In the horticulture industry, it’s been called the perfect storm.
As we have all witnessed, the last three growing seasons in the Sundre area have been rather difficult. Whether it be spring-summer droughts or six to seven months of cold winter, the toll of what nature has thrown at us is beginning to show its effects on the vegetation in our beautiful community.
The concern arising from this is that we normally don’t pay much attention to what might become a serious problem in the future. Trees have become so stressed that many experts believe there will be a big increase in mortality. The effects of this year’s drought conditions — combined with previous difficult seasons — have led to increased stress on mature trees and shrubs in the area.
Once a tree becomes weakened, it naturally becomes susceptible to insects and diseases. As an example, throughout Sundre, many mature birch trees are full of bronze birch borer. This insect targets old and stressed birch trees. They bore under the bark and feed on the tissue of the tree that conducts sap. The borers start at the top of the tree and progressively work their way down. One of the sure signs of borer infestation is that the top of the tree looks completely dead. Unfortunately, most people think that this is simply winter dieback.
With successive years of dry conditions, we as a community can reverse this process by adequately watering trees and shrubs. Unlike grass, trees have a deep, extensive root system; a small sprinkle of rain does not replenish what was lost. In order to deeply water the roots, you must water slowly. A simple method is placing your garden hose at the drip line of the tree and allowing the water to trickle out for a couple of hours or more, depending on how dry it is. A soaker hose placed upside down around the drip line of the tree works as well. The optimal place for watering trees is set at the drip line, which is essentially underneath the outer circumference of the tree’s branches that reaches feeder roots.
Keep in mind that Sundre is literally built on porous river rock. Water literally runs through it. Watering multiple times is needed in order to replenish and prepare your vegetation for winter.
Good luck!
Steve Bouchet-Bert
Sundre-area horticulturist
