Archive

One of Canada’s most loved tree species, the Sugar maple (Acer saccharum), may be in decline again. A tree that is supposed to have a longevity of 300 years (with the oldest in Canada being the Comfort maple, at 500 years) is dying at about 80-100 years old or less. Urban trees generally do have a […]

Many tree issues may stem from root and lower trunk damage in one form or another. Poor planting, construction damage, compacted or disturbed soils are examples of situations that often cause root damage and initiate tree decline. Unfortunately, the signs of damage are not usually evident for several years, and by then intervention may be […]

As most of you know, ash trees in the GTA (and beyond) are being affected by the Emerald Ash Borer, which is killing all ash trees not being treated to control the beetle. It is a good idea to remove any dead or dying ash trees now before the spring because: There will be less […]

Tree pruning for young trees can help strengthen weak branches Formative pruning is essential to develop a youngster into a stronger and more stable adult, a bit like your kids eh? But without the pruning bit… Trees that have corrective pruning when they are younger have fewer defects when mature, are less likely to fail […]

Pests, diseases, and issues to pay attention to Spider Mite Pest or Disease: Spider Mite Phenology and/or Species: Viburnum fruiting Product/Remedy: Insecticide # of Treatments: As Required Euonymus Scale Pest or Disease: Euonymus Scale Phenology and/or Species: Hydrangea Paniculata Flowering Product/Remedy: Insecticide # of Treatments: 1 Application Magnolia Scale Pest or Disease: Magnolia Scale Phenology […]

Pests, diseases and issues to pay attention to Bronze Birch Borer Pest or Disease: Bronze Birch Borer Phenology and/or Species: Horse chestnut in bloom Product/Remedy: Pruning out dead wood, fertilize, aerate and water # of Treatments: As Required Honeylocust Plant Bug Pest or Disease: Honeylocust Plant Bug Phenology and/or Species: Lilac in bloom Product/Remedy: Soap […]

Toronto arborists detail areas to check for tree defects Recently Ontree’s arborists have noticed a few trees that are exhibiting stresses from the storm of December 2013. Some trees may have had defects which remained hidden from view, such as internal cavities and rot, and the storm weakened those areas. Now, with the spring, extra […]

Phenology explained by your certified Toronto arborists It’s not reading the bumps on your head Many of our clients inquire when we are going to be performing certain spraying operations for pest and disease control. The timing of specific applications is related to plant “phenology”. Briefly, phenology is the study of cyclic and seasonal natural phenomena. In […]

Learn about local bylaws before you start tree planting Spring is a popular time to begin all sorts of outdoor construction projects. But, within most GTA municipalities, tree preservation plans (TPP’s) and tree related permits are required for construction activities if you have protected trees on or near your property. Most people do not realize […]