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 [...]
In the fall it is common to see that your evergreens have needles turning color, especially on the inside of the canopy. The needles of conifers have a life span that varies from one, to several years depending on the tree species. The interior needles change to a yellow or orange color before dropping off [...]
Shrubs and trees can be damaged by herbicides in two ways. Herbicide drift results in damage to the leaves of contacted plants downwind of the spray. Herbicides applied to weeds around the base of a tree or shrub may also end up poisoning those plants. Key Points Plants can be damaged two ways by herbicide, [...]
Many animals leave their signs on trees. Squirrels, voles and porcupines may chew off bark for food or medication. Sapsuckers (a type of woodpecker) drill holes in thin-barked trees such as birch to drink tree sap and eat the insects attracted to the ooze. Honeysuckles and other shrubs with shredding bark may be stripped by [...]
Mulch is defined as “A protective covering, usually of organic matter such as wood chips, straw, or peat, placed around plants to prevent the evaporation of moisture, the freezing of roots and the growth of weeds”. Key Points The recommended depth for mulch is 2 to 4 inches. Always keep mulch several inches away from [...]
One common winter related tree issue in Calgary is winter desiccation (AKA winter drying). Winter desiccation occurs when the needles of evergreens are exposed to high winds and low temperatures. They dry out quickly because the ground is frozen and the tree is unable to replace the water lost from the foliage through evaporation. We [...]
