Drought Still Affecting City Trees

Despite the heavy rainfall we've been experiencing in Edmonton recently, the city's trees are still suffering from the impact of the droughts of the past few years. According to Michael Silzer, an ecological planner with the city, 30 percent of the natural areas within the city are experiencing dieback. "Dieback" is the condition in which trees have many dead or dying branches. This spreads over the tree until it doesn't have the strength to combat the problem and the tree itself dies. Pruning can help the tree survive longer and allow it time to recover.

Some of the ways to keep city trees health are:

• create wells around tree trunks to catch moisture
• fertilize and water trees regularly
• don't place rocks or cement near or around the base of trees (use mulch instead)
• keep road salt away from trees

When trees reach the end of their life cycle and either die or have to be removed, consider planting a new tree. When planting, remember that the tree will not always be small--give it sufficient space in which to grow. Coun. Karen Leibovici has recently been urging city council to encourage the public and businesses to plant more trees since so many Edmonton trees have died because of drought, disease, and old age. This would not only contribute to a richer and more beautiful urban forest, but it would save the city a great deal of money. According to the Edmonton Journal, it cost the city $743 for parks workers to supply, plant, and maintain each new city tree it planted last year. The city has recently embarked on a three year program to replace those trees killed by the long drought. The plan calls for roughly 3,000 trees to be planted.

New Book on the Global Forest

Author Diana Beresford-Kroeger, a botanist and arborist, has recently published a book entitled The Global Forest, in which she describes trees as the most special species on the planet. She points out that 50 percent of the oxygen of the air comes from trees. The other 50 percent comes from phytoplankton and algae, the "invisible forests of the ocean" (also under attack, given recent news reports). Beresford-Kroeger thinks that humans have underestimated trees and their importance and that "if the trees die, we die." Her book is a call for a new, deeper understanding of the importance of trees to global survival.

Welcome to "Branching Out"

Welcome to "Branching Out," an on-line newsletter blog of Marshall's Tree Services Ltd. This blog is intended to provide readers with tips on how best to care for their trees, shrubs, and perennials. Blog posts will appear about once a month with information on the latest issues facing anyone interested in preserving the natural environment around our homes and businesses.

Facing Drought
As most people are aware, over the past few years, our plant materials have been negatively affected by severe drought. We all need to take measures to provide our trees, shrubs, and flowers with whatever help we can, in order for them to survive and flourish. Here are a few tips you might try:

• when plowing or shoveling snow, be careful not to damage trees and shrubs. Use less salt when de-icing your walkways (salt can damage and even kill trees)
• as soon as the snow melts and ground thaws, water your trees, especially where there has been little precipitation
• mulch your trees as soon as the snow melts. Mulching retains moisture and provides nutrients.

Invasive Plants
Invasive plants can cause environmental and ecological degradation. We find them in natural areas, watersheds, and rangelands. Many can be found in urban backyards, as well. This spring and summer, don't encourage plants such as creeping bellflower, oxeye daisy, and common tansy in your garden. Avoid planting ornamentals with invasive tendancies. Avoid "wildflower mixes." Many contain non-native, aggressive plant species. For more information on what plants to avoid and what to substitute, see the Alberta Invasive Plants Council website (link provided below).