Dr. Bert Cregg
Associate Professor
A214 Plant and Soil Sciences
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI 48824-1325
Phone: 517/355-5191, ext 335
Fax: 517/353-0890
Email: cregg@msu.edu

Dr. Cregg Education Research Publication Links
Joined Department:
   September 1, 1999 		Appointment:
     Research: 50%
     Extension: 50%    

Education:

Ph.D. Forest Resources, University of Georgia, 1990.
MPA. Public Administration, University of Nebraska, 1995.
M.S. Forest Science, Oklahoma State University, 1986.
B.S. Forest Management, Washington State University, 1983.
A.S. Forestry, Centralia College, 1980.

Professional Experience


Research Interests:

True Firs: New Conifers for Michigan Landscapes
Co-PI’s: Grant Jones (Graduate Student), Mel Koelling,MSU Dept. of Forestry, and Jill O’Donnell, MSU Extension
Conifers are among the most widely grown woody ornamentals in Michigan.  Unfortunately, many of the conifers that are currently planted in Michigan such as Colorado blue spruce and Austrian pine have been over-planted and are subject to several serious pests.  This research will identify new, exotic true firs that are adapted to Michigan climate and soils.  In this project we transplanted true fir (genus Abies) trees from a species test at Kellogg Experimental Forest to three Horticultural experiment stations (Horticulture Teaching and Research Center, Clarksville Horticultural Experiment Station, and the Northwest Michigan Horticultural Research Station).  From this research we will: 1) identify fir species with outstanding ornamental characteristics and 2) identify key adaptive traits that may serve as initial screening criteria to identify additional fir species and hybrids for Michigan.   Support: MAES Project GREEEN

Improving water and nutrient management in landscape nursery production systems
Co-PI’s: Katrina Schneller (M.S. student), Bob Schutzki, Brad Rowe and Tom Fernandez, MSU Dept. of Horticulture, MSU
For the past three years we have monitored the response of landscape trees to varying resource inputs in a fertigation trial at the Michigan State University Southwest Michigan Research and Extension Center (SWMREC).  Bare root whips (4’-5’ tall) of 13 landscape trees species were planted in the spring of 2001.  A total of 40 trees were planted for each species.  We applied one of four treatments to 13-tree row plots (1 tree of each species per plot x 10 replications).  The treatments were: 1) control (no irrigation: no fertilizer), 2) fertilizer only, 3) irrigation only and 4) irrigation plus fertilizer.  This project addresses key needs for the Michigan Nursery and Landscape Industry.  First, this project will provide information to improve the production of tree species that will be important components of restoration strategies in the wake of emerald ash borer.  Increasing production of alternative species will help to off-set millions of dollars of losses for Michigan Nurseries due to EAB.  The project will also provide information that will improve nutrient diagnostics and nutrition managment.  This, in turn, will reduce environmental impacts associated with nursery production.  Support: MAES SWMREC, J. Frank Schmidt and Sons Nursery

Winter injury in crabapples: Interaction of salt and cold
Winter damage to trees remains a major problem for landscapers, city foresters, and municipal officials in the upper Midwest.  In recent winters the problem has been especially severe in crabapples planted along roadsides. Both road deicing salt and extreme cold are known to damage trees, but relatively little is known concerning the interaction of the two stresses.  In this project we will expose trees from five crabapple cultivars to sodium chloride spray and measure their cold hardiness.  In addition, we will examine mitigation strategies to reduce the incidence of damage.  The results of the study will provide insights on the nature of winter injury in crabapples and provide arborists and landscapers with techniques to reduce the severity of damage. Support: International Society of Arboriculture Research Trust, Michigan Nursery and Landscape Association

Links:

Find trees for your hardiness zone

Recommended Trees for Michigan's Lower PeninsulaUS Forest Service

Reforestation, Genetics, and Nursery Page/Forest Nursery Notes

Urban Trees: Site Assessment, Selection for Stress Tolerance, Planting

Information on nursery nutrition in containers and in the field

Gymnosperm database.  This is an amazing site. Descriptions, range maps, images for every gymnosperm imaginable

Horticultural and Forestry Journals

Forestry Images.  Contains free images of nurseries, trees, and tree pests that are available for ‘fair use

Fertilization links

Hort on the Internet: Trees Links to just about everything related to trees…

Current weather at my house

 Horticultural conversions and calculations

Green Beam Calculator – Agricultural and Financial Conversions and Calculations

A Field Guide to Experimental Designs

Christmas Tree Nutrient Management Guide for Western Oregon and Washington.pdf

Developing High Quality True Fir Christmas Trees.pdf

Growing Christmas Trees in the Pacific Northwest.pdf


 Selected Publications:

Trade Publications