American elm, once an iconic species common along Vermont’s riversides and in hardwood forests (particularly wetter, nutrient-rich ones), has declined dramatically due to Dutch elm disease over the past century. But with upcoming research about naturally disease resistant American elm varieties, we’re optimistic that these trees will be restored as a healthy component of of our Vermont forests. For the past two spring planting seasons NorthWoods has assisted The Nature Conservancy and the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department in planting nearly 2,000 elms and “filler” trees of other species in riparian fields, and this summer we’re taking even more time to care for these hopeful little seedlings and saplings.
It’s a tough start for 2 to 4 foot tall trees trying to gain a root-hold in 3-5 foot tall grasses (including reed canary grass, the notoriously aggressive wetland and field colonizer). At the planting sites where competition from weeds is especially threatening, we’re visiting each tree to assess its health, pull away vines and overtopping grasses, and carefully apply a wetland-safe herbicide to competing plants to maintain growing space for the trees. While this is a challenging place for trees to establish, we’re encouraged to see that some trees from past years are thriving; the critical point seems to be growing taller than surrounding grasses and deer browsing height, and we expect our tending this season will help many more seedlings grow rapidly to be self-sufficient and become part of the future riparian forest.
Want to learn more? Have a tree planting, forest restoration or invasive control project on your own property? NorthWoods forestry and conservation science staff can advise and implement a wide range of projects. Contact us at forestry@northwoodscenter.org or (802)723-6551 extension 302.