Ask The Tree Doctor - Brief Article

American Forests, Autumn, 1999

Don't know when to prune? Curious about lobed leaves? Have no fear - the Tree Doctor is here.

Q: My neighbor has been cutting down his trees because he says they shed and make a mess. I live in a crowded, overpopulated suburban area. I told him I was sorry to see him doing it, but I was wondering if you have any presentations on the value of trees. I'm not sure how to speak effectively to him.

A: Handling conflicts with neighbors can be difficult, but you could try appealing to his or her pocketbook. Tell your neighbor that planting trees around a home will conserve energy and lower the cost of utility bills. Three well-placed deciduous (leaf-losing) trees on the east, south, and west sides of a home will shade it from summer sun and lower cooling costs by 10 to 50 percent. Trees can also produce savings in cold weather. Staggered rows of evergreen trees on the northwest side of the house (or the side with prevailing winter winds) will block harsh winds and lower heating costs. And homes with trees can sell for 12 percent more than those without and sell faster and better in bad markets. For more information, see www.americanforests.org.

Q: I live in Erie, Pennsylvania, and near our pond I saw a tree that might be an ash. It had light green flowers that looked a little like a magnolia; the petals were an apricot color. I picked them and put them in water for a pretty centerpiece. The buds were a tulip shape before they bloomed. Do you have any idea what tree this is and how I could root it to grow it closer to my house?

Andrea, via e-mail

A: It's hard to say without looking at the tree and flowers - perhaps a tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera) from your flower description, although it has very different leaves. The compound leaves of the ash also could be a walnut or hickory. Magnolia has several unusual varieties as well, but it has a simple leaf and ash has a compound leaf. Your best bet is to take a sample to a local nursery or Extension agent and ask someone to identify the tree. Note the size, bark, canopy height, spread, and overall shape as well. Once you identify the species, ask about the best way to root a cutting.

Q: What is the oldest living tree?

A: Experts estimate the age of the Methuselah tree, a bristlecone pine (Pinus longaeva) in California's White Mountains, at more than 4,600 years old. The former champion was a 5,100-year-old that was accidentally cut down by a student for a research project. In light of this unfortunate incident, caretakers have chosen to keep the current champ's location a secret.

Q: If I plant an acorn, will a tree grow?

A: Maybe yes, maybe no. If you are actually contemplating trying to germinate acorns, put them in water, and if they float, toss 'em. If they sink, they may be viable. Put some in a good soil medium, keep moist, and they may sprout. If you have a yard where acorns have dropped, there may be some sprouting now.

Q: I live in Seligman, Arizona, between Kingman and Flagstaff in the northern part of the state. We have lime in the soil for 5 or 6 feet under 18 inches of topsoil. What type of pines can we grow, or what must we do to make tall pines grow in this area?

Doug miller, via e-mail

A: We suggest contacting the closest Forest Service ranger district office or the Forest Service supervisor's office in Flagstaff for the site/species-specific information you seek. They must have dealt with this situation and should have some valuable experience to share with you. Otherwise, try the nearest state forester's office or the Bureau of Land Management.

E-mail questions to janine@amfor.org or write to Tree Doctor/Pubs, AMERICAN FORESTS, P.O. Box 2000, Washington, DC 20006.