Latest news with #treehealth
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Aussie council's innovative idea to combat invasive pest taking down city's trees
An Aussie council believes it has found a way to fight back against an invasive pest that is infecting and destroying trees across the city. In most cases, when the bug is found, there is nothing that can be done other than to chop off affected limbs or cut down the tree. Native to Southeast Asia, the polyphagous shot-hole borer was first found in Fremantle, WA, in 2021 — confusing experts on how it got into the country and sparking fears the destructive beetles could wipe out forests and agricultural crops. The issue has since escalated rapidly, with entire sections of greater Perth put into quarantine in September last year as authorities scrambled to thwart the tiny critter. In November, the City of Canning, which overseas the southeastern suburbs of the Western Australian capital city, urged residents to help in the fight by keeping an eye out for the pest, especially if they had a particular list of trees in their garden. Earlier this year, the council began a state-first trial by pioneering a new technique to thwart the invasive pest. The council has been injecting infected trees with small pills filled with fungicide and insecticide in a bid to kill of the pest and restore tree health. And the early data is very promising. "The City is continuing its trial of chemical treatment of Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer (PSHB) at Bicentennial Adenia Reserve to gather further data supporting the current findings," the city's mayor Patrick Hall told Yahoo News on Friday. "Following a recent inspection from Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) representatives a reduction in the number of live beetles and active fungus in borer galleries has been confirmed." Entire Aussie city quarantined as bug threat spreads Harvey Norman bed discovered riddled with invasive species from China New predatory bug species uses 'tool' to assassinate prey According to Hall, every local government in WA "is under threat" from the species. While the City of Canning is confident the early signs from the trial could put them on path to some sort of panacea, the results are still being reviewed by the council's academic partners "for validity". "While not a complete solution to PSHB, this trial is part of the City of Canning's commitment to sustainable urban forest management and is a key step in an integrated pest management approach, combining tree health initiatives, pruning, and innovative control methods," Hall said in a statement to Yahoo. The council will release further information as additional trial data is reviewed. Speaking to Nine News Perth this month, John Szymanski from BioHerbicides Australia, which is helping carry out the field work in the trial, explained the simple idea. "I thought hang on, it's an insect, it's a fungus, why can't we put an insecticide and a fungicide in the capsule, and put it in the tree? "It's the difference between keeping a tree alive, and just removing it," he said. The council wants state government endorsement and funding to conduct further trials and hopes the treatment ultimately means fewer trees will have to be cut down and the door opened to potential eradication. If so, it's a technique the council says could be used in other parts of Australia where the pest has caused trouble. Meanwhile residents in WA are urged to keep doing their part and remain vigilant for the bugs. If anyone discovers tiny holes the size of a ball point pen in clusters, they are urged to report the suspected infestation to DPIRD. Affected trees can "quickly become public safety hazards and a constant source of beetles that can disperse to neighbouring trees, causing spread," the department's website says. Originally from southeast Asia, the tiny creatures have now invaded several countries including the United States and Israel. One of the worst impacted countries is South Africa where it's estimated to have caused $28 billion in damage. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? 🐊🦘😳 Get our new newsletter showcasing the week's best stories.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Aussies urgently called to action as silent crisis sweeps neighbourhoods
Australians are being asked to come forward and report sightings of dead trees in parts of the country's south in a growing effort to combat widespread decline in native vegetation. South Australia has experienced unprecedentedly high temperatures and significantly reduced rainfall over the past six to 12 months, with the weather extremes severely impacting native vegetation and urban streetscapes. Scientists warn widespread tree dieback — where tree health progressively declines — has placed a "considerable strain" on the environment, and now they're seeking help from the public. Environmental Science and Hydrology Professor Huade Guan from Flinders University told Yahoo News researchers are working to identify which tree species are most vulnerable to drought, so authorities can prioritise care and protection efforts. When trees die on a large scale, the consequences can ripple through both the environment and communities in profound ways. Trees are essential for stabilising soil, filtering air and water, and regulating local temperatures. Without them, soil erosion accelerates, air and water quality deteriorate, and ecosystems become less resilient overall. "What we are trying to find out is which tree species, in what situations, are more vulnerable in droughts, and thus need more care," he told Yahoo. Guan said the team will assess factors such as ground conditions, solar exposure, nearby green infrastructure, soil quality and the health of surrounding trees. "We cannot identify these through the photos only. We hope to visit as many individual cases the public has reported, as possible," he said. The data collected from residents is expected to play an important role in shaping urban greening policies and tree management strategies. Researchers plan to share the validated information with local councils to help improve decision-making. "I think the information... would be useful to improve tree management," Guan said. One potential approach involves integrating urban tree care with stormwater management, a strategy already being adopted by many councils in Adelaide. "For known vulnerable trees and locations, stormwater harvesting devices can be installed to provide more water for the trees," he added. When it comes to the broader impact of tree health on urban cooling and liveability, the effects are significant. Guan pointed to findings from a recent project funded by the City of Mitcham and Green Adelaide, noting that on a hot summer day when the soil is 55 degrees, the tree canopy and the shade it provides can make the surface 30 degrees cooler. He explained that urban trees act like natural air conditioners in summer by using solar energy to cool the air, and that retaining more stormwater in urban soils can help make summers cooler. Incredible breakthrough in bid to protect 'near-mythical' species Sad discovery at river sparks concern amid 'disturbing' trend Workers spotted painting roadside tree in trend sweeping Australia "By retaining more stormwater using what we called water-sensitive-urban-design structures, our research has shown that the canopy temperature is 1.5 degrees cooler in summer afternoons," he said. Many native animals, birds, and insects rely on trees for food, shelter, and breeding grounds. When vast numbers of trees perish, these habitats collapse, leading to sharp declines in wildlife populations and disrupting the delicate balance of local ecosystems. In urban areas, the effects are even more noticeable. Trees naturally cool their surroundings through shade and evapotranspiration, so their absence causes cities to heat up. This not only raises energy demands for air conditioning but also increases health risks, especially during heatwaves, making the loss of trees a critical issue for both the environment and human wellbeing. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? 🐊🦘😳 Get our new newsletter showcasing the week's best stories.
Associated Press
12-05-2025
- General
- Associated Press
Greenway Landscape Earns Lake Elsinore's Trust with Honest Tree Care and Thoughtful Service
Greenway Landscape has been solving tree issues and improving outdoor spaces for years. With a reputation built on consistency and reliability, the company has built a strong reputation by handling everything from emergency removals to precision trimming with professionalism and care. Lake Elsinore, CA - Greenway Landscape is making waves in the local tree care industry by offering reliable and thoughtful services. The company is known for its honest assessments and a team that truly listens to customers' concerns. From hazardous tree removals to regular maintenance like trimming, pruning, and stump grinding, Greenway Landscape does it all with integrity and a steady hand. Homeowners across Lake Elsinore are turning to Greenway Landscape for tree care they can count on. From Canyon Hills to Machado Meadows, the locally-owned company has built a strong reputation for expert advice and dependable results. Before any work starts, Greenway Landscape takes the time to inspect the entire property. This helps them catch issues early, avoid unnecessary costs, and make a plan that fits exactly what the customer needs. More information can be found at Keeping trees in good shape is easier with experienced crews who understand the area's climate and tree types. The specialists at Greenway Landscape bring years of field knowledge to every property they visit. Residents often mention how simple the process feels with clear communication, straightforward pricing, and services that match what the yard truly needs. A company spokesperson shared, 'We believe in doing honest work and giving customers clear answers. If something doesn't need to be done, we'll say so. Our team is here to help, not to oversell. When we trim, cut, or clear a tree, we're thinking about how it affects the rest of the yard—not just the job in front of us.' When unexpected weather causes trees to fall or become unstable, the team is quick to respond. Greenway Landscape offers safe tree removal services for emergency cases. The crew is available for urgent tree service, always equipped with the proper tools and techniques to handle even the most complex tree emergencies without delay. The company also specializes in giving trees a clean, balanced shape through careful trimming. While trimming might seem like a simple task, one wrong cut can damage a tree or leave it vulnerable to insects. Greenway Landscape's crew trim in a way that encourages strong growth and helps the trees stay healthy for the long term. In addition to tree care, Greenway Landscape provides yard cleanup, land clearing, and regular maintenance services. They take the same thoughtful approach with each job, big or small. Greenway Landscape isn't just helping homeowners in Lake Elsinore, they're also serving nearby areas like Lakeland Village, Murrieta, and Menifee. These areas each have their own tree issues, and the Greenway team knows how to handle them. Greenway Landscape is known for offering fair pricing without hidden fees. The team is fully licensed and insured, so customers don't have to worry about extra risks during the process. Connect with us at About the Company Greenway Landscape delivers safe and affordable tree services in Lake Elsinore and nearby areas. The company is made up of trained tree professionals and continues to build its team through hands-on experience and training. From simple yard cleanups to emergency tree removals, Greenway Landscape offers dependable service backed by years of local work. Location: Media Contact Company Name: Greenway Landscape Contact Person: Cosme Email: Send Email Phone: 951-805-7891 Address:41106 Pascali Ln City: Lake Elsinore State: CA 92532 Country: United States Website: Source: King PR
