Question
QUESTION: I live in Kingman, Kansas, which is in South Central Kansas (hardiness zone 6a).  I am very interested in planting a tulip poplar tree, but I am a little concerned about the danger of aphids and tulip tree scales.  I have been told by my local extension office that because there are not a lot of tulip poplar trees in this part of Kansas, there is very little chance of an aphid infestation.  I was also told by Sooner Plant Farm that they have not had any trouble with aphids or scales on their tulip trees in North Eastern Oklahoma.  In addition, Tom Alonzo, an expert in tree seeding said that he knows some people who have tulip poplar trees growing on their properties in Kansas, and as far as he knows they have not had any problem with aphids or scales either.
Well, I was pretty much convinced that I was safe to plant a tulip tree, when I noticed that many of the questions about tulip poplar trees that Jim Hyland has answered have dealt with aphid or scale infestations.  I noticed that Jim is on vacation, so I thought I would ask you.
So I guess I just want some assurance from someone who maybe knows a bit more about diseases and insects affecting trees in various parts of the country that I should be safe to plant a tulip poplar tree in South Central Kansas without fear of an aphid or scale infestation on that tree.  I would appreciate any advice and assurance you could give me.

ANSWER: Timothy:
Thanks for your inquiry.  This tree is a beautiful tree.  I would be more concerned about its ability to grow well in your hardiness zone than aphids and scale. Keeping these insects completely off of any 30 foot tree could be a challenge. With a combination of plenty of predator insects out there and extreme weather conditions, these insect populations are often kept in check and not reaching epidemic proportions.  Raking up and destroying the fallen leaves during the late winter and before spring can help also reduce insects as well as diseases.  These dead leaves can be a refuge for several insect and disease pests.  There are also insecticides out there that can be applied as a soil drench or a foliar spray that can help if needed.  So, my opinion is go for it.  Keep the tree watered during hot/dry and windy conditions and fertilized according to a soil test.  Check in with your Extension office about doing soil test before you plant. This is a free service here in AR with our Extension system.  Other good hints when planting a tree. Make sure it is not planted too deep or too cramped in the hole.  Big thing- protect the tree from any bark damage from things like lawnmowers and string trimmers.  Talk to your Extension office about the proper way to plant a tree so you will enjoy it for many years to come.

Steve

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QUESTION: Thank you for your answer.  I appreciate it, and I am relieved.  I have just one more question that I thought of as I read your answer.  You had written that I should rake up dead leaves to help prevent insect pests and disease.  Well, I have two bags of bald cypress leaves (not bark or wood) that are in my garage.  I was going to use them as mulch to put around the young tulip poplar tree.  Is that a good idea or not?

ANSWER: Timothy:
I would not expect there being an issue with using the bald cypress as mulch.  No more than 3" deep.  Do not pile it up against the base of the tree, in fact, pull it back away from the trunk 5-6", like creating a doughnut.  When piled up against the trunk, it provides a safe haven for insects and other critters.

Steve

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QUESTION: Okay.  Thank you.  I think I read about the mulch doughnut somewhere else too.  My local nursery owner was also wondering a little bit about the cold winters causing some trouble for the tulip poplar tree, but the one in KC, KS that Tom spoke of is thriving.  Besides, I am planting the tree 15-20 feet south of my garage, so hopefully the garage will serve as a wind break of sorts to help shelter the tree from the cold North wind.  Thanks for all of your advice. I appreciate it.

Answer
Timothy:
Good idea to shelter against the wind. Since the bark may be thin on younge trees, you may wish to consider some sort of trunk /stem protection in the form of a trunk/stem wrap at least until the tree gets a bit of age on it. Talk to the nursery about that.

Enjoy!

Steve