Our Okotoks Garden Club's most recent guest was the Town’s own urban forester Gordon White, an affable and interesting speaker. Club members responded warmly to White's obvious enthusiasm for his job.
Assisted by an urban forest technician, and guided by the Town's comprehensive Urban Forest Management Plan, White manages the care of both the manicured and natural areas within Okotoks.
The Town inventories and places a dollar value on each tree growing on public land. White pointed out a tree is one asset that increases in value as it ages. One particularly fine specimen near the river is valued at $15,000.
Until 2010, the Town encouraged homeowners to plant trees and shrubs on public property. Liability and other concerns prompted the discontinuation of this policy.
In caring for your own trees, Gordon advised pruning is the best way to improve appearance, control insects and disease, reduce weather damage and hazards, and increase property values.
Avoid spreading disease and fungus by frequently using Spray Nine or methyl alcohol to disinfect tools while cutting out diseased limbs, White advised.
White chooses trees that are pest and disease resistant. Residents can look forward to seeing more Amur Maples, Ohio Buckeyes, and Japanese Lilacs gracing our parks and streets. The Town purchases their trees from local nurseries.
The only pesticide treatment done by the Town this year was for cottony psyllid. Tree injection is a new method being tried; time will tell its effectiveness.
Gardeners should follow the Town's example and ensure newly planted trees are regularly watered until well established, about five years. White told us to grab a handful of soil and if it sticks together when squeezed that's good. If it crumbles the soil is too dry; if water leaks out, too wet.
He is trying to implement a trickle type of watering system instead of water blasting. As with grass, watering trees less often but thoroughly is preferable to frequent light watering as it encourages deeper root systems that withstand droughts better and interfere less with sidewalks and foundations.
Mulch, like wood chips, is excellent for retaining moisture and keeping down weeds, but do keep it several inches away from the trunk. White discouraged landscape fabric.
White did an excellent job of keeping his power point presentation interesting and patiently answering members' questions. We all came away with the belief Okotoks’ urban forest is in good hands.
Google “Okotoks UFMP” for full details and many helpful hints.
The club got together recently to create beautiful Christmas table centrepieces. Class instructor was club member Helen Bush with assistance from member Vivian Hirsch.
Join us on the first Wednesday of each month at Revera Heartland Retirement Residence, 47 Riverside Gate, Okotoks. Goodies, coffee, and conversation with local plant and gardening enthusiasts. For further information contact Lori Neufeld at 403-995-3993 or [email protected]
On Jan. 2 the speaker is local biologist and club president, Lori Neufeld at 7 p.m.
