Urban Tree Preservation: Strategies for Protecting Calgary's Trees

We’ve probably never thought much about it, but the trees we see around us all tell a story. Their story. They have good days and bad, and lead these beautiful, complex lives. In addition, these mighty giants contribute massively to the city’s beauty and health. And that’s why the City of Calgary loves and cherishes its trees so much.

As of 2024, Calgary has approximately 7 million trees. And like all good things, maintaining the lushness of these trees takes more than just a casual look of admiration. Trees need proper care and planning.

Let’s explore the strategies involved in preserving Calgary’s urban trees. Everyone has to do their part in protecting this gift from Nature from the stresses of city life so they continue to thrive alongside us.

Strategies for Fortifying Calgary’s Urban Forest

1. Disease Management and Diagnostics

Urban tree care is so much more than pruning and mulching; it’s identifying and managing diseases proactively. In Calgary’s urban setting, trees are battling against the elements at all times. And, the right tools can make or break the health of our leafy friends.

As professional arborists, we know the importance of good detective work. We use aerial drones for canopy surveillance. We spot early signs of trouble to make serious diseases like the Dutch Elm Disease a thing of the past. The idea is to ensure proactive treatment before these ailments turn into tree epidemics.

We also use something called the resistograph that’s drilled into the wood to measure its density and identify early signs of decay, all without inflicting any harm to the tree itself. It’s basically peeking into the tree’s biography, revealing ailments and future health issues.

Back at Green Drop, our state-of-the-art diagnostic lab turns every collected clue into a precise treatment plan. Every small detail is considered, and we do everything in our power to protect each tree.

2. Precision Pruning and Urban Tree Maintenance

Think of precision pruning as tree surgery, where each cut is planned to perfection with the end goal of improving either the tree’s health, stability or longevity (or all three). Pruning isn’t random or just for aesthetics, it’s a calculated effort to better a tree’s health and natural form.

Our certified arborists focus on removing the right branches at just the right time, allowing trees to direct more energy toward growth and resilience. These strategic removals decrease the risk of disease and make trees less vulnerable to the whims of unpredictable weather.

Regular maintenance also involves the use of fertilizers and careful monitoring of soil health, ensuring that trees have the nutrients they need. Arborists keep a close eye on their nutritional intake, balancing their meals to fend off pests and diseases.

3. Cultivating Community Roots Through Education

Urban tree preservation blossoms when communities get their hands dirty. The key to a sustainable urban forest lies not just in planting new trees but in fostering a deep-rooted understanding and appreciation of these green city dwellers. It’s about transforming residents into active stewards of their local environment.

The impact when communities come together for tree-planting festivals or educational workshops is profound. Green Drop has often spearheaded such events that we call “Ask an Arborist”, helping people understand the science of arboriculture. Through these interactive sessions, you can learn how to spot tree diseases early, the best practices for tree care, and even the intricacies of proper pruning techniques.

We've also teamed up with community groups such as the Wolseley Residents' Association and Trees Winnipeg to help locals learn more about tree planting and safeguarding our Elms against Dutch Elm Disease. Plus, we've been busy planting extra trees and running workshops on how to inject them for protection.

The ripple effect of these educational efforts in the communities we’ve touched is there to see. With more eyes on our urban canopy, the entire community becomes a dedicated crew of guardians, ensuring that every tree receives the attention it deserves to stand tall.

4. Understanding Navigating Local Policies and Bylaws

In Calgary, the protection of urban trees is reinforced through a well-structured set of policies and bylaws, specifically designed to maintain and enhance the city’s green canopy. These regulations are crucial, particularly during urban development projects that could impact tree health and survival.

For example, the City requires protective measures during construction, such as erecting barriers around trees and minimizing root disturbance, to ensure that the urban forest remains robust. You have a vital role in this process. By staying informed about these regulations, you can help ensure compliance and advocate for tree protection.

This engagement is especially significant when it comes to new developments or renovations that might threaten existing trees. Moreover, community input is often sought in urban planning decisions, providing a platform for residents to voice their support for stringent tree protection measures.

So, next time you notice a tree being improperly treated or at risk due to construction, reach out to city officials. Being proactive not only safeguards the trees but also promotes a healthier, more sustainable urban environment for future generations.

5. Boosting Biodiversity with Native Trees

Planting native species is a cornerstone of enhancing urban biodiversity in Calgary. Native trees are uniquely adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, which means they thrive with fewer resources and less intervention. This adaptability makes them essential for building a resilient urban forest that supports a wider range of wildlife.

Incorporating species like the sturdy Balsam Poplar or the majestic Bur Oak into our urban landscape can provide critical habitats and food sources for local fauna, from birds to beneficial insects. By choosing natives, Calgary not only preserves its natural heritage but also fosters a balanced ecosystem.

The City of Calgary has a long-term goal of increasing tree coverage from 8% to around 20% in 60 years, which is a monumental task—a task that we can absolutely take on as a community. At Green Drop, we have a history of doing our part for urban forestry. In the past, we planted 4,000 calliper trees in Winnipeg.

Challenges in Urban Tree Preservation

Planning for improving urban forestry in Calgary faces unique challenges that complicate the strategies we’ve discussed above. These obstacles stem from both natural factors and human activities:

• Environmental Stressors. Trees are always under stress in urban settings due to aspects like limited soil space, increased pollution, and elevated heat levels from roads and buildings, which can lead to heat stress. Such conditions strain trees, making them more susceptible to diseases and reducing their lifespan.
• Disease and Pests. Trees in city landscapes are generally more prone to various diseases and pest infestations, which can spread more rapidly due to the close proximity of other plantings. If and when an outbreak of a disease like the Dutch Elm Disease or the Emerald Ash Borer, authorities need a rapid response to prevent widespread damage.
• Space Constraints. The limited growing space in urban areas restricts root development and access to nutrients. This is further exacerbated by underground utilities and pavement, which limit water infiltration to the soil and contribute to poor tree health.
• Human Interference. Frequent human activities around urban trees, such as construction, landscaping, and infrastructure development, can lead to physical damage. How many times have you seen roots being cut or tree trunks getting damaged during construction?
• Regulatory Challenges. Urban tree care in Calgary is also guided by municipal regulations that require careful navigation to ensure compliance. These regulations are intended to protect urban trees but can pose challenges for new development and infrastructure projects.
• Cultural Shifts. Educating and engaging communities in tree care initiatives and fostering a sense of stewardship isn’t as easy as you might think. This is especially true in the fast-paced urban setting, where people are busy.
• Ageing Urban Forest. Many of Calgary’s mature trees are reaching the end of their natural life cycles. Planning for and implementing replacements is crucial to avoid a significant decline in canopy coverage, which is essential for the city’s ecological and aesthetic appeal.

Grow a Greener Calgary with Green Drop

We work with the city offering our comprehensive municipal tree care services to help their mission. That includes protecting and inspecting new trees, identifying planting sites, planting trees, working with the city’s partners to educate the community, and more.

We’re not just in Calgary; our branches are spread across Western Canada in Edmonton, Red Deer, Regina, Saskatoon, and Winnipeg.

Reach out to Green Drop, and let's cultivate a lush, sustainable urban forest together.