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A MESSAGE FROM THE TREE FRIENDS CHAIR

In addition to the usual work of planting, pruning, and protecting our city’s street trees, West Lafayette Tree Friends embarked on two milestone projects during 2021: Development of a five-year strategic plan Launch of plans and fundraising for a city tree nursery (the 30-40-50 project). The five-year strategic plan sets the vision for the work that will be done by West Lafayette Tree Friends to make our city a more beautiful and healthier place to live and work.  There is much work to be done in the implementation of the plan.  However, the organization now has a clear path forward and is gearing up to make the plan a reality. The city tree nursery will enable West Lafayette Tree Friends to diversify its methods for tree planting.  The supply of suitable trees has not kept pace with demand, and the costs have risen more than 60% in the last four years.  This means your donations don’t go as far, and we are not able to plant as many trees.  The city tree nursery will enable the organization to obtain trees more economically, which means more trees will be planted along the public right of way with your donations.  Trees deliver enormous benefits by absorbing carbon dioxide, making oxygen, improving air quality, filtering and absorbing rain water, providing shade that cools our homes, and providing wildlife habitat.   We need trees, and trees need us! Thank you to our donors and our volunteers.  Your support is invaluable. You are the heart and soul of West Lafayette Tree Friends.  If you would like to get involved, please contact me by email to chair@wltreefriends.org or call 765-427-2816. LET’S PLANT TREES – TOGETHER! Dennis Schlott

MEET A TREE FRIEND - BILL GASS

Bill Gass, a new member of the West Lafayette Tree Friends, brings many experiences and skills to this volunteer adventure.  His interests in native plants and trees led to his joining Tree Friends where he assists with the 30-40-50 fund raising project.  He also enjoys the fellowship and physical activity of tree pruning. A graduate of Southern Illinois University, Bill studied plant and soil science, developed an interest in weed science, and called himself “A Weed Guy.”  After graduating from college, he worked with Monsanto Corporation (now Bayer Crop Science) in the Crop Protection business, as well as other positions within Monsanto before retiring in 2020.  An enthusiastic gardener, he has a garden plot near Cumberland Park, where he specializes in growing Tomatillos to include in his favorite salsa recipe.  He is an avid bicyclist and enjoys exploring the local roadways.  He and his wife Shari, a well-respected yoga instructor, have two adult daughters, Melissa and Caroline. Bill’s interests in gardening, exercise, and managing the resources of trees make him a perfect match for the WL Tree Friends.   THANK YOU AND FAREWELL TO A TREE FRIEND

Don Franzmeier , Professor Emeritus in Agronomy, has been an active member of the West Lafayette Tree Friends since the early 2000’s.  Don and his wife Karen are moving to Mason, Ohio early this fall.  He worked directly with founding members Helen Lillich and Hugh Henry.   We are grateful to Don for his long service to Tree Friends and our community.

ANNUAL FUND DRIVE

Although the pandemic has still required us to adjust meetings and pruning routines, West Lafayette Tree Friends have been working hard in 2021 to keep the city street trees healthy and good-looking!  Thanks to our donors, we were able to contribute half the funds needed for the city’s Spring and Fall plantings of new and replacement trees.  We had a good Spring pruning season and are starting our Fall pruning schedule this month.

The focus of this year’s Annual Fund Drive is to assure our supporters that the West Lafayette Tree Friends will continue to care for our urban forest by planting, pruning, and protecting the street trees.  We have been celebrating our 40^th year as an all-volunteer organization with renewed energy.

Be on the lookout for our letter and donation form in early November.  You will find information on the options to donate here at  https://wltreefriends.org/donate.  We need and appreciate support for

1. the General Fund that provides unrestricted support of our activities,
2. the Tribute Tree program for honoring individuals or groups for $400 per tree,
3. the newly established West Lafayette Tree Friends Endowment, or
4. this year’s special 30-40-50 campaign.

All contributions should be directed to the West Lafayette Parks Department, which acts as our financial agent.  Questions? Contact the West Lafayette Community Forestry and Greenspace Manager at bpatz@wl.in.gov or (765) 775-5170.

FALL PRUNING AND PRUNING SCHEDULE

West Lafayette Tree Friends are back at it again!  In the spring, we pruned nearly 400 street trees.  Now, volunteers will begin our fall pruning in early October and end in November.  We prune during the spring and fall when the season is cooler. This prevents stress on trees and moisture loss, and prepares for the harsh season ahead.  Pruning is also a measure to prevent disease, insect infestation, storm/vehicle damage, and to correct structural issues.

It takes a village to grow an urban forest, including pruning!  Everyone is welcome.  Never pruned before?  No worries!  We teach you the ropes, and like always, practice makes perfect. Contact Bryce Patz, Community Forestry and Greenspace Manager at bpatz@westlafayette.in.gov or 765-775-5170 to join the fun!    Hope to see you this fall!  To view the pruning schedule, click HERE.

To help notify our neighbors that we have been in your area, we are leaving door hangers to help spread the word! Reasons to leave a door hanger may include: We pruned your street tree, check it out! Room for a free street tree! Your tree looks thirsty, please give it a drink! Check out the back for a special note from our volunteers.

FALL TREE CARE

Fall is here!  From pumpkin spice to golden leaves, fall has something for everyone—including your trees!  Here are some tips for fall tree care to consider:

• Prune any dead branches, suckering growth at the base of the trunk, or branches that cross/rub against another.
• Did you notice powdery mildew or tar-spot on your tree’s leaves this year? Rake up the leaves from the area to prevent the spread next season.
• Add a small amount of natural, shredded, hardwood mulch. Make sure not to cover the base of the trunk!
• Wrap tree trunks of young trees with thin bark to prevent sun scald during the winter months. Examples of trees that would benefit from truck wrapping are maples, young tulip trees, and crab apples.
• Water! Late summer into fall tends to be dry. If drought conditions are present, give your trees an extra drink to help prepare for the winter ahead.

Check out these articles for more information:

• Drought? Don’t Forget Trees! https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/fnr/fnr-483-w.pdf
• Trees Need a Proper Start-https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/fnr/fnr-faq-19-w.pdf
• Why Do We Mulch? https://youtu.be/5Z-o2_FD_7

FEATURED TREE - PAPERBARK MAPLE

Acer griseum, known as the Paperbark Maple, is a small, oval to oval-rounded tree with slender, upright branching.  Paperbark Maple typically reaches a height of 20-30 feet, with a spread of 15-20 feet making this tree a great option for trees near powerlines or for smaller spaces.

As the name suggests, the most striking feature is the exfoliating, coppery-orange bark that fades to a more cinnamon-brown as the tree matures.

Leaves are trifoliate, green above and bluish-green below, with fine hairs that create a fuzzy feeling.  In the fall, leaf color may vary from a showy display of reddish orange or a more muted golden-yellow. We thank The Purdue Arboretum for the photos and their research of this great tree species! To learn more, visit The Purdue Arboretum Explorer.

BOOKS FOR A BUDDING TREE LOVER

You are never too young or too old to learn about the importance of trees to the environment and to our well-being.  Here are three books that will help create an awareness of and an appreciation for trees. 

In The Tree Book, Gina Ingoglia answers all kids’ (and adults’) tree related questions.  It features 33 different trees that grow in North America.  Each tree profile includes a picture of the tree along with life-size depictions of its leaf, flower, fruit, and seed.

National Geographic’s The Ultimate Field Guide: Trees is a photo-filled and fact-packed companion for outdoor exploration.  It is just the right size to stick in your pocket or backpack as you set out on a nature walk.

And finally, in Be A Friend to Trees, Patricia Lasher explains the importance of trees through a combination of valuable information and pictures.  It helps children see what they can actually do to affect the environment.

All three books will help nurture a curiosity and connection to trees that, hopefully, will lead to a sense of stewardship and commitment to care of trees lasting a lifetime. 

UPCOMMING EVENTS

West Lafayette Tree Friends Meetings                              

 Everyone is welcome! Second Tuesday of every month. Currently, meetings are being held virtually. Check out the City's public meeting calendar or Contact Bryce Patz, Community Forestry and Greenspace Manager for the Webex link or call-in number.

• Tuesday, November 9, 2021
• Tuesday, December 14, 2021
• Tuesday, January 11, 2021

West Lafayette Parks and Recreation – First Annual Fall Festival

• October 29, 2021   5:00 – 8:00 pm at the West Lafayette Wellness Center

For other events in the area, check out www.homeofpurdue.com.

IN CLOSING...

"Off to the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul."

John Muir (1838-1914) - Scottish-American naturalist and “Father of the National Parks”

Finally, a favor to ask. If you like this newsletter we send you, would you forward it to a few friends who perhaps don’t know about it? They can sign up to receive it themselves
right here. Thanks.

Find previous issues of Urban Leaves here.

Show your appreciation for someone with a Tribute Tree, and make a contribution to the health and beauty of West Lafayette. For more information

West Lafayette Tree Friends
222 N Chauncey Ave

West Lafayette, IN 47906
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