Drought-Stressed Trees FAQ
- What is the general condition of Edmonton's urban forest?
- What is the City doing to improve the condition of our urban forest?
- How many trees were lost as a result of the drought?
- When will the trees in my neighbourhood be replaced?
- There are still some trees in my area that appear to be dead or dying. When will they be removed?
- How can I help my tree in front of my house?
- Should I fertilize my tree?
- What tree species will you replace the missing trees with?
- Why is there paint on my tree?
- 1. What is the general condition of Edmonton's urban forest?
Edmonton's urban forest has experienced a tough, drought-stressed few years. It is anticipated that the return to normal precipitation levels will assist in the recovery of Edmonton's green infrastructure. Climate change and the arrival of exotic tree pests continue to impact Edmonton's urban forest. Forestry is working with Pest operations and the Environmental Services lab to find solutions to tree pest issues.
- 2. What is the City doing to improve the condition of our urban forest?
The City will perform another evaluation of the health of Edmonton's drought-stressed trees and is working to replace the trees that were lost. City resources such as watering, fertilizing and pest management are promoting the survival of replanted and drought-stressed trees. Other strategies include moving to more diversified drought-resistant tree species and increasing the use of mulch in landscape design.
- 3. How many trees were lost as a result of the drought?
In the past, the City typically replaced 600 to 900 trees a year. More recently, drier than normal conditions have largely been responsible for increased tree losses, as the list below illustrates:
Year - Tree Losses
2000 - 1900
2001 - 6100
2002 - 4300
2003 - 5200
2004 - 6200
2005 - 4300
2006 - 3000
2007 - 3400
2008 - 4100
2009 - 3400
2010 - 3900
2011 - 1500- 4. When will the trees in my neighbourhood be replaced?
Trees removed from city boulevards will be replaced on a priority basis. Trees removed from parks and road buffers will be replaced beginning in 2008, as resources permit.
- 5. There are still some trees in my area that appear to be dead or dying. When will they be removed?
In some cases, trees that appear to be dead may have the ability to come back, given sufficient time and resources. These trees need to be given a chance to demonstrate whether or not they can survive. City personnel will continue to evaluate the condition of Edmonton's drought-stressed trees throughout the summer. Trees flagged for potential removal will be reassessed before any action is taken. As always, any tree assessed as posing a liability or hazard to persons or property will be removed on a priority basis.
- 6. How can I help my tree in front of my house?
Watering is the best help that you can give to your tree. As a replacement tree is planted on your boulevard, additional watering will help it to become established. Although the leaves may not begin to appear until later this spring, the trees will begin to require water before then. Water for half an hour with the tap half open once a week.
- 7. Should I fertilize my tree?
Watering is the best treatment you can provide, however a slow-release fertilizer may help in addition to your tree watering program.
- 8. What tree species will you replace the missing trees with?
We will be replacing with a variety of species that have performed well for us in the Edmonton area, (for example Patmore Green Ash, American Elm, and a variety of other deciduous trees. )
- 9. Why is there paint on my tree?
During our tree assessment we marked for removal with paint trees that were either dead or assessed not to survive.
For more information:
River Valley, Forestry and Environmental Services
12304-107 Street
Edmonton AB
T5G 2S7
Please include the address of the tree in question and provide your name and phone number to speed up processing.
| Telephone | In Edmonton: 311 Outside Edmonton: 780-442-5311 |
|---|---|
| Fax | 780-496-4978 |
| citytrees@edmonton.ca |
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