ginkgo
Ginkgo biloba
Gingko is a unique tree. Although it drops its´ leaves, usually all within a few days, ginkgo is more related to a pine tree than a sugar maple. This ancient specie, not changing for at least 150 million years, is a great choice for various landscape sites. Ginkgo is a large, tree with a mature height of 50 to 80 feet with a spread of 30 to 60 feet. Dwarf cultivars exist. This tree is appropriate for medium to large yards, parks, and boulevards with wider planting strips. The specie does best on sandy, deep, moderately-moist soils. There are no serious pests of this tree. The tree itself can become a pest if a female plant is chosen. The fruit is quite pungent and messy. Unfortunately, the specie does not produce fruit until at least 20 years of age. For this reason, only documented, male cultivars are recommended. Several to consider are ‘Autumn Gold’, ‘Chase Manhattan’, ‘Princeton Sentry’, ‘Saratoga’, and ‘Windover Gold.’ Native to eastern China, no one knows how long the tree may live.
Plant illustration by Jenny M. Lyverse, from Landscape Plants for Eastern North America, 2nd Edition, Harrison L. Flint Author
MCFC Annual Conference - March 8 - 9, 2006
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The Missouri Community Forestry Council annually holds an education and recognition conference. In the past, this conference has been held with the MPRA Conference. This year they have struck out on their own to provide better service to the participants. This years conference in St. Louis has many great learning sessions. The conference is appropriate for City Managers, Mayors, City Staff, Park and Tree Board Members, Arborists, Nurserymen, and Landscapers. Up to nine International Society of Arboriculture CEU’s and up to 11 Society of American Forester CFE’s are available.
The early, discounted registration postmark deadline is February 10, 2006. Full registration is $95 and $110 after the deadline. If you need a copy of the registration form, you may contact Jon Skinner ( Jon.Skinner@mdc.mo.gov, 417-629-3423) or get it from the MCFC website at: www.mocommunitytrees.com/pages/3/index.htm.
Midwestern Chapter of ISA Annual Conference - Feb. 21 - 23, 2006
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The Midwestern Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture is holding its’ annual conference in Bismarck, ND. This far off, exotic location will allow participants to be updated on shifting trends, growth patterns and invasive species adding to the stress on the urban forest. Over 10 ISA CEU’s are available. Various commercial vendors and education exhibits will also be present.
This conference is appropriate for arborists, city staff, and people interested in city trees. Obtain registration information from Jim Rocca (jr4stree@charter.net, 636-386-8733).
Garden Center Basic Training - Feb. 16, Mar. 7, 2006
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University of Missouri Outreach and Education is offering training on fertilizers and pesticides. Mis-use and over use of these products can cause water quality problems that degrade streams, ponds, lakes, and aquifers.
Trained staff can help identify the customers pest, and with understanding of the various available products and their ingredients provide better advice as to which product will work best and provide directions for its proper use. This workshop is designed to assist in working towards this goal.
This workshop in Bolivar is appropriate for nursery and garden center staff. To register ($30) contact the Polk County University of Missouri Extension Center at 417-326-4916.
Insect and Disease Workshop - February 22, 2006
Insects and Diseases are constantly looking for a tree to attack. Some are even new and exotic to our area. As tree professionals working as arborists, nurserymen, landscapers, and public servants we must constantly educate ourselves about these challengers to tree health. This workshop is being held to help you review and learn new information about harmful insects and diseases that may affect trees you work with.
Topics to be presented include current, on-going blights, wilts, declines, and insect pests and new exotic pests to our area. This free workshop is appropriate for city staff working with trees, park and tree board members, Arborists, nurserymen, and landscapers.
Held at the Walter Woods Conservation Area south of Joplin from 8 AM to Noon, this workshop has 3 ISA CEU’s and 3 SAF CFE’s approved for it. Register by contacting Jon Skinner ( Jon.Skinner@mdc.mo.gov, 417-629-3423). Space is limited to forty people.
Trees & Utilities National Conference - April 10 - 12, 2006
The Trees & Utilities Conference in Chicago, IL is the place to be to get up-to-date information on the new NERC Reliability Standards, ISA Utility Vegetation Management BMP’s, Tree Planting and Public Education, Tree Care and Vegetation Management, Utility / Community Partnerships, and Issues and Innovations in Utility Arboriculture.
This workshop is appropriate for Utility Managers, Utility Arborists, Utility Communication Specialists, City Staff, and City and Utility Decision Makers. Early Registration for $329 is accepted until March 26, then goes to $375.
Get information and to register contact the National Arbor Day Foundation (888-448-7337, www.arborday.org/programs/conferences/treesandutilities/, conferences@arborday.org).