Wissler Ranch Nature Corner

Advice From Our Ranger

May 18, 2001 Visit with Chuck Kostecka - District Forrester

Dwarf Mistletoe Management

Identify last place with mistletoe and thin out to minimize spreading
If tree is lightly infested then you may prune to remove mistletoe

For additional information on Dwarf Mistletoe see Dwarf Mistletoe Management Fact Sheet from the Colorado State University Cooperative Extension

Mountain Pine Beetle Management

Trees most susceptible to attack are those under stress from injury, fire damage, overcrowding, root disease or even old age. Look for dead trees and look at adjacent trees for infection. Best time to look for beetle infestation is in October

Beetles can be killed by:

Buring infested wood at least 8 inches deep
Burning infested wood in a fireplace or wood stove prior to next seasons emergence (July-September)
Piling and burning infested wood (not allowed in Wissler Ranch)
Mulching Infected trees and leaving in place
Infected trees can be cut and cover with clear plastic. Cut to 24 inch lengths and place side by side do not stack). Wet down logs and cover with clear plastic.
Removing infected trees from forest before August
Debarking either by machine or by hand. If done by handit is most effective in larval or pupal stage of insect development.

For additional information on Mountain Pine Beetle see Mountain Pine Beetle Fact Sheet from the Colorado State University Cooperative Extension

Tree Thinning

Remove small bent trees
Remove damaged trees

Landscape Planning

Keep soil at natural root line around trees. Do not pile dirt up around tree roots.
Do not overwater mature trees. Do not let water stand at the base of mature trees.
Leave dead trees standing if they do not pose a safety hazard. It is a good habitat for wildlife

Wildfire Mitigation

Avoid the use of junipers close to house (within 30 foot of house)

For additional information on Wildfire Mitigation see Protect Your Home From Wildfires from the Colorado State Forest Service, Fire Resistant Landscaping , FireWise Plant Materials , Grass Seed Mixes to Reduce Wildfire Hazard and Creating Wildfire-Defensible Zones Fact Sheets from the Colorado State University Cooperative Extension.

Gardening Tips

Great information on gardening from the Colorado State Cooperative Extension Service - Gardening Topics, Container Gardening, Lawns and Grasses, Shrubs, Xeriscape, Trees and Vegetables

Wildflower Links

The Colorado State University Herbarium - Colorado Flora - The flora of Colorado is unique and diverse.
Wildflowers of the Rocky Mountains - Great Photos of Rocky Mountain Wildflowers
National Parks Wildflower Links - Calendar of Wildflower events
Colorado State Cooperative Extension - Gardening with Wildflowers

Advice from our Ranger | Gardening Tips

Wissler Ranch Homeowners Association
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Last updated July 4, 2002