I recently learned that black walnut trees can be tapped to make syrup, similar to maple trees. I have a bunch on my property and that sounds like a really cool idea...but I also live within the area of the Gelman 1,4-dioxane plume. Is it safe to collect sap from my trees, or might it be contaminated? Factors I can think of that enter into the equation:

1. Is the contamination present in surface water, or only in subsurface groundwater? How deep?
2. How deep do the tree roots reach in comparison?
3. Do the trees readily uptake 1,4-dioxane from the soil and incorporate it in their sap?

Has any end-to-end research/testing been done on this (i.e. actually making maple/walnut/etc syrup in a contaminated area and testing the result)? If not, unless the answers to the above essentially rule out contamination as a concern, would it be possible to have such testing done at an affordable price (<$100 or so), or might there be any research groups interested in doing so and able to fund it?

Last year I had some type of bees all over my crepe myrtle trees. Since then I noticed the bark on the tree is turning black. Do you think the two are connected and if so what actions should be taken.

Thanks,

The conifers that I use in my walking sticks are balsam and spruce. Please send any publications that will assist me in identifying the insects that burrow and make the galleries in these species in northern Michigan.  

Hi,

Is there any disadvantage to spreading grass seed on my lawn at some point before the end of March? I plan to properly overseed at the recommended time in April or May, but I'm hoping to take advantage of potential seed germination before that point.

I overseeded in the fall and "dormant seeded" following this. My lawn rehab effort started last spring/summer, and I want to continue the process this spring.

Thanks, 

Dave Mack

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