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Grower Alert: Recent Detection of Spotted Lanternfly near Windsor

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There have recently been a number of new sightings and interceptions of the invasive Spotted Lanternfly (SLF), mostly along the Windsor/Detroit border. CFIA is currently following up on these observations, and as of sending this, CFIA has not confirmed a population in Windsor or anywhere else in Canada. You will receive communications from CNLA and LO if a population is found and considered established.

Currently, Ontario growers face the highest risk, but growers across Canada need to be vigilant, as SLF spreads on conveyances too.

It’s important to remember that right now is a HIGH-RISK period for hitchhiking adult SLF. The adult phase of SLF is about 2-3 cm long; they have pinkish-grey wings with black spots and black veins at the tips. When the forewings are open, the bright red underwings become visible (for example, in flight). Egg laying starts around Sept 21 – look for 2.5 cm-long greyish, dried mud-looking secretions on natural and artificial surfaces outdoors.

Here are some recommended steps to take right now at your nursery:

  • Find a time to do a 5-10 min briefing with all nursery staff (especially including any shipping/receiving staff) to refresh on what to look for and the importance of reporting it. We recently finished a 1-page handout (double-sided) that can be printed and shared with staff.
    Briefing Handout >> 
  • Take the extra time to inspect everything (NOT JUST PLANTS) entering your facility from the eastern US. SLF has already been intercepted on shipments of pots this year and has been found in pallets and other shipping materials in the past. If you suspect you’ve found SLF report it to CFIA: https://inspection.canada.ca/en/plant-health/invasive-pests-and-plants/insects/spotted-lanternfly 
  • If you have preferred host plants near your growing or shipping areas (such as tree of heaven, grape vines, or black walnut), you are strongly encouraged to go scout these plants for adults.
  • Take time this winter to review the BMPs and, if you have not already, complete and implement a pest module at your nursery: Spotted Lanternfly. Check back in using this link in the next few weeks as CFIA and CNLA are making some minor edits to these documents.
  • Once SLF is established in Canada, CFIA will set up regulated areas. If you end up within a regulated area, having an active and approved pest module in place not only ensures the plants you ship are free from any life stages of SLF, but also facilitates CFIA’s issuance of the domestic movement certificate required to ship to customers outside the regulated area.

Tariff Updates – Sept 11, 2026

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On August 22, 2026, the United States imposed a 50% tariff under Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930 on approximately USD 20 billion (CAD 27.6 billion) worth of Canadian exports. The tariffs specifically targeted key Canadian industries, including motor vehicles, alcoholic beverages, and dairy products. It is important to note that Agricultural products appear across all three proclamations, so please review every annex carefully, as these can affect each business differently.

You can review the official White House Fact Sheet for direct links to the full text and corresponding product annexes for each proclamation.

The Prime Minister announced that Canada will match the U.S. tariffs "dollar-for-dollar" with Canadian Counter-Tariffs to protect Canadian workers and businesses. These counter-tariffs came into effect on September 8, 2026. The list of Canada’s counter-tariffs can be viewed here: Complete list of U.S. products subject to counter-tariffs.

To support Canadian businesses, the government is introducing a $7.5 billion package of new and enhanced measures to protect Canadian workers and businesses, building on the nearly $25 billion in support the government has implemented over the past 18 months. This targeted and proportionate package focuses on workers and businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, in sectors most affected by the new tariffs announced by the United States.

These include:

  • Regional Tariff Response Initiative

  • Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)

  • Canada Strong Diversification Fund

  • Rapid Response Supports for Workers and Employers

  • Large Enterprise Tariff Loan (LETL) facility

More information on these support measures can be viewed at: Support for Canadian workers and businesses affected by U.S. tariffs

Additionally, the Government of Canada has developed a process for requesting remission of tariffs that apply to certain goods from the US.

The Government will consider requests for remission in the following instances:

  • To address situations where goods used as inputs cannot be sourced domestically, either on a national or regional basis, or reasonably from non-U.S. sources.

  • To address, on a case-by-case basis, other exceptional circumstances that could have severe adverse impacts on the Canadian economy.

As there may be special stipulations for some areas of Agriculture, it is important to speak with your customs brokers for any imports you are working with.

For all steps in the process, please visit:

https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/programs/international-trade-finance-policy/process-requesting-remission-tariffs-that-apply-on-certain-goods-us.html

You can submit your remission requests or any inquiries to remissions-remises@fin.gc.ca, with "U.S. Remission" in the subject line.

We will continue to monitor the ongoing tariff discussions and will provide information as it becomes available.

Counter tariffs on some US-sourced inputs come into effect on September 8, 2026

On Friday, August 28, the federal government amended the list of goods imported from the US that will be subject to counter tariffs. These counter tariffs are scheduled to go into effect on September 8, 2026.

The updated, full list of HS codes for which tariffs will apply can be found here.

Some of the items that could impact nursery/landscape/retail, so we recommend reviewing the list carefully:

4819.10.00 Cartons, boxes and cases of corrugated paper or paperboard 50%
7322.19.10 Radiators for central heating and hot air distributors including motor-driven fan or blower and parts thereof, of iron or steel - for heated buildings 25%
8413.91.00 Pumps for liquids, whether or not fitted with a measuring device; liquid elevators 25%
8427.10.10 Fork lift trucks 15%
8433.11.00 Mowers for lawns, parks or sportsgrounds: Powered with the cutting device rotating in a horizontal plane 25%
8433.20.00 Other mowers including cutting bars for tractor mounting 15%
8433.90.00   - Parts 15%
8517.13.00 Telephones, including smartphones 50%
8528.59.90 Monitors and projectors, not incorporating television reception apparatus  
8716.39.10 Trailers and semi-trailers 25%
8716.39.20 Other trailers and semi-trailers for the transport of goods: Other: Farm, logging or freight wagons 25%

 

We still recommend that you engage with your broker to have them confirm or identify if any of your US-sourced inputs will be subject to these tariffs.

Pending approval of the Governor in Council, it is the government’s intention for the new counter tariffs to benefit from remission in line with existing relief.

  • Product and company-specific remission that has been implemented under the United States Surtax Remission Order will apply to the new tariff measures, in accordance with the terms of the Order.  For example, steel goods currently eligible for remission of the 25% tariff would benefit from relief of the 50% tariff.
  • In addition, the new tariff measures will be eligible for horizontal remission under the United States Surtax Remission Order covering the following goods/purposes until June 30, 2027:
    • All goods for use by identified public health, public safety and national security entities
    • Steel goods for use in auto and aerospace manufacturing
    • Non-steel goods for use in manufacturing, processing, food and beverage packaging and agricultural production in Canada
  • Manufacturing and agricultural production are broadly defined as including all activities under NAICS Chapter 31-33and NAICS Chapter 11 (including forestry, fishing and hunting).

Please contact Jamie Aalbers (jamie@canadanursery.com) if you experience any difficulties with imports from the US as these measures come into effect. As more information becomes available, we will be sure to post another update to notify all members.

Calgary Water Restrictions – September Update

Update as of September 11, 2026

*UPDATE 1*

The City of Calgary has updated Landscape Alberta about critical infrastructure repairs that will starting the week of September 14th for approximately 6 days, at this time they DO NOT anticipate any water restrictions during the repairs.  The work includes shutting down of the Bearspaw Water Treatment Plant reducing capacity in the system.  Forecasted cooler temperatures and lower seasonal water use are expected to help keep overall water demand below the available system capacity while the work is underway.

 

*UPDATE 2*

Stage 4 restrictions planned for mid-October are still on but will now be delayed by one or two weeks to late October. (with work planned for 4 weeks once started).  Stage 4 is a complete outdoor watering ban using city potable water sources.  There are no exemptions for establishment or other during Stage 4.  Landscape Alberta will continue to work with the City of Calgary to bring you updates as we approach the critical end of year push.

Full list of water restrictions by stage can be found here.  https://www.calgary.ca/water/drought/outdoor-water-restrictions.html

The City of Calgary has informed Landscape Alberta about critical infrastructure repairs that will likely require Stage 2 water restrictions beginning the week of September 14th for approximately 6 days.  The work includes shutting down of the Bearspaw Water Treatment Plant reducing capacity in the system.

Stage 2 does not eliminate outdoor water usage but does require some activities to be reduced.  Changes include:

  • Lawn watering, existing. Reduced to 1 x per week between 19:00h and 10:00h. Tier One water managed sites reduce watering by 20% and Tier Two by 25%.
  • Watering of gardens, trees and shrubs, established. Reduce to 1 x per week as above.  Exception for hand watering.
  • Watering new grass seed (21 days) & sod (45 days).   Water Managed Sites must reduce water usage by 20% for Tier One and 25% for Tier Two.
  • Watering for new trees and shrubs (5 years).
  • Watering edible food crops. Allowed
  • Watering plants for commercial sale or donation.
  • Testing and auditing of irrigation systems. Allowed.
  • Washing sidewalks, walkways, driveways. Not allowed.
  • Filling of fountains or decorative features. Not allowed.
  • Water use for construction or renovation purposes.

Full list of water restrictions by stage can be found here.  https://www.calgary.ca/water/drought/outdoor-water-restrictions.html

The above summary of impacts from Stage 2 restrictions is in addition to the previously announced Stage 4 restrictions planned for mid-October.  Stage 4 is a complete outdoor watering ban using city potable water sources.  There are no exemptions for establishment or other during Stage 4.  Landscape Alberta is working with the City of Calgary to explore options for non-potable water sources for the landscape industry during the end of season push.

City of Calgary: Fall water restriction timelines now available

Landscape Alberta met with the City of Calgary this past week to discuss updated timelines for the planned pipe tie-in. Currently this phase of project is scheduled to begin October 13th and take four (4) weeks for completion. During this time Stage 4 outdoor water restrictions and indoor water reductions will again be in place. This will allow time in November for the final phase (no restrictions anticipated) to be completed before year-end.

Exact dates and timelines might change based on a myriad of factors, but by releasing this information to Landscape Alberta members early we hope many will be able to mitigate impacts with robust project planning.

As a reminder this tie-in work was part of the plan since early in 2026. While the timing is not ideal, the long-term stability that this water-main replacement project brings for industry in future years we hope will be worth the short-term pain. Landscape Alberta has suggested a later start to the project, if possible, but realized that is unlikely given the amount of work required in this phase and the phase after.

A more detailed project description can be found here by the City of Calgary (https://newsroom.calgary.ca/bearspaw-south-feeder-main-replacement-project-remains-on-schedule-with-2-kilometres-of-new-steel-feeder-main-now-in-place/)

Members are encouraged to review fall installation schedules, irrigation plans, and plant material maintenance requirements in advance of the restriction period.

The City reminded us that while the timelines shared with us are best estimates, they emphasize that remains many other conditions that might trigger water restrictions or change the timeline, including another break in the pipe, drought, demand spikes during hot and dry spells or other critical maintenance.

If you have comments or questions, please feel free to contact me directly. (joel.beatson@landscape-alberta.com – 1 587-404-1328)

CNLA Advisory: U.S. Section 338 Tariff Impact & Strategic Member Action Plan

On July 20, 2026, the United States announced presidential proclamations issuing a 50% tariff on targeted Canadian goods, effective August 19, 2026. Combined with existing duties, affected products face an effective duty rate of approximately 60%. Significantly, CUSMA compliance provides no exemption.

While general nursery stock remains unaffected for most (~5% of industry sales are export), these tariffs severely hit the greenhouse floriculture sector, where many major cut flower operations rely on exports for 80–100% of their business.

Your association network—including the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA), the Canadian Ornamental Horticulture Alliance (COHA), and our provincial partners—is actively engaged at the highest levels of government to provide input and advise on the large impacts this will have on our sector.

What We Are Doing For You

  1. Direct Federal Advocacy (AAFC): We are in communication with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) and ministerial leadership to deliver real-time operational data from affected farms.
  2. Opposing Counter-Tariffs: We have firmly advised the federal government against placing retaliatory tariffs on U.S. plant genetics, bulbs, tree whips and other inputs, preventing additional cost increases for domestic growers.

Undertaking Actions

  1. Pushing for Immediate Financial Relief: We are investigating advocacy for  interest-free loans, working capital assistance, and accelerated depreciation on capital investments to stabilize cash flow
  2. Leveraging "Buy Canadian" Policy: We are looking into the messaging to prioritize domestic procurement, to work towards expanding market opportunities within Canada.  With an understanding that it takes time to develop markets and it might not be an option for some.

Recommendations for your Business

To protect your business during this uncertain period, we strongly encourage members to take the following proactive steps:

  1. Review Credit & Cash Flow Contingencies: Contact your financial institution to ensure your lines of credit and short-term liquidity are secured, applying similar cash-flow management protocols as used during COVID-19.
  2. Document & Report Your Business Impacts: If your operation is directly or indirectly impacted, share specific data with us (e.g., job risks, contract delays, U.S. customer feedback). We use this data directly in lobbying efforts with AAFC and local MPs.
  3. Engage Your Local MP: Reach out to your Member of Parliament directly to highlight how trade volatility affects local jobs, agricultural infrastructure, and rural economies.
  4. Evaluate Domestic Procurement & Supply Lines: Assess opportunities to align with national "Buy Canadian" trends and audit supply chains.

We recognize that trade shifts create immense uncertainty, but we are committed to providing clear knowledge, strong advocacy, and unified support.

List of ornamental products that will incur a 50% tariff

Two more cases Dutch Elm Disease found in Edmonton

The City of Edmonton has confirmed one elm tree in both the Northmount and Rossdale neighbourhoods has tested positive for Dutch elm disease (DED). These two trees mark the eighth and ninth cases of Dutch elm disease confirmed in Edmonton since it was first detected in 2024. 

“These cases were identified by our integrated team of arborists, urban foresters and pest management biologists as they continue intensified surveillance and testing of elm trees across the city. We continue removals, daily assessments and testing in coordination with the province and Canadian Food Inspection Agency,” said Nicole Fraser, Acting Director, Parks and Urban Forestry.

The two trees were in decline and proactively removed as part of the ongoing efforts to contain the spread of the deadly fungal disease. Prompt tree removal is essential to maintain the health and safety of the urban forest.

Both trees were on City property. One of the trees was in the established DED Protocol Zone in the Northmount neighbourhood. The other tree was located in the Rossdale neighbourhood. The Protocol Zone has been expanded to include a one-kilometre radius around both locations. These Zones are established in areas where DED has been confirmed to allow for heightened monitoring, assessments and tree maintenance.

Dutch elm disease is a contagious fungal infection that spreads easily to nearby elms. The disease poses a significant threat to Edmonton's urban forest, where elm trees make up 22 per cent of the City’s Open Space and Boulevard Tree Inventory, or approximately 90,000 in total.

Promptly removing infected trees and any elms within 20 meters of them, alongside a diligent pruning program to clear deadwood, is necessary to reduce habitats for the beetles that spread the fungus.

All pruned elm wood is disposed of at the Edmonton Waste Management Centre, following strict, specialized handling procedures.

July 14, 2026 - The City of Edmonton announced two additional positive cases for DED.   These two trees mark the eighth and ninth cases of Dutch elm disease confirmed in Edmonton since it was first detected in 2024.  Both trees were on City property, one inside the DED Protocol zone in Northmount and the other nearby in Rossdale (with an expanded protocol zone around each find).

The City is reminding residents about DED protocols including pruning ban, signs of the disease, non-movement of firewood and how to report suspected trees.

More info can be found in the news release here.

Time to check the elms for DED symptoms
How we can stop DED
- Check your elm trees for DED symptoms and report immediately to the STOPDED hotline at 1-877-837-ELMS
- Adhere to the annual pruning ban from April 1 to September 30th.
- Respect provincial regulations by not moving or storing elm firewood. Spores of the DED fungus are dispersed via bark beetles that burrow under the bark and lay their eggs. DED can be distributed over long distances in elm logs and in firewood.

Symptoms of infected DED elm tree: 
Flagging - when the leaves of one or more branches near the top of the tree wilt, curl, turn yellow and then brown, remaining on the tree.

Staining - an infected twig sample will have red streaks through the sapwood. https://www.alberta.ca/dutch-elm-disease-overview.aspx

There are other vascular elm diseases which are not as serious as DED and mimic the symptoms of DED. For this reason, a sample from the infected area of the tree must be sent to the Alberta Plant Health Lab to confirm if DED is present. A confirmed DED tree must be removed and disposed of properly immediately to prevent further spread. https://www.alberta.ca/dutch-elm-disease-overview.aspx

Firewood is confiscated from travelers at all the AB/US borders. There is one volunteer firewood bin east of Medicine Hat at the Dunmore vehicle and boat inspection site.

DED Regulated Areas Expanded (BC and Saskatchewan)

What Has Changed?
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has expanded the regulated areas for Dutch elm disease to include all of Saskatchewan and parts of south-central British Columbia (Kootenay region – near Castlegar) as of June 16, 2026.

This expansion is a response to recent detections of DED in Saskatoon (2025) and British Columbia (2024).

Why Is This Important for Alberta?
Alberta remains a DED - free province, and these new movement restrictions are specifically designed to protect Alberta’s trees and urban forests from the spread of this destructive disease.

The restrictions help prevent the movement of potentially infected elm wood, nursery stock, and bark beetles from newly regulated areas into Alberta.

Keep Calm and Carry-on
Municipalities, landscapers, and tree buyers in Alberta can be reassured that proactive steps are being taken to keep DED out of the province.  This includes the Clean Plants program, as well as firewood collection movement restrictions.

There may be increased public and media attention about DED, but the CFIA has provided clear contacts for information and support to reduce confusion or panic.

https://inspection.canada.ca/en/plant-health/invasive-species/plant-diseases/dutch-elm-disease

Alberta buyers should continue to source elm trees only from approved, DED-free suppliers and follow any updated guidance from the CFIA or provincial authorities.

Support and Communication
The CFIA encourages anyone with questions or concerns to reach out directly to their local inspection manager or use the provided contact information for technical support.

Ongoing updates and resources are available on the CFIA website to keep Alberta stakeholders informed or through StopDED (https://www.alberta.ca/society-to-prevent-dutch-elm-disease)

The expansion of regulated areas in Saskatchewan and BC is a precautionary measure to protect Alberta’s valuable elm trees and urban forests. Alberta residents and the horticultural industry should remain vigilant but reassured that strong safeguards are in place to prevent the introduction and spread of Dutch Elm Disease into the province.

New AgriInvest 2025 filing deadline

If you haven’t already applied for AgriInvest 2025, now is the time to act.

  • June 30, 2026 – Initial deadline to submit your 2025 form without a penalty
  • September 30, 2026 – Final deadline to submit your 2025 form (with a penalty) and file your income tax return

Benefit from a producer-government savings account

As a farmer, you know one tough year can affect your ability to invest in your operation, upgrade equipment, or simply keep the doors open. That's where AgriInvest comes in.

AgriInvest is a self-managed producer-government savings account—Here's how it works.

  • Each year, you can deposit up to 100% of your Allowable Net Sales to your AgriInvest account and the government will match 1% of contributions. That's free money for your farm.
  • Your AgriInvest account grows as you make deposits and earn interest. The more you put in, the more you have available when you need it.
  • You can withdraw funds from your AgriInvest account at any time. Whether you're managing a small income decline or making strategic investments, the money is there for you.

Apply before June 30

  • For complete details and how to apply, visit agriculture.canada.ca/agriinvest
  • Do you have any questions? Call the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) Contact Centre toll-free at 1-866-367-8506

AgriInvest is one of the business risk management programs under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.

Structural Pruning Workshop

May 25, 2026 - City of Edmonton worked with Landscape Alberta to offer members a structural pruning demonstration workshop.  This has been an annual event for several years, but this year was described as 'best yet' by one attendee.  The site this year include diversity of tree form and age to allow for fulsome conversation about how contractors and nurseries can support the urban forest as an asset for generations to come.    Several times Landscape Alberta member nurseries were commended for their excellent on farm pruning practices and how that has led to an overall improvement in the quality of trees being planted across the city.
This is a wonderful example of a decade of effort to have meaningful conversation between our members and stakeholders like the City of Edmonton.  The common ground forged over time has worked to create more value in Alberta grown trees, less pruning work by contractors and less rejections and/or replacements at CCC and FAC.
If you were unable to attend or misplaced your handouts please see the meeting guide here.   If you have ideas for topics where we can connect policy and practice in a meaningful way please send your thoughts to joel.beatson@landscape-alberta.com.