One of the goals of the project was to evaluate the effectiveness and discover potential problems with the use of fabric weed barrier. As mentioned in the 2002 report, we wanted to determine which installation practice was the best, cutting slits or x’s at each tree. When the trees were planted, slits were cut as the opening in the fabric for each tree. We cited in the 2002 report that although damage doesn’t appear until the 3rd year with slits, cutting x’s further delays the maintenance into the 4th or 5th year. Because some damage by the fabric to the trees had been observed, individuals were hired in 2002 and 2003 to enlarge the openings in the fabric by forming an x where the slits were cut. Since that time we have noticed very few damaged trees/shrubs because the fabric no longer has the opportunity to rub on the trunks. We feel our study supports the recommendation of cutting x’s instead of slits, as it will delay maintenance and reduce potential damage.

At this time, the plantings are 6 years old. The fabric is starting to show signs of deterioration, but will not be completely broke down in 10 years as was thought originally. Because of this, we inform all of our producers that maintenance checks need to be completed on a yearly basis after the fourth season of growth. Some areas, such as under the juniper and cedar, are showing minimal to no deterioration because of lack of sun exposure, and need to be watched more carefully. Fabric is very beneficial, but is not maintenance free.

The 3 years of ongoing drought have made the trees/shrubs very susceptible to harmful insects. We discovered in the spring of 2003 that the juniper and cedar in several research plots were infested with spider mites, prompting us to have each research plot sprayed to eliminate the mites. We were informed that damage to the trees will be noticeable the following year, which we observed when handplants were completed in the spring. We also treated the cedar and juniper for spider mites in the spring of 2000, which may indicate a cycle and that producers should check for mites each year.

Only Black Hills Spruce, Rocky Mountain Juniper, and Eastern Red Cedar have continued to be replaced, as the other species show nearly or 100% survival. The Black Hills Spruce continue to die, most often after they attain a height of approximately 2-3 feet. We will continue replacing the spruce with juniper, as we have since 2001, in order to provide a functional belt. We will evaluate whether to continue to replace the juniper and cedar after survival checks are completed this fall.

Cedar-apple rust was found this summer on juniper at the O’Connell research plot. Apple and juniper/cedar are the two hosts involved in the formation of the rust. Hawthorn are in the apple family, so are an alternate host. Kidney-shaped galls form on the junipers as a result of the rust. Pruning off the galls in the late winter or spraying with a fungicide from June to September at two-week intervals can help control the rust. John Ball, professor at SDSU, has said that generally the junipers are not treated for the rust, as it rarely kills them, so we have decided not to treat the plot. The hawthorn still show poor growth, with some experiencing heavy browsing and others showing only growth from the base each year. They have attained an average height of only 33” in 5 years. Because of the constant damage, slow growth, and rust issue, we do not recommend planting hawthorn in shelterbelts.

Some general observations that have been mentioned in previous reports and are still being noted are as follows. The currants continue to suffer from leaf spot, showing premature leaf drop in late summer. The cotoneaster has shown great survival and growth in all plots, and has become a commonly planted shrub in shelterbelts. The apricot that were damaged extensively by deer and rabbits at McKinley’s plot in 2000, have grown back to an average of 69”, exceeding the average height of 63” for all sites. We encourage planting juniper instead of cedar in Haakon County, as the juniper have displayed better survival and growth rates than cedar.

Because 2005 is the last year that the Haakon County Tree Research Project will be funded, a decision will need to be made whether to continue the project. Funding is running low because of 1.) cost of replants, 2.) labor/mileage to replant, 3.) labor/mileage to complete survival checks, 4.) and cost to spray for mites. A financial statement is attached to the report, showing the current funds available. Cooperative agreements between the District and each producer do not expire until December 31, 2007, which also plays a part in the decision on whether to continue the project.