Ladybug Arborists

This brochure is one in a series published by the International Society of Arboriculture as part of its Consumer Information Program. (visit www.treesaregood.com for more publications) The benefits that trees provide from social, communal, environmental, and economic perspectives. Most trees and shrubs in cities or communities are planted to provide beauty or shade. While these are excellent benefits, woody plants serve many other purposes. The benefits of trees can be grouped into social, communal, environmental, and economic categories. Social Benefits Human response to trees goes well beyond simply observing their beauty. We feel serene, peaceful, restful, and tranquil in a grove of trees. We are “at home” there. The calming effect of nearby trees and urban greening can significantly reduce workplace stress levels and fatigue, calm traffic, and even decrease the recovery time needed after surgery. Trees can also reduce crime. Apartment buildings with high levels of greenspace have lower crime rates than nearby apartments without trees. The stature, strength, and endurance of trees give them a cathedral-like quality. Because of their potential for long life, trees are frequently planted as living memorials. We often become personally attached to trees that we, or those we love, have planted. The strong tie between people and trees is often evident when community residents speak out against the removal of trees to widen streets or rally to save a particularly large or historic tree. Communal Benefits Environmental Benefits Trees alter the environment in which we live by moderating climate, improving air quality, reducing storm water runoff, and harboring wildlife. Local climates are moderated from extreme sun, wind, and rain. Radiant energy from the sun is absorbed or deflected by leaves on deciduous trees in the summer and is only filtered by branches of deciduous trees in winter. The larger the tree, the greater the cooling effect. By using trees in the cities, we can moderate the heat-island effect caused by pavement and buildings in commercial areas. Wind speed and direction is affected by trees. The more compact the foliage on the tree or group of trees, the more effective the windbreak. Rainfall, sleet, and hail are absorbed or slowed by trees, providing some protection for people, pets, and buildings. Trees intercept water, store some of it, and reduce stormwater runoff. Economic Benefits tree-shaded home. Heating costs are reduced when a home has a windbreak. Trees increase in value as they grow. Trees, as part of a well maintained landscape, can add value to your home. The indirect economic benefits of trees within a community are even greater. Customers pay lower electricity bills when power companies build fewer new facilities to meet peak demands, use reduced amounts of fossil fuel in their furnaces, and use fewer measures to control air pollution. Communities can also save money if fewer facilities must be built to control stormwater in the region. To the individual, these savings may seem small, but to the community as a whole, reductions in these expenses are often substantial. Trees Require an Investment Trees provide numerous aesthetic and economic benefits, but also incur some costs. Investing in a tree’s maintenance will help to return the benefits you desire. The costs associated with large tree removal and replacement can be significant. In addition, the economic and environmental benefits produced by a young replacement tree are minimal when compared to those of a mature specimen. Extending the functional lifespan of large, mature trees with routine maintenance can delay these expenses and maximize returns. An informed home owner can be responsible for many tree maintenance practices. Corrective pruning and mulching gives young trees a good start. Shade trees, however, quickly grow to a size that may require the services of a professional arborist. Arborists have the knowledge and equipment needed to prune, treat, fertilize, and otherwise maintain a large tree. Your garden center owner, university extension agent, community forester, or consulting arborist can answer questions about tree maintenance, suggest treatments, or recommend qualified arborists. Developed by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), a non-profit organization supporting tree care research around the world and dedicated to the care and preservation of shade and ornamental trees. For further information, contact: ISA, P.O. Box 3129, Champaign, IL 61826-3129, USA. E-mail inquiries: isa@isa-arbor.com www.isa-arbor.com • #Uncategorized

HANDS ON WORKSHOP HOW TO PRUNE YOUR TREES AND SHRUBS Facilitator Maureen Sexsmith-West ISA Certified Arborist, PR-4600A Ladybug Arborists Location: Land-o-Lakes Golf Club, Coaldale AB Saturday, MARCH 23, 2013 10 am to 3 pm Bring a bag lunch. Dress appropriately Bring your personal pruning equipment (gloves, safety glasses, secateurs, loppers and tree pruning saw if available) The workshop will cover some basic tree biology and theory followed by a practical hand’s on pruning session Fees: $50 per person Maximum 10 persons DEADLINE TO REGISTER – March 16th, 2013 Register at coaldalegarden@gmail.com Or by phone (Lisa) – 403 593-7003 Proceeds in Support of Improvements at the Coaldale Community Garden #Uncategorized

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Appreciating Old, Tall Trees Maureen Sexsmith-West ISA Certified Arborist, PR4600A Maxing out at only 5 feet 1 inch, tall trees appear a little taller to me compared to many of my fellow arborists. In our industry, a respect for heights is a given and a huge investment of time and money goes into training for this specialized task. In Lethbridge, probably our tallest tree (and one of the oldest at 106+ years) is Fairfield, located at the Research Centre. When the limited reach of forestry trucks of 55-60 feet come into play, it is important to find a skilled certified climber who understands how to care for tall or veteran trees and has all the necessary skills to prune the giants. While I prefer to keep myself a little closer to the ground, my partner, Grant, is an expert climber who has worked in trees in both Canada and the US that were in the 200 foot range. One has to admire the gene pool (and good luck) these giants have and that somehow they have avoided the logger’s chainsaw for lumber or heavy equipment during urban expansion. It is sad when trees are removed or topped out of fear because they are considered “too tall”. In urban settings, the biggest conflict comes when trees are planted that don’t match the growing environment or potential space for their species. Making good selections when landscaping and offering routine maintenance by all the numerous ‘owners’ helps guarantee they will reach for their full life expectancy. It would be great if more trees like Fairfield can be appreciated in the landscape by my grandchildren. When organizing the ISA Professional Development Conference in 2006, I was challenged to track down speakers. I found Will Koomjian and Brian French who locate and measure the largest trees in Oregon. They shared their experiences and some awe inspiring photos and videos about their task of “Ascending the Giants”. It was very motivational. More recently, a new World’s Tallest Tree was found in California. Hyperion was measured by Steve Sillett of Humboldt State University at 379.1 feet tall. I hope you enjoy these videos depicting Giant trees and the passionate people who are trying to record and preserve them. If you know of a tree or group of trees worthy of nomination for “Alberta Heritage Tree Status”, please feel free to contact me about the process. They can be a tree of significance either by size, age or social impact. http://vimeo.com/16157822 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BlRNBPnu7i4&feature=player_embedded http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Th8UTFbhKFg #Uncategorized

by Maureen Sexsmith-West ISA Certified Arborist Depending upon whom you speak with, fruit bearing trees are either appreciated or despised because of the bounty they provide. Managing the crops they produce is the key to your enjoyment. Many fruit trees are fast growing. They provide a beautiful display of flowers in the spring. Depending on climate conditions and the number of pollinators that visit the blossoms for nectar, the resulting fruit can be an overwhelming issue later in the year. All pruning has an initial dwarfing affect. The volume of wood and location of cuts has a direct impact of the tree’s growth and fruit production the following season. Response growth will attempt to replace lost twigs and leaves as well as add new growth in balance with the root system. It is important to avoid removing too much live tissue in any one growing season. Excessive pruning results in water sprouts (along twigs) and/or suckering from roots. Most fruit bearing trees should be pruned at least every other year. There are several advantages to pruning during the LATE dormant season. An arborist can see the architecture or structure of the tree very easily. Weak limbs, crossing and rubbing branches, overcrowded and excessive fruiting spurs can be detected and addressed. Diseases can be removed at a time when the risk of transfer is at its lowest. Insect infestations can also be identified – allowing you to have them treated by a licensed applicator during the dormant season. This will reduce populations after the tree has leafed out and the insects have emerged to feed on the succulent new growth. Ideally, you should begin ‘training’ your tree during the first 3-5 years. Training juvenile trees is CONSIDERABLY LESS EXPENSIVE both during initial pruning and over the life of the tree. This allows you to create the form you desire – Open Centre, Central Leader or Espalier. Well made pruning decisions redirect growth to fill voids, avoid fences or structures, balances form and maintain branch spacing. Height and form management makes harvesting fruit easier. Opening and creating a balanced canopy permits good sun penetration, air circulation and the ability to apply products that aid in pest and disease control more efficiently when needed. Thinning crops once fruit has set is another control method that can be used. Creating and maintaining good structure should result is fewer, larger juicy apples/plums/pears and lower the instance of insect and disease problems. Older unpruned or neglected trees Unpruned trees are hard to work in and tend to produce crops of small, worthless fruit. The fruit is often out of reach at the top of the tree. They also have a higher incident of pests and diseases. Pruning of established and neglected trees attempts to correct issues with larger cuts that could have been easily managed during their formative years. It will be impossible to achieve everything necessary in one growing season without causing stress. Pruning should be carried over a period of a few years to achieve a balance between shoot growth, branch spacing and fruit production. It can be quite the job to rejuvenate and bring an old fruit tree back into form. But it is worth it. #lethbridgetreepruning #lethbridgecertifiedarborist #lethbridgetreecare #lethbridgearborist #lethbridgefruittrees

Reasons to Address Dead and Dying Trees By Maureen Sexsmith-West ISA Certified Arborist I have long understood that trees in decline or those suffering from other stresses (such as drought or topping cuts) attract a wide range of insects and diseases. Trees release pheromones that are interpreted by a wide range of insects that benefit from weakened trees. Some transport diseases that result in serious infections and decay. This often accelerates the process of decline. When the ‘host’ tree is exhausted or populations reach a threshold level, pests migrate to the next suitable tree in the neighbourhood. An assessment by our qualified personnel will help you identify the contributing reasons of tree decline. A plan of action can be developed to improve health and safety and to prevent movement of problems that can affect other trees in proximity. Resolve to care for your trees this year to reduce your environmental impact. #Uncategorized

by: Maureen Sexsmith-West ISA Certified Arborist, PR4600A Evergreens are susceptible to desiccation over the winter months. This type of injury is a form of dehydration. This results when the moisture lost through the foliage exceeds the moisture taken up by the roots. If you have regularly watered throughout the previous year and gave your trees a good drink before freeze up this may not be an issue. Warm temperatures, low precipitation and Chinook winds, reflective heat off of light colored buildings, large pane windows, rocks, brick and cement walks are all contributing factors. Most susceptible to reflective damage are cedars, pines and junipers located close to buildings. Needles will begin to dry out. This can be deceiving since many will maintain their green color and remain attached until spring when they will turn yellow/brown and drop. GET YOUR GARDEN HOSE OUT OF STORAGE. GIVE YOUR EVERGREENS A DRINK PERIODICALLY THROUGHOUT THE WINTER MONTHS WHEN CONDITIONS WARRANT. A slow drip will replenish lost moisture around the roots. This will greatly improve the health of your trees, fighting against insect and disease problems in the coming year, increase their life expectancy and reduce long term maintenance costs. One of the best ways to prevent this type of damage to your trees is to maintain good soil moisture throughout the year. Mulching a 3- to 6-foot diameter area around the base of the tree with an organic material like coarse wood chips with help achieve this. Even a seasonal application that is removed and later recycled into your garden beds in the Spring is helpful. Other Causes of Browning Avoid applying salts for snow clearing. Salt will alter the pH level of the soil making it difficult for most varieties to extract nutrients. Prolonged warm periods can trick the tree into thinking it is spring. Other damage can occur if a sudden temperature changes occur. This can damage the buds which had been set for next season. This can’t be checked until the next growing season. Some will begin to move the fluids from the roots into the trunk and begin bud swelling leaving them vulnerable to mid-winter temperature changes and frost damage. Natural needle shed occurs in the fall when the oldest needles turn yellow and fall off (interior part of the tree). Rabbits, porcupines and mice love to eat the bark. They will also find shelter under the foliage from predatory animals. If they chew bark off all the way around the twig – this will cause girdling – no sap can flow past this point and the twig dies back. #Uncategorized

Join June in January by: Maureen Sexsmith-West ISA Certified Arborist, PR4600A For many gardeners, winter can be a productive time. We get to evaluate our successes and failures for the coming season, work out designs to rotate crops, investigate new plants and learn about new offerings for our region. Here is an opportunity to learn about the differences between hybrid and heirloom seeds. Campus Roots Community Garden Association presents Seeds: Heirlooms to Hybrids with June Flanagan Wednesday, January 16 – 7 pm Anderson Hall, Rm 116 University of Lethbridge Join local horticulturist and author June Flanagan as she explains what you need to know about seeds in order to grow tasty herbs and vegetables. Discover the difference between heirlooms and hybrids, find out how to select and sow varieties that best suit our climate, and learn how to successfully save seeds from your own plants. June Flanagan’s fourth book, Edible Plants for Prairie Gardens: The Best Fruits, Vegetables and Herbs, will be available for sale and signing. Visit www.campusroots.ca for more information. #Uncategorized

What is a weed anyway? Maureen Sexsmith-West ISA Certified Arborist, PR4600A It is essentially, a plant that is not desired within a certain context. The term WEED is subjective depending upon where the plant is growing. A plant that IS classified as a weed in one location MAY NOT be a weed when growing where it belongs or is wanted. Weeds tend to outcompete native plants through the agressive reproduction through seeds or ‘suckering’ habits (from rhizomes, tubers or root systems) or both, depleting nutriets and moisture to desirable plants in the landscape. Despite the ongoing battle with the common dandelion in the urban landscape, it is not considered a prohitibed or noxious weed under the AB Provincial Weed Control Act. Life Cycles: Annual Weeds: Annual plants germinate, grow, flower and set seed in one year or less. Temperature, light, and moisture trigger annual plants to germinate. Annuals spread only by seed. (example: www.invasiveplants.ab.ca/Downloads/FS-HimalayanBalsam.pdf). Biennial Weeds: Biennial plants complete their life cycle in two growing seasons. They germinate and form a rosette the first year. During the second growing season they form a stem, flower, set seed and die. (example: www.invasiveplants.ab.ca/Downloads/FS-CommonMullein.pdf) Perennial Weeds: Perennial plants grow for many years. Simple perennials, spread only by seed. Spreading perennials spread by seed and underground reproductive structures. Quackgrass, thistle and bindweed are examples. Control of spreading perennials may be very difficult because of this extensive underground root system. (example: www.invasiveplants.ab.ca/Downloads/FS-FieldBindweed.pdf) Who decides what is a weed in Alberta? Alberta redefined the classification of undesirable plants under their Alberta Weed Control Act in 2010. The new Weed Control Act regulation includes a new schedule of weed designations. Previously there were three weed categories, restricted weeds, noxious weeds and nuisance weeds. These categories were replaced with the new weed designations of Prohibited Noxious and Noxious. ‘Prohibited noxious weeds‘ must be destroyed, while ‘noxious weeds’ must be controlled–i.e don’t let them go to seed or spread). “Prohibited Noxious Weed: means a plant designated in accordance with the regulations as a prohibited noxious weed and includes the plant’s seeds. This weed designation can be seen as regulatory support for an “Early Detection, Rapid Response” stage of invasive plant management. Plants in this category are either not currently found in Alberta or are found in few locations such that eradication could be possible. Under the Weed Control Act a person has a responsibility to destroy a prohibited noxious weed. Noxious Weed: means a plant designated in accordance with the regulations as a noxious weed and includes the plant’s seeds. This weed designation can be seen as regulatory support for a “containment” stage of invasive plant management. Plants listed in this category are considered too widely distributed to eradicate. A local authority may conduct control programs for these weeds if they feel they may have significant ecological or economic impact on lands within their municipality.” In many communities, additional plants may be included in their local weed by-laws. Contact your local municipal office to determine what is covered. In Lethbridge, the City’s Weed Control By-law identifies the following additional plants they monitor. This by-law is currently under review. SCHEDULE “A” – N O X I O U S W E E D S 1. Chickweed 2. Dock – Rumex spp. 3. Fixweed – Descurainia sophia L. 4. Goat’s beard – Tragopogon dubius 5. Grass, couch – Agropyron repens L. 6. Kochia – Kochia scoparia L. 7. Lamb’s-quarters – Chenopodium album L. 8. Mallow, round-leaved – Malva rotundifolia L. 9. Milkweed, showy – Asclepias speciosa 10. Pigweed – red root – Amaranthus retroflexus – Russian 11. Ragweed, common – Ambrosia artemisifolia L. false – Iva xanthifolia 12. Stinkweed – Thlaspi arvense L SO HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU HAVE PLANTS THAT ARE REGULATED? The qualified professionals at Ladybud Arborists can help! We offer an Integrated Weed Management Program that involves: The proper identification of the weed and knowledge of the weed’s biology. Determine why the weed is a pest. Evaluate the suitability of various control measures (cultural, mechanical or chemical) which may be available. Evaluate the results. To prevent the introduction or spread of undesirable vegetation: don’t use raw manures, deadhead flowers before seeds can mature, and avoid ‘wildflower seed mixes’. When accepting or donating ‘free’ plants – take the time to do some research so you don’t spread prohibited or noxious plants. Herer are great alternatives to prohibited plants suggested by the Alberta Invasive Plant Council. www.invasiveplants.ab.ca/Downloads/27×9%20WWbrochure.pdf #Uncategorized

Certified Arborists Specialize in Tree Health Care Maureen Sexsmith-West ISA Certified Arborist, PR4600A Caring for trees is a complex process – much more than just cutting off a branch here and there. There are plenty of businesses advertising tree services – only a few have Certified Arborists on staff. What makes us stand apart – education, experience and a desire to preserve trees. Caring for trees involves a diverse understanding of tree biology, insects, soils, pruning techniques, risk management, growing location and tree function. Asessing a tree often involves skills that combine an understanding of plant relationships, past maintenance practices, an appreciation for the age, current health and species and an understanding of root systems and planting practices. Like a detective – Our Certified Arborists gather up all the clues a tree has to offer in order to make a dagnosis which is the basis for an action plan for the individual tree. We value trees and strive do our best to prolong the life of a tree if it is cost effective to do so. For more reading visit: www.treesaregood.org/treecare/resources/hire_arborist.pdf #consultingarboristlethbridge #lethbridgearborist #lethbridgecertifiedarborist #lethbridgetreeinspections

Protect your Plants, Protect your Investment ! Maureen Sexsmith-West ISA Certified Arborist, PR4600A Lethbridge has an abundance of wildlife that use the habitat offered by urban landscapes. It is not uncommon to see deer, rabbits/hares, mice or voles in your yard. More recently, migration of other animals such as raccoons and porcupines into residential yards is becoming more common. They are looking for two things: food and shelter. All these animals can cause significant damage to landscape plants over the winter months. They will feed on the twigs, bark, foliage and fruit. Another form of damage is breakage – particularly from deer who rub their antlers to remove the ‘felt’ from their antlers and during the rutting season when scents are left to mark territories. If you have a dog, you know that they can’t resist marking their territory. The next dog that comes along will cover the scent with their own – hence the cycle in perpetual. Deer will use both visual and scent marking. Browsing / feeding can cause significant injuries since the damage is often irregular making it difficult for your tree or shrub to repair itself. You may not even be aware of the damage until the next growing season. It can result in death if the feeding pattern occurs around the entire stem or twig. This is called girdling. Once the flow of sap is completely severed, any portion of the plant above the damage will die. Most vulnerable are young, thinner barked plants – fruit trees are a real favourite. Junipers are also typically fed upon since they provide protection against potential predators such as cats, dogs or birds. The leaves on cedars are often targeted by Deer. Damage can occur anywhere on the plant – depending on the species of animal. So what can you do? Utilize traps for both mice and voles Keep mulch away from the base of stems Pack snow down around trunks to deny voles a pathway under snow cover Install trunk guards in the fall and remove in the Spring. They can be made of hardware cloth, tree wraps or 18-24″ sections of weeping tile. The ideas is to deny access to bark. Make sure it is securely installed at the surface so that there are no gaps to crawl under. If you are planning on leaving trunk guards on year round, avoid installing them directly against the trunk or you may end up with fungal problems. Protect shrub beds by installing a temporary fence using chicken wire. Makre sure it is tight to the ground and there are no gaps to squeeze through. Protect cedars with a temporary fence – set away from the plant so deer cannot reach over top. We would be pleased in assist you with identification, preventative services and restorative tree care. Contact us at 403 634-3062 #Uncategorized

Special Visitor Maureen Sexsmith-West ISA Certified Arborist, PR4600A First of all, who would think that it would still be possible to harvest carrots on November 24th? I realize I was pushing things a little. While enjoying the warmth of the afternoon sun, I was given a real pleasant surprise. A pileated woodpecker arrived in our yard. He originally swooshed past my husband’s head where he was poised hanging christmas lights. A heard a shout to look at our neighbour’s green ash tree. From there, it headed for the electrical poles in the back lane. He was around long enough to get a few photos. I haven’t seen one since I lived in BC some 17 years ago. I didn’t fully realize until I uploaded that photos that he had a travelling companion – another woodpecker (not sure if it is a hairy or a downy). My only disappointment is that i only had my iphone handy to take pictures. By planting trees we increase available habitat for wildlife. As our diverse community forest matures, the variety of birds, insects, mammals, aphibians and reptiles increases proportionally. If you are interested in learning more about birds in the region – take in the next meeting of the Lethbridge Naturalists Society: December 12th, 7 pm – Helen Scheuler Nature Center. You may even wish to sign up for one of the many Bird Counts throughout the region. #Uncategorized