This week, our president Peter Wynnyczuk became officially certified as a Butternut Tree Assessor under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (Assessor number BHA #591).
Butternut trees are classified as an Endangered Species by the Ontario Endangered Species Act (2007). This means special care must be taken when working with these trees to ensure the species can continue to flourish in our province.
All across North America, these trees have been infected with a fungus known as butternut canker. The effects of butternut canker were first noticed in the 1960s, and it is believed this fungus came to North America from Asia around this time. You will know if your tree is infected if you see an elongated, black blemish on the tree branches or tree trunk under the bark. As the infection progresses, these cankers will grow and increase in number, causing the bark to shred and easily fall away. This also gives other diseases and fungi an opportunity to infect the tree. Butternut canker is particularly devastating because once a tree is infected, it is difficult to stop or cure the infection.
To help prevent the spread of this fungus, Butternut trees have been divided into three categories. In order to remove or harm a butternut tree (whether healthy or infected), you are required by law to have the tree(s) assessed by an official Butternut Tree Assessor. These are exclusively designated by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.
If you have a Butternut tree on your property or have concerns about butternut canker, you can contact P & A for an assessment.
We strive to be able to help our clients with every aspect of their property, and we are proud to add Butternut Tree Assessor to our long list of qualifications.
Information provided by:
http://www.ontario.ca/laws/
http://www.ontario.ca/
https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/forests/fire-insects-disturbances/top-insects/13375