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Tree Killers: The decline of the Ash Trees

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

Another Great Season Alexander Tree Care York Region Arborist, Tree Removal Newmarket

Another Successful Season

As the tree work is slowly winding down for the season, Alexander Tree Care pauses to reflect on its accomplishments in 2018.

Topping our list is the continuous growth of our business. With the addition of repeat customers, many referrals as well as new customers. We sincerely believe this is the result of customer satisfaction and continuously strive for and gain one customer at a time. Our customers recognize good value, professionalism, and excellent results. These areas cannot be overstated. From major tree removals and tree pruning to the extra time spent on meticulous trimming of specimen trees, ornamental shrubs and hedges; our customers have shared their positive experiences. These are reflected in the reviews they have made on Google, HomeStars and other sites.

Top Three in Newmarket

Alexander Tree Care was honoured as one of the top three tree services in Newmarket for 2018 by ThreeBestRated.ca. This website uses a multi-point inspection; which includes checking reviews, ratings, reputation, history, complaints, satisfaction, trust and cost to general excellence. Again, we are very honoured for this recognition; and strive to continue to stay in the top three for tree services in Newmarket in years to come.

Currently Alexander Tree Care is fully booked with scheduled work for the remainder of the 2018 season; but we are taking on clients and tree work for the new year, and would be happy to add you to our list. Please feel free to contact us to ensure your spot on our priority list for scheduled work or quotes early next spring.

Alexander Tree Care wishes to thank all of our customers for an incredible season. We also want to take this time to remind new customers that our services include; tree and shrub removals, trimming, pruning, planting, stump grinding, and tree-health care. We currently service the areas of Newmarket, Aurora, Richmond Hill, Markham, Vaughan, Bradford, Holland Landing, Keswick, Georgina, Whitchurch-Stouffville, Schomberg, King City, King Township and Toronto. You can find us on Facebook, or click here to contact us.

Till next time,

Alexander

Proper Irrigation for Healthy Trees and Shrubs

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