Why not to “TOP” Trees

“Topping” a tree is not an acceptable, ethical pruning practice, and a reputable tree care company will not recommend this as an appropriate tree care option.

“Topping” is the indiscriminate cutting of a tree by removing branches to stubs or lateral branches that are not large enough to assume the terminal role for proper growth.  The most common requests for topping a tree are to attempt to contain its size. “Topping” is not the answer!  In fact, the opposite outcome will occur.  The “Topped” tree will become stressed and begin to starve due to the excessive removal of too much leaf surface area. (The food-factories of the tree).  This results in the reduction of the photosynthesis capabilities of the tree, and it will suffer.  In response to this shock, and to replace what has been removed, the tree will activate latent buds, forcing multiple shoots to grow far more rapidly than normal.  The accelerated   growth rate of these new branches, does not allow for proper structural development, therefore becoming weakly attached.  Decay will also set into these sites.   Your tree as become more hazardous!    Your topped tree will be more costly to maintain, as regular breaks, and wind damage may occur.  A “topped” tree will likely reduce your property value as well.  Another potential cost of a “topped” tree is that of a potential liability.  Since this is an unacceptable practice, any damages or injury caused by a hazardous tree, may lead to a finding of “negligence” in a court of law. A “topped “tree is also more attractive to some insect and/ or disease problems.

These are some of the reasons why NOT to top your tree!  A correctly pruned tree enhances the natural forms and beauty of your landscape!

A healthy, well-maintained, properly pruned tree can increase your property’s overall curb appeal, and value.  A Professional, Certified Arborist can provide you with Tree Pruning Services in Edmonton and Area, and will suggest correct options or alternatives for the care of your trees.

Value of Trees

There are many reasons why trees add value to your landscapes.

A primary reason, is that your trees and shrubs add great monetary value to your property and can increase your curb appeal substantially!  Trees can provide us with a variety of colourful fruits and foliage, as well as flowering.  In the hot months of Summer, a tree can substantially reduce the heat on your house and yard, by the shade it provides. Trees can act as wind barriers to help reduce the turbulence in your yard and encourage comfort in the microclimate of your space.   All trees provide a habitat, protection, nesting and migration area for birds, insects and other wildlife.  This keeps our flora and fauna diverse, and our environment healthy.   

As sound barriers for traffic, and as filters to reduce air pollution, all healthy trees, aid in the improvement, and safety of our environment.  It is estimated that one mature tree, through the process of photosynthesis, can filter approximately 10 pounds of harmful toxins per year.  This includes carbon monoxide, and sulfur dioxide, as well as other greenhouse gases.  Just one large, healthy tree can provide over 250 pounds of Oxygen per year into the environment!

Along with the many other reasons, you can see why trees in our environment are so valuable!

Contact your Edmonton Arborist to aid you in the selection and tree species that may be the most beneficial to your landscape and your environment.

CODIT: How Trees Heal Themselves

Compartmentalization Of Decay In Trees” or CODIT for short, is a concept that was created by Dr. Alex Shigo, an American biologist and Plant Pathologist, in the 1970s.  The concept is now widely referred by, and used within the Arboriculture Industry, and referenced in other publications.  It is, in a nutshell, the concept that when trees are wounded or injured, many organisms decay the wood, in different ways and timeframes.  Further, It is how the tree responds through chemical and physiological changes and “Compartmentalizes” the wounded or injured area to prevent ongoing decay and spread to the rest of the tree. The cells in the area of the injury, in essence, form “protection” to isolate the decay from the rest of the tree.

The tree does this by the process of activating specific cells to form 4 “Walls” of protection.  The first “Wall” is the weakest, but it forms to stop the vertical spread of the decay, up through the tree’s trunk or branch.  “Wall” 2   stops the outward or horizontal spread of the decay.  The 3rd “Wall” is the second strongest wall, and creates a “maze-like” barrier internally near the injured area.  The 4th and final “wall” is the strongest barrier which is produced on the exterior of the tree, by closing the wound with new wood.

By understanding how your tree “heals”, a deeper comprehension and connection can be made when discussing your trees’ health with your Tree Care Professional.  Your Edmonton Arborist can help you further understand the information regarding CODIT, with full understanding of this healing concept and how your tree will respond to protect itself.   

Tree Growth Rings: The Story They Can Tell

“Growth Rings” of trees or “Annual Growth Rings” are concentric circles of new cells which a tree produces during one growing season.  A tree gets larger in diameter because it manufactures new cells around it’s circumference.  The tree’s annual rings are biological indicators which can reveal environmental events that have occurred, over a tree’s lifespan.

By looking at a cross-section of a tree’s stump or log, one can visibly see rings that can tell a story of what the growing season was like many years in the past.  A good growing year, with warm, wet weather, will produce wider concentric circles, while dry, cooler years will produce narrower ones.

Forest fires, insect infestations and even distant volcanic eruptions, have been recorded within the rings of ancient trees.  In Canada, which has a distinct winter dormancy season, growth rings are used to calculate an accurate age, of trees.  The scientific method of dating tree rings, is known as “Dendrochronology”, which has been used to date some of Canada’s oldest trees.

Tree Stress Due to Ice-melter and Salt Use

It is common, for Edmonton Arborists, to see signs of tree stress directly caused by the use of ice-melter and salt in our urban environment. Trees planted and growing closest to walkways and roadways are usually ones that are most affected.

During the winter months, Ice-melter and salt are common products used on walkways, roadways and parking lots, to reduce snow and ice build up in these areas.  Although these products have their purpose and place in our urban landscapes, they do have the potential to cause harm if not applied correctly in moderation.  Over time the use and applications of ice-melter and salt, can create a toxic environment, within the soil, potentially poisoning the tree or even damaging tree roots.   

The harm is done when the chemicals, such as sodium or calcium chloride leach into the soil, and are absorbed by the tree. These chemicals are toxic to the tree, and may cause immediate stress.  In many cases, it can take several seasons of salt buildup in the soil, to show tree stress.  In extreme cases, these chemicals can “burn off” the absorbing root hairs, which are essential for water and nutrient uptake.  Plants will be weakened by the interrupted balance of essential micro and macro nutrients internally, and will begin to show stress and rapid decline. Toxic amounts of salt in the soil eventually can hinder the trees’ ability to absorb enough water to survive.

Use of abrasive material such as sand or gravel for these areas, can be effective.   If an ice-melting product is required for safety reasons and to prevent injury for pedestrians or to aid in vehicle traction, then moderation should be practiced when the product is applied. Watering trees extra well in the spring and throughout the summer growing months, can be of help to leach salt away from the tree root areas.

Your Best Arborist in Edmonton, can consult with you regarding your trees and shrubs.  And as always, can guide you for the health and maintenance to beautify your landscape.

Evan’s Cherry: The Hardy Gem of Alberta

The Evan’s Cherry (Prunus cerasus), is a cultivar of a sour cherry also sold under the name ‘bali’. This tree cultivar may have originally come from Alaska, where it was likely distributed to new settlers. This deciduous specimen was rediscovered by an horticulturist, and research scientist for Alberta Agriculture, Ieuan Evans, in an old orchard near Edmonton, Alberta. The tree had been growing on it’s original root stock there, since the 1920s. This cultivar is exceptional due to its extreme hardiness, for zone 3a and flourishes in the harsh climate of the Canadian Prairies.   Because of it’s connection to Alberta, the Evan’s Cherry is significant and more attention should be given to the attributes and usage of this tree.

This cultivar can be grown in shrub or tree form, having been know to reach a maximum height of 12-14’ tall, making it a great specimen for small yards. The plant is easy to propagate, and is self- pollinating.  It flowers in the Spring, with an abundance of beautiful white blossoms, that develop into a bright red fruit.  The fruit is usually abundant, and is usually at it’s peak for harvest in early August. This tart fruit is desirable for baking, jams and jellies.

Widely available and distributed, the Evan’s Cherry is now readily available and can be found all across Canada and the United States, in many tree nurseries, and greenhouses, for purchase.    Even though the Evan’s Cherry is not owned, or subject to any proprietary terms, it’s direct connection to Alberta is undisputed.

Benefits of Tree Wells

A tree well is a bowl-like, turf free area that is created around the base of a newly planted tree. Depending on tree size, they usually are dug to a minimum of 1 meter across in diameter. They can be constructed in the ground in a variety of ways but are commonly made into just a simple round depression in the soil.  Tree wells are created for a number of reasons and can offer many benefits for your newly planted trees. In order to give a newly planted tree the best chance to grow and thrive it is essential and best that a tree well is created when planting.

Tree wells provide an efficient area for water to collect directly above the rootzone. Water has a chance to accumulate in the bowl and not wastefully run off. The wells will also hold moisture longer in times of drought or in between watering schedules.

Tree wells provide an area around the base of your new trees to hold and contain a mulch layer. The mulch is held in place in the tree well, depression, and is better protected. Tree wells containing mulch aid in keeping weeds and grass from competing with tree roots.

Tree wells also provide trees with physical protection from mechanical injuries by keeping lawn mowers and string trimmers a good distance away from the tree trunks.  While improving the overall aesthetics of your landscape they also provide a safer area for tree stakes and guy wires to be installed.

The benefits of tree wells are ones that will help your new tree grow and flourish. These benefits will be seen immediately and will continue for the life of your tree.  Contact your Best Edmonton Arborist for a full consultation on the correct methods of tree well construction.