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<br />The following drop-off sites accept tree waste, for a
<br />fee, from Anol(a County residents. Call for hours and fees.
<br />Elk River Landfill:
<br />22460 Hwy 169 NW, Elk River
<br />763-441-2464
<br />
<br />OAK WILT SUMMER 04
<br />
<br />Oak Trees, Oak Wilt, and Community Forestry
<br />
<br />Bur Oaks and White Oaks are the longest living
<br />trees around here. They have a large taproot and strong
<br />limbs, which provides more resistance to wind damage.
<br />They are drought tolerant and are well suited for summer
<br />shade near structures! They provide acorns for wildlife,
<br />produce high btu's for firewood, and are a durable wood
<br />with beautiful grain for boards.
<br />The difficulty with Oak Wilt results from the
<br />density of their stem growth and overlapping roots. Barl(
<br />injuries increase their susceptibility to infection by the oal(
<br />wilt fungus spores. The fungal spores can be transferred
<br />both underground through roots and overland by insects.
<br />Oaks of the same species often have grafted or
<br />joined root systems that allow the spores to be transferred
<br />through the sap in the roots. If control measures are not
<br />taken, year after year the oak wilt fungus can
<br />progressively move to adjoining trees. Red Oaks are
<br />especially susceptible and can wilt from green to brown
<br />in just a few short weeks. Bur and White Oaks, on the
<br />other hand, often take years to die after branches first
<br />exhibit symptoms. Remedial treatment and preventive
<br />chemical injections with "Alamo" are now an effective
<br />option on many Bur and White Oaks.
<br />If Red Oaks which have recently died due to
<br />oal( wilt are not removed, the oal( wilt fungus can form
<br />spore mats underneath the barl(. As the spore mats grow,
<br />they apply pressure on the bark, which will crack open
<br />and release spores. The odor of the spore mats attracts
<br />a variety of insects. As the insects contact the spore
<br />mats, the spores stick to their bodies and are then
<br />transferred to other oaks when these insects move to a
<br />new site. Bur and White Oal(s DO NOT form spore
<br />mats. Tight bark and moisture are needed for fungal
<br />reproduction.
<br />Recently dying Red Oaks can be saved for
<br />firewood if cut to firewood length and split, piled in a
<br />sunny spot away from other Oaks and completely covered
<br />with plastic all the way to the ground and secured for a
<br />year. This should contain any spores that may exist on
<br />the wood. We require oak firewood to remain covered
<br />on site for one year to avoid the possibility of moving the
<br />disease to new place.
<br />Trunks, limbs or firewood should not be moved
<br />or sold, since this may spread the infection. If the wood
<br />is not saved, it can be disposed of by homeowners at the
<br />Anol(a County wood disposal site. Homeowners can also
<br />contract with a tree service company for removal, chipping
<br />or disposal. In some cases, a City of Ramsey burning
<br />permit can be obtained for disposal.
<br />
<br />NRG Processing Solutions:
<br />13285 Hanson Blvd, Coon Rapids (Located at the
<br />Bunker Hills Compost facility)
<br />7701 Main Street, Lino Lakes (Located at the Lino
<br />Lakes Compost facility)
<br />763-767-7964
<br />
<br />Despite the disease risl(, White and Bur Oaks remain a
<br />beautiful and durable choice for planting in a yard setting. In
<br />the world of trees, the fastest growing trees [Poplar, Box Elder,
<br />and Cottonwood] are the shortest lived. Oal(s often are slow
<br />growing, but with water, compost and wood chip mulch to help
<br />their establishment, they may add a couple feet a year, and
<br />outlast most other trees. Red Oaks will not form root grafts
<br />with Bur and White Oal(s. By spacing your plantings away
<br />from other Oal(s, and after construction activity, avoiding injury
<br />and pruning May to September, the disease risl( is greatly
<br />lessened. A good planting strategy is to mix a variety of species
<br />if you have space and like trees. By including Oaks in your
<br />planting plan, and participating in the Oak Wilt Control Program,
<br />you will help maintain the legacy of aging Oaks in Ramsey's
<br />community forest.
<br />If you have questions about landscaping with trees,
<br />tree diseases, planting or pruning you can call Bruce Bacon,
<br />Environmental Specialist, 763-433-9813.
<br />
<br />For more information regarding Oal( Wilt please visit:
<br />www.na.fs.fed.us/spfo/pubs/howtos/ht oakwilt/toc.htm or
<br />www.saintmarys . edu/ ""'ri ensen/ios .html
<br />
<br />~ ~I FREE DOLLARS
<br />~V~
<br />~~ INTO SENSE CLASSES
<br />
<br />Anol(a County Extension Service Staff and Dollar
<br />Works Volunteers will present Free Dollars Into Sense classes
<br />on November 16 and December 21, 10:00 a.m. at the Bunker
<br />Hills Activities Center (550 Bunl(er Lake Blvd, Andover) and
<br />again at 7:00 p.m. at the Northtown Library (711 County Rd 10
<br />NE, Blaine). To register, call the University of Minnesota
<br />Extension Service, Anoka County, at 763-755-1280 at least three
<br />days prior to the class you wish to attend. Classes will cover
<br />budgeting and address credit issues, tracl(ing expenses, mal(ing
<br />a spending plan, goal setting and how to get help.
<br />
<br />It s your point of view that decides what you see.
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