The threat to Alberta's iconic aspen trees and the fall colours they bring
Alberta's golden aspen trees are a fall staple, and they are at serious risk. The Weather Network's Connor O'Donovan digs into the threats to the iconic tree.
When fall rolls around in Alberta, there's no mistaking the unmistakable golden hues that paint the landscape. The brilliant yellows that dominate the province’s parkland are a sight to behold, especially around Edmonton and other areas. But did you know that one of the trees responsible for much of this fall colour—the iconic aspen—is under threat?
Aspen trees are a key feature of Alberta's parkland, which lies between the southern prairies and the northern boreal forest. However, these trees are now facing increasing pressures from climate change and land development, threatening their survival and, by extension, the vibrant autumn landscapes Albertans cherish.
Alberta's parkland region (Canva/The Weather Network)
Climate Change and Drought: A Double Threat
Simon Landhäusser, a professor at the University of Alberta and an applied forest ecologist, has spent decades studying aspen trees and their role in Alberta’s ecosystems.
According to Landhäusser, "Rapid climate change, and some forest management practices are making it difficult for our aspen to thrive." He explains that the aspen is particularly vulnerable to drought, which weakens its root system.
Aspen trees are facing increasing pressures from climate change and land development. (Connor O'Donovan/The Weather Network)
Aspen trees rely on an interconnected root system to propagate and regenerate, and this system is highly sensitive to environmental stressors like drought. In the early 2000s, a severe drought hit Alberta, and a study completed a decade later found alarming results: up to five times more dead aspen biomass was present in drought-stricken areas compared to regions with more typical moisture levels.
Unfortunately, climate change models predict that Alberta will face more frequent and extreme drought conditions in the coming decades, putting the aspen at even greater risk. Landhäusser warns that unless there's a significant shift in the trajectory of atmospheric warming, the province’s iconic aspen forests could be in serious trouble.
Industrial and Agricultural Pressures
While climate change is a primary concern, aspen trees also face threats from industrial and agricultural development. Land expansion for farming and urbanization often leads to the removal of aspen trees, further diminishing their presence in the landscape.
As industries and agriculture continue to expand, we may need to consider additional measures, such as conservation agreements or carbon credit systems, to help preserve healthy aspen stands, says Landhäusser. These trees not only offer aesthetic value in the fall, but they also provide crucial habitat for a wide range of wildlife species, making their preservation even more critical.
The Importance of Aspen in Alberta's Ecosystem
Aspen stands are vital to Alberta’s biodiversity. They support a variety of wildlife, from birds to mammals, and offer a unique ecosystem that helps maintain ecological balance. Without them, the province could see a decrease in wildlife diversity, in addition to losing the fall colours that make Alberta so special.
Landhäusser emphasizes that maintaining aspen in the landscape is essential to the province's future.
“If we want to keep the fall colours going, we have to keep the aspen on the landscape, and if we want to keep them on the landscape, we need to manage the forest for aspen,” he says.
This calls for more mindful forest management practices, along with a commitment to mitigating climate change impacts and preserving aspen stands wherever possible.