Purchasing Trees And Shrubs 101
 

For many of us, purchasing  trees and shrubs can be a guessing game.  Initially, you may think you are purchasing good  quality plant material only to find it declining in the future.  Here are some general guidelines to help ensure your next purchase is a success:

1. Be a wise consumer, purchase your plant material from a reputable nursery.  Only purchase trees and shrubs which are hardy to our harsh prairie environment.  Many different types of retail stores sell plant material, most of which do not have the facilities or properly trained staff to care for them.

2. Well rooted, younger plant material tends to recover more quickly from transplant shock, is more economical, and is easier to plant than their larger counterparts.  Large plants are more expensive, require more care after planting, and often grow slowly for many seasons before becoming established.

3. Before purchasing a container grown plant, remove the root ball from the container .  Inspect the larger roots carefully to see if they are twisting or turning in circles.  Circling roots often girdle (choke) and kill other roots.  If only a few roots are circling they can be cut away with a sharp knife.

4. Look for signs of good health.  A healthy plant will have good color, full sized leaves which are pliable but yet firm. It's trunk will be well developed and straight.  The branches should be evenly distributed and well spaced on all sides of the leader.  The limbs should also have firm, strong attachments with the trunk.

5. Avoid plant material with V shaped branch attachments, they tend to split apart because of their weak attachment.  Instead, look for U shaped branch attachments which are much less prone to damage.

What's New With Us

Over this past winter we have been involved with the Saskatchewan Dutch Elm Disease Pruning Program.  We pruned over 400 elm trees in 4 communities.  Two of the communities had Elm trees infected with the fungus which causes D.E.D.  As to date, Alberta is still D.E.D. free.  So remember, Elm trees can only be pruned in the winter months when the beetles are not active ( October 1 to March 31 ).

Alberta Arborists is proud to announce the newest member to it's team, Geordie Mumby. Geordie is an up and coming arborist with over 3 years experience in the field of aboriculture. His dedication to the care and preservation of trees will be a valuable asset for you, the customer of Alberta Arborists.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your trees and shrubs please do not hesitate to contact us at (780) 448-0584.