FOREST SAVERS® LLC

 

 

Application of Wollastonite

Wollastonite is calcium metasilicate (CaSiO3).

by Gerry Hawkes - Forester

Founder & Manager of Forest Savers

In late summer 2004 a visit was made to Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest where the effects of a 1999 application of Wollastonite on the forest of Watershed I were observed. Trees that had obviously been only a couple years away from death in 1999 were reinvigorated.  The forest on the watershed had been dying prior to 1999 as evidenced by numerous dead snags.  After 1999, mortality virtually ceased and the forest canopy is now becoming thicker and greener.  This was in contrast to the adjacent watershed where no Wollastonite was applied.
 
The trees on our own property near Woodstock, Vermont are dying and we are having to conduct premature cutting to capture the mortality.  I have been watching the decline and death worsen since 1969 and have no doubt that it is primarily caused by acid deposition and associated air pollution (see http://www.eco-systems.org/air_pollution_and_dying_forests.htm ).
 

Based on what was observed on Watershed I at Hubbard Brook and available research reports, Wollastonite was applied to several test locations on 1.5 acres of forest on our property at an application rate of 2 tons per acre.  Since pelletization of the Wollastonite and aerial application was too expensive, powdered Wollastonite was spread by a specially equipped, 4-wheel-drive-tractor.  Additional acreage will be treated.

Following are photos and descriptions of the Wollastonite application.

 

A pallet of 40 bags of powdered Wollastonite - 50 pounds per bag.
  
Five hundred pounds of Wollastonite loaded into a spreader on a 4wd tractor.
One ton of powdered Wollastonite in 50 pound bags.
  

Forest Savers' specialized, 4-wheel-drive tractor and spreader.

 

Wollastonite being spread to counteract the effects of acid deposition and to improve forest health.
  
It is easy to see where powdered Wollastonite has been spread in the forest to help counteract the effects of acid deposition.
Spreading Wollastonite in the recently thinned woodland.
  

Areas of woodland where powdered Wollastonite has been spread.

 

It is hoped that the application of Wollastonite will slow the recent, rapid death of white birches.
  
This roadside stand of sugar maples has been carefully maintained in recent years, but has still been declining in health.

Powdered Wollastonite spread among white birches.

  

Wollastonite spread in a roadside stand of sugar maples.

 

When 20 tons or more can be delivered to one location in New York, Massachusetts, Vermont or New Hampshire, cost for purchasing, transporting and spreading powdered Wollastonite is estimated to be $300-$325 per ton spread in the woods and $210-$250 per ton spread from woods roads or along tree lines at the edge of fields.  Costs will vary according to quantity, location and site conditions.  

                                 

 

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1-866-63-TREES

866-638-7337

Forest Savers® LLC

796 Wayside Road Ext.

Woodstock, VT 05091

Fax

1-802-457-2483

Email: info@forest-savers.com

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