'Leaf' a Mark: Tree Check Month

'Leaf' a Mark this Tree Check Month and inspect your plants and trees for invasive species.

The annual campaign from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) encourages Canadians to thoroughly inspect trees and plants in their backyards, gardens, parks, and vehicles for invasive pests.

Many insects, diseases, and pests can cause extensive and lasting damage to the environment, agriculture, and our economy. They often spread through human actions, like transporting firewood or vehicle travel between regions. The Emerald Ash Borer has been particularly devastating to ash trees across Canada, leading to extensive ecological and economic losses. Similarly, Spongy Moth poses a significant threat to trees, by stripping hardwood species of their foliage. 

The most effective way to manage these harmful invaders is to prevent their spread before they can cause any damage.

There are several steps we can take to protect our forests, plants, and ecosystems from these threats:

• Learn what to be on the look out for in your community! Canada is vast, with many different climates, so not all pests are evenly distributed across the country. Visit the CFIA's website to learn about invasive insects and diseases specific to your area.
• Look for unusual or sudden changes in tree health, such as leaf discolouration, bark cracks, holes, and tunnels beneath peeled bark. 
• Inspect your vehicle, RV, trailer, boat, and other outdoor equipment, before and after trips, for insects, seeds, plant debris, and soil. This helps prevent the accidental transport of pests to new areas. 
• Report any suspicions of invasive pests to the CFIA immediately, so that inspectors can take action and prevent further spread. 
• Prevent the spread by not moving firewood, as insects and their eggs can hide under the bark. Instead, purchase firewood locally and burn it in the area you buy it. 

At Saddle Hills County, we are also lucky to work with a contracted Tree Expert, Toso Bozic, who is on hand to answer any of your tree related questions. Check out our Tree Resources page for a variety of handy fact sheets and information on tree health, pests, disease, and much more. 

By inspecting your trees and helping identify pests, you are contributing to healthy plants which, in turn, contributes to clean air, water, and soil, supports wildlife habitats, and provides essential resources for the agriculture and forestry industries. By working together to safeguard our green spaces, we can make a positive impact on the health of people, animals, the environment, and the economy.