Creating & Tending Backyard Woods

7 January 2009

Virginia Cooperative Extension, Charlottesville/Albemarle County Office
460 Stagecoach Road, Charlottesville, Virginia 22902
phone: 434.872.4580   fax: 434.872.4578

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Do you have some backyard woods or a few acres you would like to be a natural area? While you may enjoy your woods for the privacy it offers or knowing that it gives a home to some wildlife, it can be much more. You can influence what happens in your natural area by better understanding what you have, what you want and available tools to help you accomplish your goals. For example, did you know that by selecting certain trees for firewood, you can improve wildlife habitat, improve the scenic value, and regenerate young trees, all at the same time?

The U.S. population has grown increasingly urban each decade, from 28 percent in 1910 to 80 percent in 2000. In the Chesapeake watershed alone, residential development is predicted to consume 800,000 acres between 2003 and 2030, nearly 90 percent of it replacing farmland. As urban communities grow larger and faster than ever before, natural resource management in these areas becomes crucial for achieving sustainable development and maintaining and enhancing the quality of life and the environment.

Ecological Services

Trees provide ecological services that include 1) reduced air pollution, 2) storm-water control, 3) carbon storage, 4) improved water quality, and 5) reduced energy consumption.

Trees reduce air pollution by trapping particulate matter in their leafy canopies and by absorbing noxious pollution into their leaves. The particulate matter is eventually washed away with rain. Absorbed pollutants are incorporated into the soil after leaf fall where they are broken down by microbes. These actions reduce human health problems related to air pollution. Tree canopies also intercept large amounts of rain, reducing the amount of runoff that is discharged into streams and rivers and extending the time that a watershed has to absorb rainfall. This reduces flooding and erosion. As trees grow they accumulate biomass that absorbs carbon and nutrients, locking them into a biological cycle that keeps them out of the atmosphere and hydrosphere. The storage of carbon reduces the greenhouse effect that is linked to problems of global climate change. Absorbed nutrients stay out of water bodies where they would otherwise harm fish and other aquatic species.

In summer, trees ameliorate climate by transpiring water from their leaves, which has a cooling effect on the atmosphere. At night, when the earth radiates heat back into space, temperatures often drop to the cooling or dew point, when water vapor, some of which is produced by trees during the daytime, condenses. This releases latent heat back into the atmosphere. When groups of trees intercept sunlight and use it for photosynthesis, they shade roads, buildings, and other structures, and they help reduce energy consumption.

Social Benefits

Benefits to society are harder to quantify, but that does not mean they are less important than the ecological services that trees provide. Societal benefits include increased job satisfaction, faster recovery time for hospital patients, and improved child development. For example, hospital patients who have a view of trees out of their window recovered more quickly than patients who did not. Similarly, employees who could look out their office windows and see trees and nature were happier at work. Both of these have dollar values, like lower health-care costs and increased worker productivity, but it is harder to assign an exact dollar amount to them. Properly placed and maintained trees have even been shown to reduce crime and enhance cognitive development in children.

Many outdoor recreation activities, such as picnicking, hiking, or even just sitting on a back porch are more enjoyable in and around trees. Trees provide homes and are an important component of habitat for many wildlife species. Observing wildlife in community nature parks is one of the fastest growing forms of outdoor recreation in the United States.

Aesthetic Value

The aesthetic value of landscape trees can be measured by determining how property values increase for yards that have trees in them. Property values can increase as much as 20 percent when trees are present on the land. The monetary value of an individual tree can be determined by an experienced appraiser. Tree appraisal considers a variety of factors such as the species, size, condition of the tree, and its location in a landscape. Such a monetary appraisal is often made when a court of law must determine how much money a homeowner is owed if someone vandalizes a tree on his or her property. Large trees can increase property value up to 20 percent. Taking care of such trees is critical to realizing their values.

Three workshops are being offered to equip owners of 1-10 acres to learn how to manage existing natural areas and or create new natural areas. The workshops will use the newly published manual, The Woods in Your Backyard: Learning to Create and Enhance Natural Areas Around Your Home. This full-color 139-page manual helps you to identify your goals for your land, and walks you through the steps to achieve them. Whether you are interested in converting lawn to forest, creating wildlife habitat, or providing a useful outdoor space for your family, this book is for you.

The workshops are being offered in several locations and in two formats, full-day or two half days, for your convenience. Please call the phone number associated with each location to register or seek more information.

* Rappahannock Co. (Library) (540)675-3619	Feb. 18, 1:00 - 4:00 PM and Feb. 25, 1:00 - 4:00 PM
* Greene Co. (High School) (434)985-5236	Feb. 25, 6:30 - 9:00 PM and March 4, 6:30 - 9:00 PM
Nelson Co. (Nelson Center) (434)263-4035	March 7, 9:00 - 3:00
* Fluvanna Co. (Community Center) (434)591-1950	March 26, 2:00 - 4:30 PM and April 2, 2:00 - 4:30
Albemarle Co. (Extension Office) (434)872-4580	March 21, 9:00 - 3:00

*These workshops are 2 sessions, separated by a week for homework completion.

The workshops will take participants through the manual to demonstrate how to use it and provide ideas on how to share it with others. A Resource CD will also be available. Attendance is limited and pre-registration is required. To register, contact the respective Virginia Cooperative Extension office in the host county.

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For more information about this and other landscape topics contact your local Virginia Cooperative Extension office. The local Virginia Cooperative Extension office numbers are Albemarle 872-4580, Fluvanna 591-1950, Greene 985-5236, Louisa 540-967-3422, and Nelson 263-4035.

Spring Lawn Care

25 February 2009

Virginia Cooperative Extension, Charlottesville/Albemarle County Office
460 Stagecoach Road, Charlottesville, Virginia 22902
phone: 434.872.4580   fax: 434.872.4578

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As the weather warms up, many homeowners will be anxious to get out and start working on their lawns. The sight of new grass growing often inspires folks to run out and spread fertilizer to help the young blades along. This is actually the opposite of recommended practices for fescue and bluegrass lawns. The proper time to fertilize these grasses is in the fall, when the roots that will sustain the plants through the following summer are actively growing. Even if the fall feeding was missed, any spring feeding should be limited to a light feeding (1/2 pound of actual nitrogen, i.e., 5 pounds of 10-10-10, per 1000 sq. ft.) after the initial flush of growth has subsided, probably sometime in May or early June.

Lime, on the other hand, could be applied in early spring, if soil tests show that it is necessary. Most lawn grasses grow best at a soil pH of 6.0 to 7.0, so have your soil pH analyzed every two to three years to be sure you are staying in that range. The soil test results will include recommendations on how much lime to apply.

The best time to establish a new lawn from seed is in the fall, but many homeowners will want to re-seed patches of lawn that have been damaged during the winter. Seed sown during March and early April will have a chance to grow successfully if it is well watered and cared for, from seeding on through the heat of summer. Ideally you would water approximately once a week throughout the summer to provide enough water for the root system. Care includes fertilizer on newly seeded grass using a high phosphorus fertilizer (e.g., 25 pounds of 5-10-5 per 1000 square feet when patch seeding) to foster root growth.

There are many varieties and types of grass seed from which to choose. Your local county Extension Agent can supply you with a publication that discusses the latest recommended varieties of turf grasses in Virginia.

When your lawn requires its first cutting, be sure not to cut too short. Mow to about two inches during the spring, and then raise the cutting height another half inch when summer arrives. Mow frequently so that no more than one third of the grass blade is removed at one time to keep the grass healthy.

Along with the grass, several undesirables are probably growing in your lawn. The best prevention for a weedy lawn is to provide such great growing conditions that the turf crowds out the weeds. If the weeds are sparse, use that early spring energy to hand pull some of those perennial weeds. There are chemicals that can be used if you have more weeds than energy. If you choose to use herbicides, be sure to apply them when they will have maximum impact on the weed population. Follow label directions closely for information on time of application and safety precautions.

Apply pre-emergent herbicides beginning in March to control crabgrass. Crabgrass generally emerges about the time of dogwood bloom, and the pre-emergent herbicides used to control it will not affect crabgrass if it is applied to crabgrass that is already up and growing.

Spraying for dandelions is most effective in fall, but spring spraying of a broadleaf weed killer will control many of them. Be sure to spray when the weeds are actively growing rather than during drought conditions. When spraying any herbicide, use a different sprayer from the one that you use to apply insecticides or fungicides. Mark it "HERBICIDE" so it will not inadvertently be used for other purposes, which may result in herbicide residues damaging valuable plants.

If you mow your own lawn you might want to tune up your mower before you need to use it. If you are planning to ask a local shop to do this for you now is the time to get on their schedule so you are not waiting in line while the grass is growing up to your knees.

March is still a little early for insect control, so after taking care of the few necessary lawn chores for early spring, you can relax and save your energy for summer mowing.

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For more information about this and other landscape topics contact your local Virginia Cooperative Extension office. The local Virginia Cooperative Extension office numbers are Albemarle 872-4580, Fluvanna 591-1950, Greene 985-5236, Louisa 540-967-3422, and Nelson 263-4035.

Spring Lawn Care

25 February 2009

Virginia Cooperative Extension, Charlottesville/Albemarle County Office
460 Stagecoach Road, Charlottesville, Virginia 22902
phone: 434.872.4580   fax: 434.872.4578

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After visiting the Norfolk Botanical Garden two weeks ago I was thinking how nice it must be to have mild enough temperatures to grow camellias without fear of frost damage or a late snow like we had last week. Camellias are among the finest shrubs for southeastern Virginia where mild winter temperatures prevail. In February you can find many of them in full bloom in Norfolk.

The common Japanese camellia, Camellia japonica, is the most widely planted species. Over 2000 varieties are available that have originated as a result of sports, seedlings, and hybrids. The plants are moderately hardy (hardy in Zones 7 to 9) and may be seriously damaged when the temperature drops lower than 10 degrees above zero. Some hardy varieties, such as 'Lady Clare' (dark pink) and 'White Empress' (white), are available that may be grown in the cooler central and western parts of the state.

The camellia is an evergreen shrub that may grow to a height of 25 feet. The lustrous, dark-green, leathery leaves are 4 inches long, making the camellia a fine landscape plant even when not in bloom.

The flowers, which range in color from white to pink and red, are from 3 to 5 inches in diameter. They are borne on different varieties from September until April. In cool localities, the selection should be confined to varieties that bloom from September to November and in March and April. The flowers may be single, semi-double, or double.

Camellia sasanqua is considered less dependable than the Camellia japonica in the cooler sections of Virginia (also hardy in Zones 7 to 9). This evergreen shrub is more loose and open than the common camellia. It has leaves about 2 inches long, and plants grow to a height of 20 feet. Sasanqua camellias bloom only from late October through December. The flowers are mostly white and single and are 2 to 3 inches in diameter.

In our Zone 7 areas it is important to choose a protected site such as against a wall or in a protected yard. Also be sure to select cultivars based on cold hardiness if you want them to survive. Camellias are among the best shrubs for planting in partially shaded locations, especially under tall pines. Select a well-drained, sandy loam soil, with a slightly acid pH of 5.5 to 6.0. Space plants at least 6 feet apart to allow the shrubs to develop their natural form.

Soil moisture should be conserved by using a mulch of peat moss, pine needles, or bark or wood chips. Apply additional water during periods of dry weather to promote vigorous growth.

Light applications of a 10-10-10 fertilizer may be used to maintain dark-green, attractive foliage. Do not use more than one cupful per plant in early spring when growth starts.

Camellias grow very slowly. They require very little pruning except for the removal of damaged branches and long shoots that detract from the attractive form of the shrubs. The pruning should be done in early spring after the coldest winter weather is past and the blooming season is completed.

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For more information about this and other landscape topics contact your local Virginia Cooperative Extension office. The local Virginia Cooperative Extension office numbers are Albemarle 872-4580, Fluvanna 591-1950, Greene 985-5236, Louisa 540-967-3422, and Nelson 263-4035.

Home Water Quality

18 February 2009

Virginia Cooperative Extension, Charlottesville/Albemarle County Office
460 Stagecoach Road, Charlottesville, Virginia 22902
phone: 434.872.4580   fax: 434.872.4578

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In Virginia, we rely on reservoir systems, wells, and other sources for our freshwater. In recent years, our previously plentiful clean water supplies have been threatened not only by overuse, but also by contamination. Pollutants are carried down with water soaking through the soil to the water table. Runoff (water that does not soak into the ground) flows over the surface, often taking soil and polluting chemicals with it into lakes and streams.

Home lawns and landscapes may contribute to this water pollution when homeowners apply pesticides and fertilizers carelessly. By using pesticides and fertilizers properly and only when necessary and following recommended landscape practices, you can do your part to protect our lakes, streams, and drinking water for the future.

Whats in YOUR Water?

Water is one of the four basic essentials for survival:  Food, Water, Shelter and Space.   Our national food supply is tested and scrutinized by the federal government.  But who tests our water?  If you have a well, spring or cistern for your water source, no one does.  Is that bad?  Not necessarily.  Each new well has to be tested and pass as safe, before an Occupancy Permit can be issued.

Virginia Cooperative Extension along with the Biological Systems Engineering Department at Virginia Tech are working together to provide low cost water analysis to educate those who are interested about their own water system.    The goal of the Virginia Household Water Quality Program is to improve the water quality of Virginians with private water supplies, such as wells, springs and cisterns. These Drinking Water Clinics are being held in counties across the state to give people with private water systems access to affordable water testing, to help with interpreting their water test results and information about possible treatment options.

How does it work?

Participants attend a short, evening Kickoff Meeting, where they receive information about how to collect water samples and a sampling kit.  At this meeting, participants will be notified of a date, time, and location where they will drop off their water samples.  At this collection point, the samples will be iced in coolers and taken to the Biological Systems Engineering Water Quality Lab at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg for analysis.  Once the analysis is complete, an Interpretation Meeting is held to distribute the results to each participant.  At this meeting, water test results are explained, and information provided about possible treatment options participants may consider.

All participant information is kept strictly confidential.

What does the water test include?

Iron	Manganese	Sulfate	Chloride
Sodium	Copper	Nitrate	Hardness
Fluoride	pH	Saturation Index	Total Dissolved Solids
Coliform bacteria	E. coli bacteria

How much does it cost?

$46  This payment covers the cost of one sampling kit.  The analysis provided would normally cost more than $200 at a commercial water testing laboratory

There are three separate opportunities to participate in this area, dates and times are listed below.  To register for any of these please call your local Extension office for more information, the phone numbers are listed below.

Schedule for Albemarle Private Supply Drinking Water Clinic:

	Date and Time	Location
Kickoff Meeting	March 2, 7-8 p.m.	Albemarle High School Auditorium at 2775 Hydraulic Road, Charlottesville
Sample Drop-off	March 4, 7 a.m. to 10 a.m.	Albemarle County Office Building at 1600 5th Street, Charlottesville
Interpretation Meeting	April 1, 7-9 p.m.	Albemarle High School Auditorium at 2775 Hydraulic Road, Charlottesville

Schedule for Fluvanna Private Supply Drinking Water Clinic:

	Date and Time	Location
Kickoff Meeting	March 23, 6-7 p.m.	Effort Church Family Life Ctr.
Sample Drop-off	March 25, 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.	Effort Church,  Rt. 618 Entrance
Interpretation Meeting	April 20, 6-8 p.m.	Effort Church Family Life Ctr.

Schedule for Greene Private Supply Drinking Water Clinic:

	Date and Time	Location
Kickoff Meeting	April 13, 6-8 p.m.	William Monroe High School (Cafeteria) 254 Monroe Drive in Stanardsville
Sample Drop-off	April 15, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.	Greene County Cooperative Extension Office, 10013 Spotswood Trail in Stanardsville
Interpretation Meeting	May 13, 6-8:30 p.m.	William Monroe High School (Cafeteria) 254 Monroe Drive in Stanardsville

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For more information about this and other landscape topics contact your local Virginia Cooperative Extension office. The local Virginia Cooperative Extension office numbers are Albemarle 872-4580, Fluvanna 591-1950, Greene 985-5236, Louisa 540-967-3422, and Nelson 263-4035.