Evening Tree Walk is June 18 at NCTA

June 5, 2019

By NCTA News and NE Forest Service

An evening “campus tree walk” will be Tuesday, June 18 at the University of Nebraska’s agricultural campus in Curtis so the public can learn more about tree and plant care.

Horticulturalist Tee Bush is hosting “Coffee with a Forester” and welcomes Nebraska Forest Service Southwest District Forester Rachel Allison to the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture for the tour.

“Rachel will lead the tree walk to discuss how to observe changes in trees, review disease and insect problems, and describe proper tree growth and care,” said Bush.  There is no charge to attend.

Allison is based at the University of Nebraska West Central Research and Extension Center in North Platte.

“With the abundant snow and rain this spring, it might seem that trees should be doing very well,” Allison said. “For trees however, often it is the seasons and years before that can lead to problems in a tree.”

Rainy and cool spring weather can bring fungal problems. Previous dry summers can cause top dieback, and planting trees too deep can cause trees to develop suckers or even to lean.

“Good tree health depends on good root establishment and proper tree care,” says Allison.

Visual signs of problems might include wilting, thin foliage, dead branches in the canopy, or discolored leaves.

Participants will meet at the NCTA Agriculture Industry Education Center, Siminoe Avenue and University Road at 6 p.m. and begin the walking tour soon after.

“Occasionally people wonder what is wrong with their trees,” Allison said. “It’s important to learn what is naturally occurring and what might become a concern in trees.”

Advance registrations are requested in order to prepare materials and refreshments, Bush said.

Please call Catherine in the NCTA Dean’s Office at 308-367-5200 by June 17 to register for the Coffee with a Forester.”