Tree Checkup
Okay To Hug Them

Imagine children on an egg hunt: poking up in branches, looking around tree roots, shouting "Look what I found!" and "Come over here!" This is not spring time, though, and these are not small children, but mature adults involved in the assessment of trees within the Five Points neighborhood and associated historic districts in Athens.

On Highland Avenue, volunteers Ed and Sue Wilde and Cordelia Bowlus walk with clipboards, tree books and a tape measure right into people's front yards. They will not be run off. These volunteers carefully distributed letters to all the residents on this street to alert the neighbors about their work.

The letter included the objectives of this tree project: "(1) get a general idea as to the age and health of our trees, (2) assess the species diversity in the neighborhood, (3) identify significant trees… (4) and learn what can be done to care for our tree community."

Bowlus also followed up with phone calls or personal talks with neighbors to make sure each resident on the street had the opportunity to ask questions and give or deny permission. Most of the neighbors expressed great interest in the work.

Bowlus and the Wildes are all graduates of the Athens-Area Master Naturalist program, offered earlier this year by UGA Extension Agent Frank Henning and forestry professor Michael Mengak. In addition, they received basic "tree" training from ACC Community Forester Connie Head and UGA forest resources interns Susan Pierce and Luana Vargas.

The yellow "Five Points Neighborhood Forest Assessment" sheets attached to their clipboards look complicated. But Ed Wilde notes that it's a simplified version of what the interns use as they assess the publicly owned trees along the street rights-of-way in the Five Points area. Bowlus concurs: "The forestry interns are more knowledgeable and able to note the actual diseases of the trees, which is beyond what we are able to do. What we can contribute is basic information to Connie for use in the long-term community forest management plan."

Bowlus further explains that, although they are not professionals, they are happy to offer simple suggestions on tree care to any interested Highland Avenue residents.

Sue Wilde offers specific examples of their tree care suggestions.

"Crotches are bad!" she says. "It's a weak part of the tree and more likely to split. Dirt gathers in crotches and contributes to rot. It's best if people prune their young trees and develop a leader." (This is a single strong branch in the center with competing branches or "co-leaders" removed.)

"This is why I don't like Bradford pears," Wilde continues. "They tend to have crotches which grow right into themselves. They need a lot of pruning but usually don't get it."

Bowlus adds, "Tree owners might think more about ornamental trees in general. What are we doing for future generations when we just plant fast-growing ornamental trees which make an impact for a short while and then die? Children won't have the benefit of taller, long-lived trees like oaks and beeches if we all plant short-lived Bradford pear trees and other ornamentals."

Next, Sue Wilde points to well-mulched trees in one yard. "Mulch is great!" she says. "It holds in moisture around the tree roots and gradually breaks down into top soil. It also looks nice while helping to protect a tree's roots from lawnmower damage."

Last, she emphasizes this tree care suggestion, "English ivy (Hedera helix) is very bad. It's an aggressive, alien species which hurts both our wildlife and trees. It competes with trees for water and nutrients. It stresses trees as it grows up into the tops. Tree owners should definitely get it out of their trees."

Ed Wilde further explains: "It's not just an abstraction when we talk about one plant species turning a whole area into a monoculture in which our native plants can't compete. It changes the whole characteristic of the wildlife and bird life able to live in the area."

The Wildes share an information sheet on "English Ivy's Adverse Impact on Trees." (Information source: noivyleague.com) The handout describes how ivy leaves tend to hold water, ice and snow in the winter. This additional weight in the tops of the trees makes it more likely for them to topple down in winter storms.

The tree volunteers also advise against planting trees too deeply and urge homeowners to remember diversity. The root flare (widening of the tree trunk just above the roots) often gets buried, and the tree cannot thrive. There is also a frequent tendency to plant a row of all crepe myrtles or other trees of the same species. Then the whole row can die at the same time, especially when a disease strikes an area and wipes out specific trees.

Bowlus concludes, "It seems like the current thinking is that you have to plant a whole row of exactly the same thing. We've got to think more about tree diversity, not just for now, but for our neighborhoods in the future."

Pierce and Vargus also say that many of the pruning jobs they have encountered have damaged the trees. "To me this is one of the biggest problems," Pierce says, "when untrained or careless workers do a poor pruning job on either publicly or privately owned trees. Removing limbs on trees is often necessary, especially in urban settings. But there is a proper way to do it to it so the tree will stay healthy and live longer. People who love trees should try to make sure that the trees are properly pruned to keep them healthy."

Pierce and Vargus hope the UGA Warnell School of Forest Resources will do more to expand an urban forestry major for future students. Pierce describes how her own suburban childhood was spent watching beautiful trees being cut down in Gwinnett County. "What I experienced then was a diminished tree canopy with far fewer trees being replanted. This is why I became so interested in the area of urban tree management… "

The results of this neighborhood tree assessment project will be presented to Friends of Five Points in August. For more information, see forester@co.clarke.ga.us

Liz Conroy
Liz Conroy is a local freelance writer and environmental activist.

O! Amsterdam
A Writer Abroad

The red light turns the disheveled man's teeth rusty-pearl and the petals of his bouquet purple, as he holds it for the whore behind the door. A black French couple argue in their native tongue in front of a sex show, and as the man walks off in defiance, the only word I can understand is "AIDS." Red neon hangs above doors that circle a church like hyenas around a downed gazelle. The smell of skunks wafts out of coffeeshops next to the church. This is Amsterdam, where vice has a price in a city too stoned to care.

At first glance, Amsterdam is a progressive city; the growth outside the historic district resembles Playmobil toy sets more than strip malls. Bus stop billboards plead for the city to stop AIDS. Cigarette packs have a blatant disclaimer telling you that you're killing yourself. Bicycles outnumber people - according to Lonely Planet, my literary sherpa on this expedition, the latest estimated number is 600,000.

While ill repute draws the crowds, the streets are nonetheless clean, and aside from the ubiquitous cocaine pushers who prowl the red-light district, any illegal activity you could want is packaged and moderately priced inside a store.

Our hostel is occupied by pot-loving Canadians (one proudly wears a sleeveless shirt of our northern neighbor's flag, emblazoned with the words "O! Cannabis") and a Japanese dwarf named Now, who can always be found smoking joints and watching pirated DVDs in the lobby.

Also bunking in our tiny six-bed room is Chris, from Minnesota, who as the beers continue to pour, discloses more and more depressing information about his life: probation officer doesn't know he's here, wrecked his Jeep in a blackout and tossed his friend out through the windshield, credit cards maxing out, had sex with a hooker (twice), condom broke (once).

Saunter through the grid of alleyways and nooks and crannies of the red-light district, and you find curious tourist couples, lonesome lurking men and live sex show barkers who growl at you in cockney garbles if you reject their invitations.

"Come on, fellas, live triple X here, may as well git it over wit," says one, his routine so rehearsed and trite even he rolls his eyes.

And yet you think, Amsterdam is so much more than stoners and whores, right?

In this sleepy, dreary city, which spreads out from Amsterdam Centrale in spiderweb fashion, idle canals run through the town, and beyond the compact area of headshops, restaurants and bars, you're in a quiet world, where you would more likely find Van Gogh lost in his prolific and destitute art or Anne Frank dreaming of being a writer. Farther out stand the tulips and the windmills.

These charming scenes do not fill airplane seats and hotel rooms. A coffeshop owner tells me that city officials have talked about stiffening the drug image. (He tells me that marijuana is only tolerated, not legal, that more than five grams can get you placed in jail and hard drugs are not welcome.) The city dropped the talks after those who rely on the marijuana culture - the pufferies and the puffers alike - raised their voice in collective protest.

But as I stroll through the alleyways, where women in scraps of stripper garb, young (some too young) and old (some too old), big and small, women and she-males (who, in contrast to women, sit under purple lights), press their breasts together and shower me with praise. I am left saddened and thrilled by the scene. Their eyes connect with mine in artificial lust, and they offer me anything I want. But the second I look away, they do, too.

At the end of the night, I find the disheveled man's purple flowers tossed into a puddle.

Onward to Paris.

Thomas Wheatley
Local freelance writer Thomas Wheatley is traveling in Europe.

New Beer
Recommendations

The beer scene here in Georgia is better than ever thanks to the July 1 change in the law that allows stronger beers to be sold. These gourmet, high-gravity brews are slowly making their way into pubs and onto shelves in package stores, and the excitement and interest surrounding them is so great, they are selling like crazy. Check your pubs and retail stores often for new arrivals. Everyone is asking me for recommendations and descriptions, so here is my short list:

Aventinus Weizen Eisbock - This is a strong, dark wheat beer from Germany that has been partially frozen and had some ice taken away. This process concentrates the alcohol and the spicy flavors. Richer in flavor and alcohol than the already strong, regular Aventinus.

Corsendonk Abbey Brown - A fruity Belgian ale with flavors and aromas of plum, cocoa and clove. Very drinkable and smooth.

Duvel - The ultimate Belgian Strong Golden Ale. This beer is light in color and has mild flavors of malt and spice, but has a big alcohol presence. A good choice for people wanting to try stronger beers for the first time.

Hennepin - This is a rustic farmhouse style Belgian ale that is pale, hoppy and crisp. It comes in at 7.5 percent alcohol and is brewed by the folks at Brewery Ommegang in Cooperstown, NY.

Horn Dog - Flying Dog in Denver makes this dark, rich beer that is so strong and malty it fits into a style called "Barleywine." It is dark brown and has flavors of plum, raisin, figs, alcohol and currant. Gets smoother after a year or more of age.

Oerbier - A strong Belgian Specialty Ale from the tiny DeDolle Brewery in Belgium. Oerbier is brown in color and extremely complex in its fruity, spicy character.

Old Crustacean - A Barleywine from the famous Rogue Ales brewery in Oregon. Old Crusty is an American-style Barleywine that has dark, rich malt, but is backed by a powerful infusion of resiny American hops.

Old Rasputin - A roasty, silky, jet-black Imperial Stout from North Coast Brewing in California. Imperial Stouts like this one have a tremendous amount of dark malt that provides a big mouthfeel and alcohol content. Great with chocolate or fruit desserts.

Old Stock Ale - Also from North Coast, this is a vintage dated Barleywine with hints of prune, leather, hops and chocolate. These beers can age for years if stored properly.

Ommegang - Another Belgian-style ale from Cooperstown. Ommegang is 8.5 percent alcohol and has notes of clove, cinnamon and caramel.

Quelque Chose - A sweet, rich fruit beer that is loaded with a huge amount of dark cherries and has almost no carbonation. This elegant ale comes in at 8 percent and hails from the well-known Unibroue brewery in Montreal.

Rochefort 10 - One of the famous brands of ales brewed in Trappist monasteries in Belgium. Rochefort comes in 6, 8 and 10 - with the higher numbers bringing more color, flavor, malt and alcohol. Rochefort 10 exhibits an incredible amount of malt and yeast complexity along with some dark fruit and chocolate/ toffee notes.

Saint Bernardus 12 - This ale is from a private brewery near Watou Belgian and is based on a Trappist recipe used to make Westvleteren 12 (one of the greatest beers on the planet). This is very similar to Rochefort 10 (see above), but has more dark fruit sweetness, and is 11 percent alcohol. Complex, elegant and decadent!

Saison Dupont - A wheat-based, farmhouse ale that makes for a refreshing beer to be consumed in the warmer months. With its crisp, peppery, earthy, spicy character, light color and huge white head, it is really delicious any time of year. A must try!

Scaldis - This Belgian Strong Ale is dark gold/ orange in color and has a big alcohol warmth at 12 percent. It is loaded with complex flavors of vanilla, clove, figs, pepper, malt and hops. Try it with a slice of caramel cheesecake, and arrange a designated driver!

Schneider's Wiesen Edel-Weisse - This is a strong, golden wheat beer that was produced by the Schneider Brewery in Germany for one of their anniversaries. It shows off a smooth, yet complex aroma and flavor of rich wheat, malt and phenols from the special yeast. This is one of the world's most delicious German wheat beers.

Trois Pistoles - Unibroue's version of a Belgian Strong Dark Ale is one of the brewery's darkest and richest beers. It has a huge tan head and flavors of burnt chocolate, raisins and toffee.

Unibroue Edition 2004 - In contrast to the Trois Pistoles, this anniversary beer is lighter in color and has a more elegant, fruity palate. Comes in at 10.5 percent alcohol by volume.

Westmalle Tripel - This is the great beer that originated the Trappist Tripel style. Belgian Tripels are golden in color, but have a strong alcohol content (around 8 percent) and deep layers of flavors such as pepper, clove, fruit and crisp hops - one of the world's best beers. In contrast, Westmalle Dubbel is brown in color with lighter alcohol and flavors of caramel and dark fruits.

That's about all for now. Take care and remember to always drink responsibly and support homebrewing and craft-brewed beers whenever possible!

Owen Ogletree
Owen Ogletree (brew@negia.net) lives in Athens and is a beer judge, author, homebrewer, columnist and director of Brewtopia Events LLC and the Classic City Brew Fest.

Animal Control
This Week's Scorecard

Athens-Clarke County Animal Control responded to 71 calls.
      12 complaints of animal cruelty
      5 bite cases
      6 complaints of barking dogs
      6 citations for ordinance violations

31 animals impounded
      23 dogs
      5 cats
      3 livestock or wildlife

15 dogs placed
      9 adopted
      5 reclaimed
      1 turned over to another agency

ACC Animal Control press release for the week of July 15 to July 21.