UNIVERSITY PARK (Centre Co. ) Faced with a droopy, drab or dying tree that you recently paid big bucks for at the nursery? Chances are that the tree is struggling in a site that is ill-suited for its health, says an expert in community forestry in Penn State’s School of Forest Resources. “Too many hoiheowners go down to the garden center and buy the first tree they see, or whatever is on sale,” says Bill Elmendorf, instructor and urban community forest pro gram coordinator. “Homeowners should think in terms of how the tree will fit in the site and how it will look 10 to 20 years down the road.” Elmendorf says a little research into compatible tree species, local soils and munici pal regulations can prevent major maintenance headaches or aesthetic disappointments. “If you choose the correct species for a particular site, the tree has less chance of dying and will mature to full growth faster,” he says. “You will also save on maintenance over the life of the tree, as well as maintenance to sidewalks and curbs.” ELmendorf says understand- WE’RE #1 IN THE #2 BUSINESS • Sale • Se R - y:^k • Custom Applicatioi T*t V ; . 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Know the temperature range for your area, particularly low tempera tures. “Planting a tropical palm tree in Pennsylvania isn’t a good idea,” Elmendorf says. “Most southern trees don’t do well in northern climates. Tree species such as oak, or poplar that normally thrive in norther states may not do well if they came from southern seed sources.” • Moisture. Homeowners should estimate the amount of rainfall in their area. If the tree is to be planted in an urban set • Custom Desig complete line or equip)* the region, have years of practical hands-on experience, and offer valuable knowledge about products and the latest, most effective manure handling equipment. Call the experts. Call Mid-Atlantic. Plant Tree In Right Spot ting, ask how much water is available. “Most city trees are surrounded by concrete and asphalt and don’t get much moisture unless someone’s washing off the sidewalk,” Elmendorf says. • Soil. Most trees do well in neutral or slightly acidic soils. Trees such as red oaks, pin oaks and red maples planted in lime stone-laden alkaline soils will experience nutrition problems. “This is a problem in urban areas because concrete is full of limestone, and asphalt roads usually are built on bed of crushed limestone,” Elmendorf says. • Soil compaction. In cities and residential developments, soils are very compacted, mak ing it difficult, if not impossible, for trees to thrive. “Almost all soils in urban areas are more compacted and may be nutri tionally poor,” Elmendorf says. “I recommend digging a 4-by-4 foot hole to a depth of 4 feet and filling it with high quality top soil.” •Drainage. Elmendorf says a tree that gets too much water will be unhealthy. “Dig a hole and pour in a bucket of water,” Elmendorf instructs. “If it does- 38-838 G-6000 An excellent low cost, high quality feed storage system. 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Tank, Good Undercarriage, As Is 1997 Balzer 3,350 vacuum 23.1x26 rental 1992 Calumet 3750,1992 w/50x21-20 used Pumps 1997 Houle 42’ Lagoon Pump w/Duals Houle 42' Multi-purpose pump Houle 28” Maxi-Pump Houle 42’ Lagoon Pump on 1,000 PTO $9,500 1997 Houle 42’Lagoon SUPER PUMP, excellent for thick manure w/sand $8,150 Houle pto irrigation pumps, rental unit CALL Houle 42’ and 32’ Agi Pumps CALL Butler Lagoon Pump Working Condition $2,000 | Agri Chopper - S S Round Bale Chopper S a i Chop right through your toughest £ a material - baleage, newspaper, ” a dry hay, straw, corn fodder. TWo » a sizes available. S a _____ n’t recede an inch an hour, you’ll have problems. • Space. Elmendorf also rec ommends analyzing the growing space for trees, to make sure there is enough room for canopy and root growth. “Big trees need big space,” he adds. Homeowners also should be aware of how trees modify the climate of a home. To create shaded areas, Elmendorf recom mends planting on the east and west side of a house. “Whatever you do, don’t plant a tree on the 0 4-H HAPPENINGS 4-H Public Speaking Winners Seven 4-H members demon strated their public speaking skills at a recent 4-H communi cations contest at Delaware Valley College as part of the Bucks County 4-H Spring Roundup. Junior members (12 years and younger) had to speak for 3- 5 minutes, and seniors spoke for $24,000 $15,000 $l,OOO $15,900 $7,000 ...$7,200 $ll,BOO CALL I With the Hydro Cow Flotation ■ System you can float a down cow back onto its legs I harmlessly without using clamps, belts or chains. The ■ Hydro Cow is a natural way to ■ get a cow back on its legs using I only warm water. | - ' From: 1 Solaoco Veterinary Service 1 I 496 Solanco Rd., Quarryville, PA I . 717-7 M-1303,1-100-262-7331 . 1 717-7M-15SO Evenings 1 Lancaster Farming, Saturday, Hay 30, 1998-819 southern side of the house,” he says. “Trees on the south side prevent solar energy from reach ing the house in winter.” Elmendorf recommends con sulting a reputable nursery or qualified arborist before planti ng any trees. He also recom mends the Penn State publica tion Street Tree Factsheets, available for $2O from Penn State’s Agricultural Publications Distribution Center at (814) 865-6713. 5-10 minutes, Junior public speaking results: Andrea Keller, Springtown, received a blue merit for her speech “Four What?” which described the 4-H program. Heather Stephenson, Warminster, received a red merit for her speech on Joan of Arc. Emma Kaminski, Bensalem, received a red merit for her talk on the Seeing Eye Puppy program. Junior demonstration results: Elizabeth Burke, Langhorne, received a blue merit for her demonstration on the beanie baby leash business she and a friend started through the 4-H program. Danielle Nilsen, Hellertown, received a red merit for her demonstration about different horse markings titled “Take A Closer Look.” Carolynn Velas, Quakertown, received a red merit for her pre sentation on the 20 different col ors of horses. Senior demonstration results: Andrea Velas, Quakertown received a red merit on her presentation about dressage, a unique style of horsemanship. s i Hydro Cow Flotation Service is available in Lancaster, York and Chester Counties, and northeastern Maryland