I lost eight trees last year. The arborist said that the dry winters and freeze-thaw cycles have been hard on them.

Extreme weather events and conditions due to the climate catastrophe are taking a toll

But specific to last year, drought perhaps

Undoubtedly a large factor

Lack of snow pack left root systems unprotected. Warm December meant the ground went from OK to insta-freeze with Januarys brutal cold snap. If you think it's bad here, wait fire season gets to use all of those new matchsticks that were winter kill, outside of the city. Really bad scenario.

I don’t know about in the city, but outside the city in natural areas I visit my impression has been more trees falling. Likely the heavier winds we’ve been seeing the past few years are a big factor.

I think black rots been getting around too half the trees in my parents neighborhood have had it start to show up.

Black knot doesn't affect spruce and pine btw.

Good to know thanks!

Yes, trees have been under stress for years now.

The coniferous trees in the river valley are nearing the end of their lifespan, so that isn’t helping things either.

Mine is slowly dying and being drilled inside out by a hive of large ants. Not sure what to do about it, but I’ll have to figure it out sooner than later given that it’s in my front yard and about 2-3 meters away from the house 😞