Ladybug Arborists

Maureen Sexsmith-West ISA Certified Arborist, PR-4600A Every year around my birthday, I schedule my annual physical exam. This ensures that, while I may be feeling pretty good, my doctor can run basic diagnostic tests and monitor subtle changes from year to year. Anything suspect gets a further look. Tree care can be both physically demanding and mentally challenging. Ensuring I am in the best condition possible is essential. A high risk industry, I also take every precaution on the job to minimize the risk of injury that would prevent me from doing what I love so much. Caring for the urban landscape. So, when was the last time your yard had a check-up? Can’t Remember? Preventative care, regular check-ups, early detection, informed decision-making, and routine treatments that provide long term, stable solutions are regular duties of plant health care programs. A PHC plan is multi-faceted and customer-driven, focusing on the health, growth, and beauty of a home owner’s yard. Adopting a plant health care program (PHC) can identify problems problems in the early stages and prevent problems or keep them from getting serious. When homeowners and professionals work together, everyone benefits. Drastic, costly maintenance can be avoided while the value of the entire property increases. The basic premise behind PHC is that if a plant is taken care of properly, natural defences can be strengthened. Energy that would normally be used up fighting stressful factors can instead be utilized to build up defence systems. Regular check-ups, basic maintenance and the removal of hazardous factors from the environment help to improve the health of a plant, the same as they would the health of a human. Maintaining a Plant Health Care Program: Every yard is different so individual care is important. Regular monitoring aids in early detection and is key to the long-term health of plants. Professionals will alert you to any existing or anticipated problems then suggest all possible treatment options and alternatives- just like a doctor would a patient. The best choices usually involve natural processes that are least intrusive. Chemical treatments should be used as a last resort. Homeowners and professionals should work together to decide what is best for the yard. Expensive remedies are often employed after a yard has already been badly damaged. These practices are sometimes unsuccessful and cost homeowners significant amounts of money. Proactive PHC programs cost considerably less than reactive interventions because they help ensure the health and beauty of plants and landscapes, lowering maintenance costs and increasing property values. “The long-term savings is virtually guaranteed,” ISA Executive Director, Jim Skiera says. “Not only will a plant health care program enhance the well-being of plants, but it also will improve the mood and bank account of the homeowner.” We also provide pre-purchase tree assessments, tree valuations for insurance purposes, tree protection plans for construction projects, landscape consulting and home-owner maintenance training. If you live in the Lethbridge, Alberta area, please give us a call at 403 634-3062 or send us an email to ladybugarborists@gmail.com. Live elsewhere? Click on this link to find an ISA qualified professional in your area. #consultingarboristlethbridge #lethbridgetreecare #treehealthcare #treeinspections #lethbridgearborist #lethbridgetreeservice

Maureen Sexsmith-West ISA Certified Arborist, PR4600A I take pride in recycling my wood waste every opportunity I can. Crafting is another way to do this. For years we have been able to deliver cedar to a client to decorate her mantle. By some divine source, someone’s columnar cedar is banging on an eave. With the Chinook wind howling pretty consistently, the thumping triggers a phone call just in time to keep up the tradition. Today was the day. I suppose then, that is no co-incidence that this month’s speaker at the Horticultural Society did a presentation on winter arrangements using ‘bark and burlap’. After feeding the dog and securing him for the night, I headed over to the Library. The room smelled amazing (cedar, pine, spruce and fir). Making a beautiful seasonal bouquet is a lot easier than you may think. You need: a water tight container oasis water assorted twigs and boughs colourful picks of berries (the real ones won’t last) pine/spruce cones wire cutters and/or pruners vines stems – grapes are ideal These are the steps demonstrated: Soak your greens ahead to hydrate and rinse off any dust You begin by cutting the oasis into your container – try to get a good fit Fill the sink with water and drop in the oasis block. As the block absorbs water it will sink to the bottom so no need to weigh it down. Transfer to your container. Decide if your display is to be viewed from the front only or from all sides. Start with your foundation item – it this case, it was a piece of birch bark. Trim the ends of your woody plants at a 45 degree angle and begin to build your frame. Sometimes it can be symmetrical, triangular. As the speaker put it “let the materials decide”. Some twigs have a natural curve so work with it. Once the greenery is in place add your twigs Finishing touches included cones, picks and a burlap bow. Place outside – remembering to keep the container watered. With the bits of leftovers, he made a companion container that could be used indoors Use grape vines to create a wreath and wire on a few bits of greenery. He suggested using ‘flower fresh’ packets with each watering. It contains materials that provide nutrients, pH adjustments and a fungicide to keep you display looking great longer. Remember to keep your display irrigated. Avoid exposure to wind which dry out the stems and mess up your artistic efforts. Networking with such seasoned garden enthusiasts is something everyone should do. I faithfully renewed my membership and chatted with people I hadn’t seen for a while. There was a host of goodies and coffee to help celebrate the season. Don’t throw anything away – chop up the boughs to mulch roses or other perennials. Since Oasis can’t be reused for flower arranging, crush up the block and work it into your beds, planters or compost pile – it will continue to hold moisture and is safe in the environment. Happy Recycling. Looking for inspiration? Here are some great ‘craft plants’ you can find in your own yard or from a friend. #lethbridgetreecare #repurposingtreewaste #treecrafts

Maureen Sexsmith-West ISA Certified Arborist, PR4600A It’s common knowledge that prevention is the best medicine. This applies to trees and shrubs too. We are often called to assess a tree once a tree is exhibiting symptoms noticeable to a tree owner. Quite often, the contributing problem is well advanced. Sometimes it is too late to save it, or the cost benefit of the remedies just isn’t viable. A tree inspection can tell you whether your trees are in good health or decline, and whether they are safe or unsafe. A good assessment will look at the tree from the roots to the shoots. For this reason, one of the most valuable services we offer is expert visual ground inspections of trees and shrubs. When necessary, additional testing and analysis are utilized to make an accurate diagnosis or prognosis so we can develop of a remedial program. Different kinds of inspections? Risk Assessments. It is important to identify and address problems as soon as possible. When major problems arise, there may be remedies OTHER THAN removing the tree. Removal is permanent and the lost benefits trees provide may take many years to be realized again. We can advise you as to the best course of action. We have formal training in Tree Risk Assessment and years of experience in our area. Plant Health Issues. Our arborists are well versed in tree health care issues and can help identity pest and disease issues in the early stages. To care for mature trees. Mature trees require special care and attention. We can tell you how to preserve mature and dearly loved trees to ensure they are safe and healthy. To identify and protect trees at risk from construction activities. Employ the services of our Certified Arborist to ascertain if a proposed construction will impact trees. We will review your building plan and recommend a tree preservation plan to protect trees before the start of any home renovation projects. Landscape & Warranty. We work with you and your contractor to ensure trees are healthy and planted correctly. They are inspected at the time of planting and again prior to the end of your warranty period. Prospective homeowners should have the trees on a property inspected before closing on a new home. It is not uncommon for new property owners to discover a sick tree or be faced with an unexpected and expensive tree issues. Banks and mortgage companies often require house inspections. A tree inspection is just as important! Learn and be pro-active about your own yard. Ladybug Arborists love to educate about best management practices. We review threats to your landscape, explain early warning signs and suggest preventive measures. We work with you through out the process of prevention, detection and recovery. Our experience as an aftercare professional can prevent you from making decisions that will result in higher costs or other issues. We offer on-site pruning lessons for do-it-your-selfers. For more information or to book an inspection in the Lethbridge, Alberta area contact: Ladybug Arborists Benefitting Your Urban Oasis 403 – 634 – 3062 ladybugarborists@gmail.com #treeremovals #lethbridgecertifiedarborist #consultingarboristlethbridge #lethbridgetreecare #ladybugarborists #treeinspections #lethbridgearborist #lethbridgetreeservice #maureensexsmithwest

Maureen Sexsmith-West ISA Certified Arborist, PR4600A Don’t scrimp when it comes to your tools. Investing in well made pruning tools can make the task of trimming your trees and shrubs a breeze for years. If well maintained, they can last you a life time. A bargain pair at the wholesale outlet might make it through one year. If you have to buy new tools every year, you are likely to end up spending more money in the long run. Keeping them rust free and all hinges or moving parts oiled ensure you get a clean cut every time. Crud cutter is good to keep sap from gumming them up. A mister with bleach keeps them sterilized. I keep a handy little sharpener in my tool kit for spot sharpening on the job and leave bigger tasks for the shop. Have them professionally sharpened at the beginning of the season. Pocket Sharpeners make a great stocking stuffer that be used for scissors, etc. in addition to your outdoor tools. Look for these quality tools at your local professional garden centre, arborist supply store. This gives you the ability to try the tool in your hand vs on-line buying. #pruningtoolmaintenance #pruningtools

Topping trees is just WRONG Maureen Sexsmith-West ISA Certified Arborist, PR4600A With hundreds of flyers in hand, Joanne Horne went door to door, talking to the residents. She was a woman on a mission to educate her neighbours about the consequences of topping trees. She conveyed her concerns about the potential fate of other mature trees in the nearly 100 year old neighbourhood. A few phone calls later, a public forum was organized. She was interviewed, along with the John Gilbert (Urban Forestry Foreman) by Global Lethbridge. See Global Interview Members of the community were invited, along with the local tree care providers and local government officials, to talk trees. All were invited to ask questions or express their concerns. A number of ideas were brought forth. These ranged from new/modified tree by-laws, stricter business licensing standards, pruning/removal permits as well as how to increase consumer education. Concerns were raised about the potential added cost and delays for a permit process, particularly in emergency response situations. There were suggestions about improving the status of heritage value trees that would provide better protection regardless of ownership. Consumers were encourage to seek more than one estimate, to contact companies with Certified Arborists and to avoid pressure sales tactics. Emphasis was placed on educating themselves about the trees in their care before making a final decision on a contractor. Verifying insurance coverage and asking for references was also suggested. The trees in our City can breathe a little easier thanks to the passion of one woman. She is supported by an industry that won’t stand by when destructive methods are used that negatively impact the health, safety and longevity of trees in our community. More dialogue is planned. #consultingarboristlethbridge #lethbridgetreecare #treetopping #treeinspections #lethbridgetreeservice

Maureen Sexsmith-West ISA Certified Arborist, PR4600A I recently spoke with the staff at Alberta Nurseries. There has been a misunderstanding that the Shelterbelt Program was no longer available following with the downsizing of the PFRA. They forwarded a press release to make certain everyone knows the ALBERTA SHELTERBELT PROGRAM STILL GOING STRONG. Please share this news. Alberta Nurseries has been working in conjunction with The Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration (PFRA) for the past 17 years growing and dispersing tree and shrub seedlings for establishment of shelterbelts and other agroforestry, conservation and reclamation projects on eligible agricultural lands. Spring 2013 marked the end of an era, and was the last season to receive trees from the PFRA due to budget cuts in the federal government. The Alberta Shelterbelt program will continue to operate and is confident in meeting the perpetual needs of residents in Alberta, Saskatchewan and British Columbia, with their extensive facilities located in Bowden, Alberta. We have the experienced staff and facilities to deliver quality seedlings. Our Horticulturists and Environmental Technicians are also available to provide extension services where needed. There are 30 different types of trees, hedges and fruits that can be purchased through the program. Everything is sold in bundles of 10 for $23.00 per bundle. The size of the seedlings are about 1 foot tall. Ordering via telephone is also welcomed and you can reach Alberta Nurseries’ Alberta Shelterbelt Program at 1 403 224 3544. Orders for Spring 2014 are already under way, and all orders will be taken until April 1. Trees are on a first come first served basis. Trees are to be delivered in May. The benefits of shelterbelts are numerous. Shelterbelts reduce wind speed, creating necessary micro climates. On average, a mature 5-row shelterbelt, with at least 2 rows of conifers, planted around a farmhouse will reduce its heat requirements by 25%. The trapped snow provides water for dugouts and soil reserves. They provide wildlife habitats, and add biodiversity. Wherever people build dwellings, one of the first things they turn to is planting trees for shelter, shade, and beauty. The longevity of the Alberta Shelterbelt Program is a testament to these and the many other benefits of trees. Plant Descriptions and Photographs #treeplantinggrants

TRICK OR TREAT? Maureen Sexsmith-West ISA Certified Arborist 4600A After a very busy summer of work, daylight hours reduce and we have some fun. My favourite ghoul (Grant) has found an ally in our new neighbour who is equally enthusiastic about All Hallows’ Eve. They have been busy building, hanging and lighting our front yards to create a ‘spooktacular’ display for weeks. While there are many tips published on keeping kids safe, as an arborist, I think it important to give some advice on kid- proofing your yard. With all that sugar rushing through their veins otherwise adorable children turn into Superman (leaping hedges and flowers beds), crows crossbred with speeding bullets (you know the ones that race from house to house using the shortest route possible), or Olympic shot putters (who can toss your beautifully carved pumpkin 10 feet in the air and watch it explode upon landing). It is not hard to understand why so many perennials/shrubs get stomped, hedges crushed or yard ornaments damaged. Here are my thoughts, take what you like and leave the rest: ‘Let there be Light’ – make sure your yard is well lit, if they can see your potentilla or peony, it is less likely to get stepped on. Secure electrical cords to avoid trip hazards. Make/Buy and strategically place decorative stakes which can mark special plants at 36” (roughly eye level of an 8 year old) rather than ground level. Tack on a rat or pumpkin decoration. Define your space and direct traffic flow. Use survey tape or one of the many ‘spooky’ seasonal streamers available in stores. Hang reflective decorations from tree branches. This will make them more visible and defines the clearance needed to avoid getting whipped in the face by a branch. Remember to remove it after the festivities to avoid girdling your branch. Decorations should be securely fastened – screwed to fences, anchored or staked) whenever possible – but NEVER TO A TREE! It is very tempting to push a swinging skeleton or ghost out of the way. There is a lot of jockeying associated with getting to the coveted position at your door – keep porches and steps free of trip hazards Keep an eye on burning candles. Dry grasses/plants and costume fabrics can catch on fire from a single spark. Have water or a fire extinguisher on hand or water the yard earlier in the day. Transfer jack-o-lanterns from front to back yard at the end of the evening or dispose into garbage bin. They make great cannon balls that explode upon impact. Even better, add it to your compost pile. Don’t forget to put the seeds out for the birds to eat. Heaven forbid it should snow – shovel and/or sand your walks. Avoid the use of salt-based de-icers since they will burn turf and alter the pH of your garden soils. DON’T whack the snow off your trees with a broom – wash off with a garden hose – branches are brittle and can snap under pressure or develop stress cracks which weaken structural integrity. When the temperature drops again, the icicles have you half way to your Christmas display. Have a Happy and Safe October 31st Everyone! #Uncategorized

Maureen Sexsmith-West ISA Certified Arborist, PR4600A People who have been following my career over the past several years, would certainly know I am an advocate for protection of trees around construction sites. Often, when a Certified Arborist is called in to evaluate a tree in decline, the ‘root’ cause can frequently be traced back to construction and landscape related injuries. Consumers fail to realized, and many contractor’s too, that disturbances around trees can be extremely damaging. Many people fail to seek advise prior to the work being done and pressure is put on tree care professionals to fix something that may, or may not, have been preventable. The investment of hiring a Certified Consulting Arborist with formal training in construction related injuries is absolutely worth it. We can identify trees at risk, implement protection plans and discuss possible changes to your design that allows you to achieve your construction objectives AND preserve feature trees in your landscape. Nothing worse than having a tree fail from root damage or see the tree which has been the focal point of your design die a few years later. I was delighted to come across this article that is written from a contractor’s point of view. We welcome the opportunity to preserve and protect your trees. http://www.greenspirationhome.com/what-the-tree-taught-the-builder/ #lethbridgecertifiedarborist #consultingarboristlethbridge #treeprotection #constructionandtrees #treeinspections #lethbridgearborist

One plant we are hoping to have success with, although not native to our area is the Rocky Mountain Iris. It is the symbol of the Alberta Native Plant council. So if you are interested in sowing perennial seeds – sounds like now is the time to act. Mark them with a stake or stick, label and give them just enough moisture to hold the soil in place and let nature takes its course. Start checking for results in April. Once the green shoots start to appear, regular watering in a new sunny location is required. June made a comment I enjoyed. She referred to some plants as ‘promiscuous’. I shared with her after the meeting that the term I used for the numerous volunteer trees and plants was ‘unplanned propagation’. Either way, you all know what we are referring too. Dealing with volunteers as soon a possible saves a whole lot of of hard work and trouble later. Enjoy the amazing fall weather. #albertanativeplants

While perusing my various social networking group links, I came across a link to this blog. The subject matter intrigued me so I clicked. I so enjoyed it that I just had to share it. I explored further and found many fantastic topics worthy of distraction from what I really should be doing. While I don’t have time to investigate their entire blog archives tonight, I will be back for more. http://www.greenspirationhome.com/busted-by-god-and-st-francis-for-what-we-call-no-maintenance-gardens/#! #Uncategorized

Maureen Sexsmith-West ISA Certified Arborist, PR4600A We receive lots of calls from concerned homeowners about evergreens turning brown in the fall.Conifers are not really ‘evergreen’. They experience a seasonal needle drop similar to that of deciduous trees. Depending on the species, all conifers will shed the older inside needles. Each species has different cycles so it may seem worse one year over another and more often. There can be other factors that contribute to the number and frequency of needle shed periods. These include drought, pest infestations, disease and lack of sunlight. Another contributor to needle shed can be root injury or soil compaction that results from construction or landscape projects. If needle colour changes are at the tips or entire branches turn brown, a closer inspection by a Certified Arborists may be warranted. Once a diagnosis is made, a plant health care program can be developed that includes a range of remedies if needed. It may be a simple as adjusting where and how much you water. Always follow good cultural practices to keep trees healthy. These include: regular irrigation based on tree size applied between the trunk and drip line have your tree pruned routinely avoiding root injuries or soil compaction by having a tree protection plan in place prior to any activities within 3 metres of the trunk of a tree Be observant to changes throughout the season and from year to year. Seek help for unusual patterns. Better to find out if it IS a problem than wait until is is too late to address. #lethbridgetreecare #treehealthcare #conifercare #evergreencareproblems #lethbridgetreeservice #coniferdiseases

Maureen Sexsmith-West Here we are, Thanksgiving Weekend. My how time flies. I was whipping up a batch of Borscht this afternoon (beet soup for those of you not of Ukrainian descent). Despite it’s odd pink colour it offers a world of nutritious ingredients that highlight the bounty of my summer garden harvest so perfectly. I remember as a little girl, driving my Grandfather a little crazy as I made him stop throughout the whole preparation so I could measure everything before he added it to the giant stock pot and record it in my little cook book. No matter how hard I tried, it just never tasted the same. He added his own special touch and love that made it impossible to copy. Yet, I have still passed this recipe on to my children. When I make soup now a days, it is a little like the Master Chef Mystery Box. I open the fridge to see what ingredients are on hand and “voila” – a never to be repeated masterpiece of wholesome goodness. I use the knowledge I have gained from those who came before me to create something uniquely me. Sometimes the batches are less successful. I also recognize that not all my creations will appeal to everyone. Throughout my life there have been many ‘Papas’ that have patiently let me watch them and question them so I could learn every step. What is even more wonderful is that they have given me the freedom the take their recipe and make it my own. Every single person has blended to bring out the best I have to offer myself, my family, my friends, my clients and my community. Today, I am truly grateful. #gratefularborist #ladybugarborists