The unusually heavy rains we experienced caused the herbicide to deeply penetrate the soil and it was absorbed by the trees in those areas. This herbicide has caused extensive damage to trees on city property where the herbicide was applied. Upon review of the chemical herbicide, it should not have been used near desirable trees.
The Parks division has proactively treated the trees with nutrient injections and has continued to water the trees to dilute and flush out the chemical. We have worked with the Wyoming State Forestry and the University of Wyoming Agricultural Extension offices, as well as with other commercial professionals, to address these issues going forward. Professional arborists from these agencies have inspected the damage and are optimistic of the survival of the deciduous trees, new growth and buds are already setting on the branches. Evergreen trees that are entirely discolored will need to be removed. Evergreen trees with partial discoloration will need to be observed though next spring of 2016. Areas where trees are removed will be put on a replanting schedule based on the professional review of the soil and the time needed to make sure new trees will be healthy and have a high survival rate.
The Parks division deeply regrets applying this chemical near city trees and is devastated over their current state. The work will take time and patience but the ultimate goal is to make the city’s treescape better than ever.