FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

It’s usually not recommended to cut weeds before spraying them with herbicide. Cutting weeds can reduce the effectiveness of the herbicide by limiting the amount of leaf surface available to absorb the chemical. For herbicides to work most effectively, they need to be applied to the leaves of the weeds, where the chemical can be absorbed and transported throughout the plant, including to the roots. When weeds are intact, the herbicide can more effectively reach and kill the entire plant, including the root system essential for preventing regrowth.

In cases where weeds are very tall or dense, it might be necessary to trim them down after an initial herbicide application and then apply the herbicide again to any regrowth. This approach ensures that the chemical reaches the newly exposed and often more active growth areas, increasing the overall efficacy of the treatment. Always follow the specific instructions on the herbicide label for the best results.

Alberta forests are home to various insects, including beneficial species and pests. Common pests include the Mountain Pine Beetle, Spruce Budworm, and Spruce Beetles, which can cause significant damage to forests. Beneficial insects, like ladybugs and various bees, play essential roles in pollination and controlling pest populations. The diversity of insect life is a crucial component of forest ecosystems, contributing to the health and balance of these environments.

To protect a tree, particularly its base and root system, a combination of strategies can be employed to ensure its health and vitality. One effective method is to apply a layer of organic mulch, such as wood chips or bark, around the tree’s base. This helps protect the soil, retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weed growth. It’s important to avoid piling the mulch directly against the tree trunk to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to diseases. Additionally, using physical barriers like tree guards or protective wrappings can shield the tree trunk from damage caused by lawnmowers, animals, or harsh weather conditions and even protect young trees from sunscald. Establishing a proper irrigation system, for example, drip irrigation can provide the tree with adequate water directly to its roots, minimizing waste and avoiding excessive moisture on the trunk or leaves. Planting ground covers around the tree can also stabilize the soil, reduce weed growth, and add aesthetic value without competing with the tree for nutrients and water. By implementing these practices, you can significantly enhance the tree’s overall health and ability to thrive in its environment.

Yes, you can spray around trees, but it’s essential to do so with care and the right products to avoid harming the tree. Spraying around trees may involve applying herbicides to control weeds, insecticides to manage ground-level pests, or fungicides to prevent diseases from spreading from the soil or nearby plants. When spraying any chemical, you should consider the tree’s health and the potential impact of drift or runoff, which could harm the tree. Use products labelled safe around trees and follow application instructions carefully to minimize the risk. Additionally, consider the timing of the application to avoid periods of high winds or heavy rain, which can cause the product to spread unintentionally. Protecting the tree’s root zone, which can extend well beyond the reach of its branches, is particularly important as it’s where the tree absorbs most of its nutrients and water.

The terms “pine bug” and “spruce bug” can sometimes be used interchangeably but generally refer to different types of pests that infest pine and spruce trees, respectively. Pine bugs might refer to pine beetle species that attack pine trees, causing damage by boring into the bark. On the other hand, spruce bugs often refer to pests like the Spruce Beetle, which explicitly targets spruce trees. Both bugs can cause significant damage to their host trees but have preferences for different tree species.

A Spruce Beetle is a dark brown to black beetle, about 4 to 7 mm long, making it relatively small but capable of causing significant damage to spruce trees. They bore into the bark to lay eggs, with the larvae feeding on the inner wood. This activity disrupts the tree’s ability to transport nutrients and water, often leading to the tree’s death. Signs of their presence include holes in the bark, sawdust-like frass, and fading foliage.

In Alberta, the little green bugs you’re likely encountering are Aphids. These small, pear-shaped insects are common in gardens and on trees, sucking sap from the plants and sometimes transmitting diseases. They come in various colours, but the green ones are most commonly seen. Aphids can reproduce rapidly, leading to large infestations that weaken plants and trees. They’re often managed through natural predators like ladybugs or the careful application of insecticides.

Trees attacked by pine beetles show several signs of infestation. Initially, you might see small holes in the bark and sawdust-like frass around the tree’s base or in the bark crevices. As the infestation progresses, the tree’s needles turn yellow, then reddish-brown, indicating the tree is under severe stress and likely dying from the inside. Pine beetles, such as the Mountain Pine Beetle, tunnel through the bark to lay eggs, disrupting the tree’s ability to transport water and nutrients.

Mites on trees are incredibly tiny, often requiring a magnifying glass to see clearly. They can appear as little dots moving on the leaves, sometimes with visible webbing, especially in the case of Spider Mites. Infested leaves might look dusty or have tiny spots where the mites have been feeding. Over time, heavily infested leaves can turn yellow-brown and eventually fall off the tree. If you suspect mites, a close inspection will reveal these minuscule pests actively moving on the underside of leaves or within their delicate, silky webs.