Ladybug Arborists

Preventing Tree Damage during Construction or Landscape Renovation Projects Maureen Sexsmith-West ISA Certified Arborist, PR4600A All too often, the most important aspect of the project is over looked – preservation of existing trees and shrubs BEFOREwork begins. Many property owners fail to consider the potential damage that can be done to trees during construction projects. Injuries such as broken branches and wounds to tree trunks are obvious. The damage to a tree’s root systems can result in tree failure or death. Contractors may be well versed in construction building codes for driveway installations or building additions. Roofers need clear, safe access to install shingles. Even the best-intentioned DIY’er, who has read stacks of books from the library, lacks the professional training combined with years of experience that your local Certified Arborist can offer when it comes to tree health care. Begin by asking these key questions. Will my project: require excavating the area between the trunk and drip line? result in interrupted irrigation? involve movement of vehicles over the roots? involve trenching for pipes or utilities? involve the installation of materials such as concrete, asphalt, gravel or brick? require pruning or removals to facilitate construction or equipment access? require stockpiling of construction materials on site? If you can answer yes to even one, you should contact a Certified Arborist before any work begins. TYPES OF DAMAGE Random pruning and leaving stubs creates an unsightly tree that is open the insect and disease problems. NEVER TOP YOUR TREE. Some trees have regulated pruning dates or ‘best’ seasons. In some cases, municipalities have tree protection by-laws. They can include restrictions when working around municipal trees, permits may be required when considering removal of certain species, set backs and so on. Your Certified Arborist should be knowledgeable on local laws and regulations. Changes in grade can either expose the roots causing them to dry out or end up buried below the available oxygen. On an established tree – roots have developed at the optimum depth. Any changes of soil depth can have devastating consequences for your tree. Injury or removal of roots can starve your tree. Since these are essential to the movement of water and nutrients throughout the tree, disruption to the flow is like having a leaky or burst water pipe. The pressure drops or flow stops altogether starving all or part of the tree. Soil Compaction. Roots need oxygen to function and grow. The weight of excavators, haul trucks or repeat traffic, and stockpiled construction materials can force air pockets out of the soil. In extreme cases, soil can become as hard as concrete. Roots are likely to die – branches and leaves along with them. Avoid creating planting sites that restrict health root growth: Cement borders and curbs can significantly restrict normal root development. As seen in this photo – the roots could not expand outside the framework. The roots became damaged by the rough surfaces, absorbed elements from the concrete, which resulted in significant pH variations, and an unstable anchoring system from encircling root growth. DIAL US TO PROTECT YOUR GREEN ASSETS #lethbridgecertifiedarborist #consultingarboristlethbridge #lethbridgetreecare #lethbridgetreeservice #lethbridgeconstructionandtrees #lethbridgetreeinspections

WE CAN TELL YOU Maureen Sexsmith-West ISA Certified Arborist PR-4600A It is no secret that homes with established trees are more appealing than those without. Studies have estimated that trees may account for up to 15 percent of the value of a residential property. For example, a $200,000 house on a lot with three mature trees and various shrubs and landscape plants might owe as much as $30,000 of its value to the trees. On the reverse, a yard full or weeds, improperly pruned trees or neglected landscapes can detract from its appeal, making it more difficult to sell or enjoy. Neglected trees can pose real hazards and a significant investment of time and money to get them safe and back into good health. If a branch breaks off and damages your car – the deductible may be $500 where as having the branch pruned may have only cost $200. Inadequate watering also contributes significantly to insect related issues. $20 for water or $100 for spraying? Ongoing care saves you money in the long run. Just as you would schedule oil changes for your car, blow out your irrigation lines or schedule regular vet checks for your pet, plan for annual yard maintenance over a three year program. This will spread the cost over a longer period of time – addressing different plants/problems each year during the appropriate health care season for each species of tree or feature in your landscape. The other feature we offer clients is our ability to complete a landscape inspection. Like a home inspection, we have the ability to prepare a written report on the condition and care of your landscape assets. When considering buying a home – don’t forget to consider the costs associated with after care. If a tree represents a hazard, you may be able to include addressing this liability as a condition of the sale. For more on this subject: Tree Valuations #lethbridgecertifiedarborist #consultingarboristlethbridge #lethbridgetreecare #lethbridgetreeservice #lethbridgetreeinspections

Fragrant and Colorful Maureen Sexsmtih-West ISA Certifed Arborist, PR4600A One can’t help but notice the beautiful display of trees in flower this week. While some trees are just beginning to open their leaves, trees of the Prunus family are one of the first to put on a pretty, but short lived floral display. Colours range from white to hot pink. Too bad the wind was howling this week to shorten their big moment. Go for a walk or drive – get out and enjoy them while you can. Trees in this genus include commonly names plants such as Mayday, Nanking Cherry, Sandcherry, Plums, Muckle Plum, Double Flowering Plum, Double Flowering Almond, and are characterized by their drupe fruit (stone fruits). The Muckle plum offers the great display of flowers with the fruit. There are two located on the south side of City Hall. In Japan the Cherry Blossom Festival is a referred to as “Hanami”. Hanami is an important Japanese custom and is held all over Japan in spring. Hanami literally means viewing flowers, but it generally indicates cherry blossom viewing. It’s said that the origin of hanami dates back to more than one thousand years ago. The cherry blossom is the national flower of Japan and is probably most beloved flower among the Japanese. The blooming of cherry blossoms signifies not only the arrival of spring but the beginning of the new academic year. The cherry blossom is a symbol of a bright future ahead. #Uncategorized

NIKKA YUKO JAPANESE GARDEN OPEN Saturday, May 11, 2013 “Established during Canada’s Centennial in 1967, Nikka Yuko was built to recognize contributions made by citizens of Japanese ancestry to the multi-cultural community of Lethbridge, Alberta, and a s a symbol of international friendship. Its name was created from the Japanese words Ni (from Nihon meaning Japan), ka from Kanada or Canada, and Yuko, which translates as “friendship” to mean “Japan-Canada friendship”. (Source: NYJG History). Under the direction of Mas Mizuno, the facility is maintained to perfection by the City of Lethbridge Park’s Department in the traditional style. You can rent the space for wedding pictures, private events and group tours. For complete details about history, volunteer opportunities, and their event calendar: Click Here About Japanese Style Gardens Japanese gardens combine rock formations complimented with plantings. Plants are used to create spacial definition and to highlight particular features of the landscape (e.g. prune dogwoods directionally to help create the illusion of an arch over a dry river bed). Pruning is done with a sharp, sterilized pair of secateurs to manage plant size and form. Careful detail is given to the view from all angles – you should feel at one and at peace with the space. There are three laws (1) the design must suit the site, not vice versa; (2) correctly place the stones, then the trees, then shrubs; (3) be acquainted with the rules of shin, gyn and so – to help set the correct mood. One of the key areas required is balance (sumi) and a clear definition between plants and rocks in relation to the space. You don’t use a 10-ton boulder in a 10×10 space. Less is more. It is critical to have ‘emptiness’. This concept is foreign to most North American gardeners – they want to fill every last space or allow plants to become overrun. Annual pruning is a must to maintain ‘ma’. According to Mas, “stones/rocks (ishi) are the key element” to garden designs. Selection and placement of the stones is critical. Shape, size, colour and texture (wabi and sabi elements) mean that each stone is hand picked and placed in a specific location/position. They are usually configured in three, fives or sevens all with specific meanings. Any rock, plunked anywhere can create “bad stones”. Water is another key element since it represents the passing of time. Bridges (hashi) are used to represent journeys. Ornaments such as lanterns are incorporated as accents only when integral to the overall design. Once the placement of stones is complete, the plants fall into place naturally to represent the changing seasons. Possible planting combinations suitable to our growing environment and soils include montane pines, low growing junipers, stone fruits, weigla, spirea and elder. After care specialists should be able to assist with plant selection so you can fully understand how each plant will grow, whether they are allelopathic in nature, and the best season to prune each. Avoid hedge trimmers – they do not represent plants in their natural form. This should not be confused with English garden style topiary – I can’t think of any natural pine tree that look like groomed poodles – can you? These would be out of place in a traditional Japanese garden scape. Remember that in our arid climate, plants growing in gravel beds will be subject to heat stresses, and will require additional watering to compensate for evaporation. Supplemental fertilization may also be needed. This style of garden is more costly and time consuming to maintain. If the appropriate time and consideration is given to the design phase, and you have a disciplined maintenance program the results are spectacular. #Uncategorized

Maureen Sexsmith-West ISA Certified Arborist, PR4600A With all the trees and shrubs arriving at the garden centres throughout the region, I thought it would be a good idea to provide some tips on planting to help give your tree or shrubs the best start possible. Planting a tree is a great investment – don’t cut corners. Start with the right tree for the location – sun, size, location and function. I have supported the Arbor-Day Foundation for many years. They are advocates for trees and offer a wide selection of excellent consumer information. I have included three of their videos and handouts to help guide you. I do have a few added tips that I have identified over the past several years and items specific to our region. I am sure where the video is being filmed, they don’t have the same heavy clay soils we face. I emphasise their point about prepping the growing area. I always recommend spending the most time prepping the site to give your tree the best soil medium. There is no point planting a $200 tree in a hole that takes 10 minutes to prepare. Rooting will take longer and could result in long term girdled root systems that leave the tree unstable. Don’t expect to see a lot of growth above ground – this is actually a good thing – you want your tree to establish the root system first. I prefer to use our native soils for planting without amendments (as mentioned in the videos). A tree that has to transition from deluxe potting mixes will not want to stray into the “deluxe” soils at the edge of your planting hole. I prefer to shake off any loose materials from the container and blend them with our native soils. This is like a transition area from Yahoo to Oh My. Gently loosen the roots. If there is a lot of encircling roots, the video gives a great demonstration on how to approach this issue. One other item that is discussed, but not illustrated, is the issue of the root collar and the appropriate grade for planting. I found this excellent photo at The Family Handyman.com to illustrate. it is not uncommon to find trees planted too deep in the pot. Be sure to locate the root flare area by gently removing any extra soil or mulch. You may also purchase trees that are growing from a root graft. This is evident by change in taper and is used when a more hardy root stock is needed to sustain the tree. Don’t fertilize with a high nitrogen based product for the first year. A small amount of transplant fertilizer is okay. You can incorporate organic products such as bone meal or compost but make sure they are well blended into the soil first. Adding mycorrhizal fungus can be helpful. Mycorrhiza is a symbiotic association between a fungus and the roots of a vascular plant. In a mycorrhizal association, the fungus colonizes the host plant’s roots increasing it’s capacity to absorb nutrients from the soil. Container Video Container Handout H A P P Y P L A N T I N G #lethbridgemulching #lethbridgetreeplanting #lethbridgetreewatering #treeselectionlethbridge

Larger Trees, Locally Grown Maureen Sexsmith-West ISA Certified Arborist, PR4600A If you are looking for balled and burlap locally grown trees, be sure to visit the website of Evergreen Acres Tree Farm. #lethbridgetreeplanting #treeselectionlethbridge

Maureen Sexsmith-West ISA Certified Arborist, PR4600A If you are business owner or resident, and want to help them achieve their goals, please be sure to join them on May 9th. Come enjoy some food, learn about the project, shop for great gifts at their auction and dance. Share this link and/or poster, tell a friend or bring one! It will be fun for the entire family. #Uncategorized

RECYCLE AND REAP THE BENEFITS Maureen Sexsmith-West ISA Certified Arborist, PR4600A Compost serves a multitude of purposes: Enriches the nutrient levels of your soil Improves soil structure by helping to break up clay Retains moisture levels (1 kg of compost can hold 2 kg of water!) Keeps your Soil pH in balance Suppresses plant diseases Reduces landfill demands Reduces the need for fertilizer applications Works as a great top-dress layer for lawns. Protects roots (similar to mulching) The end product, humus, contains the magic three – nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium along with a variety or micro-nutrients. It is full of healthy microorganisms. It can be spread on lawns, in gardens and flowerbeds. Composting doesn’t require much space, time or effort to produce. The type of structure or method is flexible and can be very inexpensive to construct. The most important element is a well-drained, sunny location. Your composter can be situated on concrete, soil or grass. Heck, you don’t even need a container – you can create a pit in the garden too. waste, moisten, green waste, soil – repeat. Turning keeps oxygen in the pile, keeps it materials loose and reduces any odours. Avoid meat, dairy, fats, cooked food, diseased plant parts, pet waste, corn cobs or charcoal ashes. You can turn your compost into tea and by steeping a shovel full in an old pillow case in a 5 gallon pail of water. After a few hours the water will change to a pale yellow. Pull out the bag and dump the contents back into the compost pile. Water your tomatoes or flowers for great results. If you haven’t started your own pile and want the enjoy the benefits of compost this Spring, I can recommend Boersma Composting (Tate Boersma) to help you get started, supply and spread if needed. 403 849-1347. For more information visit this link: Gov’t of Alberta Publication #lethbridgecomposting #lethbridgegardening #yardcarelethbridge

Great Events to add to your Calendars Maureen Sexsmith-West ISA Certified Arborist, PR4600A The Annual Horticultural Society Plant Sale is May 25th so as you plant seedlings or divide your perennials please keep the sale in mind. We would appreciate it if everything you bring is potted up & labeled. Of course we can always use help the day of the sale. The sale will be at the library’s lower level west entrance courtyard & will go from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. If you have questions about the sale or would like to help contact Yvonne Bruinsma at 403-320-8507. Everyone Welcome – Tell a Friend ***** The Board has been thinking about a possible van/bus tour in June to gardens such as the Reader Rock Garden in Calgary. If we can organize it are you interested? Marion Jankunis is the director looking into this; let her know if it’s worth her work to plan. Contact Marion at 403-381-9118 or email mjankunis@chr.ab.ca. ***** July 6 will be the date of our Annual Garden Tour. The tour will run from 9 a.m. to noon at which time ticket holders can have lunch & hear Lyndon Penner speaker about ‘Lessons Learned in the Garden’. Lyndon has become well known as a guest speaker & has also made a name for himself as the gardening correspondent for a number of CBC radio programs, as well as writing for several gardening magazines. Marion is currently working on obtaining the gardens. Would you like your garden on the tour? Do you know of a wonderful garden? Give Marion Jankunis a call at 403-381-9118 or email mjankunis@chr.ab.ca. #Uncategorized

Maureen Sexsmith-West ISA Certified Arborist, PR4600A Just a friendly reminder that the pruning ban for Elms is now in place. In the event of emergency work due to storms or a complete removal which includes stump grinding at the time of removal) an application for an out of season permit can be obtained for Lethbridge and the surrounding communities of Southern Alberta. Contact us for more information. Upon closer inspection – the Elms are already in flower. #Uncategorized

TRUNK INJECTIONS – SAFE AND EFFECTIVE Maureen Sexsmith-West ISA Certified Arborist, PR4600A Insects can be quite damaging not to mention annoying. They are indicators of other problems with the health of your plants. As always, I recommend you address the root of the problem before considering pest management products. Adjusting your watering habits, avoiding construction activity around trees and having your tree pruned regularly should be the first part of any pest management plan. For example, aphids produce a sticky substance called honeydew that serves as a lure for ants and wasps. Dust sticks to it creating a sooty appearance to everything. Washing off your surfaces can help and using a jet spray with your garden hose can dislodge them temporarily. Some insects, like coulee gall adelgid which causes a swelling of new shoots on spruce trees, can be pruned or picked off. Other insects, however, can cause extensive damage and result in tree mortality. Many people object to using chemicals in their yards. While there are some biological controls such at BTK and insecticidal soap, all these have to be applied by spraying. Every surface around the tree is subject to the drift and dripping this process creates. Rinsing is often required before reentry of use areas. In February of this year, Health Canada approved trunk injections to control specific pest issues. The great feature of this method is A CLOSED SYSTEM. Only insects eating plants parts are exposed to the product injected. In Eastern Canada, trunk injections have been used successfully to control Emerald Ash Borer, Asian Longhorn Beetle – two invasive species that kill large stands of trees. This means that it is applied directly into the plant – no spraying, no mess, no rinsing. What is even better about this system is that it is: SAFE FOR KIDS SAFE FOR BENEFICIAL INSECTS SAFE FOR PETS SAFE FOR BIRDS This is an additional benefit for the applicator, who no longer has to suit up in protective suits, respirators, rubber boots and latex gloves. I am pleased to advise you that we are first to offer this service in our Region. My other half, Grant K. Colling, is a licensed applicator, who brings years of training and experience as a Certified Arborist when it come to insects and disease issues on trees and shrubs. He has completed all the necessary licensing and training to offer trunk injections. These two qualifications (ISA Certification and Licensed Applicator) are the minimum requirements for this method of application. This ensures that the applicator has a true understanding of tree biology and insect identification. He is also the only authorized applicator of DutchTrig in our region, which is used to control Dutch Elm Disease. This is a ONE-TWO punch for pests and unique to other companies offering insect control in our region. Call us for a Free Evaluation to determine if this product is right for your trees (403) 634-3062 or (403) 327-9109. #lethbridgecertifiedarborist #lethbridgetreeinsects #lethbridgetreediseases #lethbridgebiologicalcontrols #lethbridgetreeinspections #lethbridgetreehealthcare

The warm weather of the past few days has definitely begun to warm the soil. I have noticed crocus and tulips bursting from the earth and hints of green poking up from under last seasons dried stems and leaves left to protect the roots. These crocus have been putting on a daytime show for about a week then folding up their petals at night. Our latest forecast it is a subtle reminder that winter is not done with us – even down here in sunny southern Alberta. It is important to avoid working wet soils. In our region, soils have a high clay component. Rototilling when moisture content is high can result in clumps that dry as hard as a rock. Compaction is also a high probability when walking about which negates efforts to prep soils. Tread lightly or work from edges or use stepping stones when possible. The migratory birds have been arriving steadily for the past few weeks. Time to put out the birdhouses. #Uncategorized