Post-Planting Site Visit with Dennis Rak (Double-A-Willow)

A few days after the first Post-Planting Visit John and Ian met with Dennis Rak of Double-A-Willow, on June 19th, 2009, and are going to have to arrange one follow-up spraying of "Stinger" herbicide to cut down on the Queen Ann Lace, Goldenrod, and Milkweed. Ian will be in touch with Mike Jasper concerning the follow up spraying. It's an intensive process up front, but starting in year two and thereafter the willow should largely take care of itself. Dennis (and Tim Volk of Suny ESF, with whom we and Tim McCay met the other day at the site) both say the plot is shaping up extremely well. Our plot has the potential to be a “textbook” plot in the words of Dennis.

Dennis provided us with willow cuttings for all three varieties (approx 500). He suggested that we plant them as soon as possible. Then, within two weeks (by first week in July) to blanket spray Stinger herbicide. The ratio should be 20 gals of water per ½ pint of Stinger per acre.

Dennis said Stinger has a relatively low rate of persistence (8-12 months) and is cohesive with the soil so it should not be problematic with the surrounding watershed.