Integrated Plant Health Care in Columbia Valley and East Kootenays

Integrated Plant Health Care in Columbia Valley and East Kootenays

Trees provide a wide range of benefits to communities, properties, and people. This is why maintaining tree health and protecting against invasive pests is so important. Here in Southeast British Columbia, our trees are facing several challenges caused by invasive pests, disease, drought, nutrient deficiency, and soil disturbance. Fortunately, the Certified Arborists at Green Leaf based in Golden, Invermere, and Kimberley BC have the expertise to preserve the vitality of our local trees through innovative, safe, and effective plant healthcare techniques.

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What is a Certified Arborist?

Once called "tree surgeons", Certified Arborists are those who specialize in individual tree care. Our knowledge in the art and science of tree care comes through experience and education and is tested and verified by the International Society of Arboriculture, the worldwide authority. To stay certified, we undertake ongoing training and adhere to a strict Code of Ethics. We're often called in to fix problems left by untrained tree service companies. It's better to do things right the first time- we're certified arborists and that's what we do.

A Green LEaf Tree Services ISA Certified arborist safely dismantling a tree in golden bc

A Green LEaf Tree Services ISA Certified arborist safely dismantling a tree in golden bc

Signs of Douglas Fir bark beetle

Douglas fir beetle has been a major contributor of mortality of mature Douglas fir trees in the Columbia basin from Golden to Fairmont and beyond. We recently met up with Mark Dascher, a professional forester with Pioneer Forest Consulting, to discuss ways to identify potential beetle outbreaks on your property.


Below are pictures signs to look for if you suspect a beetle problem on your property. If you are concerned that you may have beetle on your property or within your community we would be happy to provide a consultation on how you can manage the problem. Contact us

Bark Beetle galleries

Over the last few seasons we have seen an explosion of both Douglas fir bark beetle and Spruce bark beetle in the southern interior. Widespread infests have caused mortality to many old veteran trees in the Columbia Valley. Spotting the signs of attack and removing infestested trees is the only option to reduce the population once it attacks standing trees. The other options we have for prevention is to apply MCH pheromone patches to help protect valuable trees and stands.

A short time after the Douglas-fir beetle attacks a tree it produces an antiaggregative pheromone (MCH) to regulate the number of attacks in a host tree. Synthetic formulations of MCH have proven very effective in preventing attack of the Douglas-fir beetle. The MCH is contained in small plastic dispensers deployed at regular intervals throughout the stand to be protected. Contact us at info@greenleaftree.ca or 1-888-431-8733 to help protect your trees this spring.

Winter Stresses on Trees & Shrubs in the Columbia Valley

Heavy snow and ice, as well as frozen soil conditions, can damage trees and shrubs in residential landscapes. Even areas without major snowfall experience high winds and huge fluctuations in temperatures (common in the Columbia Valley) during winter. But homeowners can lessen the adverse effects of winter weather with preventive maintenance.

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