Amphibian corridor development in Vaglio

Problem : The uncontrolled growth and spread of the sumac tree is impairing the ecological functionality of the amphibian corridor at Lago d'Origlio, an amphibian breeding area of national importance.

Measure : Uprooting of medium-sized sumac trees and girdling of large sumac trees in February. Pruning and uprooting of small sumac trees that regrow during the year.

Method : Girdling with a two-handed knife. Uprooting with a pullerbear and pickaxes; cutting of shoots with shears. Girdling is an agronomic practice in which a ring of bark is removed from the trunk of a tree. This practice is carried out to induce slow dieback and convert the sapwood (young wood) into heartwood (older and more resistant wood), and sometimes also to control unwanted plant species by weakening them and restricting their reproduction.

Result : Perimeter without sumac trees or with fewer sumac trees and more meadow area.

Ecological added value: The ecological functionality of the migration corridor is improved, allowing native vegetation to grow and improve.

What's next: Next year, further shoots will need to be cut off to ensure that the plants die off.