Scouting Trees at Different Ages

The problems of younger trees are different from those of older trees. Scouting schedules and objectives need to be adjusted for tree age.
    Pre-plant scouting. Soil samples should be taken and analyzed so that fertility problems can be corrected early. Scout fields for white grubs before planting any Fraser fir. Fields should also be assessed for the likelihood of problems with Phytophthora root rot. The presence of problem weeds should be determined so that they can be controlled before planting.
    The first growing season. During the first growing season after planting, the emphasis is on establishing transplants. The cause of any tree death including Phytophthora root rot, white grubs, drought or salt injury should be diagnosed. The scout needs to keep a close eye on weed size and types. Briars and brush are often a problem.
    Small trees. From the second growing season until trees are waist high, the emphasis of management is on rapid tree growth. Good ground cover management reduces competition between weeds and the trees, while keeping the soil cool and preventing erosion. The identity and size of weeds present should be noted so herbicide applications can be properly timed.
    During these years, some damage from the balsam twig aphid and spruce spider mite is tolerable, but serious problems must be controlled. Since treatment for the balsam twig aphid is not automatic for trees of this
size, scouting may determine if the damage warrants treatment the following year. Scouting for the spruce spider mite requires fewer scouting trips. The balsam woolly adelgid is usually not a problem unless there are large fir trees nearby that have adelgids. It is always important to diagnose the cause of any dead or dying trees.
    Continue the fertility plan with soil sampling throughout this period until optimum soil nutrient levels are reached. Correcting fertility problems now can maximize growth as trees approach harvest.
    Trees nearing harvest. As the market value of trees increases, the time spent scouting them should also increase. From the time trees are waist high until harvest, the emphasis of tree management is on producing foliage with good color and little insect damage. Scouting trips should be more frequent, and adequate scouting of each block will probably take longer. Records kept from past years should help determine where problems are likely to occur.
    Weed control becomes less important as trees start to shade out problem weeds. The spruce spider mite and balsam woolly adelgid are primary concerns. Automatic treatments for the balsam twig aphid should eliminate problems with this pest.
    If there are fertility problems, they will show up as the trees get larger and have to support more needles. Take soil and plant tissue samples to fine tune fertility and maintain the highest quality color and tree growth.