Photo courtesy of the Saskatchewan Dutch Elm Disease Association.

Urban trees help to make our communities beautiful and improve our quality of life, but are faced with difficult environmental conditions. Trees are susceptible to drought, especially when surrounded by pavement or planted in grassed areas where they compete with turf and other plant material for water. Lawnmowers, weedwhips and other equipment can damage trees, particularly the tender bark of young trees. Exhaust from vehicles, salt from roads, herbicides applied to turf, unexpected frost, storms and tree pests or diseases can all adversely affect tree health.

There are challenges to establishing and caring for trees in the city, but the benefits that we derive from a healthy urban forest is worth the work. You can help ensure that we have an urban forest for both your enjoyment and that of future generations by planting trees, watering during hot, dry weather and ensuring that trees are maintained and protected.