Canada Goose and Mallard photo taken by Terry Gray

"On February 1st, I went to the Redwood Natural Area for

the first time. It

was a very cold

but clear and sunny day, the sky and air swept clean by the Arctic cold

front that had arrived the night before. Upon reaching the river, I was pleased to see that it was filled with a flock of a couple hundred waterfowl. Northern Shovelers, Canada Geese and Mallards floated in an intermixed flock, bobbing up and down in the current. Despite my best efforts to remain inconspicuous, the birds spooked and rose in waves off the water. In the air, they assembled into formations that danced around in a few loops over the site before landing on the river again. Although I felt a bit guilty for startling them, it was wonderful to see and hear the birds take to the air. The rush of their flapping wings, the splashing of webbed feet on the water, the honking of the geese, the quacking of the mallards, and the nasal snort of the shovelers combined into a beautiful piece of music. I felt light and released after this display, energized by the motion of these magnificent birds."

Roots that grow around the trunk of a tree and cause restriction are called girdling roots. Girdling roots can diminish the movement of water and nutrients to the tree. Worst of all, girdling roots will eventually weaken and kill a tree over a period of years. 

When planting trees grown in containers, look for roots that are winding around the root ball and trim them using hand shears or a sharp shovel. Contrary to what some nurseries will tell you, when planting balled and burlaped trees it is essential that you completely remove the wire basket. You should also cut off the burlap and check for girdling roots.

Community Orchard Update

A learning Experience

By Vaughn Lovejoy