|
|
Post by bowbum on Jul 9, 2017 9:09:16 GMT -5
I can only recall one other time since owning property here when I've seen beech trees have mast. This year is a bonus year for all sorts of mast.  |
|
|
|
Post by timberdoodle on Jul 9, 2017 9:22:02 GMT -5
Most trees loaded here as well, some 0.
|
|
|
|
Post by Loggy on Jul 9, 2017 9:43:44 GMT -5
Very positive sign Bowbum!! Hope it's widespread in other areas!! I hunt a few ridges that are loaded with beech trees in/around Hillsgrove.
|
|
|
|
Post by dennyf on Jul 9, 2017 9:47:38 GMT -5
Black walnut dad planted at camp in the late 70s, is loaded this year. Lots of apples, too.
|
|
|
|
Post by Dutch on Jul 9, 2017 16:37:55 GMT -5
Noticed some apples last weekend, not a bumper crop tho.
Timber cutting is done, so, next year should get a flush of growth. Already getting some. Mostly ash....which was already established
|
|
|
|
Post by Dutch on Jul 9, 2017 16:42:42 GMT -5
Most beech in my area is diseased and dying. No chance for nuts
|
|
|
|
Post by bake545 on Jul 9, 2017 18:03:24 GMT -5
I just pointed beech nuts out to my dad at camp today and said it's been a long time since I've seen them with nuts. Looked loaded too.
|
|
|
|
Post by redarrow on Jul 9, 2017 20:00:21 GMT -5
Beech tree have heavy producing years more often that most oaks. That said, a very heavy seed crop from a given tree may be a sign that the tree is unhealthy and is in a hurry to put as many seeds out as it can in the time it has left. A couple dead ash trees in my woods are surrounded by small offspring from the last seed crop the parent tree produced.
Most beech stands are made up of clones of just a few trees and the root sprouts that come up them. It often shades out the competition.
|
|
|
|
Post by bowbum on Jul 10, 2017 7:35:22 GMT -5
Beech tree have heavy producing years more often that most oaks. That said, a very heavy seed crop from a given tree may be a sign that the tree is unhealthy and is in a hurry to put as many seeds out as it can in the time it has left. A couple dead ash trees in my woods are surrounded by small offspring from the last seed crop the parent tree produced. Most beech stands are made up of clones of just a few trees and the root sprouts that come up them. It often shades out the competition. I know what you're saying but I haven't seen that to be the case in this region. Oaks are much more productive here and beech mast literally are a "rare" event by comparison. I'm sure that in good circumstances and possibly common in other regions, beech could very well be, (as Penn State describes), bearers of mast every two to three years. But at a gathering yesterday with three brother in laws and some of the wifes family, all local farmers and woods owners, they all thought it worth mention of the beech finally bearing some mast after many years lacking it. I wonder if it is regional or soil conditions...  ? |
|
|
|
Post by redarrow on Jul 10, 2017 8:12:54 GMT -5
Did the tree show any sign of being sick? Many beech stands are suffering and trees often produce a very heavy seed crop when they are stressed.
Beech is not loved by timber owners but I think it is overlooked by many when it comes to it's importance as game feed. Turkeys especially benefit from beechnuts. Hop hornbeam is another overlooked food source-I have heard some folks call it "blue beech"
|
|
|
|
Post by bushmaster on Jul 10, 2017 8:23:13 GMT -5
That's great. I'll have to check them at my hunting spot.
|
|
|
|
Post by timberdoodle on Jul 10, 2017 8:24:00 GMT -5
any species around these parts that depend on beech nuts will be hurtin for certain waiting for a good crop of nuts. Hop hornbean also producing well this year.
|
|
|
|
Post by redarrow on Jul 10, 2017 8:31:29 GMT -5
Being dependent upon beechnuts may be too strong a description of it's role. Benefiting to many is probably more accurate.
I've taught my sons to always check the the beech stands and other "minor" food sources when checking out the oaks and apples.
|
|
|
|
Post by bowbum on Jul 10, 2017 16:11:39 GMT -5
Did the tree show any sign of being sick? Many beech stands are suffering and trees often produce a very heavy seed crop when they are stressed. Beech is not loved by timber owners but I think it is overlooked by many when it comes to it's importance as game feed. Turkeys especially benefit from beechnuts. Hop hornbeam is another overlooked food source-I have heard some folks call it "blue beech" No signs of anything but mast producing trees. I have several with heavy fruit, some very young and some bigger older trees. Hophornbeam are also loaded as are our hickory trees. Most "lumber men" hate hickory also but for us it isn't about market timber and I especially like having a food source for wildlife. |
|
|
|
Post by Loggy on Jul 10, 2017 16:54:17 GMT -5
I remember when this was a commonplace sight on many Sullivan County mountains.  |
|
?