[Durham INC] More data to help fix timing for tree band removal:

[Debra Hawkins]

Please Cross Post --------------------------

 

Hi neighbors - I've been late to the conversation on tree bands this spring
(a bug of a different kind's been keeping me more behind than usual, blah.)
but wanted to add my observations and thoughts to the database. Key thought:

 

An important scientific point -- there is a difference between removing
bands after achieving a certain biological objective, and removing bands at
a certain date or date range. BECAUSE, there is seasonal variability in the
timing of biological events. Like certain religious holidays, they may not
happen at a fixed point in the calendar! 

 

So IF the goal is to keep bands up to a reasonable point in order to capture
as many green worms as possible (and with good reason - read new info
below!) then they should stay until that goal is met, even if the date of
worm emergence - LIKE THIS SEASON - is delayed compared to other years (one
reason being late cold seasonal weather delaying plant/leaf and worm
activity). 

 

I've not observed much worm emergence here yet, (first one spotted today) so
my plan is to maintain the bands to achieve the goal of preventing their
climb-gorge-drop-climb back up cycle as shown below. BUT

 

I also plan on going only so far - BECAUSE, when we left our bands on until
mid May last year (bad weekend weather and conflicts delayed us some) we did
notice some undesirable effects under the bands (many insects, collected
moisture affecting the bark, etc.). These went away with no apparent LT ill
effects -- but we will not be likely again to take the bands that far, even
if there is still some worm activity present. 

 

Biology is a delicate dance of balance! Whatever you choose for your own
timing, know that your efforts are most likely making a difference. I think
so BECAUSE - we banded one new tree this year, and there were MANY fewer
bugs caught in the bands of the repeat trees, compared to the new one. 

 

Though not a statistically valid sample size, this is some evidence that the
lower numbers of bugs people are seeing on bands this year may not be only
due to seasonal variation in bug populations -- but a result of our work
making a real impact!

 

D on G'wood (additional info below from Charlotte banding experts - note
Charlotte is further south than the Triangle, so likely our timing for worm
activity/band removal should be a little further forward in time, similar to
timing for frost cycles, planting cycles and so on.)

--------------------------

 

From: treebanding at hotmail.com
To: treebanding at hotmail.com
Subject: 2015 Tree Band Removal
Date: Tue, 17 Mar 2015 16:51:46 -0400

Dear Customer
 
We want to address the article in the Charlotte Observer today with regards
to removing your tree bands.
 
The City of Charlotte requested that we remove their tree bands to assist a
beetle known as the Fiery Searcher Beetle.
 
This beetle can eat upwards of up to 150 cankerworms per day, and is a great
natural predator against the Cankerworm. 
 
We have documented this beetle in years past with it's pinchers full of
worms. We have also noted that due to its rather large size, and powerful
legs, tree bands simply can't stop the majority of this insect. It is also
important to note that this beetle does NOT CLIMB TO THE TOP OF THE TREE TO
FEED! It grabs its pray from the trunk and ground, not the branches.
 
After meeting with the City of Charlotte this morning, it is agreed that it
is premature to remove the bands at this time, as they are effective at
trapping the actual worms that do hatch, drop down, and then attempt to
climb back up the tree to feed again. A Cankerworm can feed, drop down,
climb back up, and feed again 5-6 times before it reaches it's maximum size.
 
We have attached some pictures so that you can see our tree bands with both
the wingless females trapped in them, along with the worms that have
hatched, fed, and are attempting to feed again. 
 
We are also contracted with the City of Rock Hill, Town of Matthews, and the
Virginia Dept. of Forestry, all of whom have recommended that we remove
their bands starting in the month of April, just as we always have. 
 
Our residential removal process will begin promptly on Wednesday, April 1,
2015 and continue through the month. 
 
We regret any confusion caused by the article(s) in the Observer, and thank
you for your continued patronage and trust.

Respectfully,
 
Billy & Samantha De Rosa 
SilverDuck Tree Banding Services LLC
704-779-6476
 <http://www.treebanding.com/> www.treebanding.com
 <mailto:treebanding at hotmail.com> treebanding at hotmail.com
 
"Banding Trees since 1996"

            

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