Want to learn about tree health, choosing an arborist, planting trees and more?
Each year we receive many questions about Garry oak (Quercus garryana) trees, restoration of ecosystems, gardening and much more. We hope these links will get you started - if not, please use our online form to send us a short email by visiting our Contacts page.
Do You need an arborist?
Trees are often the largest and perhaps most complex living organisms in their respective ecosystems but did you know a tree can actually be thought of as a host for its own unique ecosystem? Trees support other plants, insects, birds and mammals but they also form relationships within their growing area that include bacteria, viruses, fungi and other micro-organisms. Human interaction can easily disrupt this balance causing unseen damage to the tree and its surrounding ecosystem. While the damage may not be immediately noticeable something as simple as adding irrigation or laying a sidewalk could jeopardize your tree and its vital root system. Consulting an arborist is key to ensuring your tree maintains its good health and can also be a factor should you ever have to invoke insurance coverage if your tree should have a problem that causes damage to property or people.
Your first step towards hiring an arborist may begin with a visit to your local government. Most have an arborist or tree protection officer on staff who may be able to answer your questions whether the tree is on public or private property. The municipal staff can advise you on local policy, by-laws and provide copies of relevant legislation that will detail your rights and responsibilities.
Links to most local governments around Greater Victoria can be found here and if you live in another region consult the web site of your local authority.
Your first step towards hiring an arborist may begin with a visit to your local government. Most have an arborist or tree protection officer on staff who may be able to answer your questions whether the tree is on public or private property. The municipal staff can advise you on local policy, by-laws and provide copies of relevant legislation that will detail your rights and responsibilities.
Links to most local governments around Greater Victoria can be found here and if you live in another region consult the web site of your local authority.
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If it is determined that an arborist is needed, we do not provide referrals nor do we recommend any companies. We do recommend that you hire the services of a professional who is certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) who promote the professional practice of arboriculture to foster a greater awareness of the benefits of trees. This short video may help to explain their role: https://youtu.be/eA2FM-wtcRg
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The ISA also maintains a website detailing many aspects of tree ownership, tree care with downloadable content in several languages! Visit their Tree Owner Information site here: https://www.treesaregood.org/treeowner to answer questions regarding the benefits of trees, managing tree hazards and risks, plant health care and so much more.
Planting trees and gardening with Garry oaks (Quercus garryana)
It has been said that anyone can plant a tree, the true challenge is to grow one.
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The first step in planting a Garry oak (Quercus garryana) is to be certain it is the right tree and the location is correct. There are many factors to consider but most important is whether or not the tree will thrive in the selected location. In our urban landscape this can be a difficult process as one must examine current infrastructure but also plan for the future as the Garry oak can be a long lived tree. This image from the Oak Bay Urban Forest Strategy outlines the importance of planning ahead and choosing the right location.
To help homeowners in British Columbia choose a planting location it is wise to call BC OneCall to avoid damage to utilities and underground services. Before you finalize your location imagine a large tree growing in it - is it too close to the road, too close to your house? Remember the gardener's motto: Right plant, right place! |
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In the early years after planting a Garry oak seedling protection and a little TLC is needed to help the tree establish itself in the new location. Many will ignore this advice citing the ability of native plants to thrive within our area. There are many factors that complicate this such as composition/structure of urban soils, predators and vandalism but the most important is to realize that a newly transplanted tree needs help to adjust to its new location. When an acorn is allowed to grow it sends down a unique tap root that helps to establish a complex root system from which the tree can grow. A transplanted tree doesn't have that advantage and needs your help!
Garry oaks and the many native plants from its unique and threatened ecosystem can be easily incorporated into your existing gardens to add diversity. It simply requires a little planning to match the requirements of the native plants and to locate them in compatible areas of your property. Proper planning and coordination of irrigation can reduce or eliminate any potential damage or negative impacts to your Garry oak's root system - the key to maintaining a healthy tree!
Additional information on tree planting and native plants for the Pacific Northwest can be found here:
- https://www.treesaregood.org/treeowner/plantingatree
- http://www.goert.ca/publications_resources/general.php
- http://hat.bc.ca/publications
- https://www.crd.bc.ca/education/natural-gardening
- https://www.mgabc.org/content/native-plants-pacific-northwest
- https://www.bchydro.com/safety-outages/trees-power-lines/planting-trees-plants/planting-near-power-lines.html
Where can you buy native plants to complement your Garry oak tree?
If you search out local garden clubs you may be able to find local sources. Many retail nurseries are now stocking native shrubs as the popularity of Garry oak ecosystems grows both from increased awareness of its threat by development and especially as restoration projects increase. We encourage you to shop local and support your local retailers - if you create that demand those retailers will also reap the benefit of your support.
Below are a few links to retailers operating in on Southern Vancouver Island/Gulf Islands and they are presented here for convenience.
If you are a retailer specializing in native plants for southern Vancouver island and the Pacific Northwest please send us a note and we may add you to this list.
Below are a few links to retailers operating in on Southern Vancouver Island/Gulf Islands and they are presented here for convenience.
- Fraser's Thimble Farms, Saltspring Island, BC
- Saanich Native Plants
- Streamside Native Plants, Bowser, BC
If you are a retailer specializing in native plants for southern Vancouver island and the Pacific Northwest please send us a note and we may add you to this list.
Are you planning to gift a Garry oak seedling to someone?
Gifting a seedling is a wonderful thought which can create a legacy for decades, maybe centuries, please realize the responsibility of initial tree care. If you choose to gift a tree please work with the recipient to ensure the seedling receives that special TLC in its first few years.
Are you thinking about restoring a Garry oak (Quercus garryana) meadow?
We receive many questions from homeowners, teachers and neighbours who just want to help save the Garry oak trees. The first and foremost aspect to consider is, "Who owns the lands?" Please respect the rights of landowners and always seek permission and before any action is taken. Cooperation will go far!
Before land can be restored it must be protected and those who use it must be educated. These principles are the cornerstone to ensuring a successful project and in some cases they may be more important than the restoration work.
If you are interested in speaking with professionals who can advise you further we can provide you with referrals to experts in Greater Victoria.
Before land can be restored it must be protected and those who use it must be educated. These principles are the cornerstone to ensuring a successful project and in some cases they may be more important than the restoration work.
If you are interested in speaking with professionals who can advise you further we can provide you with referrals to experts in Greater Victoria.
Restoration or Gardening on Public Property or Government Land
Restoration on public property requires permission and support from the agency, government or authority that is responsible for the land. Local governments may not have the financial resources to enable restoration but they may have options for volunteers to help out. One of the best examples is the Pulling Together Volunteer Program of Saanich, BC.
Another important consideration before working on public land is knowing the landowner's intent. Municipal local area plans will detail the direction the community has chosen to go and other agencies like school boards will have policies outlining land use. Some lands may not be ideal if they are slated asset disposal (sale) or if the agency lacks the resources to manage them in the years to come.
Attending public meetings for local government, school boards and especially consulting your local neighbourhood association will prove invaluable.
Another important consideration before working on public land is knowing the landowner's intent. Municipal local area plans will detail the direction the community has chosen to go and other agencies like school boards will have policies outlining land use. Some lands may not be ideal if they are slated asset disposal (sale) or if the agency lacks the resources to manage them in the years to come.
Attending public meetings for local government, school boards and especially consulting your local neighbourhood association will prove invaluable.
Land Protection and Covenants
GOMPS is a member of the Land Trust Alliance of BC and in cooperation with others we can protect natural areas through conservation covenants. We are currently co-covenant holders with two local agencies:
Educational Resources on Garry Oak Ecosystems
Do you want to learn more about Garry Oak Ecosystems and meadows?
These links to PDF documents and other websites will get you started and we also encourage you to join your local Natural History Society or seek out gardening clubs with a focus on Native Plants
The topic of restoration is complex but we hope these resources will get you started:
If you are a restoration professional or are attempting to set up such a program these resources from Garry Oak Ecosystems Recovery Team (GOERT) may help you:
These links to PDF documents and other websites will get you started and we also encourage you to join your local Natural History Society or seek out gardening clubs with a focus on Native Plants
- Native Plant Study Group of Victoria, BC
The Native Plant Study Group is dedicated to learning about the native plants of British Columbia as wild populations and in garden settings, while promoting their use and conservation. - Garry Oak Ecosystem Recovery Team
- Garry Oak Meadows - a Capital Region District (Greater Victoria) web page
- Garry Oak Ecosystems - A PDF brochure from the Province of British Columbia
- Biodiversity BC: Garry Oak and Associated Ecosystems - a digital resource hosted by the University of British Columbia
- Cowichan Garry Oak Preserve of Nature Conservancy Canada -
- Garry Oak Learning Meadow, at Fort Rodd Hill National Historic Site, Colwood, BC
The topic of restoration is complex but we hope these resources will get you started:
- Resources for Gardeners and Restoration Practitioners
- Resources from the Habitat Acquisition Trust
- The Garry Oak Gardener’s Handbook
- Garry Oak Ecosystems of British Columbia: An Educator's Guide
If you are a restoration professional or are attempting to set up such a program these resources from Garry Oak Ecosystems Recovery Team (GOERT) may help you:
- Restoring British Columbia’s Garry Oak Ecosystems: Principles and Practices
- Quick Guide to Restoration
- GOERT's General Publications also includes many resources related to Best Management Practices and Propagation
- Restoring British Columbia’s Garry Oak Ecosystems: Principles and Practices
What is causing the leaf damage on my Garry oaks (Quercus garryana) ?
In 2014 we consulted with staff from the Environmental Services of Saanich, the Entomology Department of the Royal BC Museum and the Victoria Natural History Society as leaf damage to Garry oaks seemed to be on the rise in Greater Victoria. We were able to report on efforts to identify 3 moths which may be responsible for a majority of the damage during their caterpillar stage of life. They are presented below with Latin name in italics and a common name follows. Please note that when naming plants and animals the Latin name is preferred for accurate identification - common names may differ by region or by language.
Erannis vancouverensis - a species of geometrid moth
Operophtera brumata - winter moth
Erannis tiliaria - sometimes called a winter moth too but locally known as the Linden looper
The good news is that many of them can be controlled using a simple process known as tree banding. Tree banding involves placing a plastic wrap around a tree and covering it with a sticky substance that traps the insects as they attempt to cross over it. There are various ways to constructing the bands but success depends on 2 key factors with Garry oaks (Quercus garryana):
- Place cotton batten or polyester batten under the wrap. Garry oak bark is thick, very textured and uneven so the batten forms a barrier and prevents the insects from going under the wrap.
- Use a super sticky adhesive like Tanglefoot to make sure the bugs stick tot eh wrap when they try to cross over.
If you have other trees on your property it may be beneficial to wrap them too as they may also hosts these moths. Here are some links that may also help you:
http://www.agr.gc.ca/eng/science-and-innovation/agricultural-practices/agroforestry/diseases-and-pests/linden-looper/?id=1367261514967
http://russellnursery.com/do-you-need-to-worry-about-winter-moth/
https://www.saanich.ca/assets/Community/Documents/caterpillar_infosheet.pdf
https://www.tanglefoot.com/
When you visit local nurseries, hardware stores or farm suppliers to buy the supplies please be cautious if they try to sell you a product with an active ingredient known as as BtK.
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/forestry/managing-our-forest-resources/forest-health/invasive-forest-pests/gypsy-moth/what-is-btk
An extract from the above page: "Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a bacterium found naturally in the soil. It is known to cause illness in many insect larvae, including caterpillars of pest species such as gypsy moth, spruce budworm and cabbage looper. More than 20 varieties of Bt exist... The "kurstaki" variety (Btk) is used to control caterpillars."
While BtK sounds like a great product please understand it is non-selective which means it will kill all caterpillars.
That means all, including butterflies and other beneficial moths. The tree wrap method is preferred.
Another simple action you can take as a homeowner is to encourage more birds and insects to visit your property. Birds eat insects and a little known fact is that many of the 100's of wasps here (not to mention the 1000's of species of wasps in North America) are predatory and parasitic. They will help control other insects on your property.
Once you get past the idea of hornets, wasps and yellow jackets you will learn there are many different types of wasps and most simply ignore humans - their prey is other insects! By planting a diverse collection of flowering plants, including native plants, you will bring more insects to your garden. More pollinators, more predatory wasps, more bugs and best of all - more birds.
Erannis vancouverensis - a species of geometrid moth
Operophtera brumata - winter moth
Erannis tiliaria - sometimes called a winter moth too but locally known as the Linden looper
The good news is that many of them can be controlled using a simple process known as tree banding. Tree banding involves placing a plastic wrap around a tree and covering it with a sticky substance that traps the insects as they attempt to cross over it. There are various ways to constructing the bands but success depends on 2 key factors with Garry oaks (Quercus garryana):
- Place cotton batten or polyester batten under the wrap. Garry oak bark is thick, very textured and uneven so the batten forms a barrier and prevents the insects from going under the wrap.
- Use a super sticky adhesive like Tanglefoot to make sure the bugs stick tot eh wrap when they try to cross over.
If you have other trees on your property it may be beneficial to wrap them too as they may also hosts these moths. Here are some links that may also help you:
http://www.agr.gc.ca/eng/science-and-innovation/agricultural-practices/agroforestry/diseases-and-pests/linden-looper/?id=1367261514967
http://russellnursery.com/do-you-need-to-worry-about-winter-moth/
https://www.saanich.ca/assets/Community/Documents/caterpillar_infosheet.pdf
https://www.tanglefoot.com/
When you visit local nurseries, hardware stores or farm suppliers to buy the supplies please be cautious if they try to sell you a product with an active ingredient known as as BtK.
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/forestry/managing-our-forest-resources/forest-health/invasive-forest-pests/gypsy-moth/what-is-btk
An extract from the above page: "Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a bacterium found naturally in the soil. It is known to cause illness in many insect larvae, including caterpillars of pest species such as gypsy moth, spruce budworm and cabbage looper. More than 20 varieties of Bt exist... The "kurstaki" variety (Btk) is used to control caterpillars."
While BtK sounds like a great product please understand it is non-selective which means it will kill all caterpillars.
That means all, including butterflies and other beneficial moths. The tree wrap method is preferred.
Another simple action you can take as a homeowner is to encourage more birds and insects to visit your property. Birds eat insects and a little known fact is that many of the 100's of wasps here (not to mention the 1000's of species of wasps in North America) are predatory and parasitic. They will help control other insects on your property.
Once you get past the idea of hornets, wasps and yellow jackets you will learn there are many different types of wasps and most simply ignore humans - their prey is other insects! By planting a diverse collection of flowering plants, including native plants, you will bring more insects to your garden. More pollinators, more predatory wasps, more bugs and best of all - more birds.
