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Trees of the Nelson – Kootenay – Okanagan Region

Native & Introduced Species in Wild and Urban Environments – Zone 5b

Species Quick Links

Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. glauca)
Ponderosa Pine (Pinus ponderosa)
Lodgepole Pine (Pinus contorta var. latifolia)
Western Larch (Larix occidentalis)
Western White Pine (Pinus monticola)
Engelmann Spruce (Picea engelmannii)

Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. glauca)

Classification	Common Name: Interior Douglas-fir (Interior Douglas Fir) Scientific Name: Pseudotsuga menziesii var. glauca Origin: Native (dominant in Interior dry forests) Habitat & Frequency: Widespread on warm, dry slopes and valley bottoms; forms extensive open stands in the Interior Douglas-fir zone. Occurs from low elevations (~500m) to mid-elevations (~1500m). Mature trees 25–40 m tall.
Pests & Diseases	Primary Pests: Douglas-fir Beetle (Dendroctonus pseudotsugae) Western Spruce Budworm (Choristoneura occidentalis) Douglas-fir Tussock Moth (Orgyia pseudotsugata) Diseases: Swiss Needle Cast (Phaeocryptopus gaeumannii) Rhabdocline Needle Cast (Rhabdocline pseudotsugae) Armillaria Root Disease (Armillaria ostoyae)
Pruning Schedule	Best Time: Late winter to early spring (February-March) Frequency: Every 3-5 years for structural pruning Special Considerations: Avoid pruning during active growth periods to prevent resin flow
Pest Management	Preventive Measures: Maintain tree vigor through proper watering and fertilization Remove dead and dying branches promptly Monitor for early signs of beetle activity Treatment Options: Pheromone treatments for beetle control Biological control agents for budworm Fungicide applications for needle cast diseases
Structural Pruning	Key Objectives: Establish strong central leader Maintain balanced crown structure Remove competing leaders Reduce branch attachment angles Techniques: Subordination pruning for multiple leaders Lateral branch reduction for structural balance Deadwood removal for safety and aesthetics
Growth Form	Habit: Pyramidal to irregular crown Branching Pattern: Whorled with random branching Mature Height: 25-40m Spread: 8-12m at maturity
Root System	Type: Deep taproot with lateral spread Characteristics: Strong taproot development in youth Extensive lateral root system Mycorrhizal associations crucial for nutrient uptake Infrastructure Considerations: Maintain 3-5m clearance from foundations Monitor root growth near utilities Consider root barriers for urban plantings
Arborist Considerations	Climbing Challenges: Rough bark texture requires proper climbing gear Dense branching in lower crown Resin production during active growth Safety Precautions: Wear protective clothing for resin contact Use appropriate saws for dense wood Monitor for dead branches in upper crown
Use Cases	Urban Applications: Large parks and open spaces Commercial properties with adequate space Rural residential properties Limitations: Not suitable for small urban lots Requires significant root space May drop large branches in storms

Ponderosa Pine (Pinus ponderosa)

Classification	Common Name: Ponderosa Pine Scientific Name: Pinus ponderosa Origin: Native Habitat & Frequency: Common in dry, open forests; often found on south-facing slopes and ridges. Elevation range 500-2000m.
Pests & Diseases	Primary Pests: Mountain Pine Beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae) Pine Tip Moth (Rhyacionia frustrana) Pine Needle Scale (Chionaspis pinifoliae) Diseases: Dwarf Mistletoe (Arceuthobium spp.) Pine Needle Rust (Coleosporium asterum) Root Rot (Heterobasidion annosum)
Pruning Schedule	Best Time: Late winter to early spring (February-March) Frequency: Every 3-5 years for structural pruning Special Considerations: Avoid pruning during active growth periods to prevent resin flow
Pest Management	Preventive Measures: Maintain tree vigor through proper watering and fertilization Remove dead and dying branches promptly Monitor for early signs of beetle activity Treatment Options: Pheromone treatments for beetle control Biological control agents for budworm Fungicide applications for needle cast diseases
Structural Pruning	Key Objectives: Establish strong central leader Maintain balanced crown structure Remove competing leaders Reduce branch attachment angles Techniques: Subordination pruning for multiple leaders Lateral branch reduction for structural balance Deadwood removal for safety and aesthetics
Growth Form	Habit: Pyramidal to irregular crown Branching Pattern: Whorled with random branching Mature Height: 25-40m Spread: 8-12m at maturity
Root System	Type: Deep taproot with lateral spread Characteristics: Strong taproot development in youth Extensive lateral root system Mycorrhizal associations crucial for nutrient uptake Infrastructure Considerations: Maintain 3-5m clearance from foundations Monitor root growth near utilities Consider root barriers for urban plantings
Arborist Considerations	Climbing Challenges: Rough bark texture requires proper climbing gear Dense branching in lower crown Resin production during active growth Safety Precautions: Wear protective clothing for resin contact Use appropriate saws for dense wood Monitor for dead branches in upper crown
Use Cases	Urban Applications: Large parks and open spaces Commercial properties with adequate space Rural residential properties Limitations: Not suitable for small urban lots Requires significant root space May drop large branches in storms

Lodgepole Pine (Pinus contorta var. latifolia)

Classification	Common Name: Lodgepole Pine Scientific Name: Pinus contorta var. latifolia Origin: Native Habitat & Frequency: Common in subalpine forests and post-fire areas. Elevation range 1000-2500m.
Pests & Diseases	Primary Pests: Mountain Pine Beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae) Pine Tip Moth (Rhyacionia frustrana) Pine Needle Scale (Chionaspis pinifoliae) Diseases: Dwarf Mistletoe (Arceuthobium spp.) Pine Needle Rust (Coleosporium asterum) Root Rot (Heterobasidion annosum)
Pruning Schedule	Best Time: Late winter to early spring (February-March) Frequency: Every 3-5 years for structural pruning Special Considerations: Avoid pruning during active growth periods to prevent resin flow
Pest Management	Preventive Measures: Maintain tree vigor through proper watering and fertilization Remove dead and dying branches promptly Monitor for early signs of beetle activity Treatment Options: Pheromone treatments for beetle control Biological control agents for budworm Fungicide applications for needle cast diseases
Structural Pruning	Key Objectives: Establish strong central leader Maintain balanced crown structure Remove competing leaders Reduce branch attachment angles Techniques: Subordination pruning for multiple leaders Lateral branch reduction for structural balance Deadwood removal for safety and aesthetics
Growth Form	Habit: Pyramidal to irregular crown Branching Pattern: Whorled with random branching Mature Height: 25-40m Spread: 8-12m at maturity
Root System	Type: Deep taproot with lateral spread Characteristics: Strong taproot development in youth Extensive lateral root system Mycorrhizal associations crucial for nutrient uptake Infrastructure Considerations: Maintain 3-5m clearance from foundations Monitor root growth near utilities Consider root barriers for urban plantings
Arborist Considerations	Climbing Challenges: Rough bark texture requires proper climbing gear Dense branching in lower crown Resin production during active growth Safety Precautions: Wear protective clothing for resin contact Use appropriate saws for dense wood Monitor for dead branches in upper crown
Use Cases	Urban Applications: Large parks and open spaces Commercial properties with adequate space Rural residential properties Limitations: Not suitable for small urban lots Requires significant root space May drop large branches in storms

Western Larch (Larix occidentalis)

Classification	Common Name: Western Larch Scientific Name: Larix occidentalis Origin: Native Habitat & Frequency: Common in moist, cool environments. Elevation range 800-2000m.
Pests & Diseases	Primary Pests: Larch Casebearer (Coleophora laricella) Larch Sawfly (Pristiphora erichsonii) Larch Bud Moth (Zeiraphera improbana) Diseases: Larch Canker (Lachnellula willkommii) Root Rot (Armillaria ostoyae) Needle Cast (Meria laricis)
Pruning Schedule	Best Time: Late winter to early spring (February-March) Frequency: Every 3-5 years for structural pruning Special Considerations: Avoid pruning during active growth periods to prevent resin flow
Pest Management	Preventive Measures: Maintain tree vigor through proper watering and fertilization Remove dead and dying branches promptly Monitor for early signs of beetle activity Treatment Options: Pheromone treatments for beetle control Biological control agents for budworm Fungicide applications for needle cast diseases
Structural Pruning	Key Objectives: Establish strong central leader Maintain balanced crown structure Remove competing leaders Reduce branch attachment angles Techniques: Subordination pruning for multiple leaders Lateral branch reduction for structural balance Deadwood removal for safety and aesthetics
Growth Form	Habit: Pyramidal to irregular crown Branching Pattern: Whorled with random branching Mature Height: 25-40m Spread: 8-12m at maturity
Root System	Type: Deep taproot with lateral spread Characteristics: Strong taproot development in youth Extensive lateral root system Mycorrhizal associations crucial for nutrient uptake Infrastructure Considerations: Maintain 3-5m clearance from foundations Monitor root growth near utilities Consider root barriers for urban plantings
Arborist Considerations	Climbing Challenges: Rough bark texture requires proper climbing gear Dense branching in lower crown Resin production during active growth Safety Precautions: Wear protective clothing for resin contact Use appropriate saws for dense wood Monitor for dead branches in upper crown
Use Cases	Urban Applications: Large parks and open spaces Commercial properties with adequate space Rural residential properties Limitations: Not suitable for small urban lots Requires significant root space May drop large branches in storms

Western White Pine (Pinus monticola)

Classification	Common Name: Western White Pine Scientific Name: Pinus monticola Origin: Native Habitat & Frequency: Common in moist, cool environments. Elevation range 800-2000m.
Pests & Diseases	Primary Pests: White Pine Blister Rust (Cronartium ribicola) Pine Tip Moth (Rhyacionia frustrana) Pine Needle Scale (Chionaspis pinifoliae) Diseases: White Pine Blister Rust (Cronartium ribicola) Root Rot (Heterobasidion annosum) Dwarf Mistletoe (Arceuthobium spp.)
Pruning Schedule	Best Time: Late winter to early spring (February-March) Frequency: Every 3-5 years for structural pruning Special Considerations: Avoid pruning during active growth periods to prevent resin flow
Pest Management	Preventive Measures: Maintain tree vigor through proper watering and fertilization Remove dead and dying branches promptly Monitor for early signs of beetle activity Treatment Options: Pheromone treatments for beetle control Biological control agents for budworm Fungicide applications for needle cast diseases
Structural Pruning	Key Objectives: Establish strong central leader Maintain balanced crown structure Remove competing leaders Reduce branch attachment angles Techniques: Subordination pruning for multiple leaders Lateral branch reduction for structural balance Deadwood removal for safety and aesthetics
Growth Form	Habit: Pyramidal to irregular crown Branching Pattern: Whorled with random branching Mature Height: 25-40m Spread: 8-12m at maturity
Root System	Type: Deep taproot with lateral spread Characteristics: Strong taproot development in youth Extensive lateral root system Mycorrhizal associations crucial for nutrient uptake Infrastructure Considerations: Maintain 3-5m clearance from foundations Monitor root growth near utilities Consider root barriers for urban plantings
Arborist Considerations	Climbing Challenges: Rough bark texture requires proper climbing gear Dense branching in lower crown Resin production during active growth Safety Precautions: Wear protective clothing for resin contact Use appropriate saws for dense wood Monitor for dead branches in upper crown
Use Cases	Urban Applications: Large parks and open spaces Commercial properties with adequate space Rural residential properties Limitations: Not suitable for small urban lots Requires significant root space May drop large branches in storms

Engelmann Spruce (Picea engelmannii)

Classification	Common Name: Engelmann Spruce Scientific Name: Picea engelmannii Origin: Native Habitat & Frequency: Common in subalpine forests. Elevation range 1500-3000m.
Pests & Diseases	Primary Pests: Spruce Beetle (Dendroctonus rufipennis) Spruce Budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana) Spruce Needle Miner (Endothenia albolineana) Diseases: Spruce Needle Rust (Chrysomyxa ledi) Root Rot (Heterobasidion annosum) Dwarf Mistletoe (Arceuthobium spp.)
Pruning Schedule	Best Time: Late winter to early spring (February-March) Frequency: Every 3-5 years for structural pruning Special Considerations: Avoid pruning during active growth periods to prevent resin flow
Pest Management	Preventive Measures: Maintain tree vigor through proper watering and fertilization Remove dead and dying branches promptly Monitor for early signs of beetle activity Treatment Options: Pheromone treatments for beetle control Biological control agents for budworm Fungicide applications for needle cast diseases
Structural Pruning	Key Objectives: Establish strong central leader Maintain balanced crown structure Remove competing leaders Reduce branch attachment angles Techniques: Subordination pruning for multiple leaders Lateral branch reduction for structural balance Deadwood removal for safety and aesthetics
Growth Form	Habit: Pyramidal to irregular crown Branching Pattern: Whorled with random branching Mature Height: 25-40m Spread: 8-12m at maturity
Root System	Type: Deep taproot with lateral spread Characteristics: Strong taproot development in youth Extensive lateral root system Mycorrhizal associations crucial for nutrient uptake Infrastructure Considerations: Maintain 3-5m clearance from foundations Monitor root growth near utilities Consider root barriers for urban plantings
Arborist Considerations	Climbing Challenges: Rough bark texture requires proper climbing gear Dense branching in lower crown Resin production during active growth Safety Precautions: Wear protective clothing for resin contact Use appropriate saws for dense wood Monitor for dead branches in upper crown
Use Cases	Urban Applications: Large parks and open spaces Commercial properties with adequate space Rural residential properties Limitations: Not suitable for small urban lots Requires significant root space May drop large branches in storms

Pruning Calendar by Month (Zone 5b – Nelson/Kootenay/Okanagan)

Month	Pruning Recommendations
January – February	Deep Winter: Ideal time for most trees. Deciduous trees can be pruned heavily while fully dormant. Conifers also pruned now – resin is minimized and pests are inactive.

Pest/Disease Susceptibility Comparison

Tree Species	Mountain Pine Beetle	Spruce Beetle	Douglas-fir Beetle	Western Spruce Budworm	White Pine Blister Rust	Fire Blight	Dwarf Mistletoe

Root Systems & Infrastructure Interaction

Species / Group	Root Characteristics	Infrastructure Impact