30 CityTREES
Using these woody debris piles, we have successfully
demonstrated that identifying and tracking pest
outbreaks and severity is possible across large areas.
An example brush pile predominantly comprised of spruce (Picea spp.) and balsam fir (Abies balsamea).
The parasitic plant Eastern dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium pusillum) was found in the pile. Thereafter,
focused stand surveys were conducted in the areas where brush piles had dwarf mistletoe, confirming their
presence in the forest stand. Homeowners with infected trees were informed about the dwarf mistletoe
management plans of the municipality and advised about recommended actions on private property.
Figure 2: The stand of trees before (above) and during (below) the impacts of a soil-borne pathogen. The symptoms become
evident in the crown at the point with an × on the trunk, expanding radially from the first affected tree (root disease center).
