1 Working Families
Winter 2007
2007
Winter
Working Families
Helping You Put Knowledge To Work
Dear Reader:
MRSA Bacteria
Even though the holidays are fast approaching, issues
and decisions that working families face year round do
not take a holiday. So in this issue you’ll find
information about the ominous MRSA bacteria, the pros
and cons of antibacterial soaps, hints about saving for
retirement, and several topics that may help you relate
and deal with children or teens.
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a
type of bacteria that is resistant to certain antibiotics.
These antibiotics include methicillin and other more
common antibiotics such as oxacillin, penicillin and
amoxicillin. Staph infections, including MRSA, occur
most frequently among persons in hospitals and
healthcare facilities (such as nursing homes and dialysis
centers) who have weakened immune systems.
Have a safe and joyous holiday season!
Sincerely,
Jennifer Mowen
Pike County Extension Director
MRSA infections that occur in
otherwise healthy people who have
not been recently (within the past
year) hospitalized or had a medical
procedure (such as dialysis, surgery,
catheters) are known as communityassociated (CA)-MRSA infections.
These infections are usually skin
infections, such as abscesses, boils and other pus-filled
lesions.
The estimated number of people developing a serious
MRSA infection (i.e., invasive) in ‘05 was over 94,000.
Inside:
MRSA Bacteria ................................................. 1
Antibacterial Hand Soap: Pros/Cons ................. 2
Easy Pumpkin Pie Recipe ................................. 2
Should I Let My Teen Work Outside the Home . 3
Teenage Communication .................................. 3
Making Saving Simple ...................................... 4
Positive Sports Parenting .................................. 5
quick Tip ........................................................... 5
What To Do with Your Holiday Plant ................. 6
2008 All American Selection ............................. 6
Television Viewing ............................................ 6
Out, Out, Darn Spot: Holiday Food Stains......... 7
Visit the Winter Storm Resource Center............ 8
Repairing Storm Damaged Trees...................... 8
Serious MRSA disease is still predominantly related to
exposures to healthcare delivery:
● About 85 percent of all invasive MRSA infections
were associated with healthcare; and of those, about
two-thirds occurred outside of the hospital, while
about one-third occurred during hospitalization.
● About 14 percent of all the infections occurred in
persons without obvious exposures to healthcare.
Although the rates of disease varied between the
geographically diverse sites, overall rates of disease
were consistently highest among older persons
(age >65), blacks and males.
Evaluation of the pathogens causing these infections
confirmed that most of the strains associated with these
serious MRSA infections were caused by strains
traditionally associated with healthcare. However, the
strains traditionally associated with transmission in the
community are now being identified in healthcare.
2 Working Families
Handwashing has been identified as the best prevention
against MRSA.
Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and
www.scrubclub.org/info/mrsa.aspx
Jananne Finck, Nutrition and Wellness Educator
Antibacterial Hand Soap: Pros/Cons
Antibacterial soap has been in the news lately. Some
reports have it being the cause of the “superbugs”
or staph infections; others are touting how
important it is to decreasing illness,
especially in children.
As a mom, I value a product that works
to keep my children healthy. As a
consumer, I wonder if this product is really necessary.
As a natural resources educator, I want to know how
antibacterial soaps are effecting our environment.
Antibacterial soaps were developed with the best of
intentions: to remove all harmful bacteria from a surface,
typically hands. They were originally marketed for use
in environments that needed to remain sterile, i.e.
hospitals, nursing homes.
However, in a world where “clean is in,” the use of
antibacterial products has saturated the general public.
Soaps and cleaners that do not contain an antibacterial
agent are increasingly difficult to find.
The main, active ingredient in antibacterial soap is
typically triclosan. Triclosan remains on the skin after
washing, allowing the product time to break down
bacteria not removed during a hand wash.
Plain soap binds to dirt, oils and grease found on the skin
due to its chemical composition. Numerous research
projects have shown that using plain hand soap is just as
effective at preventing bacterial infections as
antibacterial soaps.
Proper hand washing is the key. To properly wash
hands:
● Wet hands with warm water.
● Add soap and rub hands together (front, back and
under fingernails) for 20 seconds. For a reference, it
takes approximately 20 seconds to sing the ABC’s
song.
● Rinse and dry with a clean towel (not a dish or hand
towel that has been used before).
For a fun, kid-friendly site on hand washing visit:
www.scrubclub.org/home.aspx.
Antibacterial soaps do not kill viruses, so illnesses such
as flu will not be reduced by using these soaps.
Winter 2007
An important fact for individuals who have a septic
system: Excessive use of antibacterial soaps is not
recommended. Properly functioning septic systems
contain bacteria that break down wastewater. Although
we think of antibacterial soaps as eliminating bad
bacteria from our hands, they also eliminate the good
bacteria used by the septic system to clean wastewater.
The increasing use of antibacterial soaps has led to the
discovery of the active ingredient, triclosan, in water
supplies. Wastewater treatment processes were not
designed to remove triclosan. As such, a small portion is
degraded, while the rest of the product remains intact in
sludge or treated water that is released back into rivers,
lakes and streams.
Measurable levels of triclosan have been found in fish,
frogs and even human breast milk. Some research has
linked the use of antibacterial soaps to the increased
number of “super” germs. Other research has found that
one is not connected to the other.
Antibacterial soaps offer an easy, convenient way to
ensure hands are clean. However, hand washing is just
as effective when done properly and does not have an
adverse effect on septic systems or the environment.
Source: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
www.cdc.gov/od/oc/media/pressrel/r050714a.htm
Jodie Tate, Natural Resources Management Educator
Easy Pumpkin Pie
1 can (16 ounces) solid pack
pumpkin
1 can (13 ounces) evaporated
skim milk
1 egg and 2 egg whites
½ cup biscuit mix
Sweetener equal to 1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons of sugar
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Heat oven to 350 F. Lightly grease or spray 9-inch pie
pan with vegetable oil spray. Blend all ingredients in
blender for 1 minute, or beat 2 minutes with mixer. Pour
into pie pan, and bake for 50 minutes or until pie is set
and center is puffed up. Makes 8 servings.
Nutrition Facts: 110 calories, 25 milligrams cholesterol, 1
gram fat, 280 milligrams sodium, 19 grams carbohydrates, 3
grams fiber, 7 grams protein.
Source: New Mexico Recipes, 2003.
3 Working Families
Should I Let My Teen
Work Outside the Home?
As a parent, should I allow my teen to get a job? Having
a job can produce great results in a teen’s life, and it can
also produce negative ones as well. What makes the
difference? Here are some points to consider:
Is the workplace safe and appropriate for a
teen to work? How many hours will teens be
expected to work? Will the supervisor respect the need
to work limited hours? Many employers say they will
limit the hours, but once the teen is employed, they are
expected to work whatever is needed. What is the policy
on breaks, overtime pay and time off? Get information
from your state’s labor department on rules regarding the
type and hours of work allowed for youth, along with the
type of equipment youth are allowed to operate.
Will the job interfere with other activities
your teen is involved in? If school is already a
struggle, will the work interfere even more with your
teen’s education? Are there afterschool activities your
teen will need to drop? What about meals and family
time together? How will you stay connected? Are there
some family times that need to be protected? Help your
teen understand that his/her school performance is too
important to be sacrificed for work. Discussing with
teens the standards you expect them to meet if they go to
work and are allowed to continue working, is an
important role parents can play.
Why does your teen want a job? If a teen wants to
make spending money, this is a great time to help your
teen set up a plan for the money earned and understand
your values on how to handle money. How much should
be saved for college or other goals? Why is this
important? Is giving to his/her church or other charities
an important value for your teen to consider? Are there
any current bills your teen owes that need to be paid?
Should there be a limit on daily spending for fun and
entertainment? This is a great opportunity to discuss
these issues with your teen.
Is the job something they will be interested in or
will the work be unfulfilling? Help your teen look at
different job possibilities and skills they will learn on
each job. What are your teen’s career goals? Are there
jobs that would provide insight or experience to help
them make career choices?
Has your teen ever interviewed for a job? Role
playing an interview for a job with teens can help them
think about their answers. We can prepare teens for the
questions an employer will ask about their strengths,
abilities, weaknesses and career goals.
Winter 2007
Give work a trial period. Monitor your teen’s hours
at work each week, along with their activity before and
after work. If grades take a dive, risky behaviors increase
or your teen is not managing this new level of freedom
wisely, it is a good reason to reassess the situation.
Where to go for more information:
U.S. Department of Labor Youth Rules
www.youthrules.dol.gov/
Family Education Network
www.familyeducation.com
Sources: Positive Parenting for Teens, University of
Minnesota Extension Service
I Need a Job, Colleen Gengler, Family Relations
Specialist, University of Minnesota Extension
Patti Faughn, Family Life Educator
Sup bf? JW HRU? math was
WOMBAT! LOL CU POS—
Teenage Communication
If you are one of the millions of teens who
text instead of call their friends or use
instant messaging you already understand
the message above. “What’s up, best
friend? Just wondering. How are
you? Math was a waste of money,
brains and time! Laugh out loud. See
you, parents over shoulder.”
Teens have an appetite for using new information
technology. They share interesting web links, photos of
what they are doing, a music or video file and are
constantly checking to see who has communicated with
them on their social network page. They’ll continue to
use landlines to communicate as long as “the rents”
(parents) have a telephone in their homes. But it’s not
surprising that the Pew Internet and American Life
Project, which periodically surveys teens and adults
about internet and technology use, reports that “youth
are leading the transition to a fully wired and mobile
nation.”
To use a new phrase credited to author and speaker,
Marc Prensky, today’s teens are “digital natives.” When
a 13-year-old was born, personal computers had already
been around 13 years. Today’s teens have never known a
world without personal computers, cell phones and the
internet. So they “speak the language” very naturally.
Media and electronic gadgets are an ever-present part of
their lives. Everyday they spend, on average, seven
hours and 21 minutes with media (TV, DVDs, MP3
players, the internet and video games). They spend only
4 Working Families
43 minutes reading paper copies of books and
magazines. I bet most of that is required at school! One
last reflection—if you remember a time without personal
computers and the internet, you are a “digital
immigrant.”
Not only do teens not remember the world without these
digital devises, but they are either approaching or
surpassing adults in the ownership of mobile electronic
devices. Thirty percent of adults have laptops, 43 percent
of young adults have laptops and 32 percent of teens
have laptops. Twenty percent of adults have MP3
players, while 45 percent of teens have this personal,
portable music gadget!
Maybe this has something to do with why cell phones
seem to be permanently attached to a teenager’s body.
And texting a friend standing next to you doesn’t seem
strange to a teen. Being “present” with another person is
taking on a new meaning.
If you’ve wondered why teens don’t seem to respond to
e-mails you’ve sent to them, it’s because they don’t use
this technology as frequently (only 5 percent prefer email). In fact they say e-mail is what they use to
communicate with “old people” and “institutions.”
When sending casual messages to friends, teens are more
likely to choose instant messaging, text messaging or
connecting via a social network site, like MySpace or
Facebook. And to complicate things, this social
networking is becoming more mobile as cell phone
options begin to include the ability to access one’s
messages on those sites.
So what are “digital immigrants” to do?
Help teens understand that communicating digitally can
have hazards. Twenty-five percent of teens who go on
line daily have experienced a breach to personal privacy.
For instance a text or instant message that was meant
only for the recipient’s eyes gets forwarded to another.
Teens also need to be aware that information, posted on
social networking sites, including photos and
connections to a “friend’s” site is only private if they
carefully choose and limit their list of “friends.” Even
then, it’s good practice not to place potentially damaging
information on their page. A growing number of college
admission counselors, scholarship benefactors and
employers are searching the social networking sites.
Some have even rejected applicants upon finding
negative material that’s part of the person’s “profile” or
even part of a “friend’s” profile.
“Digital ” (that’s us) also need to understand that the
internet, mobile, digital types of communication are not
going to go away. Continue to place computers in public
locations in your home and install filtering software to
Winter 2007
help protect from the negatives of the internet. Keep the
lines of communication open. Be aware of his/her
interests. Stay involved in his/her life. Make it clear how
you will communicate with your “digital native.”
Continue to work at understanding the ways they like to
communicate and try to master at least some of those
communication methods.
Judy Taylor, Youth Development Educator
Make Saving Simple
Are you looking for a simple way to save money for
retirement? Use your employer-sponsored retirement
plan. Many companies have plans that allow employees
to contribute regularly. Once you start, you it requires
little attention. Signing up for your employer’s
retirement plan means that your contributions will be
deducted automatically from your paycheck.
Small contributions add up. If you start
contributing $100 a month when you are 30 years old,
let the money grow in a tax-deferred account until you
are 65, you will have $110,000 when you retire –
assuming a return rate of 8 percent and inflation rate of 3
percent.
Some employers will "match" the money you contribute
to a retirement plan. For example, your employer would
contribute $100 to your retirement plan to match your
$100 a month contribution. Or, an employer might make
a 50 percent match—$1 for every $2 you contribute to
your plan. If your employer offers any kind of match,
then you want to be sure to take advantage of it.
Try to save at least as much money as your
employer is willing to match. If you don’t take
advantage of this job benefit, it is like throwing away
free money. Ask at your human resources office if you
don’t know if your employer offers a match.
Another simple way to save is to increase your
contribution whenever you receive a raise. For example,
if you receive a 4 percent raise, have 1 percent of the
raise go directly to your retirement plan. Increasing the
amount you contribute to your retirement plan as your
income goes up will mean that you will have more
money to enjoy during retirement.
For more information about how to maximize your
retirement savings, visit the “Save for Retirement”
section of the Plan Well, Retire Well: Your how-to guide
website at www.RetireWell.uiuc.edu. This free, secure
website helps people plan and make informed choices
for their retirement
Kathy Sweedler, Consumer and Family Economics Educator
5 Working Families
Winter 2007
Positive Sports Parenting
be the best; it is enough that they do their best.
Parent involvement in youth sports
can be good for kids in many ways.
However, the benefits can also be
overshadowed by negative or
inappropriate involvement by parents.
It is important to recognize when
emotions and competition get out of
control. Far too often, we’ve heard of, read about or
witnessed a parent’s inappropriate behavior on the side
lines.
Parents also influence their children by modeling the
type of behavior and attitudes that are important to them.
If a parent demonstrates respect and concern for others
around them, their child notices. But if a parent becomes
irate and yells at the referee for a “bad call,” the child
learns nothing about good sportsmanship and
appropriate conduct.
Positive Parent Involvement
Positive parent involvement means looking out for a
child’s needs and interests. Parents can do this in sports
by:
● Attending games
● Applauding all participants
● Encouraging children to have fun and make new
friends
● Encouraging children to learn the fundamentals of
the game
● Helping their child understand the importance of the
rules
● Modeling appropriate behavior
● Being friendly to the opposing team and their fans
● Emphasizing the importance of the child’s best
effort
● Discussing how the child can improve his skills
when he did not perform as well as he expected
(keeping it future-focused)
● Having open family discussions with their child
about how everyone feels
● Honoring how the child would like her parents to be
involved
When there is positive involvement by parents:
● Youth are more likely to enjoy their sports
experience
● Children tend to participate longer
● Misunderstandings, pressure and competitive stress
are reduced
● Youth are better able to cope with sport related
stress
● Parent-youth relationships are improved
● Youth are more competent and feel better about
themselves
How Parents Influence Children
Parents influence children in many ways through sports.
Knowing that someone loves and accepts you
unconditionally is apparent to the child who is allowed
to make a mistake during the game. Parents with high
levels of acceptance are able to refrain from humiliating
a child who makes an error. Their child does not have to
Here are some guidelines for recognizing when you’ve
“crossed the line” into poor sportsmanship:
● You are feeling angry and are expressing your anger
in negative ways
● You are making inappropriate statements to your
child, the other players, the coaches, the officials or
other spectators
● Your child acts embarrassed by your behavior
● You notice a negative reaction from the coach or
other parents
If this is happening to you, it may be time to reevaluate
your own behavior and expectations for your child
participating in sports.
Knowing When to Let Up
Spectators at sporting events want their team to win.
This feeling is magnified if the event includes one of
their children. Parents need to understand that “winning”
is not the only success outcome from a youth sporting
event.
Sports can be a good way for youth to learn teamwork,
gain skills, and increase self confidence. But sports may
not be right for all kids, or there may come a time to
leave a sport. If a child is constantly blaming the
officials or teammates for not having a good game or
making excuses to not attend practice, it might be a
signal that the youth is “burned out” and not wanting to
play that sport.
Diane Ryals, Family Life Educator
quick Tip
To keep your shoes looking new, use binder
clips to restore elastic gussets or Velcro strips
that have curled up to their natural position on
shoes while they are stored in the box.
6 Working Families
Winter 2007
What to Do with Your Holiday Plant
2008 All America Selections
Most holiday plants are tropical in nature and prefer
tropical conditions which aren’t available in our homes.
What that means is that most holiday plants, from the
poinsettia to the cyclamen to the Christmas cactus don’t
look good for more than a month or two. Once you
accept that, any extra time the plant looks good would be
classified as an extra benefit.
The 2008 All America Selections have been announced.
Look for them in your seed catalogs or at your local
garden center or nursery this coming spring.
Most plants were grown in greenhouses where they
received ideal conditions. Since homes have less than
greenhouse-type conditions, the plants will object
strenuously and respond by dropping leaves and flowers
due to the decrease in humidity and light levels.
● Viola “Skippy XL Plum-Gold”: quarter-size blooms
Plants should have as much bright light as possible. A
southern exposure is the best, though a west window
may suffice. Expect plants placed in the middle of the
room to drop leaves or flowers to fade. Keeping a light
on the plant will help.
The higher the humidity level, the better for the plant,
though you run the risk of mold growing indoors on the
woodwork. Cyclamen prefer a high humidity and may
need to be set on a humidifier or surrounded with
pebbles and water. Excess humidity can cause mold
buildups on windows and walls. Placing plants in high
humidity areas such as bathrooms, kitchens and laundry
rooms are good alternatives, but remember the light
needs. Grouping plants together also helps.
Misting usually does nothing for the plant, but makes
you feel better. You would need to mist the plant every
minute in order to increase the humidity level.
Keep soils uniformly moist, but not damp. Remove any
foil or wrapping around plants so excess water can drain
away. Saucers are good for catching water, but plants
should never sit more than 15 minutes in water. Placing
the holiday plant in a pot is acceptable—just make sure
it’s not sitting in water.
Plants should be kept away from heat sources such as
fireplaces and hot air registers.
Temperature control will also prolong the life of the
plants. Ideal day temperatures are between 70 and 80 F.
Evening temperatures should be in the lower 50’s.
Groom plants when leaves start wilting, turning yellow
or looking bad. Pinch off flowers as they start dying.
And when it comes time, get rid of the plant and think
about spring.
David Robson, Horticulture Educator
● Osteospermum “Asti White”: pure white daisy-like
flowers with blue centers. Drought resistant, though
they prefer cool nights for best blooms.
with gold faces and purple petals. Definitely prefer
cool temperatures, reaching 8 inches high.
● Eggplant “Hansel”: miniature finger-like eggplant
that’s perfect for containers or that small spot among
the flowers.
Television Viewing
The U.S. Census Bureau’s Survey
of Income and Program Participation
is one of the best sources of data on
the dynamics of family life. The
most recent release of findings
from this in-depth survey titled “A
Child’s Day” provides insight on how parents are
managing their children’s access to television.
Children in the 6 to 11 year age group were the most
likely to have at least one restriction (92.0 percent)
compared to 89.7 percent for 3 to 5 year olds, and 75.9
percent for those aged 12 to 17. Between 1994 and 2004
the proportion of children with at least one television
rule actually declined for all three age groups. At the
same time, the proportion of children with all three rules
enforced increased. The largest increase occurred for 3
to 5 year olds (54 percent in ‘94 to 68 percent in ‘04.)
Although fewer children have restrictions, those that do
are more rigorous.
Television viewing restrictions varied depending on
several household characteristics. As income and
education increased, the percentage of children with
restrictions also increased. Only 78 percent of 3 to 5 year
olds in households headed by a person with less than a
high school income had at least one restriction compared
to 96 percent in those headed by a person with a
bachelor’s degree. Families with two parents were more
likely to place restrictions on television viewing than
single parent families.
Pat Curry, Community and Economic Development Educator
7 Working Families
Out, Out, Darn Spot:
Removing Holiday Food Stains
Holiday time is a hectic time, and spills and stains are
part of the season. To help with emergency stain
removal, stock up on some basics items. You will need:
paper towels, pre-treatment solvent, sponges, all-fabric
bleach, chlorine bleach and enzyme pre-soak.
The key to stain removal is immediate treatment. If
guests are present when a spill occurs, use paper towels
to absorb as much of the liquid as possible. Soak a
sponge in cool water and use it to remove further traces
of the spill. Later, you can get down to the business of
final stain removal.
Test any stain remover on a corner of washable fabric
first to see how it reacts. Whenever possible, treat stains
from the back of the fabric. Place a spot downward on
some paper towels so the stain will come off the fabric
instead of going through it. After treatment, regular
laundering will usually remove the last traces of the
stain.
Treat stains as soon as possible after staining. The older
the stain, the more difficult it will be to remove. All stain
removal methods should be applied prior to laundering
washable garments. Stains that have been laundered and
dried are almost impossible to remove.
Sponge fruit stains, including cranberries, immediately
with cool water. Later, soak in warm water and enzyme
pre-soak. Then launder. If possible, launder again using
chlorine bleach if it is safe for the fabric.
For gravy or milk stains, like eggnog, work a paste of
detergent and water into the stain. If a greasy stain
remains after laundering, sponge with a pre-treatment
solvent.
Soak coffee or tea stains in warm water in an enzyme
pre-soak or all-fabric bleach and launder.
For candle wax, scrape off as much wax as possible.
Then place the stain between several layers of paper
towels and press with a warm iron. Next place the stain
face down on paper towels and sponge the back with
pre-treatment solvent. Launder when dry. Note: If any
color remains, re-launder with bleach that is safe for the
fabric.
For lipstick spots, rub undiluted liquid detergent into
the stain until the outline of the stain is removed. If the
stain remains after laundering, sponge with pre-treatment
solvent.
Winter 2007
Launder red wine stains with detergent in the hottest
water safe for the fabric. Do not use soap since soap
could make the stain permanent or harder to remove.
Soak tough stains for 30 minutes in one quart of warm
water and one teaspoon of enzyme pre-soak product.
Removing old or set stains may require washing with
bleach that is safe for the fabric. Always check for fabric
color fastness. If the wine sugars are not removed, a
brown stain will appear when the fabric is heated in the
dryer or is ironed, as the sugar is caramelized.
Poultry fat (grease)—treat light stains with a pretreatment spray stain remover, and wait a couple of
minutes for it to penetrate. Rub with a heavy-duty liquid
laundry detergent. Launder. If color stain remains,
launder with chlorine bleach if safe for the fabric, or use
all-fabric bleach. Always test for color fastness before
using bleach. Place heavy stains face down on clean
paper towels. Apply dry cleaning fluid to the back of
stain. Replace towels frequently. Carefully read and
follow instructions on the product package. Let air dry;
rinse. Launder in the hottest water safe for the fabric.
Bleaches:
 Hydrogen peroxide, which is the mildest bleach
 Powdered all-fabric bleaches (sodium perborate)
(Biz*, Borateem, Clorox 2, Purex, Snowy)
 Liquid all-fabric bleaches (Clorox 2, Snowy, Vivid)
 Liquid chlorine bleach (sodium hypochlorite)
(Clorox, Hilex, Purex)
*Biz contains enzymes. Read the label.
Detergents
 Heavy-duty liquid detergents (All, Cheer, Era,
Tide, Wisk)
 Light-duty liquid detergents (Ivory, Lux, Woolite)
 Many detergents contain enzyme pre-soaks. Read
the labels.
Pre-treatment products
 Aerosol sprays petroleum-based solvent brands:
(Clorox, Shout, Spray ‘n Wash)
 Pump-type sprays—detergent based brands:
 (Clorox, Shout, Spray ‘n Wash, Wisk-Away)
 Squeeze bottle brands: (Clorox Stain Out, Shout,
Spray n’ Wash)
No endorsement of companies or their products mentioned is
intended, or is criticism implied of similar companies or their
products not mentioned.
Sources: Fabriclink - www.fabriclink.com
Solutions: www.solutions.uiuc.edu
Susan E. Taylor, Consumer and Family Economics Educator
8 Working Families
Visit the Winter Storm Resource
Center
Recent ice storms have jolted us
into winter’s fury early in the
season. Keep your family prepared
to deal with what nature brings our
way with facts and tips including
how to prevent frozen water pipes,
preventing ice dams, safe snow loads, home heating tips,
and alternative heating methods from the Winter Storm
Resource Center available online at
www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/winter.
If you do not have access to the internet, but would like
information on any of the topics listed, please contact the
Pike County Extension office at 217-285-5543 for
assistance.
Jennifer Mowen, Pike County Extension Director
Repairing Storm Damaged Trees
Winter 2007
Some forks and main branches, which are split or
partially broken, may be repaired without removing one
or both branches. This type of work is usually beyond
the capability of most homeowners, and should be done
by professionals. Repairs are usually accomplished with
the use of large diameter steel bolts or threaded screw
rods placed throughout the split section.
Wound treatments are no longer recommended.
Research has shown the trees own defensive
mechanisms will protect it more effectively than wound
dressings.
Trees such as silver maple, poplars, and ornamental
pears are particularly susceptible to storm damage. In
choosing a replacement tree for those removed, take into
account the mature size of the replacement, location of
overhead utility lines, and how the tree will look when it
reaches its mature height and width. Contact your local
Extension office or IDNR forester for information in
determining what type of trees will work for a particular
location.
Duane Friend, Natural Resources Educator
Trees that have been damaged by ice may be worth
trying to save, if a substantial portion of the tree remains
intact and the repair will keep the tree attractive and of
value to the property owner.
Pruning should not be attempted while ice is still on the
tree, or while electrical lines still have damage. For
larger trees, it is recommended that a professional do the
work, especially when electrical lines and property is
within the fall range.
Damaged branches should be removed at the nearest
lateral branch, and not in the middle of a branch.
Careless pruning will result in additional branch dieback,
or excessive sprouting, causing more problems down the
road. Pruning cuts should be made just outside of the
branch collar, where the branch attaches to another
branch or trunk.
For large branches, a 3 cut procedure is best. From the
underside, saw approximately 12 to 18 inches from the
main stem or branch where it is attached. Make the cut 1
to 1 ½ inches. For the second cut, saw approximately 2
to 3 inches beyond the undercut until the branch is
removed. The third cut is made to remove the remaining
stub, just outside the branch collar.
If there are large areas of torn bark on a tree, remove
loose, dry bark with a sharp knife or wood chisel in and
around the wound.
This issue of “Working Families” has been
provided to you by University of Illinois
Extension, Pike County.
Articles in this newsletter have been provided by
the following Extension Educators:
Pat Curry, Community & Economic Development
Patricia Faughn, Family Life
Jananne Finck, Nutrition & Wellness
Duane Friend, Natural Resources
Jennifer Hunt, Consumer & Family Economics
David Robson, Horticulture
Diane Ryals, Family Life & Youth Development
Jennifer Mowen, Pike County Extension Director
Kathy Sweedler, Consumer & Family Economics
Jodie Tate, Natural Resources
Judy Taylor, Youth Development
Susan Taylor, Consumer & Family Economics
If you have any questions or comments regarding
this mailing, please contact the Pike County
Extension Office at (217) 285-5543.
State/County/Local Groups/United States Department of
Agriculture Cooperating.
University of Illinois Extension provides equal
opportunities in programs and employment.
If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in
any programs, please contact University of Illinois
Extension, Pike County at 217-285-5543.