Difference

Aspen & Quaking Aspen Height Difference

Aspen & Quaking Aspen Width Difference

Aspen & Quaking Aspen Common Range

Aspen & Quaking Aspen Preferred Environmental Conditions

Aspen & Quaking Aspen Seed Dispersal

Aspen & Quaking Aspen Average Longevity

Aspen & Quaking Aspen Name Differences

What’s So Special About Quaking Aspens?

Wrapping Things Up!

References

Blue Spruce Tree Basics

Requirements Of Blue Spruce Trees

Growth Of Blue Spruce Trees

Blue Spruce Tree Roots

Picking The Right Blue Spruce Variety To Keep It Small

6 Steps To Keep Your Blue Spruce Tree Small

1. Get Your Tools And Plan

2. Prune Dead And Large Blue Spruce Tree Branches

3. Eliminate Undesirable Branches Off Your Blue Spruce Tree

4. Prune Your Blue Spruce To Create A Small Shape

5. Prune Your Blue Spruce To Keep It Small

6. Maintain Your Blue Spruce Tree’s Health Over Time