MARCH 2014

In this Issue:

2 Letter from the President

3 Walnut Twig Beetle

4 Calendar of Events

8 Managing Vine Hazards

10 Ice Storm Refresher

12 What A Cold Winter Vortex Has Wrought

20 36th Annual Arborist Day

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Dear Fellow MAA Members:

As winter mercifully draws to a close, we can begin to focus our attentions on a safe and productive spring and summer. The MAA has been busy as usual. I would like to thank all the event organizers, sponsors, and attendees that made our Annual Winter Seminar yet another information-packed and successful meeting. Special thanks to Bob Mead, who spearheads this project for MAA annually. Next year’s dates are January 13 to 15.

The MAA has been notified of two bills before the General Assembly (reintroductions from last year) to address the Tree Expert License sharing issue. These bills seek to limit the ability of one to share the LTE credential with persons outside his/her own company. As of publication of this newsletter, one bill has passed. Please refer to your electronic Legislative Update for full details. In other legislative matters, the MAA is currently working with

A Letter from the President

Dear MAA Members:

On behalf of the MAA Board of Directors, I’m pleased to announce that your Association has chosen to support the U.S. National Arboretum (USNA) in their efforts hosting the 2014 MAC-ISA Tree Climbing Championships to be held April 5, 2014.

Don’t miss this!

Watch other professional climbers compete for prizes in five different events in specially-selected trees on the Arboretum grounds. Along with the climbing there will be:

• Educational exhibits

• This region’s outstanding vendors, exhibiting their newest innovative equipment

• Children’s activities (including kids’ climbing)

• DC’s best food trucks

• Demonstrations of our profession’s leading edge climbing techniques, opening our eyes to new ways of doing our work more efficiently

• Substantial foot traffic for the exposure of your skills, services, and more.

A Letter From the Membership Chairperson

DNR on the regulations for the new CEU requirement to the MD Tree Expert License. We’ll also keep you posted on the progress on this new program.

Please check out our calendar of events for the upcoming 2014 Arborist Day Project on April 26th and the Spring Pest Walk on May 28th at Stevenson University in Owings Mills. Also, many more educational events are found on the calendar page of the MAA website, www.mnarborist.com

Stay safe!

Best,

John Davis President, MAA ISA Board Certified Master Arborist Certified Pesticide Applicator MD Licensed Tree Expert

MAA needs your help in making this year’s event a showcase for our association. You have the opportunity to share your skills, expertise, and passion for tree care with a very receptive audience. You have the opportunity to be associated with a professional, respected and prestigious regional event.

We’d like to share this special event with MAA Members. Please note, however, that openings may be limited. If you wish to attend, become a participant in support of this venue, or discover more about the entire Tree Climbing Championship, visit the MAA web site mdarborist.com (view event details on the calendar page) or contact Scott Bates, MAA’s ISA Liaison at (703) 550-6900 or Steve Castrogiovanni, Past President at scastrogiovanni@meadtree.com.

Steve is also serving as head judge at this year’s competition.

We hope you’ll join us at this uniquely prestigious venue in support of the MAA, MAC-ISA, the USNA and the Tree Climbing Championships.

Sincerely,

Robert Stanley Membership Committee Chairperson

Robert

John

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Walnut Twig Beetle (Pityophthorus juglandis) is an insect pest of walnut trees. It was first detected in Virginia in 2011 and has recently been found in a trap in Cecil County, Maryland.

This woodboring beetle is native to the southwest US and does not kill the native walnuts in that area. As its range has expanded, it is spreading a fungal pathogen, Geosmithia morbida, which causes 1000 cankers disease. This disease kills walnut species including the black walnut.

This insect pest has been identified by USDA-APHIS as a serious threat to US Agriculture and Natural Resources. The Maryland Department of Agriculture is working on a response and action plan. The MAA will keep members abreast of established protocols for dealing with this pest in Maryland, as soon as such procedures are announced.

Source: Pest Tracker – Exotic Pest Reporting http://pest.ceris.purdue.edu/pest.php?code=INBQTOA

Other Resources:

ThousandCankerDisease.com http://thousandcankerdisease.com/index.html

USDA – Forest Service Pest Alert – Thousand Cankers Disease

Walnut Twig Beetle—Pityophthorus juglandis

From fertilizers to plant protectants and agronomic services, we are dedicated to providing our clients with trusted solutions to today’s arboriculture challenges. Check us out at www.fisherandson.com

800-262-2127 • Family owned since 1928

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March 25, 2014Invasive Species Training/ Hands on Lab Location: 1114 Shawan Road Cockeysville, MD Contact: UMD Extension, 301-596-9413 www.extension.umd.edu/ipm

April 5, 2014MAC-ISA Tree Climbing ChampionshipLocation: National Arboretum Washington, D.C.Contact: MAC-ISA, 703-753-0499www.mac-isa.org

April 15, 2014CPH Basic ExamContact: MNLA, 410-823-8684www.mnlaonline.org

April 26, 2014MAA Arborist Day Location: Mt. Olivet CemeteryFrederick, MDContact: MAA, 410-321-8082www.mdarborist.comoffice@mdarborist.com

May 28, 2014MAA Pest WalkLocation: Stevenson UniversityOwings Mills, MDContact MAA – calendar pageoffice@mdarborist.com www.mdarborist.com

June 14, 2014MAC-ISA Day of SafetyLocation: Rockville, MDContact: MAC-ISA, 703-753-0499www.mac-isa.org

June 19, 2014MGGA Summer Tour and PicnicLocation: Tidal Creek Growers Davidsonville, MDContact: MGGA, mdgga1@gmail.comwww.mdgga.org

July 10, 2014LCA Certification Written TestLocation: Johns Hopkins UniversityContact: LCA, 301-948-0810www.lcamddcva.org

July 15 - 17, 2014MAC-ISA Certification CourseLocation: Morgantown, WVContact: MAC-ISA, 703-753-0499www.mac-isa.org

August 2, 2014 LCA Certification Hands-On TestLocation: Agricultural History Farm Park (Derwood, MD)Contact: LCA, 301-948-0810www.lcamddcva.org

August 6, 2014Bio-Control ConferenceLocation: Maritime Institute, LinthicumContact: MGGA www.mdgga.org

Calendar of Events 2014 - 2015For a full and updated calendar of events, and to find registration information and event links, please visit the MAA website at www.mdarborist.com

October 7, 2014CPH Basic ExamContact: MNLA, 410-823-8684www.mnlaonline.org

January 13 – 15, 2015MAA Winter SeminarLocation: Turf ValleyContact: www.mdarborist.com

February 5-7, 2015South Carolina Horticulture Industry Market Place and Seminars Location: Myrtle Beach, SC 29206Contact: SCNLA 803-743-4284www.scnla.com

February 5, 2015The Eastern Shore Pest Management ConferenceLocation: Salisbury, MDContact: Ginny Rosenkranz, 410-749-6141

MARYLAND ABORIST ASSOCIATION LICENSE PLATES AVAILABLE

The Maryland Arborist Association sponsorsa special state-issued license plate that displays the MAA logo, featuring the Wye Oak. Your $50 contri-bution will cover the MVA fee of $25 and provide $25 towards the MAA education fund.

If you are interested in purchasing this special plate, place your order through the MAA website, www.mdarborist.com. Near the bottom of the homepage you will find a link to the order form. Order Yours Today!

Just $50.

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The CTSP program, sponsored by TCIA, allows one or more key employees at a given company to become certified tree care safety experts. Certification is achieved upon successful completion of a training workshop and exam. Achievement of CTSP empowers and encourages a culture of safety within one’s organization. According to TCIA literature, the CTSP program helps protect employees/coworkers, prevents accidents and save lives, lowers costs, improves morale, and increases production.

For more information on this program, visit the TCIA website. http://tcia.org/training/ctsp

Congratulations to the following individuals who successfully completed the CTSP training at the MAA Winter Seminar this past January.

Marc Andrew Conaty, CTSP DiSabatino Landscaping & Wilmington, DE Tree Service, Inc.

Aaron B. Garver, CTSP Davey Tree Expert Company Baltimore, MD

Kolby Corrigan, CTSP Davey Tree California, MD

Scott Beard, CTSP Frederick Tree Company Inc. Frederick, MD

Haralampi Chopev, CTSP Bartlett Tree Experts Gaithersburg, MD

Michael L. Degregorio, CTSP Bartlett Tree Experts Gaithersburg, MD

James W. Harris, CTSP Wood Acres Tree Specialists Kensington, MD

Glen Eric Baker, III, CTSP Baker Tree Services Inc. Thurmont, MD

Joseph High, CTSP American Tree & Stump Removal Fayetteville, NC

Tim Snell, CTSP Snell Tree Experts, LLC Kipling, NC

Leslie Kent Raiser, CTSP Horgan Tree Experts Berwyn, PA

Chris J. Petitto, CTSP Bartlett Tree Experts Pittsburgh, PA

Mike Morrell, CTSP Delchester Tree Service West Chester, PA

Matthew Fuller, CTSP Thrive, Inc. Reston, VA

Caleb Nottingham, CTSP Thrive, Inc. Reston, VA

Kevin R. Clark, CTSP River City Tree Care Richmond, VA

Andrew Dunavant, CTSP TrueTimber Tree Service, Inc. Richmond, VA

Robert J. Holiday, Jr., CTSP Davey Tree Expert Company Richmond, VA

Jonathan C. Irvine, CTSP Bartlett Tree Experts Roanoke, VA

Todd A. Hagadone, Jr., CTSP Bartlett Tree Experts Springfield, VA

Kyle Babicky, CTSP Wachtel Tree Science & Service, Inc. Merton, WI

Daniel J. Barwinski, CTSP Wachtel Tree Science & Service, Inc. Merton, WI

Certified Treecare Safety Professional

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Vines are neat,Vines are cool,Sometimes they make me a fool,They hide bees, wasps, decay, splits & cracks along the bole,And occasionally even a hole,Maybe to avoid a surprise,I should get another set of eyes,

By R. Muir 2014

In all seriousness, vines are a hazard that we often taken lightly. Over the past 6 months vines have been implicated as one of the root causes of two incidents that I know of and probably many more that you know.

Typical vines found in our area are poison ivy, wisteria, bittersweet, ivy, Virginia creeper, trumpet creeper, honeysuckle vine, and kudzu to name a few. Some have little “feet” or “discs” to hold on to the tree while others twist and wind around the tree. In some areas the vines actually connect tree canopies from one tree to the next. Vines such as bittersweet can “choke” the tree by restricting diameter growth and in some cases leaving indentations in the trunk.

So how do vines affect the day-to-day arborist?

A pre-climb inspection should be performed by each climber or aerial lift operator before ascending into a tree. The inspection includes checking personal protective equipment (PPE). Climbers should check their climbing saddle, rope, positioning lanyards, and other gear you intended for use in the tree. Aerial lift operators should check the lift as directed in the manufacturer recommendations.

Once the inspections are completed you would then visually check the tree and site from the ground for potential hazards. Hazards could include but are not limited to:

• Dead wood • Rain, snow, or ice covered branches• Damaged limbs• Branch stubs, dead branches• Abnormally large amount of dead branches• Weak branch unions• Poor tree architecture• Cankers, decay• Cracks and splits• Root problems (severed roots, paved over, soil grade

change, etc..)• Root, butt, or stem rot indications• Multiple defects• Animals, wasps, bees or birds in tree• VinesAs you ascend into the tree the visual inspection of the tree would continue.

On the above list I have noted vines as a potential hazard. Vines can be a nuisance and serious impediment to the task at hand when you consider for a moment what vines can do.

Some vines are capable of re-directing cut pieces of wood if they are not cut. In arborist terms, a vine may act like another rigging rope in the crown. The vine will pull on the wood moving it another direction or releasing the wood (similar to a rope breaking) in an undesirable direction.

Managing Vine Hazards

Figure 1 - Notice vines throughout the understory and throughout the tree canopies

Figure 2 - Could this be a problem?

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Vines also add additional weight to the tree’s structure, which with the added weight of snow and ice can cause stress cracks and even tree failures. Compensation for vine weight can be seen as additions of tension and compression wood to the tree along with an alteration of the trees natural bending or flexing point.

Vines can also hide indicators of hazards or hazardous conditions such as:

• Signs of rot – hiding mushrooms and other conks, depressions and swelling along stem• Soil mounding – a sign the tree is failing• Cracks, splits, and cavities• Loose bark• Stinging insects & squirrel nests• Dead & weak branches• Electrical wiresSo next time you see a vine in the tree, take a few moments to look at the vine and see what it may be hiding. Those few moments may save your life.

Additional Information

Davis, Dennis. 2005 National tree climbing field guide: 2005 edition. Tech. Rep. 0567-2819-MTDC. Missoula, MT: USDA Forest Service, Missoula Technology and Development Center. 88p. ■

Ron Muir MAA Safety Committee Chair

540-431-9122

Figure 3 - An extreme vine issue with Kudzu

T h e M a r y l a n d a r b o r i s T a s s o c i a T i o n

Thanks – to our generous sponsors.

Georgetown Insurancewww.georgetowninsurance.com

Winter Seminar SponsorsAltec • American Arborist Supplies • American Test Center • Direct Solutions

Mauget • John Deere Landscapes • Newsome Seed, Inc.Rainbow Treecare Scientific Advancements • Security Equipment

White Oak Sponsors

Vermeer Mid Atlanticwww.vermeermidatlantic.com

Chesapeake Employers’ Insurance Companywww.ceiwc.com

Gambrills Equipment Co. www.sawdocmd.com

Moran Insurancewww.moraninsurance.com

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This year several ice storm events have hit our area. Some of us are still receiving calls from clients regarding damage to their trees. Unfortunately, folks in the field will be seeing ice related tree damage for the next year or more.

Ice storms can vary considerably in severity and frequency within a region. These storms are the result of super cooled rain that falls and freezes on contact with surfaces. The sur-face has to be below the freezing point for the ice to glaze the surface and start to accumulate. Ice accumulations can increase branch weight by up to 30 times the normal weight. Strong winds associated with an ice event can sub-stantially increase potential damage due to added weight caused by the ice loading. Ice formation on trees can be a trace amount up to an inch of additional stem or branch diameter. The important thing to remember regarding trees and ice accumulation is that wood strength seems less important than the relationship between the tree branch’s weight bearing capacity and the ice accumulation. In basic terms, trees with a conical shaped crown (ex. sweetgum) will show less damage as opposed to trees with a more open crown (ex. silver maple). Other characteristics which predispose trees to ice damage include: dead and decaying branches, included bark, broad crowns, and fine branching.

Damage from ice storms can range from light - where small branches in the crowns are broken - to heavy damage. Heavy damage to trees is often characterized by trees that have been snapped off, uprooted, or, in the case of smaller trees, bent over in a “U” shape. As the ice melts some of these smaller trees will “spring” back and others will re-main bent over or leaning.

The first step in any storm is to assess the damage. Before you get to the door – put on your PPE! The most impor-tant part of the assessment is your safety. Make sure you see the whole tree – look for loose or broken branches (widow makers) in the crowns, leaning trees, splits, cracks, and soil mounds to name a few. These broken branches, splits and cracks in the stem and branches offer new avenues for entry for insects and decay organisms – so beware.

Look for immediate hazards: dead trees, leaning trees, trees with broken or cracked stems, uprooted trees, and any large dead or broken limbs still attached to the tree. Watch for branches, trees and wires that are pinned down to or near the ground under tension from other trees. Immediately after the storm many of the trees and wires under tension may be hidden by snow and ice. Take your time to get the whole picture of what you are looking at. If power lines are involved call the power company. They can help make the job safe for you and your crews to work.

As the professional tree expert use your assessment to make teachable moments to explain proper tree care and how the tree damage might have been avoided with a little preven-tative maintenance.

Lastly, with thunder storm and hurricane season approaching, remember storm work is dangerous.

Additional Information

Forest Recovery Bulletin 3 - Ice Storm Recovery. Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food & Forestry Services. 2014. Available from www.forestry.ok.gov.

Hauer, Richard J., Weishen Wang and Jeffrey O. Dawson. 1993. Ice Storm Damage to Urban Trees. Journal of Arboricultural 19(4). 187-194p.

Hauer, Richard J., Mary C. Hruska, and Jeffrey O. Dawson. 1994 Trees and Ice Storms: The development of ice storm-resistant urban tree populations. Special Publication 94-1. Department of Forestry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL. 61801. 12pp

Identifying Hazardous Trees. Alabama Cooperative Extension. Available from www.aces.edu/ucf/documents/ProfessionalHazardTreeRiskIntro.pdf

Tree City USA Bulletin 2 – When A Storm Strikes. National Arbor Day Foundation, 100 Arbor Ave, Nebraska City, NE 58410. 1988. Available from http://www.na.fs.fed.us/spfo/pubs/uf/sotuf/chapter_4/appendix_a/appendixa.htm. ■

Ron Muir MAA Safety Committee Chair

540-431-9122

Ice Storm Refresher

Figure 1 - Prevalence conditions for ice storm formation based on ice loading districts (Hauer, Hruska & Dawson 1994).

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Figure 2 - Ice accumulation in Frederick County MD from February ice storm.

Figure 3 - Further investigation?

Figure 4 - Aerial view of Hurricane Ivan damage

Licensed Tree ExpertsCongratulations to the following persons who recently passed the Maryland Licensed Tree Expert Exam:

Eric GoodrichChristopher DorrellClayton HarmonRobert HershbergerBrian VachalekBryan MarksLynette ScaffidiSteven DarrowG. Dean Wood IIAndrew BerraDavid FirstmanMark Shekletski

Andrew StablerBrian ButlerDiane KnightonDoris KoehlerWilber Maldonado LariosKatherine MillerJohn Miller, JrSteven NagyRobert RieckAlexandes SaglDavid SeaverAaron TenleyGeoffrey Thill

Maryland DNR Tree Expert Exams

The Maryland Licensed Tree Expert Exam schedule for 2014 is as follows: (All are held on the 2nd Wednesday of the month)

April 9May 14June 11July 9August, No ExamSep 10Oct 8Nov 5 Dec 10

All tests are administered at DNR Headquarters in Annapolis. Pre-registration is required. Please call Ms. Romcesa Estep at 410-260-8531 or visit: www.dnr.state.md.us/forests/programspps/newtreeex-pert.asp, for an application.

Note: You will need to sign in at the front desk in the lobby. Valid photo ID is required for entry. Directions and parking information can be found at: www.dnr.state.md.us/map.html

Figure 1 - Prevalence conditions for ice storm formation based on ice loading districts (Hauer, Hruska & Dawson 1994).

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The winter of 2014 seems especially long this year. It is probably because we really did not get a break in weather since late November, when it got cold and stayed cold. The frequent snows of January and February were great for snow removal fees but it tired out workers with so many snow removal hours in a row. Spring will be a welcome event whenever it finally decides to stay warm enough to dry the ground out and get plants breaking bud.

A hot, dry California, a wet, cold England, a warm Alaska, a cold central Florida - what a wild winter America and Europe have experienced this winter! Why? Because of something called a shifted ‘polar vortex’. Before this winter, most people never heard of a polar vortex. The polar vortex, which is normally tucked away much closer to the Arctic, has swept down several times this winter, bringing cold temperatures and snow to large segments of the U.S. east of the Rocky mountains. Florida has seen several freezing temperature dips this winter and Georgia was caught completely off-guard in late January with snow and cold temperatures. The news media published pictures of cars sliding off roadways in Georgia with 2 – 3” of snow. There were major shortages of road salts in the south by the end of January.

Contrast this weather to the summer of 2013 which was the fourth- hottest year on record. Meteorologists have been predicting we will have wild weather pattern swings and more violent weather. It looks like they were right on the money. Why did we have a colder than normal winter? The polar vortex has been pulled south by an unusually extreme jet stream, which some scientists have suggested will happen more frequently in a warming world. This also has an impact up north which results in the far north being much warmer than normal.

Alaskans are used to cold winters, not warm winters. In Alaska there is a major roadway called Richardson Highway that runs to the port city, Valdez. This winter the roadway suffered a series of avalanches that buried the road 40 feet deep in January of 2014. While the winter temperatures got really cold down in the lower 48 states, it got really warm in Alaska. Instead of snow it started to rain in January. Temperatures at the tops of the mountains were approaching high 40s, even 50 degrees, and rain. That destabilized the snowpack that’s there every year resulting in incredible snow slides.

Even England was impacted with this weather shift. Winters in England are usually cold and misty with lots of cloud cover. This winter has had record settings

periods of heavy rain making winter even more miserable than normal in most of England. In California this weather pattern is resulting in an extended drought for California with Governor Jerry Brown declaring a drought emergency. This is actually the third year of major drought in California.

The mid-western part of the United States suffered temperatures in sub-zero range for extended periods of time. Grape growers and apples growers in the mid-west have reported major damage on bud wood in orchards and vineyards. Temperatures fell to unprecedented levels, and consequently low temperature records were broken across the U.S., leading to business, school, and road closures, as well as mass flight cancellations. People receiving their heating bills in February were stunned and fuel prices reached all-time highs. There were shortages of wood stove pellets and firewood prices climbed upward in February. In late January and early February, several restaurants reported reduced traffic of customers who apparently did not want to go out in the extreme cold periods. Is this sounding like a disaster movie?

Record amounts of de-icing salts were applied to roadways and sidewalks. Many landscape companies started the winter using the plant safe de-icing salts such as calcium chloride. As the cold periods continued the calcium chloride supplies dried up and many people applied sodium chloride which is much more damaging to plants. Some landscape companies found supplies of potassium chloride in the south that they started using in February to keep the ice in check. On visiting one of the big box stores I found they had moved water softener salt to the front of the store to sell to customers to melt ice on their home sidewalks and driveways. This material is good old sodium chloride. Several landscapers told me the price in the beginning of the winter was $4 for 50 lbs of sodium chloride and by February the price had jumped to $9 per 50 pound bag.

The highway departments in Maryland reported by the end of January they had applied over 280,000 tons of salts to Maryland highways. Cars were caked in a fine white powder that persisted for weeks on end. This was good news for car wash businesses and they were doing brisk business this winter. It was a great photo opportunity to shoot pictures of plant material covered with salt residues that looked like decorative snow flocking. (See photo page 13)

I should mention that road deicers often consist of both salt and sand, with the salt component consisting mostly

What A Cold Winter Vortex Has Wrought

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(98.5 percent) of common sodium chloride with traces of other mineral salts.

I could not find accurate figures of how much salt went down on sidewalks and parking lots but it was a lot. The worst part was this extended winter cold required repeated applications, sometimes 3 or 4 times a week, in January and February. Purdue University reports that nationwide each year, more than 15 million tons to de-ice sidewalks, walkways, and driveways.

There is an enticing book published entitled “Salt” that reviews the history of salt in modern society. I know it sounds deadly boring but the book is a delight to read. Salt for centuries was the essential material to preserve food and used as an important food spice. Nations went to war over ownership of lands rich in harvestable salts. Many cities were established near salt mines to supply this valuable mineral. Salt, in ancient societies, was the equivalent in importance of oil and other fossil fuels, in our current societies. It is rather humorous to think we now use salt to keep us mobile in our modern societies.

The benefits of using salt to prevent cars from sliding and people slipping and lawyers getting richer cannot be denied. The salt use also has a darker side – it is not beneficial to plant material. Salt’s toxic impact on plants has been known since ancient times when it was used for biological warfare to destroy an enemy’s fields and crops.

Why are salts toxic to plants?First off, calcium chloride (melts ice down to -25 F) and potassium chloride (melts ice down to 12 F) do the least damage to plants but the chloride can cause some damage to plants. The mostly commonly used salt, because it low cost, is sodium chloride. When sodium chloride dissolves in water, the sodium and chloride ions separate. When this happens, the sodium ions in the salt replace the other nutrients in the soil that plants need (potassium, calcium, and magnesium), so these nutrients are unavailable to the plant. When this occurs, plants may develop deficiency symptoms, particularly those associated with potassium deficiency.

Salt also absorbs the water that would normally be available to roots, which dehydrates the roots, changes their physiology, and causes additional plant stress.

Back to the chloride - roots absorb the chloride ions and transport them to the leaves, where they accumulate and interfere with chlorophyll production and photosynthesis.

An alternative de-icing product, that does little detectable damage to plants, is calcium magnesium acetate (CMA), a salt-free melting agent made from limestone and acetic acid. It is effective in melting salt down to 0 Fahrenheit. It costs more, so the lesser expensive materials are used on most highways and sidewalks. It is probably a good idea to stock up material like this for upcoming years.

It often difficult to diagnose salt damage on deciduous trees and shrubs, while plants are still dormant. Unfortunately, damage symptoms show up later in the spring and early summer. Usually, leaf buds facing the road are killed or are very slow to break dormancy and bud and leaf out in spring. Flower buds facing the road or sidewalk often fail, but the unaffected side of the tree or shrub flowers normally. Plants such as maples, redbuds, hornbeams, dogwoods, beech, crabapples, sycamore and London plane, cherry, oaks and shadbush are very sensitive to salt damage. In evergreens, damage usually appears in late winter as needle browning that starts at the tips. White pines are very sensitive to high salt levels. White pine plantings have been growing in popularity in the last 10 years and many are planted near roadways where salts splash into root zones.

(continued on next page)

14In March you can take soil samples and check the soils for salt levels. Sample areas near parking lots plants and near sidewalks where run of the salts is likely to occur.

Salts Happens – so What Can You Do for Your Customer? Additives to the soil such as organic matter, activated charcoal, and gypsum can help with rectifying soil salinity problems. However, these are not quick fixes and if the salinity levels are extremely high, no amendments will reverse the situation. All additives, regardless of the material used, need to be incorporated into the soil, usually in the root zone. This need to incorporate the amendment is one of the limiting factors in using soil additives to mediate salt problems. Although a few reports suggest surface applications can be helpful (particularly for gypsum), the general consensus is that the additives need to be fully incorporated into the soil in order to be effective. Since plants growing in soils rich in organic matter show increased tolerance to salt, a program to increase organic matter in areas prone to road salt is a good preventative plan.

Gypsum (CaSO4• 2H2O) is the most common additive used to counter salinity problems associated with sodium chloride. Gypsum separates into calcium and sulfate in the soil. The sulfate forms sulfuric acid in the soil and helps to neutralize any effect that calcium may have in raising the soil pH. The calcium replaces the sodium on the cation exchange sites. The sodium and sulfate form sodium sulfate (NaSO4) which is a product that can be leached from the soil with water. Rates for gypsum applications depend on the salinity of the soil. However, rates in the

range from 10 – 50 lb per 100 sq ft of root zone of the plant.

How About Cold Injury? The temperatures in January and early February dipped several times to the single digit range. Plant material that was at the edge of the hardiness zone will likely show injury this spring. We would suspect that many crepe myrtles will suffer branch dieback but generally the root systems should survive. Many homeowners planted figs into landscapes and they can expect branches to dieback from the cold temperatures. Nandina and Chinese holly will likely suffer scorched foliage and dieback. Cryptomeria may show some scorching from the low temperatures.

Much of the winter cold injury will show up as plants start breaking dormancy this spring, and memories being short lived for many, people will puzzle over why plants are showing dieback this spring. We are seeing the foliage of hybrid holly and American holly with spotting on the foliage. There will a lot of leaf droppage on holly in May. Don’t worry in most cases the plants will leaf out rapidly later in May and early June.

Spring will be soon here and most people will be glad to move out of the polar vortex and move into more pleasant weather. ■

Stanton Gill, Extension Specialist in IPM and Entomology for Greenhouses and Nurseries

Central Maryland Research and Education Center University of Maryland and Professor, Landscape

Technology, Montgomery College

“The highway departments in Maryland

reported by the end of January they had

applied over 280,000 tons of salts to

Maryland highways ... road deicers often

consist of both salt and sand, with the

salt component consisting mostly (98.5

percent) of common sodium chloride”

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• Membership Directory with member search options• Up-to-date industry calendar• Classified ads which members can post and track resumes/ responses• Business resources• Shady Notes Newsletter (electronic issues)• MaGIC updates

We have answers when you have questions …

www.mdarborist.com

The MAA web site is designed for our members and is your single source for the answer to almost any question. The site is your:

• Industry calendar includes: – Event postings from organizations and educational institutions around the Mid-Atlantic region; – Resources for finding CEUs for pesticide recertification, nutrient management recertification, and general education in horticulture topics; – MAA events including the Annual Winter Recertification Seminar, Arborist Day, and more

Visit www.mdarborist.com today!

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PresidentJohn Davis, jdavis@bartlett.com 410-526-6655

Vice PresidentJeremy Bakerjeremy@antietamtree.com 301-791-3500

Secretary Steve Sprague ssprague@carrolltreeservice.com410-998-1104

TreasurerDavid Driver mail@arborx.com410-838-2999

Immediate Past President Steve Castrogiovanni scastrogiovanni@meadtree.com 301- 854-5990

DirectorsChris KlimasChris.klimas@davey.com800-505-8706

Frank Dudekfrank.dudek@arborvalleytreeservice.com443-841-7222

Maryland Arborist Association, Inc.P.O. Box 712, Brooklandville, MD 21022Phone: 410-321-8082, office@mdarborist.com

Bob Mead, meadtree@meadtree.com 301-854-5990

Executive DirectorVanessa A. Finney office@mdarborist.com410-321-8082

AdvisorsTom Rippeongrippeon@cityoffrederick.com301-600-3860

Nicholas Valentine nvalentine@lewistree.com 410-987-4815

LiaisonsMAC - ISAScott Bates, sbates@bartlett.com703-550-6900

U of MDDr. Michael Raupp, mraupp@umd.edu301-596-3626

U MD ExtensionStanton Gill, sgill@umd.edu301-596-9413

MD Forestry BoardChris Klimas, chris.klimas@davey.com301-829-6915

Maryland Green Industry CouncilFrank Dudek frank.dudek@arborvalleytreeservice.com443-841-7222

Honorary DirectorMatthew Anacker matthewanacker@aatreeexperts.com410-486-4561

OUR MISSIONThe mission of the Maryland Arborist Association, Inc. is to promote education in the field of arboriculture, to support the success of arboriculture and to promote the importance of tree care. The association will provide a forum for the exchange of information and will encourage professionalism through the collective efforts of the members.

Maryland Arborist Association Board of DirectorsJuly 1, 2012- June 30, 2014

Tree Benefits CalculatorThe Maryland Department of Natural Resources sponsors a program called “Marylanders Plant Trees. This program offers consumers a coupon towards the purchase of a new tree.

A really exciting tool unveiled with the launch of this program is a “tree benefit calculator,” which consumers or industry folk can use to quantify the benefits of planting a tree. Landscape contractors, arborists, and retailers, especially may want to be aware of this calculator, to further educate your customers on the benefits of trees.

The calculator provides data on storm water runoff intercepted by a tree, impact of the tree on property value, energy conserved by the presence of the tree, contribution of the tree to air quality, and effect of the tree on the reduction of atmospheric carbon.

To access the calculator, go to www.treebenefits.com, which is a separate page found within the Marylander’s Plant Trees website.

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Insurance Specialists for the Green Industry

Delivering Customized Insurance Solutions & Exceptional Service Since 1977

MATT SIMMONSVice President

GEORGETOWN INSURANCE SERVICE, INC. 10010 Colesville Road, Suite A

Silver Spring, MD 20901Tel: 301-681-9645 • Fax: 301-593-2590

matt@georgetownins.com

www.georgetownins.com

19New Members

The MAA recently launched its new website. In addition to its new design, the website also integrates the MAA mem-bership directory. Members may access the membership directory by executing the following process:• Go to the website, www.mdarborist.com • In the upper right hand corner, enter your username and password, and select “Go.” (Since this is a brand new system, most of you will not know your user name and password. To retrieve your username and password, click on the text that says “Forgot your password? Click here.” Then enter your e-mail address and your user name and password will be sent to you. If you do not receive an e-mail within a minute, check your spam box. If you still do not have the password e-mail, then the system does not recognize the e-mail address you are using. Give us a call in the office and we’ll let you know what e-mail address we have on record for you.)• The next screen shows your company profile. On this page you can edit any information that you need to, including changing your username and password, if desired.• On this same screen, review the menu on the left. Select “Online Directory” to access the membership directory.• On the next screen, you can enter specific search criteria, or just hit the search button, and all members will appear listed on your screen.

The site has two searchable membership directories. Members may search the full membership database, by logging in to the membership portal. Non-members

Instructions for Member Login

STArTHErE

Have something to contribute to Shady Notes? We welcome your company news and updates, or columns with your professional insight. Please e-mail any submissions you have for Shady Notes to office@mdarborist.com

Welcome to the following new members of the MAA.

Alexander’s Tree Service, LLC, Myer Kilinski

Joseph Connell

Precision Tree Service LLC, Jason Henry

Rock Creek Turf and Landscape LLC, John Miller

Charles Sedgwick, III

Find complete contact information on all MAA members via the membership portal of the MAA website, www.mdarborist.com

may view only members classified as Licensed Tree Experts, from the Consumers tab of the website. Also, please note that a full Maryland Green Industry Cal-endar is accessible from the homepage of the website. We update this calendar frequently and include many events sponsored by multiple Maryland organizations, as well as MAC-ISA and TCIA. So, if you are looking for events, remember to check this website. If you have any questions about the new website or membership directory, please let the MAA office know. The site is still brand new and we’ll be working to polish it off within the next few months. We can be reached at office@mdarborist.com or via 410-321-8082. ■

To volunteer, please complete the registration form on the next page, or online via the calendar page of the MAA website, www.mdarborist.com.

For more information, contact the MAA at 410-321-8082 or via office@mdarborist.com.

Morning coffee, juice and donuts, and lunch will be provided to all.

All participants must bring their own climbing and personal protective equipment. All gear/equipment must be up to MOSH, ANSI ZI33, and TCIA standards.

V O L U N T E E r T O D A Y !

Location515 S. Market Street Frederick, MD 21701Enter through main gates at Market Street, proceed to the right, and gather at the small chapel.

Driving DirectionsI-70 towards Frederick. Take Exit 54 toward Market Street. Keep right at the fork and follow signs for East Street/Down-town Frederick and merge onto S. East Street. Turn left onto Monocacy Blvd; the first right will then be Market Street.

Schedule for the day:

7:00 - 7:30 a.m. Crews arrive

7:30 – 8:00 a.m. Breakfast

8:00 a.m. Welcome and Safety Meeting

Noon Lunch

2:30 p.m. Wrap-up

3:00 p.m. Head Home

The Maryland Arborist Association, Inc.36th Arborist Day Project

Mt. Olivet CemeteryFrederick, MDSaturday, April 26, 2014 7 a.m. - 3 p.m.(Rain Date – Saturday, May 3, 2014)

“Mount Olivet Cemetery is located in Historic Frederick, MD and home to the gravesites of Francis Scott Key, Barbara Fritchie, Governor Thomas Johnson, the first governor of the state of Maryland, and many other notables. Known as “The Cemetery Beautiful,” Mount Olivet is one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the state and a proud member of Frederick County.”

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V O L U N T E E r r E G I S T r A T I O N F O r MThe Maryland Arborist Association, Inc. 36th Arborist Day ProjectSaturday, April 26, 2014 • 7 a.m. - 3 p.m. • (Rain Date – Saturday, May 3, 2014)

Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Frederick, MDregister online at www.mdarborist.com. Select this event from the Calendar Page.

Company Name: ____________________________________________________________________________________

Address: __________________________________________________________________________________________

City: ______________________________________________________ State: ____________________ Zip: _________

Key Contact: (Name) ______________________________ (Title) ____________________________________________

Phone: __________________________________________ Fax: _____________________________________________

Cell: ____________________________________________ E-mail: ___________________________________________ A. Please list the names and position of the people volunteering:

________________________________________________ _________________________________________________

________________________________________________ _________________________________________________

________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ B. To help us make appropriate assignments, please list the equipment you plan to bring:

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

C. Please carefully note the following:1. All personnel/volunteers must be equipped with their own climbing and personal protective equipment, and will operate under the requirements of ANSI Z133 safety standards, as well as TCIA standards of practice.

2. Participating personnel/volunteers are the responsibility of the participating firm at all times during Arborist Day and are considered covered by the participating firms’ workers’ compensation and general liability policies. The MAA will not and cannot be held responsible for any personal injury nor any other liability resulting from participation in the Arborist Day project.

As the authorized representative of my company, I have read and agree that my company and its participants will abide by the results and regulations outlined above.

Signature _________________________________________________ Date __________________________________Print Name ________________________________________________ Title __________________________________

Please return this form as soon as possible to MAA to volunteer. Fax to: 410-296-8288 or mail to Maryland Arborist Association, P.O. Box 712, Brooklandville, MD 21022

For more information call 410-321-8082 or e-mail office@mdarborist.com

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Rooted in Maryland since 1914, Chesapeake Employers’ Insurance Company works with members of the Maryland Arborist Association to provide safer workplaces that help to reduce the number of accidents and contain your workers’ comp costs.

Improve job safety and trim your workers’ compensation expenses

To learn more about workplace safety and to see how Chesapeake Employers can partner with your company,

connect with your local agent, call 800-264-4943 or visit ceiwc.com.

Members*could save

5%off Chesapeake

Employers’eligible tiers**

*Participants of the program must be members of the Maryland Arborist Association (MAA) prior to the inception date of the policy.

**Qualifying members of the MAA program must meet Chesapeake Employers’ underwriting guidelines to receive this program discount. Eligible tiers are defined within Chesapeake Employers’ underwriting guidelines. Discounts provided by this program will not apply to out of state payroll. Other States coverage available per Chesapeake Employers’ guidelines.