The Rural Voice, 2005-09, Page 73al
ly
e
s
Woodlot
Management
native species.
The next thing most people will
learn is that, depending on species,
tree seed may not be available every
year. Many species don't produce a
good crop of seed annually, e.g. seed
crop intervals for red pine and sugar
maple is estimated to be between
three and seven years and for white
oak it is from four to 10 years.
While most tree seed ripens in the
fall, an indication of the potential
seed crop can usually be gained in
early summer. If there have been lots
of flowers on the trees and conditions
have been right for pollination,
young seed should be visible by the
end of June. Obviously forecasters
need to know what to look for as
young seed sometimes look quite
different from mature seed. As the
summer progresses, development of
the seed needs to be checked
periodically since factors such as
insects or disease can cause seed to
abort or affect the quality.
Usually the quality of seed (and
resulting germination rate plus
viability of seedlings) in a good seed
year is far superior to what can be
found in a poor year. Obviously, it is
better to use seed from good seed
years if possible.
As with any seed crop, tree seed
should not be collected until it is
ripe. The timing for this varies
depending on species. Soft maple
ripens in the spring, but most other
tree species ripen in the fall with
optimum collection time varying by
species from mid-August to October.
This may vary somewhat from year
to year depending on weather. A
variety of characteristics, including
colour, size, filled seed coats, etc. are
used to determine ripeness.
In next month's column I'll
continue with discussion of seed
collection as well as growing trees
from seed.
The Huron Perth Chapter of the
Ontario Woodlot Association and the
Huron Stewardship Council are
hosting a Growing Trees from Seed
Workshop on Saturday, September
Westario Power Service Inc.
• Private Pole Line Construction
• Street Light Design & Installation
• Tree Trimming Services
• Commercial, Residential & Farm
• Free Estimates
• 24 HR. Emergency
Westario Power Services Inc.
1-866-978-2746
40 1-519-396-3485
ext. 232
www.westario.com
Over 75 Years of Experience
Put down some roots!
2006 Tree Planting Services
Reforestation Assistance
Service - Seedlings
This service provides
assistance to land -owners
who are reforesting
marginal lands or
planting field
windbreaks. Our staff
will assist you in
choosing appropriate
species and creating
a planting plan.
Plant your own
seedlings or
have us do the
planting for
you.
Roadside and Windbreak
Tree Service
This service offers larger
trees for planting along
roadsides and in
windbreaks. A variety
of tree species are
available from the
MVCA based on a
50 tree minimum
order. Call us at
(519)335-3557
for information
about the
application
deadlines for
these services
Maitland Valley
Conservation Authority
Working for a Healthy Fm'ironmenr!
CaII us at 519 335-3557
for information and
application forms.
SEPTEMBER 2005 69