Climate and Copses: Understanding Edmonton’s Unique Climate and Its Impact on Your Trees
When it comes to the City of Edmonton, what often comes to mind is its frigid winter temperatures and snowy landscapes. Though this is a significant portion of Edmonton’s climate, it’s not the only part. This gorgeous city also benefits from sunny, comfortable summers and boasts one of the largest urban parks in Canada, which is enjoyed by its many residents. But, Edmonton residents may not be aware of the impact Edmonton’s humid continental climate can have on its trees. Knowing the impact of climate on your trees will help you know how to better care for them and what measures you can take to combat these common issues. That’s where Trusty Tree Services comes in.
In this blog, our Edmonton arborist explores the common impacts that Edmonton’s terrain has on its trees. We also explore the trees most conducive to Edmonton’s geographical conditions. Ready to dive in? Let’s get started!
The Impacts of Edmonton’s Climate on Your Trees
Drought Stress
Annually, Edmonton receives moderate to low precipitation levels. Due to this sometimes dry climate, drought stress is a significant concern for the city and is expected to worsen in the coming years. When trees are affected by drought stress, you will notice a range of indicators such as green leaves that turn yellow, wilting, premature leaf drop and thinning crowns. Drought stress is incredibly harmful to trees as it reduces photosynthesis and, thus, the food and nutrients your trees need. Tree roots will also die back during drought, reducing their ability to absorb water and becoming more susceptible to pests, disease, and dieback.
Extreme Temperature Damage
Edmonton residents know how unpredictable the weather can be. Fluctuating from harsh cold snaps to unexpected warm temperatures can put stress on all the city’s trees, but especially young ones that have yet to form established roots. Sometimes, winter temperatures can fluctuate dramatically from -25 °C to 7°C within a day or two due to chinooks and air masses.
These temperature fluctuations can cause a freeze-thaw cycle, resulting in frost cracks in bark, damaged buds and root damage. Extreme cold can also result in the desiccation and dieback of trees, while warm temperatures can lead to water loss. When temperatures swing abruptly from cold to hot, your tree’s entire physiology is compromised, and it becomes more susceptible to disease.
Pest Damage and Disease
As global temperatures begin to fluctuate and heat increases, pest invasion and tree disease become more prevalent, and Edmonton trees are no exception. Environmental stressors, such as frost, drought and extreme heat, significantly increase the chances of insect invasion and disease in trees. Both pest damage and disease can result in reduced growth and, in extreme cases, the death and removal of trees. These, in turn, will disrupt entire ecosystems by compromising habitats and altering the climate.
Dutch Elm Disease has been recently confirmed in Edmonton’s urban forests and is a deadly fungal disease spread through root contact. When this disease sets in, it can lead to the rapid decline of many tree species in Edmonton, such as the American Elm. Other diseases that affect local trees include Black Knot, Fire Blight, Needlecast and Leaf Spot Diseases. The infestation of Emerald Ash Borers is also prevalent in Edmonton, consisting of beetles that kill ash trees and inhibit nutrient flow.
Urban Development Hindrances
More people are living on the planet today than ever before. As global populations increase, so does the need for fast-growing housing and businesses. Urban development often requires land clearing to make way for buildings, leading to deforestation, loss of space, and tree loss, which is essential for a balanced ecosystem. Removing trees can also disrupt natural habitats and harm wildlife.
Additionally, construction causes a range of soil issues, including soil compaction, limited root growth, and reduced water infiltration, which can weaken and even kill trees. Excavation also severs roots, compromising the life of entire trees. Urban areas see an increase in pollutants, which harm leaves and impair the growth of trees.
Heat Island Effect
The Urban Heat Island Effect refers to the phenomenon of elevated temperatures within densely populated areas, such as cities. These increased temperatures occur due to the prevalence of heat-absorbing materials, such as concrete sidewalks, and are harmful to trees for several reasons. Elevated temperatures make trees work much harder to maintain their own coolness, resulting in water loss and increasing their vulnerability to drought. Significant and prolonged heat can also affect photosynthesis, weakening trees and threatening their natural state.
The Best Trees for Edmonton’s Climate
Now that you know a little more about the negative impacts that Edmonton’s climate can have on your trees, you may be curious about what trees are best suited for its environment and atmosphere. Edmonton trees fall in a 3a to 4a hardiness zone, which requires its trees to be durable against extreme cold. Find out more about the mighty, hardy trees we can plant that fall under these requirements below.
Deciduous Trees
One of the best tree species for Edmonton’s climate is deciduous trees. Deciduous trees have adapted to Edmonton’s environmental conditions and can easily handle temperature fluctuations and seasonal changes. They also shed their leaves in winter, which helps reduce the risk of broken branches when snow and ice descend.
Evergreen Trees
Evergreen trees are optimal for Edmonton’s landscape for many reasons. They protect wildlife by offering them shelter and food. They also absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, helping to combat the effects of climate change. Additionally, they lower energy costs by providing your Edmonton home with insulation in winter and shade in summer, and they are aesthetically pleasing, breaking up the coldest seasons with bountiful greenery.
Common Fruit Trees
Fruit trees are ideal for Edmontonians as they are adapted to withstand cold temperatures, require minimal frost protection, and are conducive to Edmonton’s growing seasons, making them low-maintenance in the colder months.
Enhance Biodiversity by the Effects of Edmonton’s Climate on Your Majestic Trees — Call Trusty Tree Services Now!
Now that you know more about the impacts the climate can have on your trees and shrubs, enlist our Edmonton arborist at Trusty Tree Services to help combat the issues with maintenance services or to plant the best trees for Edmonton’s climate.
Contact us today at 780-860-5500 to book an appointment for a wide range of distinctive services, such as tree assessment, expert tree planting and storm damage! We’re your versatile choice for all your tree care needs, ensuring your trees’ quality of life thrives under our care.