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Are Those Tent Caterpillars?

I asked our Forestry Department about what appear to be Tent Caterpillars, but I thought that it was the wrong season.  Here is Jeffrey's reply:

"Regarding the caterpillars, you are correct, it is too late in the
season for Tent caterpillars, but it is the time for Fall Webworm. They
create tents at the end of branches and can be seen around Ontario at
this time of year.

The recommendation you heard is correct. They are cyclical in nature
and should not pose a problem other than esthetics. Their populations
should decrease over the next few years.

Hope this helps you out.

Jeffrey McMann
Supervisor of Forestry"

Summer (2007) Drought Forestry Issue

I have received a number of questions over the last few weeks about the general condition of Town trees and the effect of this summer’s prolonged drought on our urban forest.

Most trees are exhibiting varying signs of stress. Generally speaking all trees are more tolerant to drought than other plants because of their extensive root systems.  In the case of well established trees, they can generally tolerate extended droughts, although they may drop leaves earlier than normal as a defense mechanism against excessive water loss.  This will allow the tree to maintain a healthy reserve.  We anticipate that these trees will recover and grow normally next spring.

In the case of trees that are not completely established, they may not have the reserves required to survive.  Significant rain fall between now and freeze up will greatly increase the trees’ chances of survival by allowing them to re-hydrate before the ground freezes and stops the intake of water.

All trees planted in the last 3 years by the Operations Department in parks, or on boulevards that are not in front of a house (i.e. Brimley, Denison, etc.), were watered at least once this summer by Town Staff.  All replacement boulevard trees in front of houses planted by the Operations Department are the responsibility of the homeowner to water, as outlined in the letter distributed to each resident who received a replacement tree.

Most trees that are heavily stressed by the drought will leaf out next spring using their reserves, but in cases where the reserves have been depleted below survival levels, the leaves will drop as early as May.  Because of this, the final effects of this summer’s drought will not be evident until June or July of 2008.  Operations staff will continue to monitor all trees on Town property and will provide updates with details of any problems that develop as they become evident.

Please contact me if you have any questions.

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