Dutch elm disease (DED) is a fungal infection that has wiped out American elms in most of their natural range in eastern North America. Alberta is one of the last places on earth that host healthy stands of these graceful trees. The deadly Dutch elm disease is spread by one of three closely related beetles [...]
What’s the issue? This fall we were getting unseasonably warm temperatures throughout September and early October without our usual frosts. Normally our temperatures begin to drop in September, this combined with the reduced number of sunlight hours helps trigger a seasonal change in trees where they start to prepare for winter by downloading moisture out [...]
Mostly water, really. Many factors play into the health and vigor of urban trees. Ideally, we select a specimen tree at the nursery that is hardy for our zone, we plant it properly in a perfect location in nutrient rich soil, we fertilize and prune and water at all the right times and the tree [...]
Pruning is an important form of maintenance for urban trees. Unlike trees in the forest, urban trees need pruning to maintain structural integrity and keep them looking their best. This is because when removed from the forest environment, they tend to grow much differently which can lead to structural issues and storm damage. Many trees [...]
There is something quite special about planting something that will most likely outlive you and become the home for many organisms throughout its life. Planting a new tree is in my opinion one of the most positive ways of contributing to the long term health and sustainability of our urban landscape. However, if not planted [...]
Watering trees is easy when you know where and when to do it. With an extremely hot, dry summer as we have had over the past few years, applying water is necessary but doing it correctly will help your trees through the drought and help reduce the amount of water that needs to be applied. [...]
