May 16, 2012- 2:24 PM
Now that the weather is improving, spending time outside is probably high on your priority list. Regardless of where you live in Greater Sudbury, it’s likely that there are a few different species of trees nearby.
Most often, we assume that as long as a tree is standing it’s healthy, but in fact, trees are susceptible to several pests and diseases. Some are native to our area, while others have been introduced with drastic impacts.
Trees provide countless benefits to people, and understanding tree health can help extend the life of your tree. Over the next few weeks, my colleagues Dan Chaput and Jacqueline Bertrand will be articling for this blog spot on common tree pests and diseases.
Keep checking back for the latest article!
What’s Wrong With My Tree?
Many people come into Science North with questions regarding the health of their trees.
In this new blog series, my colleague Jaqueline Bertrand and I will be addressing some of the more common tree pests and diseases found in the Sudbury region and throughout Ontario.
Tree pests and diseases native to Ontario are part of a natural cycle of life and death in our forests. There is, however, a growing list of pests and diseases that have been introduced into our forests.
These pests and diseases have no natural method of control. In some cases, the elimination of a tree species from its entire range is a looming possibility.
Several examples come to mind such as Dutch elm disease, chestnut blight, and butternut canker. The most recent newsworthy pest is the emerald ash borer.
Knowing more about tree diseases and pests can help people recognize and monitor the spread of these exotic pests and diseases. Follow our posts here on Northern Life to learn more over the next few weeks.
Do you have a question about your tree? Leave a comment below, come see us, or ask us on twitter! @dan_chaput
Dan Chaput is the staff scientist in Nature Exchange, and Jacqueline Bertrand is a horticultural technician for Science North.
