A carnivorous tree?

It does look like this poplar tree is slowly consuming an old tree stand. We will make it a point to keep this tree out of the sawmill. The lazy hunter who neglected his or her responsibility of removing their tree stand sure left a footprint on the land for all to see.

Benefits of Mulch

Mulch:

n.

A protective covering, usually of organic matter such as leaves, straw, or peat, placed around plants to prevent the evaporation of moisture, the freezing of roots, and the growth of weeds.

Putting mulch underneath your trees can be very benifitial, however, if done improperly it can also harm your trees. By following a few simple steps, you can mulch your way to a happy healthy tree.

A sunrise with dew!

As most of us will remember for years to follow, the summer of 2012 was hot and dry. Most mornings we have had little to no dew or fog. Today proved to be an exception and the cobweb found on a dead buckthorn shrub is the proof.

"A Taste of Wisconsin" for American Forest Foundation

Earlier this month, Arington Tree Farm hosted the American Forest Foundation Board of Trustees. They met at the farm on July 9 for their Board meeting and afterwards, we gave them a “Taste of Wisconsin.” We had a delicious spread of Wisconsin cheese and beer waiting for them when they returned from a farm tour, while Chef (and Joe’s son-in-law) Joel Chesebro cooked up a delicious feast of chicken, pulled pork, salads and cherry pie – yum!

Fresh Wisconsin cheese. 

AFF Board members taking in the view of Arksarben Pond. 

A sad loss

Technically this black oak isn't a loss. However, the limb you see in the picture is a third of the tree's total foliage. That is a pretty big stress on this tree. The wound on the trunk where the branch broke off is also very large and a prime area for further decay to occur. So while the mess is all cleaned up for now, come winter the rest of the tree will come down.

Fawn on the Farm

A small population of white-tailed deer call Arington Tree Farm home. This little guy, only 1-2 months old, has been spotted around the farm drinking from the ponds and trying to keep cool in the shade!

Willows - Before & After

Did you know that willow trees are actually an invasive species? Here at Arington Tree Farm, they grow in abundance on the flatland near Mud Creek.

This past week, Arik and I have been using hand saws to trim them back from a trail they were threatening to take over. Cutting back the willows also means the young oaks will have more sunlight and nutrients to keep growing.

Check out our progress!

After 

Before

Learn more about willows here.