Public Service Announcement

Councillor Urges Residents To Collect, Compost Fallen Leaves to Prevent Fungal Spread

(Wednesday, September 12/07)-- Councillor Sheila Fougere today urged residents in the Westmount Subdivision and surrounding neighbourhoods to take simple precautions to prevent the spread of a fungus known as “Tar Spot,” which affects maple trees.

Councillor Fougere said HRM’s tree experts have advised her that the maple population along Halifax streets is made up mostly of varieties of Norway Maple, and they do get various leaf diseases, such as tar spot, from time to time. Generally, there is no major physiological damage to the trees.

She said HRM collects and composts leaves that collect on streets and boulevards in the fall of the year, and she is encouraging homeowners in the west end of the city to do the same if leaves from the maples collect on their property. The composting process, through heat and microbe activity, breaks down the leaves into a rich humus which generally destroys any leaf fungal spores.

“Composting is a sustainable method to manage leaf fall and potential leaf fungal spread,” Councillor Fougere said. “ If we all do our part of collect and compost these leaves, hopefully the tar spot fungus will not be back next year.”

She said HRM’s urban forest is one of our most valuable assets and requires special attention, from public and private property owners alike.

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Councillor Sheila Fougere
452-3209