The Most Common Tree Problems in Calgary (and How Arborists Solve Them)
Calgary’s trees face some of the most challenging growing conditions in Canada. Our sudden weather shifts, freeze-thaw cycles, drought periods, chinooks, clay-dominant soils, and intense winds all contribute to stress that weakens both young and mature trees. On top of that, many species in Calgary are susceptible to pests, fungi, and structural problems that develop over time without homeowners noticing.
Knowing the most common tree problems helps you catch early warning signs, avoid costly removals, and keep your landscape safe and healthy. This guide outlines the issues arborists see most often — and how professional tree care solves them.
Drought Stress and Water Deficiency
Calgary’s low humidity and hot summers lead to severe drought stress, especially in young and fast-growing trees like aspen, birch, and spruce. Drought weakens a tree’s ability to transport nutrients and makes it more vulnerable to insects and disease.
Signs of drought stress include:
Browning or yellowing leaves or needles
Early leaf drop
Wilting or curling foliage
Sparse canopy
Thinning growth year after year
Arborists address drought stress through:
Proper deep-watering plans
Mulching to retain soil moisture
Soil aeration to improve root absorption
Pruning to reduce canopy load during recovery
Consistent deep watering is one of the most important strategies for tree health in Calgary.
Root Problems and Soil Compaction
Many Calgary neighbourhoods have compacted clay soil, which restricts root growth, decreases oxygen availability, and limits water absorption. Construction, heavy foot traffic, and improper planting techniques further damage root systems.
Common root issues include:
Girdling roots (roots wrapping around the trunk)
Shallow rooting from improper planting depth
Compaction from vehicles, mowers, or footpaths
Poor drainage in clay-heavy areas
Arborists improve root health using:
Vertical mulching and soil aeration
Exposing the root flare
Correcting compacted areas with specialized tools
Improving soil structure with organics
Adjusting watering and drainage
Healthy roots are the foundation of every healthy tree.
Storm and Wind Damage
Calgary’s sudden windstorms and heavy wet snow create breakage and structural damage in nearly every part of the city. Even strong, established trees can lose major limbs when storms hit unexpectedly.
Storm damage commonly includes:
Split trunks
Broken or hanging branches
Root plate lifting
Entire trees leaning or uprooted
Bark tears and exposed wood
Arborists solve storm damage by:
Removing broken or dangerous limbs
Stabilizing damaged branches
Assessing long-term safety concerns
Recommending pruning, cabling, or removal if needed
Cleaning up debris to prevent further issues
Storm-failed branches are unpredictable and dangerous — professional help is essential.
Pest Infestations
Calgary trees face several aggressive pests that weaken structure, reduce growth, and sometimes kill the host tree.
Common pests include:
Aphids and leaf miners
Mountain pine beetle
Spruce budworm
Cottony psyllid on ash
Bronze birch borer
Poplar borer
Scale insects
Signs of infestation include:
Sticky residue (honeydew)
Holes in bark or leaves
Webbing or small larvae
Needle browning
Sawdust-like frass around the base
Arborists diagnose pest issues with:
Full canopy and bark inspection
Seasonal monitoring
Species-specific treatment plans
Pruning to remove affected limbs
Improving tree health to increase natural resistance
Early intervention is critical — pests spread quickly in Calgary’s tree canopy.
Fungal Diseases and Decay
Fungal issues are among the most dangerous tree problems because they often develop internally before surface symptoms appear.
Common Calgary fungal problems include:
Black knot on mayday and chokecherry
Cytospora canker on spruce
Root rot in spruce and pine
Leaf spot diseases
Heart rot and trunk decay
Indicators of fungal disease include:
Oozing sap or wet patches
Swollen or sunken bark areas
Mushroom growth at the base
Cracking or flaking bark
Hollow-sounding wood
Arborists treat fungal diseases by:
Removing infected limbs
Improving airflow through pruning
Enhancing soil conditions
Recommending removal if structural safety is compromised
Decay is a major risk factor and should never be ignored.
Structural Weakness and Poor Branch Formation
Many Calgary trees develop structural defects because of improper earlier pruning, fast growth, or natural growth patterns.
Common structural problems include:
Co-dominant stems with weak unions
Long, heavy limbs prone to snapping
Narrow branch angles
Unbalanced canopy
Leaning trunks
Included bark leading to splitting
Arborists strengthen structure through:
Corrective pruning
Weight reduction
Thinning crowded canopies
Cabling and bracing when appropriate
Removing hazardous limbs
Proper structure increases safety and longevity.
Why Professional Diagnosis Matters
Tree problems often look similar to untrained eyes. For example, drought stress, pests, and fungal disease all cause browning — but each requires a completely different treatment.
Certified arborists bring expertise in:
Tree biology
Calgary’s climate stresses
Pest and disease identification
Hazard recognition
Proper pruning techniques
Long-term management plans
Professional diagnosis is the fastest, safest, and most cost-effective solution for serious tree issues.
Why Choose Calgary Tree Care for Diagnosis and Treatment
Calgary Tree Care provides expert evaluation, honest recommendations, and safe, effective solutions for all major tree problems. Our ISA-certified arborists and TRAQ-qualified assessors understand Calgary’s unique environmental challenges and species-specific issues.
Homeowners choose us because we offer:
Accurate tree problem identification
Affordable maintenance and treatment plans
Structural pruning and storm mitigation
Pest and disease diagnosis
Transparent pricing and free quotes
Respectful, reliable service
We help your trees recover, thrive, and stay safe — season after season.
Book a Tree Health Assessment Today
If you notice browning branches, thinning canopies, leaning trunks, or unusual growth, don’t wait. Early diagnosis saves trees and prevents expensive removals.
Contact Calgary Tree Care today for a professional tree health assessment. Let us restore strength, health, and beauty to your landscape.
