USDA Service Center

1441 East M Street, Suite B

Torrington, WY 82240

Goshen Conservancy

Late Fall 2011

nORTH PLATTE VALLEY, LINGLE-FT. LARAMIE, SOUTH GOSHEN

Torrington Middle School 7th graders enjoyed time on the North Platte River in early October monitoring it’s waters for World Water Monitoring Day. The youngsters tested temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, and turbidity while learning about how the environment around the river affects those elements. Southeast 6th graders participated in monitoring Bear Creek on the Kessler Ranch and spent the day learning about ranching practices.

Text Box: Windbreak Wonderland Winter can be a hazardous time for trees, particularly young trees, from heavy snow, freezing temperatures, high winds, ice storms and hungry rodents. Winter injury to shrubs and trees is definitely a problem during our Wyoming winters. Hopefully, you have taken time this fall to prepare your trees for winter?! Trees change from using energy acquired from photosynthesis for leaf and bark development in the summer to root growth in the fall. Typically, root systems will grow if the ground is 40-45° F. Still, fall is the best time to cut back on watering and harden off your trees. Reduction in watering prevents excessive late growth which can be damaged by an early frost. During dry winters, trees and shrubs should be watered at least once a month during the day when the temperatures are above freezing. Evergreens such as pine, fir, spruce and juniper require water year-round and should be watered once a month during the winter. Avoid excessive watering because water stimulates tissue growth which is sensitive to cold. Winter winds cause excessive transpiration or foliage water loss of evergreens. You will notice drying out and browning of needles. Evergreen wind damage can be minimized by using tree protectors. The Conservation District has tree protectors made from black mesh that are easy to install and available year-round depending on inventory. We recommend installing tree protectors on newly planted evergreen seedlings for 3 years or until the seedlings have outgrown the protectors and are established. Some young, thin-barked deciduous tree varieties benefit from tree wrap or flexible plastic tree protectors the first winter after planting. These new trees are vulnerable to animal damage, trunk scald and other environmental impacts. Be sure to remove tree wrap in the spring and make sure the flexible plastic protectors are loose around the tree trunk. Tubex tree shelters are also available from the Conservation District for deciduous species. These protect from unwanted rodents, herbicide, mowers and weed trimmers. Tubex encourages seedling growth and survival by creating a greenhouse environment within its UV translucent plastic polymer tube. Winter pruning is a great opportunity to remove deadwood, declining limbs, structural faults and/or poorly placed branches. Pruning directs growth, controls size, increases vigor and repairs plant damage. Pruning is a science and requires proper techniques. Do not prune trees until all the leaves have fallen off. Use these tips to create a Windbreak Wonderland this winter and to ensure a successful and healthy spring for your trees! Don’t forget the Goshen County Conservation District is offering low-cost seedling trees and shrubs, technical assistance and information on shelterbelts, field or livestock windbreaks, living snow fences and/or wildlife habitat areas.

Phone: 307-532-4880

Fax: 307-532-5783

goshencountyconservationdistricts.com