In this episode, Shauna sits down with Ryan Statham, arborist with the Davey Tree Expert Company, for a deep and practical look at the state of our trees in a time of rapid climate change.

They start by talking about the difference between climate and weather, and how extreme swings—like sudden jumps from freezing to 30°C—are becoming more common across Canada. Ryan shares recent examples from Ontario, highlighting how unpredictable winters and erratic storms stress urban forests.

From there, they explore the threats that keep arborists up at night: pests and diseases like spongy moth, aspen leaf miner, cedar leaf miner, southern pine beetle, and more. Warmer winters mean less die-off for these pests, allowing their populations to explode and damage more trees. Ryan explains how some infestations defoliate entire forests and why healthy, well-maintained trees are far more resilient.

They also dig into the big picture. Canada has vast forests, but trees alone can’t “save” us from climate change. Ryan explains the limits of carbon sequestration, the importance of planting for the future, and why species diversity is crucial—something Winnipeg learned the hard way after Dutch elm disease and now emerald ash borer.

The conversation also turns to Winnipeg. The city’s canopy has shrunk to about 17%, and the city removes roughly twice as many public trees as it plants. Unlike Ontario or B.C., there’s no private tree protection bylaw there, and funding and staffing for urban forestry remain limited.

But it’s not all bad news—Ryan shares actionable tips for homeowners, like choosing the right species for your site, contacting an arborist for guidance, and the right way to mulch without inviting pests. Whether you have a single tree in your yard or care about the health of our whole urban forest, this episode will give you a better understanding of what’s at stake—and what you can do to help.

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