Tree Tips: Spring 2024

As you probably know, we love talking about trees. We’ve decided to start a short newsletter to share some of the insights we come across as we explore Edmonton’s urban forest. We’ll give seasonally-appropriate tips to caring for your trees and offer solutions to the common problems we see. We hope you enjoy it, but if trees aren’t your thing hit the unsubscribe button now!

In this edition, we’ll be discussing three things that are on our minds these days - planting trees, maintaining healthy soils, and wildfires. 

Planting Trees - What and Where?

There’s a common saying with arborists that the best tree is the right tree in the right location. While trimming trees away from buildings is what keeps arborists in business, we still like to encourage proper planting practices. If you’re planting a tree, imagine it 20-40 years down the road and how much space it will take up. If the nursery told you the tree won’t grow taller than 6 feet, assume that it probably will. We often see trees marketed as "dwarf" varieties that grow up to be full-sized spruce.

We do provide tree planting services, but even if you are planting your new tree yourself we encourage you to reach out to us to discuss species and location. For example, right now we are recommending against planting any kind of chokecherry tree (such as Mayday and Schubert’s) because almost every individual that we come across has black knot disease. Black knot is a fungus that is spread through the wind, and as long as there are networks of chokecherry trees it will continue to be a problem. There are plenty of beautiful alternatives to these trees such as hawthorns, lindens, and ivory-silk lilac. 

Alternatives to Mayday cherry trees

Soil Health and Fertilizing 

Soil conditions are one of the most important factors in your tree’s health. In the forest, plants get their nutrients from decomposing matter like fallen leaves. In an urban setting we’re often removing these natural fertilizers, leaving our soils depleted in essential elements. Adding these nutrients can be necessary for healthy growth. However, adding more than you need or fertilizing at the wrong time can cause problems. For example, in spring the trees love nitrogen since it is necessary for an explosion of new growth. But in fall, when trees are preparing to shut down for winter, we don’t want to encourage new growth so we would prescribe a low-nitrogen fertilizer.

If you are considering adding nutrients to your soil, we recommend having a soil test done. This will inform you of what is needed, and an appropriate fertilizer can be used.

Wildfire

The rise in wildfires is a concerning trend. While most homes in Edmonton have a low risk of being directly affected, the presence of dry fuels like grass and dead spruce in the river valley and ravines increases the risk for nearby homes. For those living near green spaces, taking preventative measures is crucial to decrease the risk.

If you are concerned about wildfire near your property we recommend checking out the Firesmart Checklist. More information can be found on the City of Edmonton’s website

Thanks for reading and please forward this email to anyone that might be interested. As always, reach out with any tree questions.

Sincerely,

Andy, Jordan, and the CTS Team.

info@citytree.ca, 780-271-8733