Ladybug Arborists

Weather held off so we could wrap two projects we started a few weeks ago. We deliberately let them rest so we could flush out those nasty thistle and bell flowers. Finished off the edging and put down 2 yards of mulch to help hold moisture and ward off new w**d seeds. No fabric so the mulch can interact with all those good organisms. Excited to see am army of baby ladybug’s and lacewings chowing down on the aphids found on the dogwood.

TREE PLANTING MYTHS AND MISCONCEPTIONS

Myth #1: Before planting a tree, prune living branches.

FALSE: It is not recommended to remove any live branches when planting trees. Live twigs, branches, and trunks contain stored energy in the form of starches. Removing them reduces energy reserves. Remove only dead and injured branches before planting. Let the tree concentrate of gathering energy from the sun and growing roots!

U of F states "Pruning at planting appears to have little, if any, positive impact on transplant survival and growth after planting. Do not prune the plant only to compensate for root loss. The latest research indicates that in most instances pruning does not help the plant overcome transplanting shock. Sugars produced in leaves are needed for new root growth so the more leaves on the tree the better the root growth."

Wait until the first full growing season is done to address structural defects or any dead tips that occurred over the winter. If you have followed the correct planting techniques to ensure it was not planted too deep and watered consistently all season, this is less likely to occur. See illustration of first pruning techniques

Happy Father’s Day.

What Beige does for Interiors, Green does for Exteriors

It is no secret that a well landscaped yard adds to the appeal when buying or selling a house. Landscape Trees can add 15% to the value of a home. They can also be a liability if improperly pruned or poorly maintained. We assess the landscape well beyond that of a typical home inspection.

In today’s market, savvy home buyers will insist on a home inspection. While home inspections companies may be able to assess the approximate age of shingles or potentially faulty electrical systems, it is still up to the home buyer to take this information and contract a Journeyman in their trade for a comprehensive assessment. The formal education of a home inspector is likely in traditional trades and does not enable them to properly identify the hazard potential of a tree to fail and puncture a hole right through that new roof.

As Certified Arborists, we have all the training, education and qualifications to accurately value and assess landscapes. This allows the home buyer the opportunity to include conditions which make the seller responsible for addressing hazards prior to purchase or offer a price reflective of doing it after the possession date. We evaluate the condition of the trees, evaluate irrigation systems for adequacy, check for planting depths, overall health, risks and hazards and make recommendations for urgent and future care. We can assist with recommendations for pruning, removals or planting ideas.

Contact our office at with your questions or to set up an appointment.

We are pleased to support this organization. They are looking ‘fur’ new service dogs and their owners to sign up for fall training. Want to help support this fab organization? You can make cash donations or donate items for they’re upcoming fundraising auction.

PALS (Pet Access League Society) · 3019 21 St NE, Calgary, AB T2E 7T1, Canada 4.9 ★ · Association / Organization

MORE TREE MYTHS

Myth #2: Tree Wounds Can Heal.

FALSE: Healing is the repair of damaged tissue, trees cannot ‘heal' damaged tissue. Instead they wall off damaged areas from healthy areas through a process known as compartmentalization of decay in trees (CODIT), this is their defense mechanism. The damaged tissue (decay) will remain isolated within the tree for life. Evidence of this is seen when a felled tree is examined. Decay organisms can produce interesting and beautiful patterns in the heartwood and grain that, when fashioned by artists or wood turners, highlight amazing details. (Spalting, Manitoba maple).

Myth #3: Wounds & Pruning cuts Should Have Tree Wound Paint to Seal Cuts.

FALSE: Tree wound paint does NOT prevent rot and in some cases promotes it by sealing in moisture and bacteria. Do not paint wounds or pruning cuts. Let the tree create the barriers against decay on its own.

Looking for an activity to keep the kids occupied (or grown ups too!).

While working with Kyle G today thinning out this Schubert, we found a mass of tent caterpillar on a lower branch. One swipe with latex glove on I dashed any future reproductive hopes of these pretty blue bugs. Biological controls can make some squeamish. 😁. It is easy to do since they gather close together. To learn more

https://natural-resources.canada.ca/our-natural-resources/forests/insects-disturbances/top-forest-insects-and-diseases-canada/forest-tent-caterpillar/13379

Bark is one of key ways to identify a tree when dormant.

With extreme gratitude, I reflect on the sacrifices of those brave men and women who allow us to live such amazing lives today. Thank you!

ATTENTION:

Airdrie is under a stage 4 water restriction due to the emergency situation in Calgary.

Please see City of Airdrie Post below and continue to watch for updates.

https://www.facebook.com/share/4r4zy46zP9P544WB/?mibextid=WC7FNe

Tree Pruning Myths and Misconceptions

MYTH #1: My tree is getting too tall. If I don’t have it topped, my tree will it fall over.

FALSE: This is very unlikely. It is not the height of a tree that makes it prone to failure, it is the structural integrity of branches and the condition of the trunk which will result in breakage. Topping trees is an extremely bad practice and will leave your tree in a potentially unsafe state in the future. This work is most often done by people who don’t know, don’t care and/or just want to take your money.

Yes, there is risk in living around any tree. There is also risk in everyday life like driving your car or walking down the street. If there truly is a reason to top a tree there is usually just as much reason to remove it. How much risk you chose to live with is a personal choice. There is a huge magnitude more people killed by, or property damaged by, vehicles compared to trees every day. The impulsive decision to top a tree without proper education on which to base your judgment can cause you long term troubles and money.

Don’t let anyone talk you into topped your tree, conifer or deciduous. Visit this link for more information on the effects of topping on trees.
https://www.treesaregood.org/Portals/0/TreesAreGood_Why%20Topping%20Hurts_0321.pdf

Disease Diagnosis Watchlist

Gymnosporagium (Hawthorn Juniper Rust) is a fairly common occurrence in urban yards. These two combative plants are allelopathic - they share spores that infect each other. The Juniper will produce orange jelly-like horned spores in early June once the new growth has appeared. They harden in the summer and turn brown in color giving the appearance of a nut stuck to the twig. Galls increase in size from year to year and can grow as large as a golf ball. Removing the galls in the winter months can reduce the spread. Galls will stunt growth and cause leaf drop over time.

The juniper dispurses spores that travels through the air to a co-host. The Hawthorn tree (along with Saskatoons, and rose family plants) are susceptible to developing orange leaf spots and/or fruit infections. The underside of the leaf resembles an upside down spider. In the fall, the Hawthorn sends spores back to the Juniper to reinfect it. As with many diseases, wet conditons increases occurence. Heavily infested trees can have premature leaf drop.

The best practice is to avoid planting the two co-hosts in the same landscape. Since the distance of infection can be within several kilometers, removing one plant does not guarantee that it will elminate the disease in the other. A similar tree can be present on another property near by. Good sanitation of pruning tools can help manage spreading. Select disease resistant varieties. Agrifoods Canada (2020-01-24) lists a fungicide for use on food crops such as saskatoons. The product and timing is very specific and should be done by a licensed pesticide applicator.

For help diagnosising galls, leaf spots, wilting or other abnormal leaves contact our office. Airdrie: 403 634-3062

I have already noticed lots of insects on plants. Itty bitty at first but they will grow over a 14-21 day cycle. This is often the period where plant damage occurs. Look for some of these common insects.

I need to emphasize that insects are INDICATORS of a tree that is distressed either from drought, inadequate nutrients due to competition, poor pruning and improper planting. By addressing the underlying factors you can reduce your pest populations.

1. Pear slug on cherry, plum or hawthorn. Eats upper portion of leaves. Pick off or squish to prevent 2nd generation again in August.
2. Yellow headed sawfly on spruce. Newly expanded needles appear to disappear. While aesthetic, it seldom causes tree death since the tree can respond with new growth in the following season.
3. Cooley gall adelgid. This insect lays eggs near buds and it and attacks them just as the leaves are starting to open. The selling growth looks purple and bright green until fall when it open vents to allow in insects to escape -mimicking a cone. The gall is difficult to treat until the crawler stage. It will stunt the growth and stays attached for years.
4. Pine needle scale. The rice shaped calcium cover protects the tiny insect underneath. When the insect chews a hole and exits in a crawler stage, the white covering will stay attached for many seasons. Before you repeatedly spray for this pest, check to see if white white material flakes off under the rub of a finger (done) or whether you get a red smudge (active). Large infestation should be treated by a qualified pesticide applicator. It can affect pine and spruce trees
5. White pine weevil spends the winter in the duff under the tree. in the spring when the tree is starting to produce new foliage, it will climb up to the new leader to lay eggs. The larvae hatch and feed on the tissue in the layer under the bark, causing the structural integrity of the leader to weaken and crook like a shepherds hook. Best to get it while it’s wilted and green Throw into garbage. Avoid waiting till it’s brown because at this point it has left the tree. It’s necessary to prune the damaged leader and retrain the remaining stems into one strong replacement rather than letting three or four tops develop.
6. Aphids can attack pretty much any tree or shrub whether it’s deciduous or Evergreen. They come in a variety of colours from yellow to black. They’re always accompanied by a very protective colony of ants. Telltale sign is yellowing, curling leaves and a lot of dripping of sap called honeydew. It can be quite troublesome when it’s dripping onto vehicles, patios or play areas.
All the aphids born from the winter eggs are females. Several more generations of live female aphids are born during the spring and summer. A female can live for 25 days, during which time she can produce up to 80 new aphids.
7 caterpillars. This blue on us a tent caterpillar typically found in large groups and protected by a silk tents as they shed their skin as the move thru growth phases. Find them early in clusters and destroy by squishing. Typical damage from any type of caterpillar include chewing of leaf or rolling up of leaves. Digested food resembles poppy seeds.

Since moving to Airdrie, I have noticed the abundance of little fluffy bouncy furry creatures. Quite unlike the bigger Bambi version of plant eaters in Lethbridge. I’ve been forewarned to guard my garden with fencing, or I will have no food to eat of my own.

Here are some great suggestions for perennials that are listed as rabbit resistant, thanks to the people at the Communities in Bloom program, of which I am a provincial judge.

https://www.communitiesinbloom.ca/top-picks-for-rabbit-resistance

Top Picks for Rabbit Resistance - Communities in Bloom If your landscape designs are frequented by fluffy garden thieves, you might find yourself wondering what plants can coexist with these creatures so that your flowers can thrive in all their nibble-free glory.

Super excited to participate at the Women in Business Conference hosted in Crossfield. Thanks to ATB for sponsorship.

A busy day for the ladybugs. Look what we managed to get done a few short hours. At our first job of the day, the client had found some lovely edge material at Costco. She wanted to use to frame up her flower bed once we got it all edged and w**ded. Looks great.

Our second project of the day involved tree removal, and eliminating all the grass and bell flower from the front garden area. needs a little bit more soil sifting to get all the last bits and scraps of roots once we grind out the stump. Just waiting in line locates. We are well on our way.

We would love to bring joy back into your yard - let us do your dirty work.

I know I get a scratch or a poke almost every day working in peoples yards. Dirt gets under my nails even with gloves on.

If you are a home gardener, green industry worker or an Arborist that works with soil or other organic matter, check to see if you are up to date on your tetanus shot. Adults should have one every 10 years. Here is why. Handling stump mulch, w**ding, tree planting or laying sod lare all activities at risk.

Tetanus is a serious bacterial infection caused by the toxin of a common bacterium, Clostridium tetani.

Bacterial spores are found in soil -- most frequently in cultivated soil, least frequently in virgin The bacteria also exists in manure and other environmental agents. We often think it is from a rusty nail. But this is only one rare way it enters the blood stream.

A person who experiences a puncture wound or even a scratch, or a poke from a thorn if contaminated material is present can develop the infection, which can affect the whole body. It can be FATAL. An open wound in soil can become infected.

The spores can remain infectious for MORE THAN 40 years in soil.

They also exist in environments as diverse as animal excrement, house dust, and the human colon. If the spores enter a wound that penetrates the skin and extends deeper than oxygen can reach, they germinate and produce a toxin that enters the bloodstream.

Most cases occur in people who have NOT been vaccinated.

Here is short video to learn more.

What Is Tetanus and How Do You Get It? For more information about what tetanus is, please visit https://cle.clinic/3EhtrrUTetanus is a serious disease with no cure. But it’s also highly preventabl...

The structure of an evergreen. Many conifers, including spruces, firs, and Douglas-fir, produce cones in a two-year cycle. Cone buds are produced in the first year and then cones develop and mature in the second year. expect pollen release any time.

A bursary you may not know about. Each year, the Foundation awards two bursaries to two students registered in a full-time post-secondary program pertaining to ornamental and/or environmental horticulture

Deadline Sept 15.

CiB Foundation - Communities in Bloom Since 2005, the Communities in Bloom Foundation is dedicated to developing sustainable development of green spaces and natural environment in Canada.

Meet the Owner of Ladybug Arborists

Follow the Ladybug Arborists page for lots of ideas on trees to plant, pests and diseases, tips on tree health. Today's post features the Linden Tree.

FEATURE TREE - LINDEN
Medium Pyramidal shaped Trees: 35 x 25 feet

The tree grows in sun or partial shade, will tolerate alkaline soil if it is moist, and it transplants well. It is not particularly tolerant of drought, scorching at the leaf margins in summer drought. But this apparently does little long-term harm. It is more tolerant of heat and compact soil than American Basswood. Rapid growth rate and dense, symmetrical crown but Littleleaf Linden is sensitive to road salt. There are a number of cultivars with a variety of habits. This tree grows at a medium rate, with height increases of 13–24" per year.

The littleleaf linden grows in acidic, alkaline, moist, rich, sandy, well-drained, wet and clay soils. It prefers moist conditions but does not do well in wet areas. It cannot handle severe drought.
This tree:

• Produces clusters of yellowish flowers that hang down on a long stalk attached to a leaf-like wing. The flowers give off a very noticeable, pleasant fragrance.
• Blooms in the summer, after most trees have finished.
• Serves as a GREAT SOURCE of nectar and pollen for bees and other POLLINATORS.
• Features heart-shaped leaves that are lopsided at the base, usually 2–3" long with somewhat saw-toothed margins. Leaf color shifts from light green to glossy dark green to yellow throughout the seasons.
• Offers great shade due to a dense canopy.
• Yields nutlike fruit ¼" in diameter.
• Grows in a pyramidal to oval shape.
• Should be watered during dry periods, especially when young.

Other varieits include Dropmore Linden

Reach out if you need trees evaluated for safety. Routine checks recommended for good risk management programs particularly in large sites such as condominium complexes, schools, medical institutions, public parks, and golf courses. Be proactive rather than reactive and avoid property damage or injuries. 403 634-3062

The ISA TRAQ program is voluntary and developed to train and assess an individual’s degree of knowledge and skill in a specialized field of arboriculture. When a professional earns the ISA TRAQ credential, they should be recognized by their peers and the public as a tree care professional who has specialized knowledge and skills in tree risk assessment. To earn the qualification, applicants must meet eligibility requirements, complete a training course, and pass both a comprehensive written assessment and a performance-based assessment. To maintain the qualification, current credential holders must retrain and retest every five years.

ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification® • Maureen Sexsmith-West • I earned an ISA professional credential I earned a professional credential from the ! Earning this credential showcases my expertise and commitment to professionalism and proper tree care.

Awareness update. Hard landscape surfaces heat up significantly in the sun. This includes gravel mulch beds.

As urban heat islands heat up, people must use more water to cool themselves, water their plants, and provide supplemental watering to pets and other living creatures. Evaporation removes soil moisture and will stress your plant roots.

Irrigate to cool down the root zone. Retain large trees to help regulate soil temperatures.

Often, urban areas get their drinking water from sources nearby. Overuse of water will put stress on the water supplies and can lead to water shortages. Give consideration to incorprorating wood mulches and more drought hardy plant materials. For more info. Ladybug Arborists