Help protect our plants! It's tree check month

Quotes

"Healthy plants and trees are crucial for our food, agriculture, forestry, and environment. During Tree Check Month, and also every day of the year, I encourage all Canadians to rally in protecting our beautiful country by taking simple steps to ensure the well-being of our plants and trees."

– Dr. Harpreet S. Kochhar, President, CFIA

"In the face of both new and recurring invasive species, it is important for all of us to do our part to protect Canada's trees and plants from the detrimental effects caused by destructive pests. Now, more than ever, our collective action is essential to safeguarding the well-being of our natural environment."

– Dr. Anthony Anyia, Chief Plant Health Officer, CFIA

Quick facts

• The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) dubbed August as Tree Check Month to mobilize community scientists and help keep Canada's trees healthy and free from invasive species and pests.

• In June 2023, the CFIA confirmed the presence of oak wilt in three locations in Southern Ontario following suspect oak wilt reports received from the public. Oak wilt is a disease caused by the fungus Bretziella fagacearum which develops in the outer sapwood of the tree. Red oaks are particularly susceptible, resulting in tree death within a single season. Oak wilt is spread naturally through root grafts or beetles carrying fungal spores. To help prevent the spread of oak wilt, don't prune oak trees between April and November. Signs of oak wilt are: o Dull green, brown or yellow leaves o Cracks in the trunk o White, grey or black fungus o Early and sudden leaf drop o If you are travelling back from the United States, it's important not to accidentally transport this pest with you into Canada. o Check your car, camper, trailer or RV for the spotted lanternfly or its egg masses before making the return trip. o Be sure to check any camping gear or equipment you have with you before returning to Canada. o If you spot a spotted lanternfly or its egg masses in Canada, snap a photo, catch and place it in a container, and report it to the CFIA.

• The spotted lanternfly is an impressive and colourful insect that can feed on more than 100 species of trees and plants. Although it is a particular threat to the grape and wine industries, it could also affect the fruit tree, nursery, maple syrup and forestry sectors. It is not yet in Canada but has been detected in some parts of the United States close to the border with Canada.

• Other pests of concern include: the emerald ash borer, which has killed millions of trees in North America; the spongy moth, which has a significant impact on forests in eastern Canada and is a major threat to western Canada; the box tree moth, a serious pest of boxwood in Ontario; and the Japanese beetle, a major pest in eastern Canada with current eradication efforts in British Columbia.

Associated links

• Learn about Invasive Species

• Stop the spread and help keep invasive species out of Canada

• Don't move firewood