Once again, it’s that time of year once when residents needs to be thinking about caring for their trees.
The City of Moose Jaw is reminding the public that cankerworm season is about to begin. Please note that if you banded your trees in the fall, it is time to re-grease them.
These grease traps will catch female cankerworm moths, preventing them from crawling up the trunks of the trees and laying their eggs. Female moths crawl up the trunks of trees in both late fall and early spring.
You should still take action, even if you did not band your trees in the fall. Be advised that all elm, Manitoba maple, and fruit trees on or adjacent to your property should be banded.
The city has provided the following information on how to band a tree:
- Wrap a four to six-inch-wide strip of fibreglass insulation around the trunk about five feet off the ground.
- Cover the insulation with cling wrap. Please allow several inches of plastic above and below the insulation.
- Spread a layer of a sticky substance, such as axle grease or petroleum jelly, on the plastic.
- You should inspect the trees regularly and remove leaves, insects, and other debris. If necessary, reapply the grease.
Bands should be removed by mid-May and no later than mid-June. This prevents rot and discoloration of the bark.
Bands should be reapplied in September for control of fall cankerworms.
For more information, please contact the Parks & Recreation Department at 306-694-4447 or visit the city’s website.
