Tree Killers: The decline of the Ash Trees

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Over the last few years, there has been a great die off of Ash Trees in Ontario. The cause of this die off is due to the Emerald Ash Borer, killing millions of ash trees across Canadian forests and urban areas.

What is the Emerald Ash Borer?

The Emerald Ash Borer is an insect pest from Asia, specifically from China, that feeds on and kills ash trees. These insects kill the trees by cutting off the flow of water and nutrients by feeding underneath the bark. All species of ash trees are susceptible, except for the mountain ash which is not a true ash. Once a tree is infested with Emerald Ash Borers (EAB), mortality is inevitable and will wither within 2-3 years. When the beetle arrives to an area, within 8-10 years 99% of all ash trees in that area will die. Adult Ash Borer’s can fly and spread locally, which makes it virtually impossible to eradicate these pests.

The Importance of Ash Trees

Ash trees are known as pliant and strong, but also light in weight. They provide consumers with wood products and wildlife such as cardinals, wood ducks and finches with food. White ash trees create products such as baseball bats, hockey sticks, gardening tools, guitars and furniture. Five varieties of ash grow in the province – black, blue, pumpkin, red and white, white being the most common. Black ash wood is not as strong as white ash, but is used for furniture when a grainy look is desired. Some of southwestern Ontario forests were made up of 90 percent ash before the borer’s made their way to Canada. Because these trees grow rapidly and can thrive in environments that have been built up, it is a first choice for many urban tree-planting programs.

The Emerald Ash Borer in Canada

The EAB made its way into Canada by stowing away on wooden shipping pallets. In North America, the beetle was first discovered in Michigan and Southwestern Ontario in 2002. The first infestations in Toronto were later discovered in 2007 and in York Region specifically in 2008. In Asia, the insect is not considered a major pest as it only attacks weak or sickly trees. In North America however, any ash tree, regardless of its health became fair game. The adult beetles attach themselves onto vehicles, causing long distance spread across the country.

The Future of the Ash Trees

The sad truth for Ash Trees is that there may not be a future for them. It is estimated that within the next ten to fifteen years, most of the estimated 2,800,000 mature ash trees growing in York Region will become infested and die. 700,000 of these trees are found in the urban forests and 2,100,000 are in rural woodlands. In the City of Toronto alone, it is estimated that all of its 860,000 ash trees will die due to EAB by 2017. The conclusion that most experts in the field agree on is that the Emerald Ash Borer will only be eradicated when all the ash trees in the world no longer exist. Seeds from select mature ash trees are now being collected and safely stored for future planting once the EAB is no longer a threat. However, no one is able to determine when that may be.

Treatment and Prevention

A biologist with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (also known as the CFIA) says that the emerald ash borer will continue to spread across the Maritimes, but its progress can in fact be slowed. A specific spray has been developed to prevent the death of the emerald ash trees however, it has to be applied in the very early stages. This makes it quite difficult of a spray to be used as it is hard to determine right away when the EAB infestation has occurred. The spray must be applied several times and is a rather expensive solution with no guarantee of its effectiveness. For now, CFIA is encouraging communities to create management plans and carefully monitor ash tree populations in order to catch the insect as quickly as possible.

Effects of the Emerald Ash Borer for Alexander Tree Care

Throughout 2019, our company has experienced a tremendous rise in requests from customers to remove ash trees in our operating areas. We believe the spike is due to the trees now showing their final stages of decline. This causes customers to accept the sad truth that their ash trees are not going to recover.

 

If you suspect your trees are infested by the Emerald Ash Borers, call us or request a quote. An on-site evaluation by one of our ISA certified arborists will be arranged. For peace of mind we are fully insured and covered by WSIB. Alexander Tree Care has been proudly serving Toronto and York Region; including Newmarket, Aurora, Richmond Hill, Markham, Georgina, Vaughan, Bradford, King City, King Township and surrounding areas for over 10 years.

 

Don’t forget to follow what our customers have been saying about Alexander Tree Care. Check out our reviews on HomeStars and Google. You can find us on Facebook, or click here to contact us.

 

Till next time,
Alexander

Reduce Factors Contributing to Tree Failure from Wind Storms - Tree Damage from Windstorms Newmarket, Aurora, Toronto, Richmond Hill - Alexander Tree Care

Reduce Factors Contributing to Tree Failure from Wind Storms

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This past May 4, 2018, southern Ontario experienced a severe windstorm that left a vast trail of damage to hydro lines, homes and trees. Winds in excess of 100km per hour were observed. In some areas winds were as high as 120km per hour. In many cases, downed trees and branches were directly responsible for inflicting damage to hydro lines and homes.

Mature Spruce Trees Were Particularly Affected

Alexander Tree Care started getting emergency calls within a very short time after the storm ended. The very first three calls involved uprooted spruce trees. In the aftermath, it became apparent to us that many calls involved evergreens rather than deciduous trees. Mature spruce trees were particularly affected. We began to question if there was a specific reason to this pattern or was it simply just a coincidence?

Dense evergreens and shrubs are recommended as excellent windbreaks around homes. While that may be so, are they less wind resistant than other trees like deciduous ones? We cannot draw conclusions solely from our own experience during one recent wind storm. There are just too many variables to consider and not enough information and data from any field studies to draw any reasonable conclusions.

Factors Which Can Contribute to the Failure of Trees and their Branches

The aforementioned, however, is a good segue to conduct a brief discussion on factors which can contribute to the failure of trees and branches during a severe weather event. It should be noted that even healthy trees with no signs of structural weakness or other issues can be affected during severe wind conditions. They are simply unable to withstand the destructive force caused by storms.

A Dense Canopy

A dense canopy can be less wind resistant than a thinned-out one. Reducing the density of the canopy by pruning improves air flow and reduces air drag.

Unbalanced Tree Structures

Balancing the structure of a tree is another simple solution to reduce the risk of tree failure. Many trees can have larger or more limbs on one side than the other causing uneven weight distribution. Selective removal of branches would be highly recommended to achieve balance.

Tree Decay

Trees with cavities, which may be home to nesting squirrels or birds, are a good indication of tree decay. Mushrooms or conks attached to trees are also a good indicator of decay. Decaying trees and branches are at higher risk of breaking under severe wind load conditions. For safety reasons removal of the tree with this condition may be the only viable option. Once tree decay occurs it is irreversible and can likely spread.

There are cases where decay is not always readily detected. A tree trunk may look healthy and sound but the roots may be rotted out due to soil fungus. Dig below the ground to detect if any decaying is taking place. The main culprit of soil fungus is overwatering or poor drainage. Removing nearby decaying material such as logs and stumps is also advisable to reduce the potential of fungi spreading.

“Twin Trunks”

Trees with twin trunks, referred to as codominant trunks, are known to have poor attachments and therefore are susceptible to cracking and failing. The cracks usually occur below the area where the tree trunk splits in two. In this location weakness occurs from the build-up of trapped bark known as included bark. Various birch and maple trees, like silver, red, sugar and Norway, are some examples of trees that can form codominant stems. At the beginning of this blog there is a photo of a Norway maple with codominant trunks and a very visible and prominent crack. There is also a crack on the other side of this tree. These cracks will only get wider as the trunks get larger and heavier. They also create openings for pathogens and insect infestation.

If you have any tree or shrub issues needing attention, don’t hesitate in contacting Alexander Tree Care for expert advice and service. Check out our web site for all of the services we offer. Our area of operation includes:  Newmarket, Aurora, Richmond Hill, Markham, Vaughan, King City, King Township, East Gwillimbury, Bradford, Georgina, Stouffville, Uxbridge and Toronto.

Alexander Tree Care has been serving Toronto and York Region; including  Newmarket, Aurora, Richmond Hill, Markham, Georgina, Vaughan, Bradford King City, King Township and areas for over 10 years. An ISA certified arborist will always be on any crew to perform expert tree and shrub service. For peace of mind we are fully insured and covered by WSIB. Don’t forget to follow what our customers have been saying about Alexander Tree Care. Check out our reviews on HomeStars and Google.

You can find us on Facebook, or click here to contact us.

Till next time,

Alexander

Proper Irrigation for Healthy Trees and Shrubs

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Proper Irrigation for Healthy Trees and Shrubs - Alexander Tree Care Newmarket Aurora Tree Services Keswick Bradford Richmond Hill King City Markham

Irrigating trees and shrubs is an important maintenance procedure that is often overlooked or misunderstood. The frequency and amount of water trees and shrubs require can vary. A regular watering routine is not always possible to maintain especially during a drought or excessive rainfall. Here are some tips regarding proper irrigation for healthy trees and shrubs.

Monitor and Adjust Your Sprinkler Systems as Needed

Sprinkler systems can be a source of overwatering problems if their settings are left unchecked.  Monitoring the sprinkler setting on a regular basis is recommended and will need to be adjusted according to seasonal conditions. Checking the soil with your fingers is a simple yet effective practice to undertake. While the soil may look dry on the surface, it may be moist a few inches below the grade.

What Can Happen with Over/Under Watering?

Consistent overwatering can lead to root rot. It can also disrupt the root anchorage causing plants to lean. When left too dry during prolonged periods of time, plants do not receive the adequate amount of water and nutrients needed to thrive.

During times of drought, watering mature trees with a garden hose is seldom beneficial. They are well adapted to endure these types of stressors. However, new plantings require regular attention to prevent drying of delicate roots.

“Girdling” Can Impact the Roots’ Absorption of Water & Nutrients

Trees and shrubs can sustain damage when encasing materials have not been removed in a timely fashion. For example, the root wrap that trees or shrubs are planted in can cause girdling of the root. Girdling is the result of roots being restricted from growing outward and therefore become intertwined around the trunk. When this occurs the roots are being constricted, thereby cutting off the supply of water and nutrients the tree requires.

To avoid girdling, if the wrap is made of plastic remove it immediately before planting. If it is made of natural burlap, ensure that it is loose enough and make some cuts so the roots can be exposed. Once a tree is staked and guyed remember to loosen or remove the cable around the trunk when no longer required. Also, as and when trees mature, remember to loosen or remove such things as picnic benches chained to trees, makeshift clothes lines tied around trunks and toddler swings chained to tree branches. If these items are left unattended they can cause significant damage to the trees.

The 2018 spring season is off to a late start due to the persistent cold weather we have experienced. Now is a good time to look after pruning your trees or remove them entirely should there be a reason to do so.  Contact Alexander Tree Care for a free on-site estimate at your convenience.

Alexander Tree Care has been serving Toronto and York Region; including  Newmarket, Aurora, Richmond Hill, Markham, Georgina, Vaughan, Bradford King City, King Township and areas for over 10 years. An ISA certified arborist will always be on any crew to perform expert tree and shrub service. For peace of mind we are fully insured and covered by WSIB. Don’t forget to follow what our customers have been saying about Alexander Tree Care. Check out our reviews on HomeStars and Google.

You can find us on Facebook, or click here to contact us.

Till next time,

Alexander

Benefits of Adding Woodchips to Trees

Benefits of Adding Woodchips to Trees

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Benefits of Adding Woodchips

 

There are many benefits of adding woodchips to your trees.  Woodchips help retain soil moisture. They decompose over time which results in nutrient leaching. They also help smother any weeds or invasive plants that might sprout up.  Before adding woodchips, it is always a good idea to aerate the tree root zone. This will improve leaching and supply more oxygen to the roots.  The presence of oxygen will encourage more growth.

Wrongly Placed Woodchips Can Be Detrimental

All this seems very beneficial for the tree. However, in the urban landscape we see trees that have an excessive amount of woodchips mounded around the root zone and tree trunk.  When woodchips are in direct contact with the tree trunk for an extended period of time, the moisture from the woodchips can cause rot in the tree trunk. This can cause the tree to decline and die.

Mushrooms or fruiting bodies are an indication of decay.  Be sure to examine your trees for these indicators. You can prevent premature decline and trunk rot by carefully spreading the woodchips around the root zone and not around the trunk in a saucer-like fashion.

Trees definitely benefit from woodchips when applied correctly.  The moisture retention and steady organic leaching will keep your tree healthy and vigorous for seasons to come.

Soil Compaction Affects Trees

Another overlooked landscape issue that dramatically affects trees is soil compaction.  Often in urban landscapes factors like human foot traffic, torrential rain down pours, construction and heavy machinery can all contribute to soil compaction.  When the soil becomes compacted, water and nutrients can’t percolate through the soil. As a result, the soil is left dry and without minerals.  Tree roots also have a harder time pushing through the soil which creates stress to the tree.

Prevent Soil Compaction with Tree Protection Zones (T.P.Z.) During Construction

These conditions, if left unattended, will cause the tree to slowly decline.  A common way to protect tree root zones from construction is to set up a Tree Protection Zone (T.P.Z.). This is a fenced off area in which heavy equipment and machinery will not pass over.  Heavy machinery compacts soil to an extreme and can even crush root tissues.

If you have questions about the health of your trees, please contact our experts at Alexander Tree Care today.

You can find us on Facebook, or click here to contact us.

Till next time,

Alexander

Common Issues with Tree Planting and Tree Care - Alexander Tree Care - Tree Services Newmarket

Common Issues with Tree Planting and Tree Care

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Common Issues with Tree Planting and Tree Care - Alexander Tree Care - Tree Services Newmarket

Alexander Tree Care has been involved in the tree care service industry for over 12 years. During that time, we have observed many unacceptable practices that eventually lead to problems involving trees in various settings and locations. Here are some common issues with tree planting & tree care we’ve seen and how to avoid them.

1. Planting Trees in Confined Spaces

Some of the most common problems we encounter are the planting of too many trees in a small confined area and multiple trees with not enough spacing between each other.  This typically leads to the canopies growing into each other, resulting in leaf loss and dead branches from insufficient sunlight penetration.

Additionally, trees in close proximity to each other compete for water and nutrients resulting in stress.  A stressed tree is further compromised if it is exposed to severe weather conditions such as prolonged periods of drought.  Trees under constant stress are vulnerable to insect infestation and pathogens resulting in decline.

2. Planting Trees Too Close to Buildings

Too often we have removed trees in close proximity to buildings or have been required to prune back branches extending over roofs or into windows. It is advisable to select trees near buildings based on the size of the crown and how far branches spread when the tree reaches maturity. As an example, an English Oak, a narrow columnar growing tree, is a far better choice than a maple.

3. Planting Trees Too Close to Property Lines

Owners also tend to plant trees and shrubs too close to the property lines. On many occasions we have removed or cut out trees and shrubs growing into metal and wooden fences.  We have also removed branches growing into a neighbour’s home, pool, shed or other structures.  Your neighbours do have the right to trim back branches that extend across their property. However they are not trained or experienced enough to make appropriate cuts to branches. This can cause unnecessary damages to the trees and strained relationships.

4. Planting Too Much of the Same Species in a Row

Another common mistake is planting the same species of tree in a row. For example, due to the emerald ash borer infestation, many of the ash trees in our communities have been decimated. All of these spaces now require new trees to be planted as replacements.

Alternating tree species would have reduced the impact significantly. When planning a tree line down a property or grouping trees in a particular area it is important to consider a variety of trees of different species to mitigate infestation problems in the future.

How to Avoid These Common Planting Issues

Start by selecting the tree best suited for the location. A little research on the maximum height and size of canopy of a tree will save a lot of problems involving the lack of appropriate spacing when the tree eventually matures.

It’s also important to keep in mind your natural surroundings. Mature trees are accustomed to their existing surroundings and soil conditions. Whenever possible, if the tree is thriving and in good condition, there is no need to change or disturb the soil around them.

If you have questions about what trees or shrubs would be best for your home or business, please contact our experts at Alexander Tree Care.  You can find us on Facebook, or click here to contact us.

Til next time,

Alexander