Ladybug Arborists

Birds and Tree Care by Maureen Sexsmith-Wet ISA Certified Arborist, PR4600 As an arborist, it can be a difficult balance between preserving nature and preserving trees during the breeding season. There have been many occasions in my career when I have had close encounters with wildlife when working on trees. One of most challenging times is during the active breeding season. Trees can contain nests or nest cavities for a wide range of birds. There are even times when a suit of armor would have been a good idea against the protests of excited parents. While we always try our best to avoid disturbing eggs or nests full of open beaks, there are times when there just isn’t a choice. We had to do some removals to facilitate the demolition of a house. We noticed a beautiful and noisy bird of prey (I believe it was a merlin) watching our every move as each tree was systematically dropped to the ground ready to be bucked up and hauled away. Sadly when the spruce came crashing down, we discovered a nest securely built inside the top of the tree. A quick call to our friend Colin Weir at the Alberta Birds of Prey Center and he was enroute to the job site in Coaldale. One bird was seriously injured and the other had a survival instinct I admire. With the loving attention and care of the staff and volunteers (and I believe a surrogate bird), one survived to be released later in the year. I am happy to report, that the breeding pair returned to the neighborhood and found another mature spruce the following year to raise their family. I have had the opportunity to work on a variety of projects with Colin as part of their shoreline enhancement program. We have coordinated the removal of trees by crane which have since be placed along the pond banks. I have also supplied additional trees following regional chainsaw training. These trees now replicate nature as snags washed up on shore. They provide two primary functions – to reduce erosion and to provide perches for birds and turtles. The Birds of Prey Centre is an amazing facility. They are always looking for volunteers and donations to help with the day to day activities and to expand their programs. Consider placing them on your Christmas Gift Giving List this season. For more information visit their website at www.burrowingowl.com #Uncategorized

IT IS ELM SEASON Maureen Sexsmith-West ISA Certified Arborist PR4600A The Province of Alberta regulates the pruning of Elm Trees to prevent the introduction of Dutch Elm Disease in our province. Elms can be pruned between October 1st and March 31st annually. Removals should include stump grinding. The Society To Prevent Dutch Elm Disease (STOPDED) is a non-profit organization whose mandate is to preserve and protect Alberta’s elm trees from Dutch Elm Disease (DED). Members include federal, provincial and municipal representatives, nurserymen, landscapers, commercial and municipal arborists, research scientists, and other interested Albertans. STOPDED members from across the province take an active role in the prevention of DED in Alberta and in their communities. I have extracted a key points from their website. I have included a link so you can learn all about the Society, their activities and some interesting and helpful information about Elms. What Can You Do to Help Save Our Elms? Take preventative measures by keeping your elm trees healthy, vigorous and properly pruned. Elms should be well watered from April to mid August. To allow the tree to harden off for the winter, watering should be stopped mid August followed by a good soaking or two before freeze-up. Dead branches and trees that provide beetle habitat should be removed. Since elm bark beetles are attracted to fresh tree woulds, pruning should be done between October 1 to March 31 when the beetles are not in their active stage. Dispose of all elm wood you have by taking it to your local landfill or by burning, burying or chipping it. Chips should be no greater than 2.5 cm (1 inch). Elm wood provides ideal breeding sites for the tiny elm bark beetle that spreads Dutch elm disease. Learn how to identify the signs of Dutch elm disease and beetle activity so that you can report them to the nearest DED Hotline to your community. In Lethbridge, Contact the Urban Forestry Department of the City of Lethbridge 403 320-3075 (Lindsay Bell). Become a STOPDED member. Do’s and Don’t’s Do Public must be aware about DED and its symptoms. Infected trees need to be reported immediately. Elm wood must be burned, buried or chipped immediately. Chips should be no greater than 2.5cm (1 inch). Keep elm trees healthy by keeping trees well watered. Prune dead wood from your elm trees between October 1st and March 31st. Do Not bring elm firewood or logs into Alberta. It may be carrying the elm bark beetles and the fungus. Do not transport or store elm wood within Alberta. Stored firewood provides a perfect breeding area for the elm bark beetles. Avoid pruning elms between April 1st and September 30th. Elm bark beetles are active between these dates and are attracted to fresh wounds. For information about STOPDED or Dutch elm disease contact Janet Feddes-Calpas at STOPDED Hotline: 1-877-837-ELMS (3567). #Uncategorized

Severe Crown Reduction? It’s just Topping by another name By Maureen Sexsmith-West, ISA Certified Arborist PR4600A If topping is so bad for trees – why does it happen so often? This method of pruning is frequently done by uneducated and untrained people in the tree care industry. Consumers fail to understand the adverse effects or sadly, they are stuck with the end product. (For tips on selecting a tree care company click this link: http://www.treesaregood.org/treecare/resources/hire_arborist.pdf ) Topping does not keep large trees small or make them safer. On the contrary, it only temporarily reduces size and ultimately makes the tree more dangerous. It also increases the cost of maintenance over the life of the tree. This is the case with both deciduous and coniferous trees. Professional agencies such as the International Society of Arboriculture, Tree Care Industry Association and the American National Standards Institute all view TOPPING as an UNACCEPTABLE PRACTICE. Cas Turnbull of Plant Amnesty refers to this out of date practice as “an act of vandalism” and is “the largest single threat to our urban forests”. Guidelines by the Province of Alberta to prevent Dutch Elm Disease, state: “Improper pruning techniques and tree topping can weaken the elm tree and increase the risk of attracting EBB’s. Tree topping is not an approved pruning method. All pruners should be trained and certified.” In fact, many municipalities (Brooks, for example) now have by-laws that require a permit to prune or remove municipal trees. HERE IS WHY: STARVATION: Excessive removal of branches and leaves that feed the trunk and root mass cause dieback. Photosynthesis is the food production factory for trees. By removing the leaves you, in essence, starve the tree. While your tree appears to bounce back (or ‘fluff up’) with numerous branches full of large leaves – this is a panic response. A typical leaf of a poplar is 7 to 12 cm long. In this photo, it is twice that. It often results in extensive suckering along the root system (often in the middle of your lawn or in your neighbour’s yard). Now you have hundreds of baby trees to navigate while mowing. Treating them with herbicides can further contribute to tree mortality. PESTS AND DECAY: Internodal pruning or severe crown reductions (as described in a recent Lethbridge Herald Article) are all terms that are used to describe TOPPING. The unprotected stubs are unable to ‘wall off’, create wound wood and protect themselves against invaders. It also releases a flood of pheromones. These scents attract insects. Unprotected stubs are easy entry points for micro-organisms that breakdown wood. Decay and dieback are imminent. Trees seldom survive excessive pruning – the older they are, the less live wood removal they can tolerate. It is essentially a staggered, expensive removal system. TREES BECOME HAZARDOUS: Branches that develop have very little holding capacity making them hazardous. They have a high rate of failure in winds or under snow loads. In some species, shoots can grow 10+ feet in one season. Before you know it, it is back to the same height it was originally. The real difference is that you have created a liability that can cause extensive property damage or injure people. In the case of evergreens, they need the single strong leader to distribute snow and rain along their pyramidal form. Removal of the leader results in competition from remaining branches causing co-dominant leaders and decay of the stem. They are very susceptible to breakage from snow and wind. Want proof? Seeing is believing. Sadly, this 100+ year old tree is situated at the front entrance of a organization with very high traffic volumes. AESTHETICS: Topping destroys the natural beauty and form of a tree. In winter it resembles a porcupine or something that belongs at a haunted house. In summer is looks like a giant lollipop of dense twigs and leaves. A well maintained landscape can contribute significantly to the value of your property. On the contrary, it can be viewed as a detriment and a liability. OTHER CONSEQUENCES FOR INCREASE SUN EXPOSURE: By exposing the trunk to full sun, the tree becomes susceptible to sunscald. This results in cankers, cracking and dead tissue. Certain varieties of trees are best pruned at a certain time of year – know what you have and when is the best season to prune it. The increased sun will expose turf and under-story plants to higher heat and drought stress – increasing your need to irrigate more to maintain them. Shade loving plants will have to be relocated. You may also see a change in your utility costs. Consider these alternatives: Trees are never too big – they simply grow in the form of their species. Embrace the fact that you have a mature tree and take pride in your carbon capturing, oxygen producing factory. Have it Properly Pruned – A certified arborist can offer a variety of pruning techniques and solutions that won’t harm your tree. Remove and Replace – some trees should be removed because they are the wrong species for the location or they are in poor condition. It may be better to start over with a better tree selection for the location. As a Certified Arborist, my training and experience in arboriculture and tree risk assessment enable me to provide you with a qualified diagnosis. I would be pleased to assess your tree in relation to your concerns. We can review any alternatives that address health and safety issues and develop a plan of action that is cost effective, does not adversely affect the future health of your tree or diminish your property value. I value trees for the numerous benefits they offer you, wildlife and to future generations. Let me be the voice for your tree. For more reading by tree industry associations: http://www.treesaregood.org/treecare/resources/WhyToppingHurts.pdf http://www.ansi.org/news_publications/news_story.aspx?admin=1&articleid=1767 The illustration above can be found on “The Ugly Truth About Topping” produced by Liz Ball, Marple Tree Commission http://www.marpletreecommission.com/the-ugly-truth-about-topping). #lethbridgetreepruning #toppinglethbridge #lethbridgecertifiedarborist #consultingarboristlethbridge #lethbridgetreecare #lethbridgetreeinspections

Gardeners UNITE! Maureen Sexsmith-West ISA Certified Arborist, PR4600A This piece was inspired by a conversation I had with a new resident this week who loves to garden but doesn’t have a place to do it at her new home. Gardening is increasing in popularity. In addition to enhancing your outdoor spaces, it allows us to grow organic produce and to watch our finances. There is something wonderfully therapeutic about planting a seed, nurturing it and reaping the bounty – not to mention the release from pulling out weeds instead of your hair when dealing with teenagers or job stress. Gardening provides opportunities for exercise, education and socializing – a great family activity that can bridge three generations. These traditional skills deserve to be passed on to future generations. There are so many wonderful organizations in our area. Over the years, many have contributed greatly to the beautification of our City. I encourage you to get involved – many of the existing members are seasoned gardeners with a wealth of information. It is a great place of meet people with a passion for plants. Each group offers something a little different. Whether you are a beginner or a veteran, your participation, of even one hour a month, is welcomed. As non-profit organizations, they would benefit from in-kind assistance on their initiatives and financial contributions from corporations or citizens help bring their vision into our communities. With winter settling in, it is a great time to build your knowledge, meet new gardeners or get inspired to try something new next growing season. Here a just a few groups worth investigating. The Lethbridge & District Horticultural Society is over 100 years old. Plant sales, garden tours, monthly speakers the last Monday of the month at the Library and much more. Take in their Native Prairie Plants Garden at the Galt Museum. call Barb @ (403) 381-7153. Email: LethbridgeHortSociety@yahoo.com. Bonsai Society – A group of like minded meticulous pruners. Annual show 1st or 2nd weekend May. Annual field trip in May. Meetings 2nd Tuesday each month except July & Aug. at Lethbridge Public Library at 7:30pm. Contact Carmen (403) 328 3855. Prairie Urban Garden is an initiative of the Oldman Watershed Council promoting xeriscape sustainable gardening in our semi-arid environment. They host an annual garden tour. Call (403) 382-4239 or visit www.prairieurbangarden.ca Friends of the Nikka Yuko Japanese Gardens: Memberships, Volunteer opportunities and donations help keep them providing an amazing experience for residents and tourists alike. Call (403) 328-3511, Email: info@nikkayuko.com Lethbridge Naturalists Society -The Lethbridge Naturalists Society meets monthly on the second Wednesday of the month. (403) 328-3108. Email loydyoli@shockware.com or info@lethbridgeNaturalistsSociety.com Fairfield Gardens Society – Take the Heritage Forest Walking Tour at the Lethbridge Research Center. Check out the beautiful floral gardens they have created. For donations, meetings and volunteer opportunities call (403) 317-2272, www.icangarden.com/clubs/FFGS. Email: FairfieldGardensFriends@yahoo.com Grow it! Community Garden. Located at 2405-41st Steet North by the Animal Shelter Conact: Eunice 403-328-2761 Email: ekd@telusplanet.net Campus Roots Community Garden (U of L) – Join them at their monthly meetings or take in one of their speaker nights. For more information check out www.campusroots.blogspot.com Community Garden Society: Sign up for a rental plot or help out on the Board. Adjacent is the Coaldale Edible Forest with fruit bearing trees and shrubs. Cooperative help to plant and tend a food bank plot needed for 2013. www.coaldalegarden.blogspot.ca. Coaldale Communities in Bloom: Is looking for volunteers for their Board and projects. Brenda 403 345-2229 Happy gardening. If you can add to the list, please post a comment. #Uncategorized

HOLD THE SALT Maureen Sexsmith-West ISA Certified Arborist, PR4600A We have recently experienced our first dose of winter with heavy wet snow and rain that creates icy conditions as temperatures drop. It brought up a topic that is worth writing about. De-Icing products and your landscape. Nearly all ice-melting products, especially the inexpensive ones, are loaded with ingredients that can be deadly to your turf, trees and flowers. Read your label carefully for these products: Calcium Chloride (rock salt) Sodium Chloride Magnesium Chloride Potassium Chloride (lower burn potential) Ethylene glycol (anti-freeze) – poisonous to pets if ingested Urea Plants and turf growing along sidewalks and driveways, where snow is generally piled after a snow fall, are at the greatest risk. It may take repeat applications to show up as dead or dying leaves or patches of turf that are thin or brown. While your shrubs may have looked fine last year, they may not this year. There are two sources of salt toxicity: Absorption through the roots. When salt levels reach a toxic level in the soil, it will damage the roots of your plants. High concentrations are pulled into the plant, the new leaves and shoots can turn brown. The plants have difficulty absorbing water and nutrients, which stunts their growth or kill it entirely. Spray from passing vehicles. This can kill buds and twigs and cause leaves to die. Urea is just a damaging to plants if applied inappropriately. It is a type of fertilizer that can cause chemical burns on your plants. You wouldn’t take 10 pills at once if your doctor prescribed 1 pill for ten days. It is very important to read the label to understand what you are applying and follow the application rates for the product you are using. In order to be most effective, ice-melting products need to be applied PRIOR TO a snow/rain event. They interfere with the bond to a hard surface making it easier to remove. When shoveling snow, you usually only have two choices – onto your landscape or onto the road (which enters our storm water system). If you are trying to prevent slips and falls, you may want to consider a product such as sand to create traction instead. In the spring, apply water generously to help wash to residual chlorides deep into the soil. Our Certified Arborists have a complete understanding of plant and soil relationships. We would be pleased to assist you in evaluating your soil and its relationship to plants in your landscape, create soil amendment blends to improve growing conditions and to help make decisions when selecting landscape plants this coming season. #Uncategorized

ADOPT A BIRD – or BETTER YET, A WHOLE FLOCK An Environmental Approach to Manage Insects Next Summer Maureen Sexsmith-West, ISA Certified Arborist October 29, 2012 When I was younger I took great delight in digging up worms. As a teenager, I took for granted the natural world around me. It wasn’t until I had children that the wonders of our planet started to take focus. I had lots of exposure to learning at school, at home and girl guides – it was just filed somewhere in the ‘good to know someday’ part of my brain. I really came to appreciate and enjoy bird watching when I lived in Elkford, BC. My kitchen window had a great view of the back yard. We had a Mountain Ash and an Ornamental Apple tree along with a variety of shrubs. I began noticing the most beautiful and unusual birds coming to our trees – devouring the fruit. Evening Grosbeaks came in flocks of hundreds at a time. I waited anxiously to view a bald eagle that routinely perched in a snag on a hill to the west. I quickly invested in a Pederson’s Field Guide and a pair of binnoculars – I was hooked. I picked up a few books from the library, and before you know it, I had SIX different bird feeders strategically placed so I had a ‘bird’s eye’ view of the activity. Each had a different offering of seeds and suet. I kept a journal to track migratory patterns, weather and so on. Come to think of it, I still have it packed away somewhere. I spent hours ready with my 35 mm camera waiting to get the best pictures. Kodak made a killing off me back then – thank goodness for digital cameras. It inspired me to become involved in the Rocky Mountain Bluebird project and I became a Birdquest facilitator. I built birding into my programs as a Girl Guide and Brownie leader. While my daughters are all grown up now – they would surely still describe me as a feathered fanatic. I already have a bird bath in the yard and a variety of birdhouses ready for service. With the temperatures dropping, I positioned my covered platform feeder and a nyger feeder in the protection of my lilac bushes. It didn’t take long to have a regular following. Besides providing hours of enjoyment, birds play a vital role in a healthy landscape. Birds have a wide ranging diet. Some exclusively eat seeds and others insects. I was surprised to learn that there are 12 categories of feeding types. (http://birding.about.com/od/birdfeeders/tp/Bird-Diet-Types.htm). I have made a short list of birds typically found in our area and the insects on their menu. Keep in mind they may also find your beneficial bugs tasty too. Nuthatches: borers, caterpillars, ants and earwigs Woodpeckers: larvae, beetles, weevils, borers Chickadees: aphids, whitefly, scales, caterpillars, ants and earwigs Swallows: moths, beetles, grasshoppers Wrens: all insects and spiders I don’t know if you realize that one Flicker can consume 3000 (yes, three thousand) ants a day. Ants are closely aligned with aphid populations – sounds like a great reason to encourage them to your yard. Things you can do: Set up bird feeders that offer a mix of seeds, fruit, nuts and suet for the widest variety of birds. If you start feeding, you need to be consistent all winter. Once they associate your yard as a food source, they will come for seeds and stay for the insects. A bird bath is a must year round. Water is essential for both drinking and bathing. Plant a mix of conifers and fruit/seed bearing treesand shrubs for nesting, roosting and food. Erect bird houses. Size DOES matter so do a little research to find the correct dimensions, hole size and elevation for the variety of bird you are trying to attract. There are numerous plans available on-line. Make it a family project . A board, a hand saw, some glue and a few screws is all you need. While the birds don’t care about the curb appeal – they make great decorator pieces so let your creativity soar. For birds – it is all about location, location, location. Don’t wait until spring to put one up. Birds need places to roost in the winter to keep warm. Many will investigate your boxes well before the Spring breeding season, so you want to be ready for ‘wrent’. Happy Bird Watching this Winter #Uncategorized

BENEFITTING YOUR URBAN OASIS Posted by Maureen Sexsmith-West ISA Certified Arborist, PR4600A This is the philosophy I am basing my new business on. Having cared for trees in Lethbridge over the past 15 years, I reaffirm my decision every day as to why I became a Certified Arborist. I have had the great pleasure to meet many fantastic people and tended some of most amazing trees an Arborist could hope to have the privilege to work on. My love of trees has encouraged me to learn as much as possible so I can truly make a difference in this industry. By combining my training, on-going professional development and the knowledge that only comes with seeing the results of my work, I offer the best possible care for your valuable green assets. I work with clients to help identify priorities that addresses their concerns, the needs of the trees – all within their budget. This may result in a long term plan that spreads the cost of tree care over a prescribed period. Establishing a regular maintenance plan is more cost effective. My mission is to improve the health, safety and enjoyment of your Urban Oasis. To accomplish this, I have assembled a team of highly qualified professionals that enables Ladybug Arborists to offer both residential and commercial customers the following services: Pruning of Trees and Shrubs Removals and Stump Grinding Tree, Shrub and Floral Fertilization Programs Insect and Disease Diagnosis and Controls Tree Condition and Hazard Risk Assessments Large Site Management Strategies Independent, Unbiased Landscape Plan Evaluations Tree Valuations for Insurance Claims Protection Planning for Trees Near Construction Activities Development of Tree Care Specifications for Tenders Personalized On-Site Training Programs Public Speaking and Workshop Delivery As an arborist that doesn’t think flowers are something you step on to get to the real work, I will also be offering my customers value added services including: Invasive Plant ID and Weed Control Floral Garden Planting and Maintenance Yard Sitting and Watering During Prolonged Absences Planting and Transplanting Composting, Soil Amendments and Rototilling You may of heard me say “What would I do if it was my yard?” Here is a peak at what Grant and I do. Compare the before and after. I would love to help you create that Urban Oasis of your own. Watch for regular posts on a wide range of topics on tree and plant health care, plant profiles and tree features, links to organizations and events, and much more. #Uncategorized