Primary Country (Mandatory)

United States

Other Country (Optional)

Set News Language for United States

Primary Language (Mandatory)
English
Other Language[s] (Optional)
No other language available

Set News Language for World

Primary Language (Mandatory)
English
Other Language(s) (Optional)

Set News Source for United States

Primary Source (Mandatory)
CNN
Other Source[s] (Optional)

Set News Source for World

Primary Source (Mandatory)
AajTak
Other Source(s) (Optional)
  • Countries
    • India
    • United States
    • Qatar
    • Germany
    • China
    • Canada
    • World
  • Categories
    • National
    • International
    • Business
    • Entertainment
    • Sports
    • Special
    • All Categories
  • Available Languages for United States
    • English
  • All Languages
    • English
    • Hindi
    • Arabic
    • German
    • Chinese
    • French
  • Sources
    • India
      • AajTak
      • NDTV India
      • The Hindu
      • India Today
      • Zee News
      • NDTV
      • BBC
      • The Wire
      • News18
      • News 24
      • The Quint
      • ABP News
      • Zee News
      • News 24
    • United States
      • CNN
      • Fox News
      • Al Jazeera
      • CBSN
      • NY Post
      • Voice of America
      • The New York Times
      • HuffPost
      • ABC News
      • Newsy
    • Qatar
      • Al Jazeera
      • Al Arab
      • The Peninsula
      • Gulf Times
      • Al Sharq
      • Qatar Tribune
      • Al Raya
      • Lusail
    • Germany
      • DW
      • ZDF
      • ProSieben
      • RTL
      • n-tv
      • Die Welt
      • Süddeutsche Zeitung
      • Frankfurter Rundschau
    • China
      • China Daily
      • BBC
      • The New York Times
      • Voice of America
      • Beijing Daily
      • The Epoch Times
      • Ta Kung Pao
      • Xinmin Evening News
    • Canada
      • CBC
      • Radio-Canada
      • CTV
      • TVA Nouvelles
      • Le Journal de Montréal
      • Global News
      • BNN Bloomberg
      • Métro
Flared Pleated Skort with Shorts Buy Now
Men's Flat Front Trousers Buy Now
AUTOMET Long Sleeve Tee Buy Now
Kitchen Vegetable Chopper Slicer Buy Now
Women's Crochet Summer Top Buy Now
Women's Plaid Shacket Buy Now
Blisset 3 Pack High Waisted Leggings for Women Buy Now
Bandhani Georgette Saree Buy Now
Michael Kors Crossbody Bag for Women Buy Now
Pioneer Men's Slim Fit Cardigan Sweater Buy Now
Short-Sleeve V-Neck T-Shirt Buy Now
Rimless Frame Driving Sun glasses Buy Now
Women's Elastic Waist Running Shorts Buy Now
Legendary Flannel Buy Now
CQR Mens Tactical Pants Buy Now
Comfort Flex Waist Relaxed Fit Jean Buy Now
Essentials Men's Slim Jeans Buy Now
5-Pack Dry Fit T-Shirts Buy Now
Instant Hijab Scarf For Women Buy Now
Women's Roman Numeral Watch Buy Now
MoreBack to News Headlines
Why are there so many cones on spruce trees this year? Experts offer answers

Why are there so many cones on spruce trees this year? Experts offer answers

CBC
Thursday, June 22, 2023 12:32 AM GMT

If you've recently walked down a street and stopped in your tracks after spotting far more cones than expected on a spruce tree, you're not the only one. 

According to Ed Johnson, Professor of Biological Sciences at the University of Calgary, this year is turning out to be unusual for spruce trees across Calgary and he reckons he hasn't seen such a large number of cones in 40 years.

"Lots of people have looked at them from a distance and said, 'oh my goodness, these trees look like they're dying,'" he said. "And in fact, of course, it's not that, it's just a lot of cones." 

Johnson added that spruce trees tend to follow a random pattern that's hard to predict. Producing cones is a "survival strategy" that plants use to protect themselves from seed predators.

"Most years there's very little seeds being produced and the seed predators can't harvest a lot of it," Johnson said. "But randomly they produce large numbers of seeds … which satiates the predators and so consequently more seeds survive." 

The most common predators in this scenario are birds, insects and squirrels, according to Johnson.

Gerard Fournier, arborist and founder of For Trees in Alberta said that the cones that we're seeing right now are actually from 2022. 

"Trees make their cones in the summertime," he said. "So all the cones that you can see on the tree right now were made in the summer of 2022."

LISTEN | Ed Johnson talks about the massive number of cones on spruce trees:

Fournier added that the hot and dry weather in 2021 "stressed the trees out" and led to a massive number of cones last year. 

"You could sort of imagine it as if the trees think that their lives are in danger and they got to put a lot of energy into reproduction," he said.

While Fournier thinks that this year's outlook isn't as dramatic as last year, he acknowledged that the average homeowner should examine their spruce tree to check whether it's "bent over" and is being affected by an unusually large number of cones. 

 "You should probably call an arborist if you see that happening on your tree," he said. 

According to Fournier, trees may get damaged or "even break under the weight of so many cones" and it's a good idea to stay alert and look for signs of damage.

Read full story on CBC
Share this story on:-
Run 3 Space | Play Space Running GamePlay Run 3, the ultimate space tunnel running game with 300+ challenging levels!Adv.
Traffic Jam 3D | Online Racing GameTraffic Jam 3D is a game where you’ll be driving through heavy traffic.Adv.
Duck Hunt | Play Old Classic GamePlay the classic 1984 light gun shooter game Duck Hunt on your browser.Adv.
More Related News
No online voting in Hamilton's next municipal elections, says council, despite staff's recommendation

After lively discussion from Hamilton city councillors on Wednesday about the pros and cons of online voting, they decided it won't be used in upcoming elections.

Pedestrian taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries after being hit by vehicle in Windsor

Police say a woman was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries after a collision Thursday afternoon in the area of Tecumseh Road East and Princess Avenue in Windsor.

Highway 2 expansion through Red Deer wetland prompts conservation concerns

The provincial government is expanding Alberta's busiest highway, but some are worried wetlands near Red Deer will be lost to make way for the widened route. 

Federal agency launches revised growth strategy for northern Ontario

The federal government has launched its newly-revised Prosperity and Growth Strategy for Northern Ontario, a document that aims to address the region's economic challenges and opportunities over the next five years.

Rare black bear sighting in Erin, Ont., prompts safety warning from police

A small black bear has been spotted in Erin, Ont., prompting a warning from police.

Charlottetown hospital ER is keeping pace with influx of tourists so far this season, official says

An administrator at P.E.I.'s largest hospital says staff have been able to keep up with the surge of tourists who need to seek medical care after arriving on the Island, despite longtime strains on the health-care system.

Yukon government plans repair work on Teslin River Bridge

The Government of Yukon is seeking approval to repair damage on the Teslin River Bridge near Johnsons Crossing.

Poilievre tweaks his tone and strategy as he faces must-win byelection, leadership review

Pierre Poilievre was feeling dejected and disappointed after the stinging federal election loss in April, sources close to the Conservative leader said, and he dialed back his public appearances for the better part of two months to reassess his strategy and regroup.

Step-grandmother of missing N.S. kids recalls hearing their voices, followed by 'nothing'

Janie Mackenzie was asleep in her trailer when she awoke to the sound of her dog barking, a telltale sign her two young step-grandchildren were out playing on a swingset in the backyard.

Complaints pile up against only agency providing Indian consular services in Canada

Every time Prashant Vashista thinks of BLS International — the sole company sanctioned by the Indian consulate to handle services like visas and passport renewals in Canada — his mind goes back two years to his mother's death.

A train crossing in the Railway City has been in disrepair for months. Why isn't it fixed yet?

Andrew Harvey never expected the train crossing he goes through on his daily commute to work in St. Thomas would cause $1,000 worth of damages to the front of his car. 

Councillors, advocates say premier's blockage of Halifax bike lane about strong mayor powers

Citing safety concerns, Premier Tim Houston says his government will overturn Halifax council's decision on a local bike lane, but some councillors and advocates say the move is likely about setting the stage for strong mayor powers.

Vitalité calling for hospital patients in Bathurst to be fast-tracked into nursing homes

A day after the Department of Social Development agreed to let certain Horizon Health hospital patients jump the line to get into nursing homes, Vitalité is asking for the same for patients in Bathurst.

Parking Slot | Free Parking GamePlay Parking Slot, the best online 3D car driving and parking game.Adv.
Slope Ball Run - Play OnlineSlope Game takes you on an exciting journey of a ball on special paths.Adv.
2 P.E.I. women dead in southeastern N.B. crash

Two Prince Edward Island women are dead following a single-vehicle crash on Thursday on Route 15 near Shediac.

Mosquitos in Toronto test positive for West Nile virus, but city says risk of infection is low

Toronto Public Health has confirmed some mosquitos in the city have tested positive for West Nile virus, but say the risk of infection is low if precautions are taken.

Tribunal sides with disabled woman denied ultrasound at Calgary clinic

An Alberta woman who filed a human rights complaint after being turned away at a clinic for an ultrasound says she hopes her recent win paves the way for better accommodations for disabled patients.

19-year-old arrested in connection to overdose death of 14-year-old

A 19-year-old St. John's man has been charged with manslaughter in connection to an overdose of youth from four months ago.

Carrying Experience, Swinging with Purpose: a pro caddie's shot at the Idylwylde Men's Invitational

For the first time in 21 years, Kurt Kowaluk is back in his hometown of Sudbury, Ont., for the Men's Idywylde Golf Invitational.

Florenceville Bridge to close for 5 weekends, starting Friday night and spread over 3 months

Only one local bridge remains for Florenceville-Bristol residents who need to drive across the St. John River, and now that bridge will see some full weekend closures starting this weekend.

Montreal not required to pay back $1M to recycling company Ricova

Quebec's Court of Appeal has reversed a lower court's decision requiring the City of Montreal to reimburse $1 million to recycling company Ricova after the company failed to fulfill its contract with the borough of Côte-des-Neiges—Notre-Dame-de-Grâce (CDN-NDG) in 2017.

Manitoba needs more fire rangers to keep communities safe from future risks, chief says

Sask. MMA fighter 'Big Game' Hunter Lee has sights set on UFC

Saskatoon mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter 'Big Game' Hunter Lee is stalking his prey all the way to Florida.

Sask.'s new privacy commissioner on her office's role in an era of AI

Saskatchewan's new information and privacy commissioner says a life-long passion for serving as a check on government power will help her excel in the new role.

Annexation blues: Residents in Edmonton's future growth area grapple with growing pains

Nearly six years after Edmonton's biggest annexation in decades, residents who live in what the city calls its future growth area are anxious about what is to come. 

Victoria, Saanich to work on amalgation question for next municipal election

The municipalities of Victoria and Saanich have taken steps towards amalgamation this week, with councillors in the capital city directing staff to work with Saanich staff to put together a short question that would be added to the ballot in the October 2026 local elections. 

© 2008 - 2025 Webjosh  |  News Archive  |  Privacy Policy  |  Contact Us