Calgary's tree canopy is shrinking due to the wet summer seasons.
Unusual Tree Incidents in Calgary's Silver Springs Neighborhood
In the heart of Calgary's Silver Springs neighborhood, a series of unexpected tree incidents have left residents on edge. Over the past three weeks, a 50-year-old poplar tree fell onto Christene Scott's roof, narrowly missing her home by just a few centimeters, and a spruce tree fell nearby on July 15th.
Scott, a former newspaper science writer who has lived in the area for the past 20 years, expresses concern about the future of trees in Silver Springs. She hopes enough will be planted for the next generation to enjoy. "I love trees," she says, finding it painful to see them cut down.
Arborist Greg Fletcher, who has been receiving multiple calls about fallen trees lately, attributes these incidents to a combination of factors. The age of the trees, fungal growth, and weather conditions are all contributors to tree instability. Fletcher notes that the fallen trees showed signs of decay, with white fungus growing near their bases.
Fletcher cautions that while trees provide significant environmental and aesthetic benefits, when they become a safety risk, removal may be necessary to avoid damage to property or injury. In Scott's case, another tree is scheduled to be removed from her property shortly.
Scott mentions that the poplar tree had been leaning more each year before it fell. This natural leaning, Fletcher explains, suggests a gradual structural compromise. He suggests that some homeowners are reluctant to remove their trees due to the benefits they provide, but emphasizes the importance of safety.
Fletcher goes on to state that if a large tree falls on a car, it will result in the purchase of a new car. While the loss of a tree can be deeply felt, the potential for harm makes tree removal a necessary step in some cases.
Scott, along with her neighbors, has been dealing with the clean-up process. She has witnessed a century's worth of history falling in her yard over the past month. Despite the challenges, she remains hopeful for the future of Silver Springs and the trees that call it home.
[1] Data sourced from local arborist reports and eyewitness accounts.
Climate-change and environmental-science may be linked to tree incidents in Calgary's Silver Springs neighborhood, as relationships between tree health, age, and weather conditions are under examination. Arborist Greg Fletcher, who points out fungal growth in fallen trees, suggests that these factors could be contributing to tree instability.
Scott, a former science writer, wishes for the planting of more trees in Silver Springs for future generations to enjoy, but also acknowledges the need for tree removal when they become safety risks. Fletcher agrees, pointing out that damage to property or injury can result from fallen trees, including the potential destruction of a car.
