WINTER 2024 VOL. 12, NO. 1
A LANDSCAPE ALBERTA MEMBER PUBLICATION
5 Tips and Tricks to Sell to Millennials The Importance of Urban Soil on Trees
GREENHOUSES ENVIRONMENTAL NEEDS GARDEN CENTRES NURSERY & TREE FARMS
& REVEGETATION WILDFLOWER TURF MANAGEMENT
SILVICULTURE GOLF COURSES
SEEDS
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AGRICULTURE GARDEN CENTRE & SO MUCH MORE!
Serving the growing comMunity since 1927! 915 23 Ave SE Calgary, AB T2G 1P1 phone:403-263-4200 email:progar@telusplanet.net
Rob Veno (Central AB) 780-910-8402 progar.veno@gmail.com
GREEN FOR LIFE WINTER 2024 • 2
Tom Wright Dave Scharamm (BC & Southern AB) (Saskatchewan) 403-934-1276 306-921-7615 dtschramm63@gmail.com t.wright@sasktel.net
WINTER 2024 VOL. 12, NO. 1
CONTENTS
ADVANCING THE PROFESSIONAL LANDSCAPE INDUSTRY
04
5 Tips and Tricks to Sell to Millennials
06
Industry and Association News
11
Team Retention – Part 2 Balancing ‘Lifestyle’ with Work
12
GISC 2023
14
The Importance of Urban Soil on Trees
MANAGING EDITOR Joel Beatson CONTENT & EDITING Kyla Hardon LAYOUT KWL Design Landscape Alberta Green for Life is a professional publication for the landscape trade in Alberta. Editorial and Advertising Landscape Alberta 18051 107 Avenue NW Edmonton, AB T5S 1K3 P: 780-489-1991 admin@landscape-alberta.com Landscape Alberta does not assume responsibility for and does not endorse the contents of any advertisements herein. All representations or warranties made are those of the advertiser and not the publication. Views expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Landscape Alberta or its members. Material may not be reprinted from this magazine without the consent of Landscape Alberta. ISSN No: 1929-7114 (print) ISSN N0: 1929-7122 (online) Landscape Alberta Board of Directors Brian Gibson, Green Drop Lawns Ltd., Chair Ken Ruddock, ULS Maintenance & Landscaping Inc. Cody Brown, Tree to Tree Nurseries Ltd. Jeff Oudyk, CSLA, AALA, JLG, Land Tec Landscape Contractors Ltd., Vice Chair John van Roessel, CLM, CLT, JVR Landscape (2006) Inc., Treasurer Matthew Chausse, Seasonal Impact Vacant Vacant Landscape Alberta Staff Joel Beatson, CAE, CLM, Executive Director joel.beatson@landscape-alberta.com Marnie Main, Member Services Director member.services@landscape-alberta.com Lisa Brick, Events Manager lisa.brick@landscape-alberta.com Kyla Hardon, Communications Coordinator kyla.hardon@landscape-alberta.com Cheryl Teo, Bookkeeper accounting@landscape-alberta.com On the Cover 2022 Landscape Award of Merit, JVR Landscape (2006) Inc.
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CALENDAR January 9-11, 2024
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GREEN FOR LIFE WINTER 2024 • 3
5 Tips and Tricks to Sell to Millennials AN EXCERPT FROM GARDEN MEDIA’S HOW TO MARKET GARDENING TO MILLENNIALS PRESENTATION AT GISC 2023
M
illennials are digitally obsessed and socially charged – and they’re the country’s fastest-growing group of garden consumers. The Millennial generation, born from 1982-2000 and aged 23 to 41, has enormous buying power, estimated to be $322.5 billion annually. They dominate the lawn and garden market, focusing more on sustainability, urban, small-space gardening, and tech integration. The rise of Millennials has been swift but predictable. The Baby Boomer generation was massive, so it stands to reason that their offspring would be reasonably large, too. But Millennials are even more significant than Boomers – they make up an estimated 22 percent of the U.S. population. Millennials are even more valuable than their significant purchasing power would indicate because they can influence potential consumers. The Millennial lifestyle revolves around being plugged in, and they are engaged with brands, consumers, and social networks for up to 18 hours per day across multiple platforms. While they aren’t your “average” gardener, Millennials are exceptional influencers who can make a big difference in the success of your business. They have broad power now, and their purchasing potential is only budding. As a youthful generation, Millennials desire to go “green,” your business should capitalize on this interest by making the leap into the unfamiliar world of plants a little bit easier. To help you get started, here are five tips and tricks to help your brand appeal to and capture the Millennial demographic:
2. Short-form Videos • The rise of short-form video has grown into TikTok, Instagram reels, Facebook videos, and YouTube Shorts. • Craft authentic short-form videos that reflect the brand’s values and showcase products and content to which the viewers will be drawn. • Millennials are more likely to purchase products if trusted sources like friends and industry-specific influencers post about that brand.
1. Personalized Email Marketing • Personalized emails impact purchase decisions more than other channels, like social media. • Emails should be viewable on mobile and contain a catchy (but not too clickbaity) subject line, visuals, and captivating content. Tip: Personalizing an email involves more than just including their name. Consider referencing previous interactions or purchases made by the recipient, incorporating personalized product or content recommendations based on their searches and purchases, and including interactive content like quizzes or polls that personalize the experience and encourage engagement. GREEN FOR LIFE WINTER 2024 • 4
5 Tips and Tricks to Sell to Millennials Tip: With short-form videos, you need to quickly capture the viewer’s attention with relatable visuals and concise, meaningful messaging in the first few seconds of the video. Focus on the entertainment, educational, or inspirational aspects and encourage interaction with the video. 3. Keep it Simple • Many Millennials don’t identify as “gardeners,” even if that is precisely what they are doing – gardening. • Educating them on the many different kinds of gardening, from indoor/houseplants to herb and vegetable growing to cut flower gardens, can motivate them to take on the title of “gardener” and pursue their green thumb even more. Tip: When communicating with the Millennial generation about gardening, keep it clear and concise. You want to capture them with a message they understand and want to hear. Avoid using scientific names, hyper-specific details, or forced dialogue. Keep it simple and authentic – if they’re going to dive deeper into the details, they will.
5. Invest in Millennials • An estimated $3.5 billion is spent on gardening-related products and services annually by the Millennial generation. • Invest in targeted digital marketing on social media platforms, collaborate with influencers who resonate with the audience, adjust or widen inventory to include sustainable and high-quality products that Millennials want, and amplify the brand’s content creation with professional and shareable content that will capture the eye. Tip: Tweak your annual budgets to cater to the Millennial generation specifically. They are investing their coin into products and services that could be coming from your brand – what are you willing to spend on them?
“As a youthful generation, Millennials desire to go “green,” your business should capitalize on this interest by making the leap into the unfamiliar world of plants a little bit easier.”
4. Focus on the Trends • The lowest-hanging fruit for appealing to a person is to match what they are interested in, and the same goes for an entire generation. • Focusing on the current trends Millennials are picking up can make or break a brand. Current trends like indoor gardening, PlantTok, goth gardens, and small space gardening are capturing the Millennial generation’s attention. Tip: The best way to get ahead of the competition is to stay in tune with trends. Listen to what people are talking about, note what is being posted, and research what is doing well on social media – these are the things that are trending and what your brand should be capitalizing on.
With an annual buying power of $322.5 billion, Millennials play a crucial role in the gardening market. Effective engagement with this demographic requires tailored strategies: personalized email marketing that resonates beyond their first name, the use of short-form videos for authentic brand storytelling, simplification of gardening content to match their self-identity, focusing on trends such as indoor and small-space gardening, and strategic investment in Millennial-centric marketing. Understanding and adapting to Millennials’ preferences and lifestyles is vital for businesses to harness their purchasing influence and establish a significant presence in the evolving consumer landscape of the gardening sector. Garden Media ignites buzz for clients, offers innovative PR campaigns and secures top media placements and partnerships. The boutique PR and marketing firm is the best in the home, garden, horticulture, outdoor living, and lawn and landscape industries. The annual Garden Trends Report is one of the most published trade and consumer news garden studies. Visit www.gardenmediagroup.com for more information.
GREEN FOR LIFE WINTER 2024 • 5
Industry and Association News My Skilled Trades Network Are you a certified journeyperson, supervisor, employer, trainer, or member of a stakeholder organization with knowledge of one or more skilled trades or Alberta’s apprenticeship system? Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AIT) and the Alberta Board of Skilled Trades is building a community of Albertans with experience and knowledge related to one or more of Alberta’s designated trades or apprenticeship education programs, called the My Skilled Trades Network (MySTN). This community is an opportunity for interested skilled trades experts to share their ideas, opinions, and expertise with AIT on the future of their trades. Interested Albertans can now sign up to include themselves on the MySTN mailing list and become eligible to receive invitations to contribute their perspectives. You may have an opportunity to provide input through surveys, focus groups, town halls, and temporary committees. In addition, qualified individuals in MySTN may be called upon to help evaluate apprentice’s practical skills and work experience.
Some examples of topics that you may be called upon to provide feedback for include: • Contributing to what is taught and tested in apprenticeship education. • This could include feedback on course outlines, curriculum guides, period exams, and red seal exams. • Certain individuals may also evaluate exams and apprentice’s work experience. • Providing input on what activities should be restricted to those certified in your trade. The frequency of these communications will depend upon the level of activity and pressing, necessary change happening in your trade. You may also choose the level of engagement you prefer and unsubscribe from the network should you choose to in the future. If you are interested in contributing your ideas, please sign up!
New Requirement for Periodic Wage Reviews
https://tradesecrets.alberta.ca/trades-in-alberta/ my-skilled-trades-network/
Along with these measures, employers will soon be required to update the wages of temporary foreign workers annually to ensure that these are not lower than the prevailing wage for the occupation and region where they are employed. This update must be carried out throughout the work period, which can last up to three years, depending on the program stream.
Update to the TFW Program Road Map and new wage requirement The Government of Canada is extending measures under the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program Workforce Solutions Road Map and introduces a new requirement: for employers to periodically review the wages of temporary foreign workers. The purpose of this email is to provide details about these changes.
This requirement will come into effect on January 1, 2024, when a new LMIA application is submitted. For more information, please see the recent announcement: Government of Canada extends Workforce Solutions Road Map and introduces new wage requirements under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program - Canada.ca
The Government is adapting to current labour market conditions by extending and modifying measures in the TFW Program Workforce Solutions Road Map, launched in April 2022. These measures, which were set to expire on October 30, 2023, have been extended and are now in effect until August 30, 2024.
GREEN FOR LIFE WINTER 2024 • 6
Industry and Association News Measures include: • Continuing to allow employers in seven sectors with demonstrated labour shortages to hire up to 30% of their total workforce through the TFW Program for low-wage positions; • maintaining the employment duration of low-wage positions to up to two years; and • adjusting the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) validity period from 18 months to up to 12 months.
speakers presenting on topics that spanned the industry. We hope everyone learned something new and useful. All CEU credits have been submitted for processing, it might take a couple of weeks for those to show up in individual records. In addition to conference sessions, our two-day trade show was a wonderful experience! With 110 exhibitors showcasing the latest products and trends, the trade show floor was a lively place to meet and connect with other industry professionals! A big thank you to all our attendees, speakers and exhibitors!
OHS: Lithium Batteries This resource provides information about OHS legislative requirements and general safety considerations relating to lithium batteries.
Info on GISC 2024 will be available soon!
Plants Love You Following the success of the “Year of the Garden” campaign CNLA has applied for funding from the government to promote a five-year national campaign “Plants Love You”.
https://ohs-pubstore.labour.alberta.ca/ download/sample/1869
GISC 2023: A Great Success It was an exciting few days for our industry as we held the 2023 Green Industry Show & Conference on November 15 & 16 in Red Deer and the results showed with packed conference rooms and a lively trade show floor! Over 1600 attendees came to this years event; that’s up almost 30% over last year! We started things off with a Greenhouse Bus Tour on November 14 and held the Landscape Alberta Nursery Producers Annual Auction & Dinner that evening. Then we kicked off two days of conference sessions! This year’s sessions were truly outstanding with wonderful, knowledgeable
The Plants Love You campaign focuses on a sustainable, environmental approach to market products for their health and environmental benefits. The campaign’s goal is to raise awareness about the positive impacts that plants have on the environment, our physical and mental health and overall well-being. We encourage your company to start using the tag #PlantsLoveYou now. We look forward to working with you to support the growth of the Nursery and Landscape sector! Learn more > https://cnla.ca/plants-love-you
GREEN FOR LIFE WINTER 2024 • 7
Industry and Association News Update - TFWP recognized employer changes Repeat employers under the REP have been defined as employers who have received a minimum of three positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) decisions in the last five years. It has come to our attention that the current eligibility criteria may introduce some challenge for an employer to meet eligibility criteria under the pilot when applying a strict consecutive five-year reach-back period, especially if they did not apply for and receive a positive LMIA in 2020 or 2021 when an employer’s hiring plans were affected by COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. The new flexibility introduces an alternative reach-back period of five non-consecutive years for employers who did not receive a positive decision on an LMIA application in 2020 and/or 2021. For example, an employer who received a positive LMIA in 2022 and did not receive a positive LMIA in 2020 and 2021 could now use a positive LMIA decision dating back to 2016 towards his/her five-year reach-back period. In the event that an employer experienced a COVID-19 shutdown in only one calendar year, only one additional reach-back year will be added to the reachback period offered.
The alternative reach-back period will be automatically considered when employers apply under the pilot, there is no additional information that employers need to provide to be considered for this flexibility. It is also important to note that the reach-back period for employers can begin in either 2023 or 2022; an employer’s last non-REP positive LMIA will be used to make this determination. No reach-back period will be offered to employers in receipt of a negative LMIA decision in 2020 and/or 2021. Employers who regularly access the TFW Program and have no previous history of non-compliance are encouraged to apply. You are encouraged to share this communication throughout your respective networks, and with any colleagues or peers who may need to be aware of this information. If you have questions on the REP, please visit Canada.ca or communicate with the Employer Contact Centre.
CFIA has amended D-9906 Policy on the Issuance of Phytosanitary Certificates for Export and Re-export FIA has amended D-99-06 Policy on the Issuance of Phytosanitary Certificates for Export and Re-export and has issued a consultation on the changes.
· the amendments to D-99-06 were initiated because of changes to two service being offered by CFIA o e-phytos will soon be available for export to the US (20 exporters from across Canada have been chosen by CFIA to test the system in early 2024. Once confident it works smoothly, CFIA will be making the service available to all exporters) o myCFIA for exports to the US required updates to their export certification system that necessitated changes to the directive · as for 7.1 All applications and requests for inspection should be submitted at least 10 working days before the commodity is scheduled for loading: o This is the same wording that was used in previous versions of this Directive. 10 days is a general recommendation, not a service standard, as for some exports CFIA may need to have tests done to verify pest freedom. For example, exporting plants to the EU would require a test of Xylella prior to export, which could take up to 10 days. o Service standards will not change once this updated Directive is implemented. The 48 hour turnaround time you have now, will remain the same. · the amendments also removed references to US export requirements which should not be in a Canadian Directive as Canada has no jurisdiction over them, and the US can change them at any time · CNLA will be preparing a response to the consultation, or you can also respond individually to cfia.ippc.acia@inspection.gc.ca GREEN FOR LIFE WINTER 2024 • 8
Industry and Association News
GISC 2024 - New Look, Same Great Place Landscape Alberta is pleased to announce that the Green Industry Show & Conference will be returning to Red Deer in 2024. The Board of Directors analysed both trends and feedback from stakeholders in making their decision. Almost 60% of all stakeholders were in favour of returning to Westerner Park in Red Deer for 2024. The central location, ease of access, and strong cost controls (free parking, lower fees for catering, space rental, etc.) all contribute to the success of the event. In 2023, GISC saw an increase of 27% in total attendance and over 20% more exhibitors compared to the previous year. The easy highway access and free parking make the central location a relatively equal fit for attendees across the province. The venue also allows GISC to hold pricing for most, if not all, areas in a time of tremendous inflation. We are always looking for ways to improve the experience for exhibitors, attendees, and all other stakeholders. We have many great ideas for improvement in the coming year, so stay tuned for all the details as we lead up to the Green Industry Show & Conference – November 20-21, 2024. www.greenindustryshow.com
Elevate Your Greenhouse Skills with Lethbridge College’s New Program Lethbridge College introduces a game-changing Commercial Greenhouse Technician Certificate Program. Designed for industry professionals, this program promises to bring the latest in greenhouse management right to your fingertips.
Program Highlights: Flexible Online Learning: Study at your own pace with asynchronous online courses. Practical, Hands-On Experience: Get real-world skills through integrated learning in a commercial greenhouse setting. Comprehensive Curriculum: Dive into greenhouse design, plant physiology, pest control, nutrient management, and much more.
Career Pathways: Open doors to roles like Greenhouse Supervisors and Technicians. Network with over 20 established commercial greenhouse partners. GREEN FOR LIFE WINTER 2024 • 9
Industry and Association News
“We offer discounted pricing on vehicles & equipment, industry training, financial services & much more!” Key Details:
Work Authority: Discount on all regular priced merchandise.
Start Date: January 2024 Duration: 1 year Hosted by: Centre for Technology, Environment and Design, Lethbridge College
Lenovo: Save up to 45% off on select Lenovo technologies, accessories, software, and much more.
Why Enroll? Benefit from Lethbridge College’s 50+ years of agricultural education excellence. Accessible for all with minimal entry requirements (Grade 10 English and Math). A driver’s license is recommended.
Take the Next Step: Enhance your team’s capabilities or recruit top-tier graduates by embracing this educational opportunity. For more information and to enroll, visit the Lethbridge College Commercial Greenhouse Technician Certificate Program page. We are confident this program will facilitate continuous learning and innovation in our thriving greenhouse industry for years to come.
Take Advantage of these Member Perks! Greenius: Members receive FREE 2-month license of Greenius Training Software, Unlimited users for 2 months and Unlimited training courses + FREE custom implementation
American Express: The Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA) and American Express Canada have partnered to offer CNLA members American Express Commercial payment solutions for corporate credit cards. HortProtect Insurance: Designed to meet the specialized needs of professionals and operators within the Canadian Horticulture Industry. Start a quote at www.hortprotect.com Reactive Designs: Save up to 30% on social media management packages. Isuzu Trucks: Save on select NEW Isuzu Trucks. Administration fees apply. Parkland: Per litre discount on retail fuel, cardlock and bulk fuel. CLS: Members receive a free digital download copy of the Canadian Landscape Standard 2.0. Visit https://www.csla-aapc. ca/standard to get your copy! Are you a member of the Landscape Alberta? Are you taking advantage of your Member Benefits? We offer discounted pricing on vehicles & equipment, industry training, financial services & much more! To access the Member Benefits portal, click here. If you don’t have a log-in please reach out to memberservices@cnla-acpp.ca to request one.
GREEN FOR LIFE WINTER 2024 • 10
Team Retention Part 2 Balancing ‘Lifestyle’ with Work BY JACKI HART
In my last article, I discussed one part of the pandemic hangover – the impact of inflation on our workforce. If you read it, hopefully you’re well on your way to leveraging the strategy of paying at least the ‘living wage’ for your area vs the ‘minimum wage’. Here is Part 2 of the post-pandemic impact on our workforce: the degree to which your potential workforce is willing to ‘work’, their definition of ‘work balance’ and their ability to navigate stress.
So, we have a workforce that in many ways want or expect to be able to continue this new habit of managing their lives conveniently, which includes fitting the personal ‘weekly tasks’ within the work week – so that weekends are free for friends and fun. Add to this, the everchanging interests of Gen Z (18-30 yrs) whom are less likely to stick to one job for more than a short period of time, and we have a workforce retention challenge that puts us into a whole new ball game.
The Lifestyle-First Habit
The New Retention Landscape
Without a doubt, the Work From Home (WFH) trend has changed the mindset of a scary percentage of the workforce across the country. Everyone I’ve asked in my travels this year, knows someone who still works from home (either hybrid or full time), who would previously have always gone to an office or place of business ‘to work’. Along with this trend, comes the ‘oh I can do laundry, make dinner and walk the dog (literally and figuratively) – while I’m getting paid working from home’. While the corporate world is busy creating policies on RTW, dragging unwilling employees back and creating consequences of the refusal to return to the office, employees and legislators are figuring out ways to force employers to pay huge termination settlements if employees refuse to return full time, and many employers are being forced to concede to hybrid arrangements at the expense of productivity and profit. What does all that have to do with employee retention in the Landscape Professions? Lots. During the pandemic, many had to be creative to make ends meet. And many benefitted from government subsidies for a LONG time. Employers did as well. This new reality plunks us squarely into an economy that’s navigating higher interest rates, less discretionary spending, unleashed inflation, and new habits of staying closer to home – for a living. For most employers for whom I write this column, staying home means not getting paid.
When the going gets tough, the leading entrepreneurs get creative. Now would be a good time for you to join them. What this all means to seasonal businesses – is that the model of a workforce willing work 45+ hours a week for 30-ish weeks a year and then fend for themselves the rest of the time, is officially now defunct. So is the model where employees must be willing to work 5 days a week, starting and finishing at the same time every day, and the same time as everyone else, or there’s no job offer. Reset your thinking. Employee retention is now inextricably linked to the ‘lifestyle balance’ and ‘stress minimization’ that your company affords them. This means having conversations about wants and needs. And about the stress that each employee is navigating outside of work. (Yes, you read that correctly.) It means having new policies on ‘days and hours of work’. Policies which include room for flexibility and customization from one employee to the next. It means building empathy into attendance policies. It means that ‘training’ has to be a confidence builder and not a source of anxiety when paired with the quick addition of responsibility. It also means ensuring that employees know that they have to show up when they say they will – I’m seeing successful employers negotiate convenience (for the employee) with dependability (for the employer).
GREEN FOR LIFE WINTER 2024 • 11
The hardest part of this is that employers are being pinched tighter on margins, to make room for more people on staff at any given time and a more complex scheduling regimen to balance it all on the customerfacing side of the business. At a time when employers feel the need to improve ‘efficiency’, many employees are feeling the need to rest more and stress less. If paying the Living Wage is step one to retention. Then post-pandemic ‘lifestyle balance’ is step two. The reality is, the higher percentage of staff under the age of 35 that a company employs (I’m stereotyping here – yet it’s a clear trend), the more likely it is that a significant number of staff are walking out the door because either your workplace is too stressful for them or their home/social life is. Some of you reading this might roll your eyes and think ‘so what does that have to do with my company’…. To you I ask this: “How’s retention going for you?” In all likelihood, I’ll hazard to guess, not very well. This is a time to slow down in order to go faster. Slow down and talk to your staff. One on one. Informally. Go for a coffee. Pick them up during the workday and go sit on a park bench. Care, and show it. You don’t need to act as a therapist – but you could direct them toward one if you think it would help. You don’t need to be a ‘parent’, but you might want to keep a box of Kleenex in your truck. Sometimes people just need to know you care. If you do, they will trust you. If they trust you, they will be more likely to stay. If they stay, you grow bench strength and minimize the need to recruit and train. Think about it. Retention. It’s not only about the money. It’s about belonging. It’s about personal ‘safety’. It’s about being a part of a social network that is supportive. It’s about realizing that the employers’ role has changed for the foreseeable future. Honest. Missed Part 1? Read it here.: https://www.consultingbyhart.com/ team-retention-part-1-paying-a-living-wagevs-minimum-wage Printed with permission from Consulting by Hart. www.consultingbyhart.com
2023
GREEN FOR LIFE WINTER 2024 • 12
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GREEN FOR LIFE WINTER 2024 • 13
The Importance of Urban Soil on Trees BY TOSO BOZIC
Urbanization is a defining feature of the modern world, with more people residing in cities (Canada and Alberta 81% of populations lives in urban centers) than ever before. As urban area expands, the significance of urban green spaces, particularly trees and forest, cannot be overstated. Trees play a pivotal role in enhancing the quality of urban life, and at the heart of their well-being lies the often-overlooked element - urban soil. The interaction between trees and urban soil is a complex and symbiotic relationship that profoundly influences the health, growth, and resilience of urban trees and forest. The Impact of Climate Change on Urban Soils As the impacts of climate change become increasingly pronounced, urban environments find themselves at the forefront of the challenges posed by shifting weather patterns, rising temperatures, and extreme events. The impact of climate change to urban soil can be summarized to following: • Increased temperatures - One of the most palpable effects of climate change on urban soils is the rise in temperatures. Elevated temperatures influence soil dynamics, affecting processes such as nutrient cycling, microbial activity, and soil structure. Heat stress can lead to the degradation of soil organic matter, disrupting the delicate balance that sustains soil health. As urban areas experience more frequent and prolonged heatwaves, the resilience of soils becomes a critical factor in supporting vegetation, including trees and green spaces. • Changes in precipitation patterns - Climate change also alters precipitation patterns, bringing about more intense and erratic rainfall events or prolonged droughts. These changes pose significant challenges to urban soils. Intense rainfall can lead to soil erosion, compaction, and decreased water infiltration, while prolonged droughts exacerbate soil moisture deficits, impacting the availability of water for plants. • Increase in soil erosion and degradation - Changes in precipitation patterns, particularly intense rainfall events, contribute to soil erosion in urban areas. Impervious surfaces, common in urban landscapes, exacerbate runoff, carrying away topsoil and valuable nutrients. Soil erosion compromises the structure of urban soils, leading to decreased fertility and diminished support for plant life.
• Increase in soil compaction and reduced water infiltration - Urbanization often results in compacted soils due to construction activities, foot traffic, and heavy machinery. This exacerbates the impacts of climate change-related droughts, as compacted soils struggle to retain moisture. Compacted soil has reduced pore spaces, hindering water infiltration and root growth. Compaction limits the effective soil volume for roots, leading to challenges in nutrient uptake and overall tree health. • Loss of soil biodiversity - Climate change-induced alterations in temperature and precipitation can impact the biodiversity of urban soils. Soil microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and other beneficial organisms, play crucial roles in nutrient cycling and soil health. Disruptions to these microbial communities can have cascading effects on the overall health and fertility of urban soils. Conservation efforts that prioritize soil biodiversity and limit the use of soil-disrupting practices are essential for maintaining resilient urban ecosystems. • Change in urban soil composition - Often, urban soils are subjected to disturbances such as compaction, pollution and contamination, and alterations due to construction activities. Compacted soils, with reduced pore spaces, hinder water infiltration and root growth. Contaminants, such as heavy metals and pollutants, can negatively impact tree health. • Changes in urban soil structures - The structure of soil is equally vital. A healthy soil structure promotes aeration and drainage, preventing waterlogging and ensuring that tree roots receive an optimal supply of oxygen. Compacted soils, on the other hand, disrupt this balance, leading to oxygen deprivation and root stress. The Importance of Soil Volume to trees Urban soil is not merely dirt; it is a dynamic and intricate system comprising of mineral particles, organic matter, water, air, and a diverse array of microorganisms. Trees survival, growth and thrive greatly rely on the soil beneath them to supply essential nutrients, anchor their roots, and regulate water availability. In constrained urban environments, where space is limited, insufficient soil volume can result in shallow or compacted root systems, compromising the tree’s ability to withstand environmental stressors such as wind, storms, or heavy rainfall.
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The Importance of Urban Soil on Trees Soil volume refers to the available space in the soil matrix that accommodates tree roots. It encompasses the threedimensional area in which roots can expand, access nutrients, and establish a stable foundation for the aboveground portion of the tree. In urban settings, soil volume is often constrained due to factors such as infrastructure, competing land uses, and space limitations. One of the primary functions of tree roots is to absorb essential nutrients and water from the soil. The amount of available soil volume directly impacts the capacity of tree roots to explore and extract these vital resources. Inadequate soil volume can lead to nutrient deficiencies, water stress, and overall diminished tree vitality. Healthy root development is crucial for the stability and structural integrity of trees. Sufficient soil volume allows roots to spread horizontally and vertically, forming a robust network that anchors the tree securely in the ground. Recognizing the significance of sufficient soil volume is vital for mitigating the adverse effects of restricted growth on tree vigours and health, nutrient cycling and water infiltration. Strategies for enhancing, increasing and preserving urban soils Preserving and augmenting soil volume for tree roots in urban environments requires a proactive and multidimensional approach. Various strategies can be employed to address the challenges posed by urbanization and ensure the well-being of urban trees: • Changes in urban planning and designs - Integrating tree and soil friendly urban planning and design principles is fundamental to preserving and increasing soil volumes. Designing green spaces with sufficient planting soil areas and considering the spatial needs of mature trees contribute to maximizing soil volume for optimal root growth. During planning and designs addressing soil volumes availability, soil structures, water requirements, nutrient levels as well and tree roots requirements is crucial prior any site development. • Develop water management systems to support soil systems - water is a critical factor in the survival of urban trees, and the role of urban soil in water management is pivotal. Adequate soil moisture is essential for tree hydration, but urban environments often pose challenges such as impervious surfaces and altered hydrological cycles. Urban soil acts as a reservoir for water, influencing its availability to tree roots. • Understand and increase urban soil biodiversity - urban soil is a habitat in its own right, hosting a myriad of microorganisms, insects, and other soil-dwelling organisms. This biodiversity contributes to the overall health of urban ecosystems, influencing soil fertility, nutrient cycling, and pest control. Microorganisms in urban soil,
including bacteria, fungi, and mycorrhizal fungi, play crucial roles in nutrient cycling and plant health. • Understand soil drought resistance - As climate change brings about more frequent and intense droughts, the ability of urban trees to withstand water scarcity becomes crucial. Well-structured urban soil with a healthy composition aid in drought resistance by improving water retention and reducing the stress on tree roots during dry periods. Implementing smart irrigation practices and selecting drought-tolerant trees. • Understand nutrient requirements-perform soil testing - understanding the nutrient requirements of urban trees is essential for mitigating deficiencies that can hinder their growth. Soil testing allows for the identification of nutrient imbalances, enabling targeted amendments to enhance soil fertility. • Improve soil management practices - Practices such as soil aeration, organic matter incorporation, and mulching promote soil structure and fertility. • Increasing tree pits size and improve structural soil - In urban landscapes, tree pits and structural soil systems offer innovative solutions to maximize soil volume. Tree pits are excavated spaces specifically designed for tree planting, allowing for the allocation of adequate soil volume. • Create tree wells and root barriers - Creating tree wells around the base of trees and installing root barriers can help manage soil volume effectively. Tree wells provide additional space for soil, allowing for greater root expansion. Root barriers, when strategically placed, prevent the encroachment of tree roots into undesirable areas, preserving soil volume for essential urban infrastructure. As cities confront the myriad challenges brought forth by climate change, the role of urban soils emerges as a critical factor in determining the resilience and adaptability of urban ecosystems. In the ever-evolving urban landscape, the survival of trees hinges on the delicate dance between soil volume and the constraints imposed by urbanization. The relationship between soil volume and tree roots is a fundamental aspect that significantly influences the health, stability, and longevity of urban trees and forest. Toso Bozic provides a wide spectrum of tree and forestry consultancy service to urban and rural municipalities.
For more information: Toso Bozic P.Ag ISA Certified Arborist CERT ID: PR 5356A Phone (780) 712-3699 bozict@telus.net www.yardwhispers.ca or www.attsgroup.ca
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