Site Discussions

We have a mature oak tree that was split by lightning about 2/3 of its total height. Some bark was lost along the edges but no girdling occurred. Our arborist says the tree can survive but recommends applying a product to keep the bugs (bark bordered and carpenter ants) from infesting and ultimately killing the tree secondarily. This seems at odds with your article but, bugs were not mentioned..  Thoughts?

A beauty of sugaring is its transparent use of technology. It is almost always easy to see and understand why technological improvements make sense in terms of efficiency of efforts, and quality and quantity of production. This makes sugaring a great topic for study with students. They can readily recognize the changes and the forces behind them; whereas when they acquire and use a new “technological device,” they can only recognize that it does “new and more stuff.” The historical scope of maple sugaring’s technology is still readily in our grasp, even as we know it continues to change.

Another good one, Dave. As small backyard producers, we want to learn from vast experience of others, before we repeat mistakes ourselves. Maple sugaring brings ROI and economies of scale into sharp focus. Technology and thinking changes fuel equipment sales. Likely will never be perfect. So yes, try-try again. Heard some folks posit that maple as a hobby is a pyramid scheme.

Growing up in the 30’s and 40’s in Albany, NY, many Nighthawks were a very common sights each evening during the Summer, along with making their “peenting” call.  In northern Canada, I first saw them making their courtship dives accompanied by an unearthly “roaring” sound. I see few anywhere these days. Anyone know why?

Thanks all for the comments - and Bernadette, lucky you to have so many caterpillars in residence! It has been encouraging to see more monarchs flying around this year.

The nighthawks are rare here, too.  I saw my first one in years early last summer, probably near its nest in the regenerating clearcut.  They do startle, during tree plant season!  So well camouflaged but the ‘hiss’ is a wake up call.

Hi!

I never tapped a maple tree before to make syrup and I am interested in learning this process. What would be the best time to tap trees in Maryland? Once I learn this process, I would like to take some low income kids in my neighborhood and show them how it’s done. Also can you boil it on top of your stove down to the syrup that you want? What is an efficient way for me to be able to do it out of my kitchen?

Thank You,
Angela Sisneros

Why does the sap run in the summer during a drought? The leaves are covered in sap at the bottom and are dying on the top. When you touch the leaves they are dry but covered with sap. It also drips on the ground. I have never seen this before. We live in Great Falls, MT.

I am thrilled to report 10 Monarch caterpillars in my yard as of yesterday!! Watching them outside and looking for more. Last year we had none here in East Randolph. Great article and website!

Maybe they should cut down the annual slaughter, and let the poor things regenerate?

This is such a fantastically written piece. Bravo. Very well said and approached in a great way.

The rapidly shrinking hours of daylight announce the change as much as the sights, sounds, and smells, and critter behavior. But often the weather can be the nicest of the year for enjoying time outdoors.

We also have it here in Washington State.

It’s mid September here in western PA and we’ve had a long stretch of nights in the 40’s. I have four pods each 24"x6” with fairly large numbers of tadpoles (mostly Hyla versicolor, possibly some Lithobates sylvaticus) & a large food supply they’ve been living well on since hatching. They’re taking longer to morph this year than others. My two concerns are that I don’t know if these 2 species can cycle through winter as others can & if so what water temp range is optimum for the process? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

My wife and I have three chipmunks that we feed…thought it might be nice to share comments with others that do the same…

I’m noticing the same thing in southern Vermont with pretty much every tree species. Bitternut hickory, beech, maple, apple, hawthorn, are all loaded with seed and that’s just what i can see looking out my office window. We had some significant drought conditions down here last summer, too.

From mild experience, about a decade, landscaping or logging firewood in winter. Chopping/chipping across grain, lowering stump, removing roots… I always used a sharp low weight axe. Splitting firewood using a maul. This being said, there’re many different variables that will make ummm… 1 man = 2 cords/day or I should have stayed in bed today. Questions: 1 what species of wood? 2 time of year?(temp and season) 3 how fat are the trunks? 4 how far transport? 5 is the wood seasoned? and my favorite… knots/bench cuts? Sometimes you may get angry at said pieces/round of wood. Fear not… that round of wood, that may contribute to a whopping 4 pieces of firewood, may not know it yet but it’s going to split. Sure I could chainsaw it a little more but where is the release of anger that I enjoy? Like driving golfballs, have you ever found yourself talking to the ball you’re about to hit? I’m just kindy reminding the jagged/slowly becoming toothpicks round what’s going to happen. The talking part is a joke until 80 or so cords. Other plusses: after splitting for a month you will definitely be stronger. Also, like in boxing, don’t punch your object right in their face… punch then to the back of their head. Continue through the firewood. Who cares if you hit your maul tip off some rocks? (Wear safety goggles)

Beautiful description of one of my favorite months. Oh, and don’t you think the leaves sound just a little different as September moves in? They sound a bit crisper with a little edge in their voice. I often think it must be some kind of signal to wildlife to get ready for the harsher season ahead.

Saw Giant Swallowtail on Labor Day in Erie, PA.

Last summer was one of the driest we’ve seen in quite a while.  This year the cedars are LOADED down with seed pods.  The branches sag with the weight as they would after a liberal dumping of snow.  Spruce, pine and hemlock trees crowns are heavy with more cones than I can remember ever seeing before.  I thought this was a portent of a nasty winter ahead, but maybe this is a result of last seasons drought. we’ll just have to wait and see.  Hmm, time to check the wood shed.