Fall Webworm (Hyphantria cunea)
Last year there was a large infestation of ‘Fall webworm’ in the Comox Valley and across many parts of Vancouver Island. You may have noticed the large ‘tent’ webs on red-alder trees along the roads and highways starting in July and August, and perhaps in your gardens too. While the caterpillars and their webs may…
Read more »“Is it possible that we don’t own our trees?”
As property owners, we are often excited to have our own space to customize and make our own, from the details of the home to the landscape. In short, we enjoy the feeling of ownership. However, in general, we are usually still part of a community. We may have to share the cost of repairing…
Read more »“Can we top this tree? Should we top this tree?”
Topping involves making (often radical) reductions in height that disrupt the natural growth pattern of the tree. Firstly, if we can agree that nature generally has a reason to its design, then we likely don’t want to disrupt the natural form and growth patterns of the trees we care for. Secondly, we must recognize that…
Read more »Healthy Pruning Practices
We take our role as tree stewards seriously by engaging in healthy pruning practices. As a general rule, pruning should not alter the natural form of the tree. In fact, if a tree has been pruned well it should be difficult to tell that it was pruned at all. A professional should know how to…
Read more »Case Study: Improper pruning and spurred tree work
Scenario: Large big leaf maple tree located very close to a house and spreading over the deck. Three years ago, the tree was aggressively pruned back off the house and deck. Approximately 40% of the canopy was removed and spurs were worn to access the tree. Outcome: Discussion: Damage was caused by the method of…
Read more »Healthy Roots & Soil
Trees in the urban environment are often found in less than ideal growing conditions which may include: These obstacles and stressors can inhibit growth, leave the tree susceptible to pest and disease, and cause the decline of valuable specimen trees. Continual leaf pickup, lack of soil amendments and heavy rainfall also leave soils lacking the…
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