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NURSE LOGS 
What Are they?
They are logs preferably no less than 4' long and 3/4 feet in diameter.
They are either rotten or in the process of rotting.
In nature they are common in undisturbed forest.
What do they do?
They can increase the vitality of your trees in several ways.  The first
and most important is that they are moisture reserves for your trees and
their associates during dry spells.  Yes, the rotten log acts as a big
sponge would.  Microorganisms associated with the tree extend the
connection into the nurse logs. Another way is that property owners can
plant flowers, ferns and even little trees within the logs.  Thus, will
offer an alternative to planting them at the base of the tree. (See
below *)
The log will also offer a winter resource for shelter for beneficial
microorganisms.
Where do they go?
They are best placed somewhere in the root zone area of your tree or
trees.  Soil contact must be made and the nurse log left in place.
How do we care for the nurse log once we have one?
Flowers, ferns or small trees may be planted in the log depending on the
amount of sun light and the requirements of the certain types of
plants.  An example is if the log is shaded most of the time,  ferns
might be a proper selection.
However,  we do request that the planting be limited to in the log and
not around the base of the log.  The reason being that we are trying to
discourage the planting of the flowers in the soil under the tree due to
proper research showing substantial amount on injury to the tree by that
method.
Due to the fact that the log will act as a sponge,  the plants may or
may not need to be watered depending upon the weather.  If the plants
(flowers) require water it does not always mean the tree does. 
However,  one thing to keep in mind is that during drought the biggest
water related problem is over watering.
If any fertilizing is done we highly suggest organic materials only.

* Many young trees, especially young birch trees, very often suffer from
what we now know, world wide, as "flowers disease."  People choose a
tree as  the perfect site for a spring garden.  We all have seen
hundreds of bulbs and annuals planted around young trees.  We then see
insect borers or twig dieback along with sun scold and frost cracks. 
Most of the trees usually die.  During the planting of the flowers or
bulbs they injure the roots and they usually heavily fertilize the
plants.  Even more injurious each year is cultivating the soil around
the tree.  The only treatment is to be on guard and keep the trees well
watered while removing dying wood properly.
Note: Choosing flowers that would do well in the shade would then be
wise.  Some of the plants that have done well in S.E. Pennsylvania are
Impatiens and ferns. 

September 28, 1996
Call us for other ORGANIC FACT SHEETS on pruning and other tree care
information.   
KESLICK & SON MODERN ARBORICULTURE PRODUCTS,  SERVICE & EDUCATION
ORGANIC FACT SHEET
214 N. Penn Street West Chester,  Pa 19380   USA
Phone # 610-696-5353
E-mail:"treeman@locke.ccil.org"
Check out our new WEB SITE at http://www.ccil.org/~treeman/
John Keslick Jr.
Tree Biologist, Tree Anatomist & Professional Arborist
Fact#NurseLog1

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John A. Keslick Jr.              If you are not OUTRAGED you're not  
Tree Anatomist & Tree Biologist                   paying attention.
Phone: 610-696-5353                    Support ORGANIC FARMERS.
organic tree treatment web site: 
http://www.ccil.org/~treeman/  OR  http://www.ccil.org/~kenm/env/  
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