Protecting Trees

Daily Action

There are a lot of little things that we can do to protect trees.

For example, as you go about your daily activities, don't drive nails into trees, pull off pieces of their bark, or beat on them. These are good ways to protect them! When mowing the lawn, it's simple to avoid bumping into or scraping trees.

On a Larger Scale

Canadian forests have been protected for many years now by promoting rapid regrowth with seeds and seedlings, by protecting the soil and water on which tree growth depends, and by cutting back on logging. In addition, a number of associations carry out monitoring to prevent and control forest fires, insect infestations, and disease epidemics. There are also other specialized organizations for protecting forests.

Some organizations were created to protect trees from natural destructive forces, such as fire, insects, and disease. Each year, especially during drought years, lightning and careless people cause huge fires that destroy thousands of hectares of woodlands, threatening the lives of animals and man alike. Fire-watch programs have been set up so that forest fires can be detected as fast as possible.

There are also standards for protecting forest environments. Quebec's forests have been protected for many years now by promoting rapid regrowth (regeneration) with seeds and seedlings. Tree harvesting must be carried out so as to ensure sustainable development of forestland.

Self-protection

Trees have means for protecting themselves against most diseases and insects, such as their bark. When healthy, most trees have nothing to worry about. There are, however, a number of factors that can weaken trees, such as too much or too little water, poor soil, and injury to the trunk or roots. Any of these conditions tend to make trees more susceptible to attack.

When injured, trees react by isolating the injury site by cutting off circulation to it. This prevents the injury from contaminating the rest of the tree. The entire tree can be affected, however, if the injury is severe. The injury site will always remain a weak point for the tree.

High winds and Tornados

Diseases

Forest fires

Insect infestations can overcome even the healthiest tree because there are just too many of them for the tree to fight effectively. Steps are taken to prevent infestations. In urgent cases, insecticides (usually biological) are applied to reduce the damage caused by insects.

Insects

Trees are also affected by stress related to air pollution, which may come from far away or very near. Pollution can slow growth or even kill trees.