Wise, David, Watershed Restoration Group, Stroud Water Research Center, 970 Spencer Rd., Avondale, PA, 19311, dwise@stroudcenter.org;
Stroud Water Research Center is testing the following topics at the Ware site in SE PA. Data after three growing seasons are now available.
Mowing frequency: Stroud Center mows buffers at least 2x per year for at least three years as a cost of ~$1200/acre. Could we reduce mowing and reduced costs? Reduced mowing also protects natural tree regeneration. Findings: reduced mowing led to significant mortality on many plots.
Solving tree flop syndrome: Some tree species grow so fast that top growth exceeds stem strength, causing trees to flop over. Once they flop, solutions are difficult. Tests include five ideas to reduce flop. Findings: too soon to tell. Trees are only now getting to size where flop occurs.
Testing a new shelter design with a large opening at base of shelter: Some say shelters protect trees from rodents by acting as a physical barrier. Others suspect a large opening may deter rodents by not providing a fully enclosed space where they feel safe. A large opening could have other benefits:
– allow birds to escape
– avoid need for nets and the tangled tree tips they often cause
– increase air flow/water stress, perhaps reducing tree flop
Findings: Initial results on this single site are encouraging. We’ll do additional trials.
Methods for flood-prone areas: Floods often break wooden stakes that support tree shelters. Plots test 1) fiberglass stakes, which bend over but restand after flooding and 2) larger trees (above deer browse) that avoid use of shelter or stake. Findings: Buck rub ruined nearly all larger trees in year one. Only limited flooding has occurred to date, with fiberglass stakes working as hoped.
Methods in reed canary grass (RCG): RCG is highly competitive and causes buffer failures. Plots test utility of a one-time herbicide application to suppress RCG prior to installing stone mulch. Findings: Does not appear useful/necessary.
Methods for multi-stem shrubs: Multi-stem shrubs valuable but are hard to protect from herbivores. Plots test:
– 4’ tall fencing of groups of shrubs
– 5’ shelters on individual shrubs
– individual shrubs protected with 18” diameter welded wire cages, with 4’ tall and 5’ tall variants.
Findings: Fencing groups or individual shrubs produces healthier forms than 5’ shelters, which tend to make shrubs leggy and floppy.
forested buffers, restoration methods, research