Current Garden Issues

Emerald Ash Borer Update

In 2004 Make It Green ceased selling ash trees. Since then we have been informing customers about the potentially devastating effect of this newly introduced pest. At this time it appears that only ash (Fraxinus) trees are affected. Mountain Ash (Sorbus) are not affected. There is no evidence that EAB can survive on any other type of tree. This infestation is spreading. In the summer of 2008 Emerald Ash Borer was found in the Ottawa area. In 2010 it was discovered in the town of Fallowfield (officially) and Emerald Meadows Kanata (unofficially). For more information on EAB and other pests try www.inspection.gc.ca.

White Barked Birches are Back

After trying several different types of 'new, improved, borer proof' birches we had given up on selling a truly white barked birch - what was the point if they were doomed? Although we haven't sold any type of paper birch (Betula papyrifera) for years we think we have finally found one that will work. Betula papyrifera Prairie Dream has endured enough tests (in a positive way) that we feel it is worth offering to you. Another very promising find from the west is Betula platyphylla Fargo (Dakota Pinnacle). We really need to test these trees locally even though they have had such good results on the Canadian prairies and in the northern US. With this in mind we will extend a warranty against Bronze Birch Borer for 10 years on either of these trees (the only way we can get a really good test).

If you still would like a tough birch tree with somewhat less striking bark (but still nice) then we can highly recommend Betula nigra or River Birch. We still have yet to see one of these trees attacked by Bronze Birch Borer (apparently the borer doesn't recognize it as a birch tree). Many customers have decided not to buy any birch trees at all due to their own experiences and our negative attitude towards certain types of birch. That would be a shame as these beautiful trees are native to this area and hence an important part of the ecosystem. The following are the birches which we can recommend and will carry this coming year:

Betula alleghaniensis	Yellow Birch
Betula papyrifera Prairie Dream	Prairie Dream Birch
Betula platyphylla Fargo	Dakota Pinnacle Birch
Betula nigra	River Birch

Betula nigra Heritage

Heritage River Birch