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WHAT ’ S UP WITH …
Tree Pruning in Our Urban Forest
LINDSAY BELL , URBAN FORESTRY TECHNICIAN , CITY OF LETHBRIDGE
THE CITY OF LETHBRIDGE URBAN FOREST consists of approximately 48,000 trees on public lands , in addition to a much greater number of trees growing on private properties throughout the city . The large stands of cottonwood trees in the Oldman River valley are also considered part of our urban forest .
There are more than 50 different deciduous and evergreen species , as well as numerous varieties and cultivars ( cultivated varieties ) growing on public lands . Green Ash , American Elm , poplar , spruce , pine , birch , and various fruit trees are the most common species that make up the forest in our parks , boulevards , and other green
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spaces . Various oaks , maples , lindens , and nut trees are some species being planted more frequently to provide increased diversity to our forest , thus improving forest health .
Pruning is primarily done during the winter months while trees are dormant , although birch and maple are pruned in summer when they are in full leaf to minimize excessive sap flow from pruning cuts . Elm trees can be pruned only between October 1 and March 31 to minimize the threat of Dutch Elm Disease . However , special outdoor events , service requests , and storm damage ensures that work is taking place year-round .
Pruning trees takes place for various reasons . Removal of dead , dying and diseased limbs reduces the risk of tree failure . Structural pruning is very important especially on young trees to ensure health , strength , and longevity . Clearance pruning for vehicles , mowers , pedestrians , streetlights , and traffic sightlines also takes place on a regular basis .
Pruning cycles – the time between trees getting pruned – varies depending on factors such as species , location , vigor , and others . Large boulevard street trees are pruned on a seven to eight-year cycle , while some smaller ornamental trees are pruned every three to five years . Trees in parks and green spaces heavily used by the public tend to get pruned more often than those in areas that have less frequent usage , and as the trees in many 1970s-era neighborhoods are now beginning to mature , they are also requiring increased attention .
River valley cottonwoods are left primarily in a natural state , and the only real pruning that takes place is for hazard removal .
Do you have a question you ’ d like to ask the City of Lethbridge ? Submit it to editor @ lethbridgeliving . com and we ’ ll get you some answers !
Visit lethbridge . ca for more information about tree pruning and our urban forest .
14 LETHBRIDGELIVING . COM MAR-APR 2017