The wildfire smoke from Canada has made its way over Western New York several times this summer. While we can go inside to avoid the conditions, we can't really bring trees inside with us.

Experts say the haze from the wildfires up in Canada affected local trees significantly.

Tom Anderson, district manager of Davey Tree Expert Company, says that’s due to the short term duration of smoke in local areas. But he says it’s still important for home owners to know what to do.

“Wildfire smoke can cause a couple different issues with trees – the smoke or actually the ash in the air can block the sunlight from getting to the leaf tissue, which can disrupt the plants ability to make food,” he said. “There’s also harmful chemicals in the smoke, like nitrous dioxide and sulfur dioxide, which can impact the plants ability to perform normal functions like nutrient uptake.” 

Anderson says it’s important to keep up regular maintenance and inspection of trees, shrubs and gardens. He says to make sure they’re properly watered, mulched - basically anything to reduce further stress on the tree.

Now in Canada, where Anderson expects pollution to be more concentrated due to the wildfires, there could have a more direct effect. That means it could stunt trees growth.

He says when trees and plants are stressed out, other diseases and stressors can overtake their ability to maintain normal function.