August is Tree Check Month — a great reminder for Canadians, especially farmers with woodlots and other trees, to protect their trees by checking them for invasive pests. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is leading a campaign to stop harmful pests before they spread.
Trees play a key role on farms and in the environment. They provide shade, improve air quality, act as windbreaks, protect wildlife, and add beauty to communities. On farms, trees also safeguard crops, shield livestock, and support healthy soil.
Checking trees is simple and quick. Look for tiny holes in the bark, sawdust around the base, dead branches, or leaves falling too soon. Spotting these signs early can save trees from long-term damage.
Invasive pests and tree diseases pose real threats. Farmers and property owners should learn about common pests in their regions and stay watchful. If you notice something unusual, report it promptly to the CFIA. Early action is crucial in preventing the spread of destructive pests.
Tree checking can also be a family-friendly activity. The CFIA offers exciting educational tools for kids to become young citizen scientists. These guides help children learn to identify invasive species and diseases — and most importantly, how to report them to protect nature.
Make it a family mission – CFIA also has some awesome activity guides for kids designed to empower the next generation of citizen scientists! These fun, easy-to-follow resources teach kids how to spot invasive species and plant diseases—and most importantly, how to report them to protect our environment.
Every Canadian, whether a farmer, landowner, or community member, can make a difference. Regular tree checks are a simple habit that goes a long way in preserving farms, forests, and green spaces for the future.
To learn more and access useful resources, visit the CFIA website and join the national effort to keep Canada’s trees healthy.