Bronze Leaf Disease Attacks Calgary Trees (video) - Poplar Tree Bronze Leaf Disease

One of the most popular types of tree in Calgary is a prime target for a new fungus according to Russell Friesen of City Parks.

Bronze leaf disease infects various poplar species and hybrids; specifically trembling aspen, Swedish columnar aspen and tower poplar.

The symptoms are bronze leaves that stay on infected branches, while other leaves fall off in the fall.

If left untreated, the tree can die in three to five years. "This could have a significant impact in the urban forest", says Friesen. He says "in other centers this disease has also infested and infected trembling aspens and that is a big concern for us as trembling aspen is the most common tree in Calgary."

City Parks says you should cut off the infected branches and either burn them right away or put them in the garbage to be buried in the landfill.

In the spring, spores from the fungus disperse and infect surrounding trees.
The tree types infected are extremely popular in Calgary, especially in new communities according to Friesen, as they grow fast and are easy to care for.

Friesen estimates there could be around one hundred thousand trees threatened by the disease.

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