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The Woodland Steward
United States
Registrace 30. 04. 2020
The Woodland Steward is all about sharing our love of nature and allowing others to experience Oak Haven, the 60 acre woodland in southwestern Ohio that we call home. When we purchased this property over twenty years ago it was a wonderful natural area, but was quickly becoming overrun with non-native invasive species such as Garlic Mustard and Honeysuckle (among others). We have worked long and hard to remove those non-native invaders, and along the way have gotten up close and personal with the plant and animal community that lives here. We are Jim & Julie Varick. We both have Bachelor of Science degrees in Botany from Miami University (‘82), which doesn’t necessarily make us experts on what we see in our woods, but it does give us the tools to learn more as we experience more. Please subscribe to our channel and join us on this adventure to experience the woods throughout the seasons and learn what we have done right, and what we have done wrong as Woodland Stewards.
Review of D.B. Smith Field King Backpack Sprayer & Comparison to Greenwood Sprayer 6/18/2024
We review the D.B. Smith Field King 4-Gallon Backpack Sprayer and compare it to the cheaper Greenwood 4-Gallon Backpack sprayer we have used for years. While the Field King sprayer ($75) is more than twice the price of the Greenwood ($30 at Rural King) it has some features that make it well worth the money. The valve and seals appear to be better made which means much less leaking. It also has a much better strap system, including a hip belt and sternum strap, that make it easier to carry the 45 pounds of total weight when the sprayer is full.
Amazon Affiliate Link (We receive a kickback from Amazon if you use these links.)
Field King 4-Gallon Sprayer - amzn.to/3RTeu5u
Field King 4- Gallon Sprayer Max - amzn.to/3RQt2ms
Oak Haven is a 60-acre private woodland in Southwestern Ohio near Cincinnati. Jim and Julie Varick both have degrees in Botany and over thirty years of experience in managing natural areas. They enjoy sharing their enthusiasm for the natural world and would like to build relationships with like-minded people to share knowledge and resources. Please leave your comments!
Amazon Affiliate Link (We receive a kickback from Amazon if you use these links.)
Field King 4-Gallon Sprayer - amzn.to/3RTeu5u
Field King 4- Gallon Sprayer Max - amzn.to/3RQt2ms
Oak Haven is a 60-acre private woodland in Southwestern Ohio near Cincinnati. Jim and Julie Varick both have degrees in Botany and over thirty years of experience in managing natural areas. They enjoy sharing their enthusiasm for the natural world and would like to build relationships with like-minded people to share knowledge and resources. Please leave your comments!
zhlédnutí: 562
Video
Why Are There So Many Acorns This Year? What is a Mast Year? 12/8/2023
zhlédnutí 6KPřed 7 měsíci
Our yard is covered with red oak acorns this year! Part of the reason is that deer and other animals don't like red oak acorns as well as white. But the shear volume of acorns this year is because it is a Mast Year for red oaks in our area. That means that the red oaks have produced so many acorns that the animals that eat them are overwhelmed with the abundance. There are too many to eat! By p...
In Fall, Invasives Stick Out like a Sore Thumb! We Compare Burning Bush to Other Red-leaved Natives
zhlédnutí 1,1KPřed 9 měsíci
Fall is a great time to remove invasives from your yard and natural areas. While native trees and shrubs have prepared for winter by losing their leaves, many non-natives are still green on the forest floor. Burning Bush (Euonymus alatus) is bold enough to advertise its presence by turning bright red! It makes our job of finding these unwanted aliens much easier. We have spent much of the last ...
When Does the Maine Coast Not Look Like the Maine Coast? The Marginal Way - 10/28/22
zhlédnutí 361Před 9 měsíci
The Marginal Way is a little over a mile long paved pathway in Ogunquit, Maine. While the views are spectacular, capturing the raw energy of the Maine coastline, the scenery is diminished by the fact that much of the vegetation is not native to Maine. The landscape, dominated with vegetation like Oriental Bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus), Bush Honeysuckle (Lonicera morrowii), Beach Rose (Ros...
Controlling Japanese Stiltgrass: We Compare 0.1, 0.2, & 0.3% Glyphosate to Acclaim Extra - 10/20/23
zhlédnutí 986Před 10 měsíci
Japanese Stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum) was introduced into the United States in the early 1900s. It has become a serious non-native invader of natural habitats, weedy places, and lawns. For several years we have been treating it successfully with Acclaim Extra (Fenoxaprop-p-ethyl). Because Acclaim Extra is a post-emergent, grass specific herbicide, it can be used in our woodlands to kill J...
Pachysandra or Japanese Spurge, Is it really Invasive?
zhlédnutí 9KPřed 11 měsíci
Japanese Pachysandra (Pachysandra terminalis) is a very effective groundcover native to eastern Asia. In a garden setting it spreads quickly by rhizomes, providing complete ground cover and choking out all competition. Does that aggressiveness make it potentially too invasive to use in a cultivated landscape? Our conclusion is that Pachysandra has its place in a landscape, but it must be treate...
Treating Japanese Stiltgrass - We show you what works for different situations - October, 2022
zhlédnutí 4,4KPřed rokem
We tested several treatment options for Japanese Stilt Grass (Microstegium vimineum) in a woodland setting, including three concentrations of glyphosate, Acclaim Extra (Fenoxaprop-p-ethyl), two concentrations of Vinegar, and Burning. All have their uses, it just depends on your particular circumstances. We talk about the options and show before and after treatment. Hopefully, you can find a sol...
Tree Tubes to Protect Our Trees!- April 29, 2023
zhlédnutí 4,6KPřed rokem
We planted over 250 trees and shrubs at our church as part of their effort to restore the grounds to a more native and ecologically functioning habitat. It is hard investing all the time, effort, and money into planting trees, only to have them serve as salad for the neighborhood deer. Installing tree tubes for deer protection is expensive when compared to the cost of the tree seedlings we plan...
Lesser Celandine; Treating it in Your Lawn (or trying to!)- March 27, 2023
zhlédnutí 5KPřed rokem
Lesser Celandine (Ficaria verna) is a very aggressive, non-native species that is quickly engulfing our natural areas and choking out our diverse native populations of spring wildflowers. We have tested a lot of different methods for controlling it, and have only found glyphosate (the active ingredient in Roundup) to be effective. In the spring of 2022 we tested twelve different combinations of...
Native Landscaping - Video 3 in a Series: Starting Native Seeds in Milk Jugs
zhlédnutí 1,5KPřed rokem
In conjunction with our native landscaping project, we have collected some local native seeds. To give them the cold treatment that they need to break dormancy, we are planting them up in milk jugs which will be left outside. This will mimic the cold treatment that the seeds would be exposed to in their natural setting. This is called stratification. We have planted up Common Milkweed (Asclepia...
Native Landscaping - Video 2 in a Series: Clearing the Invasives
zhlédnutí 2,1KPřed rokem
In this video, the second of this series, we clear the project area of non-native, invasive species and evaluate the native species already present. We go into detail about how we remove the invasives, including Oriental Bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus), Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), Amur Honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii), Burning Bush (Euonymous alatus), Autumn Olive (Elaeagnus umb...
Native Landscaping - Video 1 in a Series: Introduction to Project
zhlédnutí 968Před rokem
We are embarking on a new project (Fall of 2022) to landscape our curb-area with native plants. While we are encouraging native plants throughout all of our property, this area is different. We are not only removing invasives to restore what is already there, we are developing a landscaping plan where we will be adding native plants in a more traditional, structured landscape. This video introd...
Burning Bush: Is it really a problem for our natural areas?
zhlédnutí 2,6KPřed rokem
Burning Bush is a VERY popular landscaping plant in the United States. It grows well in a variety of soils, and has amazing fall color. But at least four states (Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, & Massachusetts) have outlawed its sale, and many others list it as invasive. Is it really such a problem in natural areas that it should be illegal to purchase? Plenty of people on the internet swear tha...
Japanese Stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum) - Why You Should Learn to Recognize it.
zhlédnutí 2,8KPřed rokem
Japanese Stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum) is not native to the United States, but it is now a common sight to see the early fall woodland floor carpeted with this very aggressive species. In this video we show just how destructive an infestation can be, and explain why it is important for all of us to recognize it. It can be controlled when it first invades an area, but if we wait too long it...
Sweet Autumn Clematis (Clematis terniflora) - Do we dare keep it in our landscape?
zhlédnutí 3KPřed rokem
Sweet Autumn Clematis (Clematis terniflora) was introduced as a landscaping plant from Asia in the late 1800s. It is a beautiful vine that flowers profusely late in the season when a lot of other plants have started going dormant. Like a lot of successful landscaping plants, it can become overly aggressive in your yard. It also produces many wind-blown seeds that will start new plants in your n...
Controlling Japanese Stiltgrass in your Lawn
zhlédnutí 7KPřed rokem
Controlling Japanese Stiltgrass in your Lawn
A Surprising Number of Animals and Their Babies Appear to be Sharing This Den! May 23, 2022
zhlédnutí 985Před 2 lety
A Surprising Number of Animals and Their Babies Appear to be Sharing This Den! May 23, 2022
16” DeWalt Battery-Operated Chainsaw (DCCS670) - An Honest Review & Guidance On Repairing It.
zhlédnutí 40KPřed 2 lety
16” DeWalt Battery-Operated Chainsaw (DCCS670) - An Honest Review & Guidance On Repairing It.
Treating Lesser Celandine: We test 14 control methods to show what works and what doesn't.
zhlédnutí 15KPřed 2 lety
Treating Lesser Celandine: We test 14 control methods to show what works and what doesn't.
Reading Animal Tracks in the Snow - February 7, 2022
zhlédnutí 10KPřed 2 lety
Reading Animal Tracks in the Snow - February 7, 2022
Winter Wonderland Walk: Including Identifying 14 Common Trees - January 28, 2022
zhlédnutí 1,4KPřed 2 lety
Winter Wonderland Walk: Including Identifying 14 Common Trees - January 28, 2022
Clearing Big Bush Honeysuckles and Other Invasive Shrubs Using a Chainsaw - January 14, 2022
zhlédnutí 10KPřed 2 lety
Clearing Big Bush Honeysuckles and Other Invasive Shrubs Using a Chainsaw - January 14, 2022
Clearing Invasive Shrubs on a Steep Slope with Basic Climbing Equipment - Dec. 24, 2021
zhlédnutí 6KPřed 2 lety
Clearing Invasive Shrubs on a Steep Slope with Basic Climbing Equipment - Dec. 24, 2021
What's Green in the Woods for Christmas? A Winter Woodland Walk. - Dec. 17, 2021
zhlédnutí 1,4KPřed 2 lety
What's Green in the Woods for Christmas? A Winter Woodland Walk. - Dec. 17, 2021
Honeysuckle Removal: Tips for Winning Over your Neighbors for the Native Plant Community - 11/23/21
zhlédnutí 2,1KPřed 2 lety
Honeysuckle Removal: Tips for Winning Over your Neighbors for the Native Plant Community - 11/23/21
Measuring and Mixing Herbicides for Woodland Management PLUS A Table of Common Dilutions - 10/31/21
zhlédnutí 4,6KPřed 2 lety
Measuring and Mixing Herbicides for Woodland Management PLUS A Table of Common Dilutions - 10/31/21
Autumn Olive (Elaeagnus umbellata) - Tips for Foraging and Management in Natural Areas
zhlédnutí 6KPřed 2 lety
Autumn Olive (Elaeagnus umbellata) - Tips for Foraging and Management in Natural Areas
Oriental Bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus) - Identification and Control in Natural Areas
zhlédnutí 8KPřed 2 lety
Oriental Bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus) - Identification and Control in Natural Areas
Mist Flower (Wild Ageratum), Conoclinium coelestinum- Identification and usage in wildflower gardens
zhlédnutí 5KPřed 2 lety
Mist Flower (Wild Ageratum), Conoclinium coelestinum- Identification and usage in wildflower gardens
Growing Blue Oyster Mushrooms (with a kit from North Spore) - August 21, 2021
zhlédnutí 2,7KPřed 2 lety
Growing Blue Oyster Mushrooms (with a kit from North Spore) - August 21, 2021
Ty, great video
I'm having the same issue about to replace my unit now. Tnks.
What's wrong with the tree? Far as I can tell, they just chill.
Thank you so much for these vids
Thank you I don’t know why it was so hard to find a video that actually makes sense.
Poor thing
And now the Lord God has sent the spotted lantern flies to decimate our food crops... Turn back to the Lord and repent otherwise we are doomed.
This is SO HELPFUL!!
I'm glad you've made this video. I did buy a pint of aclaim. I didn't have any Chinese/jap Stilt grass 4 or 5 yrs. ago but now I'm fighting it like crazy. I've been pulling and spraying. not sure what the time line is for the final termination of the invasive plant once sprayed but its seeming to be a bit more difficult to kill. maybe its just a matter of waiting a bit longer? I've been mixing it a bit heavy I think It did kill a bit of my wild ferns, I try to keep a little distance from them and pull the rest but being on a hill side I'm sure it works its way down hill eventually. I payed almost $150.00 now a pint. could maybe find it cheaper somewhere else but I know the economy & Inflation is the past few years has went out the roof $$$$ on everything. Im using a 2 gal sprayer Not sure if im getting my mixture right yet. How does this plant spread so easily what does the seeds look like? I mean its like it spreads like the dew falling on the ground magically, ha,ha, It has even been trying to push its way into my immediate front and back lawns. Ive got about a 3 acre area I think I need to work on section by section which I have for the past 3 years this is the first year I've tried Aclaim though so hopefully this will help catch me up verses pulling by hand. Plus I know Ive got to get other plant life growing in its place eventually. This invasive grass just kills much of the surrounding plant life all around it. chocking off everything it seems. Well thanks again for helping people fight this battle of invasive plant. Im grateful for your help.
I bought a backpack sprayer at Tractor Supply last year, and after watching your video, it's obvious that it's the same as the upgraded Field King sprayer from your link. Mine was branded "Roundup" (until I pulled the sticker) but I can confirm that all the upgraded features are definitely worth the premium. It's still $99 at Tractor Supply although no longer in stock at my local stores.
Do you have to trim the lower leaves off during the growing season?????
I was driving through NJ and PA the other day and this stuff is growing EVERYWHERE. Also probably the reason why there are so many spotted lantern flies.
My bolt broke off inside the sprocket and I don't know how to get it out without damaging the threads that holds the sprocket
Just picked up the DCCS670 (16"). Is there a way to defeat the plastic bar tightener to increase the torque there? The lack of lube holes on the bar tip seems like a weakness. Have you looked at Oregon bars? Any way to add metal dogs for better leverage, or would that stress the engine too much? I will need to avoid pushing the dewalt like I do my old Stihl 024 when I need that top end power. Main use is for opening quad trails for forestry work and layout. Bigger windfalls I leave for the loggers. Red Flag days are a big issue around here so this helps with that too. Thanks for the video - and STAY SAFE!
There is a creek at the bottom of our woodland slope that is dry, unless it rains. I have some 4-6’ TOH near there. Could you tell me what solution to use for a basal bark application? The diameters of the trees are too small for hack and squirt. Thank you so much for all of your informative videos. I am in the Western Hills area of Cincinnati!
China been sending lil shots for yesrs with thisbtree and these stinkbugs and lanterns smh
That last part is where your Cognitive Dissonance really shows. You're looking out over all that ruined ecosystem, even acknowledging that it might have been someone's garden at one time, and then telling folks to go ahead and plant the invasive non-native plant... but keep it contained. You don't want to come straight out and admit that it's a bad idea, that the plant is too much trouble and too high a risk, even as you're standing in the middle of an ecosystem overrun with invasives that are destroying the food web. I've been trying to talk several local churches into doing away with their non-native landscaping by pointing out that God's plan has a greater depth and breadth than we can really understand. Dr. Doug Tallamy touches on this in his videos where he shows who we've so horribly fragmented the local ecosystems that we've seen a 40% decline in insect populations since the 70's. That's basically in my lifetime! How did this happen? Because people forget that while we might be stewards of the land, we don't have perfect understanding of how the ecosystem functions. Think about how Kudzu has ruined millions of acres of ecosystem throughout the south, and is slowly working its way north. That plant was thought to be a great thing by the arrogant fools who promoted it. They thought they knew best. And look at what they accomplished. Look at all those many families who were ruined as their homesteads were overrun and their property values tanked. Look at the ecosystems destroyed. As someone currently battling against invasive plants here on my land, all things planted by previous owners or neighbors, I'm absolutely wrecked by the costs of trying to fend the stuff off so it doesn't ruin my property value. Bamboo, Privet, Creeping Charlie, English Ivy, Wisteria..... every year sees me spending hundreds of dollars in fuel and herbicides, and hundreds of hours of my "leisure" time. And all because people weren't good stewards of the land and didn't appreciate what God put right in front of them. Honestly, this fetishization of foreign plants is a little weird, and it really stands out to me when I can travel all over the country and see the very same plants because everyone's buying from the same growers who promote their stuff in the same few gardening periodicals. If I never see another Crepe Myrtle, I'll be a very happy guy! As The Woodland Steward.... be the steward. Maintain the land as god designed, keep it healthy, and pass it on to the future generations.
We have hundreds of these tress and thousands of suckers. In the two years we have been at our house, they have spread significantly. The original owners may have planted them 14 years ago which would explain why there are so many..
we love our honeysuckle down in southeast texas and southern louisiana. it's so fragrant just like our magnolia trees and without them it would upend our birds & bees energy sources. they don't mind sharing...anywhere i walked as a kid there was bushes everywhere to sip like a mint julip! we wouldn't dream of tearing them down!
I got the same saw today. And my cat is just exactly the sam as yours. They must be sisters.
You like a toy electric saw because it just runs,yet here you ste tebuilding it. And you can buy a shit ton of gas for ehat justbone of those batteries costs. No thanks.
I don't have the electric saw to save money, although I'm not sure that it costs more to run. I like that it is quieter and doesn't idle while I am walking through the woods.
I plant tons of invasives.....tree of heaven is well established, valuable and beautiful.....some people have too much free time.
Thanks for your opinion.
How to do control without an herbicide?
I've been told you can cut it down and grind the stumps, and mow or weed the root sprouts until they die. I don't have any personal experience.
Is the ratio for basal bark treatment really 5 part triclopyr to 100 part kerosene?
I hate to give a thumbs down, but dude. I already know this. This doesn't help. I live in AZ where they are thriving. I am seeking info on how to make the roots go away from the house. Salt? Soap? I would like more. It's almost impossible to eradicate. Tips. Please. This is clickbait.
Are you trying to keep the trees alive but redirect the roots away from the house? I can't help you there. I would treat the saplings as they sprout.
Seedbarn now is $155
I've noticed. Prices are all over the map.
Happy to see you posting again.
Thanks!
Amazing channel and video
Thank you!
What is the best to use to kill every thing like the rail road use i have fill in my driveway big rock on side of a hill
Good question! Maybe someone else will have an answer for you. You want something that is non-selective, relatively persistent, and can kill both before and after emergence. All of that and something that will stay where you place it and not wash through the gravel and into non-target areas.
@@TheWoodlandSteward thanks. Its mainly morning glory. I have round up quick pro and rm43 it works for little while then comes back
The boiled one
I love your videos, tree of heaven hadn’t been on my radar until I watched this, walked around our forest and I’ll be they are here. The Japanese honeysuckle, burning bush, Bradford pear and now The tree from Hell.
Job security!
Interesting video There are species of Eleagnus that are native to some states or America Eleagnus commutata is one of them. Its the manufactured nitrogen that causes problems in the water ways. The stuff they spread on farms on a large scale that causes the wrong type of algae to bloom. In the upper reaches of the river Shirl there are Autumn Olives on both sides and the water is crystal clear and salmon spawn there every year. Think its been like that sinse at least 1860s ish It also grows along rivers in its native lands and again the waters are crystal clear.
Thanks for the reply. Where is the River Shirl? I'd be curious to see if the Autumn olive is a balanced part of the ecosystem there, or if it runs amuck, like it does by me.
Thank you for these videos. We purchased 18 acres (16 wooded) in Pickaway county Ohio near Slate Run State Park. I really respect your love for nature and appreciation for herbicides and chemical science. Unfortunately dealing with invasives is not a fair fight manually. I would love to see a book/guide someday. Pictures of invasives, how to treat (herbicide and percentage of concentrate), what works and what didn’t. Thank you again!
Thanks for the kind words. Good luck managing your property.
I have them in my backyard. I like the smell - it smells kind of like peanut butter.
You're back!!! Yeah!!! Don't stop please!
Life is busy!
I have the exact same sprayer and I echo everything you said. I wish I got the metal wand too, after a couple seasons in a hot shed the plastic one is permanently curved. I'm still waiting to treat stilt grass though, is that a mistake? I was hoping some native annual grasses could finish going to seed before tackling the stilt grass, which I'm hoping it won't flower till late summer.
I am treating earlier this year and like that the plants are smaller. I appreciate wanting to wait longer, though.
I’m glad you’re still creating content. Keep filming and editing.
Thanks! Will do!
Great to see you posting again. Really appreciate your content!
I appreciate that!
I woild have used the product before reviewing it.
Probably a good idea. I wanted to review it while it was still clean.
Have you used the SOLO sprayers? How might they compare?
I don't have any personal experience with Solo. Maybe someone else can leave a comment.
It's so nice to be back at Oak Haven! Thanks for the info.
Thank you for the encouragement!
Thank you for your review. We have a number of invasives in our woods and it’s so helpful to learn of new tools or better tools to take care of them.
Glad it was helpful!
This is a huge help! Love the technique for a large area! I’ve got 97 acres to work on. So many invasives. My technique has been taking so long- tapping the base with full strength round-up with a tiny paint brush.. I’m going to get this equipment! The money invested will be worth it
Good luck on your project! I admire your dedication.
you're a great teacher!
Thank you! 😃
Your videos are super informative and helpful. I wonder why you haven't posted any more.
Because the stiltgrass won't give me time off!
The Lanterns love these in NYC! Thx for making this very informative and taught me some useful terminology! I forgot about a 'rachis' lol
Thanks for the helpful points of differentiation for the waterleaf plants!
My grandma has been battling this tree for 20 years
I wonder if the Native Americans in the U.S. feel the same way about the white people ? 🤔
I assume so!
@anthonyburdine1061 Another virtue signaler hijacking valuable videos!
I like the native Pachysandra procumbens (Allegheny Spurge) much better. The leaves are less shiny, brighter green, and the Spring flowers have a nice fragrance unlike the Japanese variety. It is easier to control, too, so less work. Highly recommend that plant if it will grow in your area. I'm in Virginia and it does really well here.
I would love to try it!
It's a dang shame that P.procumbens is so hard to find for sale anywhere. I've found a few places, and it's very pricey to get a decent amount for making a bed up!
@@threeriversforge1997 Agree. It's maddening to see nurseries and landscapers still pushing non-natives and especially those known to be invasive. I have nothng against a few well-behaved non-native ornamentals in the home landscape but known invasives are an entirely different thing.
@@glenagarrett4704 Yep. That's exactly why I mention it whenever I can, like here. We have to educate the public and put pressure on those stores. Just the other day, I saw an "expert" on youtube bragging abou this his Creeping Charlie was taking over his back yard, killing off all the grass, and leaving him with an 'edible' lawn that he could harvest whenever he wanted. He was proud of that, never bothering to think about how that invasive plant was also wiping out all the flora that the ecosystem evolved with, or how he can't possibly hope to contain it to just his yard. It's exasperating, to say the least.