On Tue, 6 May 2003 19:30:15 -0500, "Brynk"
wrote:

The size of the trunk really shouldn't be a factor.
If it's a 1 inch oak tree, protect it
If it's a 24 inch Norway Maple cut it, burn it, destroy it.........

I was also on the norway maple mentality If it had yellow leaves
in fall, and you're in the northeast, get rid of it. The n-maple
provides no significant food source for native wildlife, and grows so
fast (4 to 5 FEET per year) it stifles native growth. It's a "kudzu
tree" of sorts, and hurts the ecosystem by taking the resources (sun
water & soil nutrients) other more useful trees could've used. It's
only benefit is providing cover for *some* wildlife, and pollen for
bees (which might be a bad thing, if you have a farmer nearby that
needs the pollinators).

Selective clearing of these trees and annual burning has been returning my
woodland to an oak glade, open and full of woodland flowers in the spring.
Closer in to my house I have done a lot of what Bockman mentioned in his
reply. Especially the hostas! They are great in shade and can be split
several times / year.

RELEASE THE BLEEDING HEARTS Lovely this time of year,
mostly-deer-proof, and a shade-lover. Grows much of its foliage while
deciduous trees are still budding out.

Dan