High River has been looking a lot like a snow globe over the last few weeks but there is an explanation, Poplar trees.

Arborist for the town Darlene Donovan says she's seen worse.

"I've seen worse years for sure, we've had some years where it's almost created snow drifts along the sidewalks so if you compare it to that it's not quite that bad."

She says the female trees are the culprits and the only cure at the moment is patience.

"The fluffy white stuff actually comes off of the Poplar trees around town dropped by the female Poplar trees and their just seeds and the fluff helps carry them in the wind."

She says it shouldn't be much longer until we see a break in the white stuff.

"It's hard to say how long it'll last, if we get some windy conditions and some rain that should help get the seeds down a little bit quicker."

She says the material can be flammable and suggests cleaning out lawnmower filters often to help prevent fires from happening.

Town of High River Arborist, Darlene Donovan. Photo - Jeff McLenaghan.