How to Write a Street Tree Management Plan
Edited by Len Phillips, updated March 2020
Edited by Len Phillips, updated March 2020
Click on the green text in each section for more information.
The Street Tree Management Plan (The Plan) is a comprehensive review that evaluates the city along with its trees, the forestry department, and the citizens. Usually prepared by the municipal arborist or a consultant, the purpose of having The Plan is to insure that the community will continue to appreciate the benefits from trees through proper arboricultural management in a cost-effective manner. A long-term city forest management plan is essential so the forest will continue to grow and allow future generations to appreciate the benefits enjoyed by past and current generations. If you write about each of the items that follow, you will have written an excellent Street Tree Management Plan that will justify the tree program and if you are lucky, you will certainly operate more efficiently and perhaps you might earn a little bump-up in the budget.
The Street Tree Management Plan (The Plan) is a comprehensive review that evaluates the city along with its trees, the forestry department, and the citizens. Usually prepared by the municipal arborist or a consultant, the purpose of having The Plan is to insure that the community will continue to appreciate the benefits from trees through proper arboricultural management in a cost-effective manner. A long-term city forest management plan is essential so the forest will continue to grow and allow future generations to appreciate the benefits enjoyed by past and current generations. If you write about each of the items that follow, you will have written an excellent Street Tree Management Plan that will justify the tree program and if you are lucky, you will certainly operate more efficiently and perhaps you might earn a little bump-up in the budget.
Evaluation of the City
The natural history of the city will provide an overview of vegetation and provenance of native species that might still be suitable in today's city environment. This includes the city's climate, hardiness and heat zones, typical rainfall, soils, vegetative history and its existing trees. Micro-climatic conditions and long-term global warming are also worth mentioning especially if trees are being considered that may be just outside their normal growing range or hardiness zone. Cultural features of the city should also be studied as they pertain to land use and aesthetic character.
Tree Inventory
The inventory is the counting and description of all municipal, park, or public shade trees growing within a community and when completed, it should be kept up-to-date. Public trees may also be growing in alleys or abandoned property, which are typically volunteer trees originating from blowing seeds or animal transported seed. The street and park tree inventories should provide the number of trees within the public domain and, with the use of a computerized street tree inventory system, such as the i-Tree program, the calculated value of ecosystem services that these trees provide. In addition an inventory can help to identify insect or disease problems or young trees that require irrigation, pruning, and other short-term maintenance. Make sure the inventory includes the overhead wires and underground utility locations.
The inventory can also be used to look at the diversification of the existing city forest and where changes need to be made. For a uniform design purpose, some communities may choose one species or cultivar of a native tree (nativar) per city block. Other communities are choosing to develop a diversification plan where no more than four trees of the same species or nativar will be planted in a row. The most progressive communities however, are using the 10% of a single species rule.
The changes in the city's forest can be seen in the number, age, and species of trees. A well maintained inventory can also be used in cases of litigation to demonstrate there was not negligence in the inspection or maintenance of public trees. The inventory will also improve the chances of receiving grants and other assistance requiring the documentation of the condition and care of the community forest. Regardless of size, successive inventories should be compared to search for long-term trends. In some situations where the tree population is small, the inventory could be taken every five years and not constantly kept up-to-date.
The inventory should consider, as a minimum:
· counting the number of trees by species, condition, and age,
· counting the number of stumps to be removed prior to replanting new trees,
· counting the number of trees in need of removal due to improper pruning, conditions of risk or poor vigor,
· counting the number of vacant sites where trees can or could be planted,
· determining an adequate planting site size, available for future trees,
· determining the appraised value of each tree.
"Windshield” Surveys
A windshield survey is a simple method of surveying public trees, and may be a good first step for a new or developing urban forestry program. The windshield survey is conducted by an arborist or someone who knows about trees. It consists of driving along the streets of a city recording certain tree characteristics, such as species, size, maintenance needs, or safety risk level. Windshield surveys are also used in many cities and towns to update their existing survey. The data collected from a windshield survey can be kept in written format, on simple data forms, entered into a simple spreadsheet program, or used to update the original survey database.
Statistical Sample Inventories
A statistical inventory is made from a random sample of 3% to 6% of street miles or public property acreage. This will produce results that are accurate to within 10% of what a complete inventory would produce. This information will be useful in developing numbers for budget estimates or a starting point to justify a more accurate survey.
Analysis
The Plan should contain an analysis of the inventory that looks at needs, problems, tree values, and the comparisons between species, vigor, and locations. Use this analysis to develop written goals for what the community forest should be. The information can also be used to annually plan, prioritize, and budget tree plantings, maintenance work, and removals.
Goals
The goals of The Plan provide the initial direction for an active city forest management program and should recognize that the city's residents are the benefactors of the past, as well as the stewards of the future. The goals should envision a healthy, vibrant, safe, and sustainable city forest for current and future generations. The goals are typically used to implement a management plan and then as a measure of accomplishment when reviewing past work activities.
During the public review process, the public should be given the opportunity to rank the goals established during the development of The Plan. Planting programs typically rank high in public priorities because of the instant feeling of accomplishment. However, consistent maintenance of trees is equally important to the long term success of a city forest. Species diversity, aggressive installations, and consistent maintenance should be clearly listed at the top of the list.
Education Strategies
The Plan should be used to inform the citizens of the best approach for maintenance of the city forest. Well educated citizens seek care for trees. An education program for citizens should require the following:
1. develop and implement a homeowner seminar series.
2. create a tree education program for local schools.
3. offer homeowners advice about their trees.
4. develop a “Green Industry” program for the allied green industry trades in the city.
5. develop a list of invasive tree species that should never be planted.
Residents
The Plan should describe the city in terms of its number and makeup of residents as well as its location within the state or region. Determine the resident's attitude about trees, their willingness to pay for proper tree management, and their perception of the existing urban environment. This information may be found in the City's Master Plan.
Decisions
A statement should be prepared that provides the criteria for deciding priorities when planting street trees.
The natural history of the city will provide an overview of vegetation and provenance of native species that might still be suitable in today's city environment. This includes the city's climate, hardiness and heat zones, typical rainfall, soils, vegetative history and its existing trees. Micro-climatic conditions and long-term global warming are also worth mentioning especially if trees are being considered that may be just outside their normal growing range or hardiness zone. Cultural features of the city should also be studied as they pertain to land use and aesthetic character.
Tree Inventory
The inventory is the counting and description of all municipal, park, or public shade trees growing within a community and when completed, it should be kept up-to-date. Public trees may also be growing in alleys or abandoned property, which are typically volunteer trees originating from blowing seeds or animal transported seed. The street and park tree inventories should provide the number of trees within the public domain and, with the use of a computerized street tree inventory system, such as the i-Tree program, the calculated value of ecosystem services that these trees provide. In addition an inventory can help to identify insect or disease problems or young trees that require irrigation, pruning, and other short-term maintenance. Make sure the inventory includes the overhead wires and underground utility locations.
The inventory can also be used to look at the diversification of the existing city forest and where changes need to be made. For a uniform design purpose, some communities may choose one species or cultivar of a native tree (nativar) per city block. Other communities are choosing to develop a diversification plan where no more than four trees of the same species or nativar will be planted in a row. The most progressive communities however, are using the 10% of a single species rule.
The changes in the city's forest can be seen in the number, age, and species of trees. A well maintained inventory can also be used in cases of litigation to demonstrate there was not negligence in the inspection or maintenance of public trees. The inventory will also improve the chances of receiving grants and other assistance requiring the documentation of the condition and care of the community forest. Regardless of size, successive inventories should be compared to search for long-term trends. In some situations where the tree population is small, the inventory could be taken every five years and not constantly kept up-to-date.
The inventory should consider, as a minimum:
· counting the number of trees by species, condition, and age,
· counting the number of stumps to be removed prior to replanting new trees,
· counting the number of trees in need of removal due to improper pruning, conditions of risk or poor vigor,
· counting the number of vacant sites where trees can or could be planted,
· determining an adequate planting site size, available for future trees,
· determining the appraised value of each tree.
"Windshield” Surveys
A windshield survey is a simple method of surveying public trees, and may be a good first step for a new or developing urban forestry program. The windshield survey is conducted by an arborist or someone who knows about trees. It consists of driving along the streets of a city recording certain tree characteristics, such as species, size, maintenance needs, or safety risk level. Windshield surveys are also used in many cities and towns to update their existing survey. The data collected from a windshield survey can be kept in written format, on simple data forms, entered into a simple spreadsheet program, or used to update the original survey database.
Statistical Sample Inventories
A statistical inventory is made from a random sample of 3% to 6% of street miles or public property acreage. This will produce results that are accurate to within 10% of what a complete inventory would produce. This information will be useful in developing numbers for budget estimates or a starting point to justify a more accurate survey.
Analysis
The Plan should contain an analysis of the inventory that looks at needs, problems, tree values, and the comparisons between species, vigor, and locations. Use this analysis to develop written goals for what the community forest should be. The information can also be used to annually plan, prioritize, and budget tree plantings, maintenance work, and removals.
Goals
The goals of The Plan provide the initial direction for an active city forest management program and should recognize that the city's residents are the benefactors of the past, as well as the stewards of the future. The goals should envision a healthy, vibrant, safe, and sustainable city forest for current and future generations. The goals are typically used to implement a management plan and then as a measure of accomplishment when reviewing past work activities.
During the public review process, the public should be given the opportunity to rank the goals established during the development of The Plan. Planting programs typically rank high in public priorities because of the instant feeling of accomplishment. However, consistent maintenance of trees is equally important to the long term success of a city forest. Species diversity, aggressive installations, and consistent maintenance should be clearly listed at the top of the list.
Education Strategies
The Plan should be used to inform the citizens of the best approach for maintenance of the city forest. Well educated citizens seek care for trees. An education program for citizens should require the following:
1. develop and implement a homeowner seminar series.
2. create a tree education program for local schools.
3. offer homeowners advice about their trees.
4. develop a “Green Industry” program for the allied green industry trades in the city.
5. develop a list of invasive tree species that should never be planted.
Residents
The Plan should describe the city in terms of its number and makeup of residents as well as its location within the state or region. Determine the resident's attitude about trees, their willingness to pay for proper tree management, and their perception of the existing urban environment. This information may be found in the City's Master Plan.
Decisions
A statement should be prepared that provides the criteria for deciding priorities when planting street trees.
Plan Preparation
The Plan should be developed under the supervision of the community's municipal arborist. The arborist will need assistance to gather information, conduct evaluations, and do the actual report writing from:
· volunteers who can sometimes be used for special projects such as researching a particular topic for The Plan, and assisting with taking the inventory. Beyond The Plan, volunteers can be trained to perform tree planting or young tree pruning. Volunteers can also be very useful for assisting with the celebration of trees.
· paid staff can be used as funds are available.
· paid consultants can be used who specialize in street tree management plan preparation.
The Plan should show how to achieve a 100% complete installation of trees, properly diversified, in every available site over a long time span. The Plan should also indicate the maintenance goals so tree management can be completed in a cost-effective manner.
Create a Tree Planting List
One of the most important features of The Plan is the development of a list of trees that will be installed in the near future. The tree list, prepared for future installations, is composed of native trees, cultivars of native trees (nativars), and recent introductions that are tolerant of the urban environment, climate change, and are most suited to the specific community. Municipal street trees can be grown in municipal nurseries, purchased from commercial nurseries, or both.
The appropriate trees for each planting site should follow these guidelines:
· match the USDA hardiness zone and annual rainfall of the site to the tree with consideration given to global warming;
· match the tree to the available sunlight at the site;
· match the tree to the site's soils, water, and drainage;
· consider soil type and potential soil compaction;
· consider the available root growth space;
· avoid all utilities, overhead and underground;
· avoid invasive and high maintenance trees;
· avoid trees that are highly susceptible to pests and diseases;
· avoid trees with thorns and those that could drop messy fruit, large leaves, or twigs,
· consider the budget for pruning trees;
· consider health of and type of existing plants, ordinance restrictions, and species diversity.
Tree Size
The Plan should reflect the fact that bigger is not always better. In fact, smaller size trees at installation time usually outgrow and outperform larger stock in the long-term. Smaller sizes are easier for volunteers to install, they are cheaper for contractors to purchase and install, and they require less maintenance. For many areas, 6 – 8 feet (2 – 2½ m) BR stock is a great choice. On some city streets or intensively used areas, larger specimens such as 2 – 2½ inch (5 – 6 cm) diameter stock may be necessary to hold up to snow plowing, wind, or vandalism. Sizes have a big impact on determining the number of trees to be installed within the amount of available funds. There are also other options to consider when attempting to make the planting funds go further.
Tree Planting
The Plan should indicate the preferred method of tree installation. It can be done by volunteers and homeowners (with adequate training), by forestry department staff (as time permits), or by contract (based on a per tree cost). When the utility companies offer to install trees that are compatible with their utilities, it is usually done by a utility contractor who has been approved by the city.
The Forestry Department
To begin an analysis of the urban forestry department, The Plan should consider:
· number of trees to be maintained;
· frequency of trimming cycle;
· workload per year;
· equipment and personnel required;
· budget;
· support services and contracts;
· employee training and morale; and
· other related items unique to each community.
Service requests and wait times should also be detailed in The Plan. An evaluation should be made of the municipal forestry management program and a comparison made with the industry, professional standards, and practices in other communities. The Plan should also identify economical work methods and procedures that will enhance existing operations. Careful planning will improve the cost effectiveness of the operations.
One of the key elements to The Plan is the development of a long-term implementation strategy including annual goals that the forestry department intends to implement. The budget and funding for tree care should be individualized according to the local community and should provide details that will meet the needs of the community's city forest sustainability as well as the practical limitations of municipal funding issues. A list of the basic tools that are essential for efficient street tree management should be provided in The Plan.
The budget section of The Plan should not only include cost estimates to implement each section of the plan, but it should also indicate funding sources including grants that might be used to offset the local government costs. Contracting versus using in-house labor versus some of both should be studied and prices compared in order to ensure that quality tree maintenance is being performed at the lowest possible cost.
The municipal regulations pertaining to tree installation, tree management, and tree removals as well as other local and state regulations pertaining to street trees should be evaluated and made a part of The Plan.
All people involved in the city forestry department, including permanent staff, temporary workers, consultants, and volunteers should all be properly supervised and acting in a professional manner. Those employees eligible for certification or credentials, should be certified and compensated for these credentials.
Tree pruning is the most costly operation in urban forestry department budgets. Efforts to improve the mechanization in this area will reduce the costs for the benefit of the entire department. Structural pruning within 5 years after planting has the potential to greatly reduce long-term pruning needs.
The Plan should be developed under the supervision of the community's municipal arborist. The arborist will need assistance to gather information, conduct evaluations, and do the actual report writing from:
· volunteers who can sometimes be used for special projects such as researching a particular topic for The Plan, and assisting with taking the inventory. Beyond The Plan, volunteers can be trained to perform tree planting or young tree pruning. Volunteers can also be very useful for assisting with the celebration of trees.
· paid staff can be used as funds are available.
· paid consultants can be used who specialize in street tree management plan preparation.
The Plan should show how to achieve a 100% complete installation of trees, properly diversified, in every available site over a long time span. The Plan should also indicate the maintenance goals so tree management can be completed in a cost-effective manner.
Create a Tree Planting List
One of the most important features of The Plan is the development of a list of trees that will be installed in the near future. The tree list, prepared for future installations, is composed of native trees, cultivars of native trees (nativars), and recent introductions that are tolerant of the urban environment, climate change, and are most suited to the specific community. Municipal street trees can be grown in municipal nurseries, purchased from commercial nurseries, or both.
The appropriate trees for each planting site should follow these guidelines:
· match the USDA hardiness zone and annual rainfall of the site to the tree with consideration given to global warming;
· match the tree to the available sunlight at the site;
· match the tree to the site's soils, water, and drainage;
· consider soil type and potential soil compaction;
· consider the available root growth space;
· avoid all utilities, overhead and underground;
· avoid invasive and high maintenance trees;
· avoid trees that are highly susceptible to pests and diseases;
· avoid trees with thorns and those that could drop messy fruit, large leaves, or twigs,
· consider the budget for pruning trees;
· consider health of and type of existing plants, ordinance restrictions, and species diversity.
Tree Size
The Plan should reflect the fact that bigger is not always better. In fact, smaller size trees at installation time usually outgrow and outperform larger stock in the long-term. Smaller sizes are easier for volunteers to install, they are cheaper for contractors to purchase and install, and they require less maintenance. For many areas, 6 – 8 feet (2 – 2½ m) BR stock is a great choice. On some city streets or intensively used areas, larger specimens such as 2 – 2½ inch (5 – 6 cm) diameter stock may be necessary to hold up to snow plowing, wind, or vandalism. Sizes have a big impact on determining the number of trees to be installed within the amount of available funds. There are also other options to consider when attempting to make the planting funds go further.
Tree Planting
The Plan should indicate the preferred method of tree installation. It can be done by volunteers and homeowners (with adequate training), by forestry department staff (as time permits), or by contract (based on a per tree cost). When the utility companies offer to install trees that are compatible with their utilities, it is usually done by a utility contractor who has been approved by the city.
The Forestry Department
To begin an analysis of the urban forestry department, The Plan should consider:
· number of trees to be maintained;
· frequency of trimming cycle;
· workload per year;
· equipment and personnel required;
· budget;
· support services and contracts;
· employee training and morale; and
· other related items unique to each community.
Service requests and wait times should also be detailed in The Plan. An evaluation should be made of the municipal forestry management program and a comparison made with the industry, professional standards, and practices in other communities. The Plan should also identify economical work methods and procedures that will enhance existing operations. Careful planning will improve the cost effectiveness of the operations.
One of the key elements to The Plan is the development of a long-term implementation strategy including annual goals that the forestry department intends to implement. The budget and funding for tree care should be individualized according to the local community and should provide details that will meet the needs of the community's city forest sustainability as well as the practical limitations of municipal funding issues. A list of the basic tools that are essential for efficient street tree management should be provided in The Plan.
The budget section of The Plan should not only include cost estimates to implement each section of the plan, but it should also indicate funding sources including grants that might be used to offset the local government costs. Contracting versus using in-house labor versus some of both should be studied and prices compared in order to ensure that quality tree maintenance is being performed at the lowest possible cost.
The municipal regulations pertaining to tree installation, tree management, and tree removals as well as other local and state regulations pertaining to street trees should be evaluated and made a part of The Plan.
All people involved in the city forestry department, including permanent staff, temporary workers, consultants, and volunteers should all be properly supervised and acting in a professional manner. Those employees eligible for certification or credentials, should be certified and compensated for these credentials.
Tree pruning is the most costly operation in urban forestry department budgets. Efforts to improve the mechanization in this area will reduce the costs for the benefit of the entire department. Structural pruning within 5 years after planting has the potential to greatly reduce long-term pruning needs.
Management Goals
The goals of The Plan should typically reflect the values of the city's residents towards their city forest. Some typical tree management goals might include:
· create and maintain a diverse city forest for maximum tree health and longevity;
· establish a consistent tree maintenance program for optimal structural stability of public trees;
· maintain an accurate inventory program as a basis for sound management decisions;
· establish work priorities for maximum staff effectiveness;
· establish a long-term planting program to maintain the existing city forest;
· develop a plan to expand tree planting into non-treed neighborhoods;
· establish a list of wholesale and retail nurseries that have top quality tree stock for the city planting
programs;
· consistently enforce the street tree ordinances to protect public trees from damage or loss;
· provide community forestry leadership through example, public education, and outreach;
· establish tree canopy cover for maximum community benefit;
· manage tree risk to reduce the exposure of the city and its residents to financial hardship from tree failure;
· foster community involvement for community buy-in of the city forestry program;
· manage insect pests in a proactive manner.
Long term goals for tree management far into the future might include:
· investigate stable funding sources to ensure the city forest is properly managed and maintained.
· incorporate trees into infrastructure planning so that trees do not damage the infrastructure and the infrastructure does not require damage to the trees.
· conduct periodic management plan updates.
Public Participation Process
The Plan should also respond to any issues and desires of the community residents. These issues should be brought up in a public survey or at a public forum. The public survey should clarify the value that citizens place on their city forest and the benefits provided by the forest. The survey may include issues of concern from residents such as utility clearance pruning of public trees, etc. At a public meeting, residents may mention a need for clarifying when the city will remove public trees at risk; prune trees to reduce future risk; replace dead/dying trees, and ensure that new trees are installed and cared for properly. These comments will reflect new or modified policies for tree care in the city.
A public forum will consist of a well-publicized meeting between The Plan writers and interested residents. The remaining activities, including public reviews and workshops as well as neighborhood meetings, should be held to give citizens the opportunity to review and provide comments to the draft management plan.
Volunteers
The Plan can recommend that volunteers be used to assist in many aspects of the city forestry program, especially for tree installation projects. The volunteers should receive training in proper tree installation and tree care. Many cities also have a citizen pruning organization that provides training in proper pruning and tools to structurally prune small and recently installed trees because no volunteer tree climbing is permitted. Any city that has a program for volunteers must also be sure to have a “Volunteer Appreciation Day”.
The Plan should call for the creation of a Tree Advisory Board made up of interested citizens appointed by the local elected leaders to provide long-term citizen oversight of the municipal tree management program. This board's main function is to establish the policies and recommendations that the Urban Forestry Department must follow. The street tree advisory board may also channel all public comments through the board to the Department and tree related comments from the public to the elected officials, as necessary.
The goals of The Plan should typically reflect the values of the city's residents towards their city forest. Some typical tree management goals might include:
· create and maintain a diverse city forest for maximum tree health and longevity;
· establish a consistent tree maintenance program for optimal structural stability of public trees;
· maintain an accurate inventory program as a basis for sound management decisions;
· establish work priorities for maximum staff effectiveness;
· establish a long-term planting program to maintain the existing city forest;
· develop a plan to expand tree planting into non-treed neighborhoods;
· establish a list of wholesale and retail nurseries that have top quality tree stock for the city planting
programs;
· consistently enforce the street tree ordinances to protect public trees from damage or loss;
· provide community forestry leadership through example, public education, and outreach;
· establish tree canopy cover for maximum community benefit;
· manage tree risk to reduce the exposure of the city and its residents to financial hardship from tree failure;
· foster community involvement for community buy-in of the city forestry program;
· manage insect pests in a proactive manner.
Long term goals for tree management far into the future might include:
· investigate stable funding sources to ensure the city forest is properly managed and maintained.
· incorporate trees into infrastructure planning so that trees do not damage the infrastructure and the infrastructure does not require damage to the trees.
· conduct periodic management plan updates.
Public Participation Process
The Plan should also respond to any issues and desires of the community residents. These issues should be brought up in a public survey or at a public forum. The public survey should clarify the value that citizens place on their city forest and the benefits provided by the forest. The survey may include issues of concern from residents such as utility clearance pruning of public trees, etc. At a public meeting, residents may mention a need for clarifying when the city will remove public trees at risk; prune trees to reduce future risk; replace dead/dying trees, and ensure that new trees are installed and cared for properly. These comments will reflect new or modified policies for tree care in the city.
A public forum will consist of a well-publicized meeting between The Plan writers and interested residents. The remaining activities, including public reviews and workshops as well as neighborhood meetings, should be held to give citizens the opportunity to review and provide comments to the draft management plan.
Volunteers
The Plan can recommend that volunteers be used to assist in many aspects of the city forestry program, especially for tree installation projects. The volunteers should receive training in proper tree installation and tree care. Many cities also have a citizen pruning organization that provides training in proper pruning and tools to structurally prune small and recently installed trees because no volunteer tree climbing is permitted. Any city that has a program for volunteers must also be sure to have a “Volunteer Appreciation Day”.
The Plan should call for the creation of a Tree Advisory Board made up of interested citizens appointed by the local elected leaders to provide long-term citizen oversight of the municipal tree management program. This board's main function is to establish the policies and recommendations that the Urban Forestry Department must follow. The street tree advisory board may also channel all public comments through the board to the Department and tree related comments from the public to the elected officials, as necessary.
Value
This section should be prepared not necessarily for the city staff, but more for the decision makers who will need to know the importance of trees in the city.
· Community trees serve a number of important environmental functions. These functions must be considered when determining the economic benefits of a tree. The four primary environmental functions provided by trees include energy use reduction, carbon dioxide sequestration, air quality improvement, and stormwater mitigation. Each of these functions is quantified in an i-Tree analyses. These functions are grouped together into a category called aesthetics and other benefits. The inventory can be used to determine the value of the community trees for increasing property values and storm water management, which helps emphasize a tree program's importance to the community leaders. The i-Tree Works program should be used to establish the basic asset values provided by the urban forest.
· Another value to be reviewed in this section of The Plan includes reducing the urban heat island and lowering ambient air temperature as trees reduce air conditioning costs. Strategically planted evergreens reduce winter heat loss by breaking the wind. The reduction in wind speed and the disruption in air flow reduce heat loss from the surface of a building thereby lowering heating costs. Because older trees have larger canopies and cast more shade, these trees provide more benefits than small saplings.
· Based upon the i-Tree software calculations for air quality benefits from public trees, a net total of air pollutants captured by public trees per year can be calculated. Based on site and soil conditions, this software can also calculate the stormwater benefit value for public trees and the number of gallons of water intercepted by public trees per year. The rain water is released into the soil at a much slower rate, allowing the water to percolate into the soil and be used by trees, rather than running off rapidly into the city's stormwater drainage system.
· The i-Tree software combines the aesthetic and other environmental benefits into one grouping and because this grouping is broad and all inclusive, it is difficult to quantify and assign the benefits to these specific functions.
· Trees assist in soil retention and erosion control by intercepting falling rain and forming a dense mat of feeder roots. The leafy canopy intercepts and diffuses rain drops, allowing the water to fall to the ground at a slower velocity. Tree roots also act as a binding agent for soil particles while the leaf litter on the soil under a tree's branches absorbs rain water.
· Trees provide habitat for the wildlife that enhance the recreational and educational opportunities for the community. Corridors of trees and other vegetation should connect larger natural areas in the urban environment to add to the wildlife habitat and increase wildlife diversity.
· By casting shade over the sidewalks and roadways, trees cool the pavement surface, which in turn, cools the asphalt so the volatile compounds do not readily evaporate, nor does the pavement substantially expand and contract. The expansion and contraction of pavement greatly impacts its useful life, so shaded streets will have a longer interval between resurfacing projects.
· Community trees add color, texture and form to the landscape. They soften the straight lines of urban development.
· Studies have shown that trees are the single most positive influence of scenic quality.
· Community trees create an inviting environment for residents. When residents congregate in a treed area, crime drops. Conversely, areas devoid of trees tend to keep people away, which leads to higher crime rates.
· Studies indicate that community trees have a moderating effect on personal interactions. Studies further indicate traffic speeds are reduced on tree lined and shaded streets.
· Consumer studies have shown that shoppers favor treed settings and tree-shaded parking lots. Shoppers stay longer and spend more money at well landscaped businesses. This contradicts the opinion of many merchants that trees block their store signs and therefore are bad for business.
· Buyers prefer homes with multiple trees and tree lined streets. Studies undertaken by the National Association of Realtors indicate buyers are willing to pay 3% to 7% more for homes on treed lots. All things being equal, a home on a tree lined street will sell faster than the same house on a barren street.
· Studies indicate that humans gain substantial pleasure from trees. Views of trees from the home or office tend to reduce mental fatigue.
· Installing trees can form bonds within a community. Community trees create a setting for relaxing recreational activities. People living in treed communities experience less stress and are less likely to receive treatment for depression.
· Community trees have the ability to reduce stress levels because green is a soothing color. Trees also make people feel happier and more content.
· Studies also indicate that drivers on tree lined streets have lower stress levels and drive slower than those drivers on barren streets.
· Trees tend to absorb higher noise frequencies. These are the frequencies that tend to be more distressing to humans.
This section should be prepared not necessarily for the city staff, but more for the decision makers who will need to know the importance of trees in the city.
· Community trees serve a number of important environmental functions. These functions must be considered when determining the economic benefits of a tree. The four primary environmental functions provided by trees include energy use reduction, carbon dioxide sequestration, air quality improvement, and stormwater mitigation. Each of these functions is quantified in an i-Tree analyses. These functions are grouped together into a category called aesthetics and other benefits. The inventory can be used to determine the value of the community trees for increasing property values and storm water management, which helps emphasize a tree program's importance to the community leaders. The i-Tree Works program should be used to establish the basic asset values provided by the urban forest.
· Another value to be reviewed in this section of The Plan includes reducing the urban heat island and lowering ambient air temperature as trees reduce air conditioning costs. Strategically planted evergreens reduce winter heat loss by breaking the wind. The reduction in wind speed and the disruption in air flow reduce heat loss from the surface of a building thereby lowering heating costs. Because older trees have larger canopies and cast more shade, these trees provide more benefits than small saplings.
· Based upon the i-Tree software calculations for air quality benefits from public trees, a net total of air pollutants captured by public trees per year can be calculated. Based on site and soil conditions, this software can also calculate the stormwater benefit value for public trees and the number of gallons of water intercepted by public trees per year. The rain water is released into the soil at a much slower rate, allowing the water to percolate into the soil and be used by trees, rather than running off rapidly into the city's stormwater drainage system.
· The i-Tree software combines the aesthetic and other environmental benefits into one grouping and because this grouping is broad and all inclusive, it is difficult to quantify and assign the benefits to these specific functions.
· Trees assist in soil retention and erosion control by intercepting falling rain and forming a dense mat of feeder roots. The leafy canopy intercepts and diffuses rain drops, allowing the water to fall to the ground at a slower velocity. Tree roots also act as a binding agent for soil particles while the leaf litter on the soil under a tree's branches absorbs rain water.
· Trees provide habitat for the wildlife that enhance the recreational and educational opportunities for the community. Corridors of trees and other vegetation should connect larger natural areas in the urban environment to add to the wildlife habitat and increase wildlife diversity.
· By casting shade over the sidewalks and roadways, trees cool the pavement surface, which in turn, cools the asphalt so the volatile compounds do not readily evaporate, nor does the pavement substantially expand and contract. The expansion and contraction of pavement greatly impacts its useful life, so shaded streets will have a longer interval between resurfacing projects.
· Community trees add color, texture and form to the landscape. They soften the straight lines of urban development.
· Studies have shown that trees are the single most positive influence of scenic quality.
· Community trees create an inviting environment for residents. When residents congregate in a treed area, crime drops. Conversely, areas devoid of trees tend to keep people away, which leads to higher crime rates.
· Studies indicate that community trees have a moderating effect on personal interactions. Studies further indicate traffic speeds are reduced on tree lined and shaded streets.
· Consumer studies have shown that shoppers favor treed settings and tree-shaded parking lots. Shoppers stay longer and spend more money at well landscaped businesses. This contradicts the opinion of many merchants that trees block their store signs and therefore are bad for business.
· Buyers prefer homes with multiple trees and tree lined streets. Studies undertaken by the National Association of Realtors indicate buyers are willing to pay 3% to 7% more for homes on treed lots. All things being equal, a home on a tree lined street will sell faster than the same house on a barren street.
· Studies indicate that humans gain substantial pleasure from trees. Views of trees from the home or office tend to reduce mental fatigue.
· Installing trees can form bonds within a community. Community trees create a setting for relaxing recreational activities. People living in treed communities experience less stress and are less likely to receive treatment for depression.
· Community trees have the ability to reduce stress levels because green is a soothing color. Trees also make people feel happier and more content.
· Studies also indicate that drivers on tree lined streets have lower stress levels and drive slower than those drivers on barren streets.
· Trees tend to absorb higher noise frequencies. These are the frequencies that tend to be more distressing to humans.
Strategies
Risk Management Strategies
The Plan must address the issue of tree risk. It is a fact that all trees die and in the process they may become a risk when they fall unexpectedly. By reducing the likelihood of damage, injury, or death associated with tree failures, fewer tax dollars are spent on liability claims. Risk management and urban forest management must be considered on an equal basis.
Risk management should follow the current American National Standards Institute (ANSI) A300-Part 9, Tree Risk Assessment, and International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Tree Risk Assessment Best Management Practices (BMP) as the foundation for the city forest risk management plan.
The City Forester must establish a consistent tree failure reporting protocol and be notified of all tree failures within the city so a post failure assessment can be made before clean-up operations begin. All field staff should be trained and qualified on risk assessment techniques to identify and address tree risks in a timely manner.
Storm Response
The Plan should have a section dealing with emergency response and recovery that provides information about general tree risk during storms. When catastrophic disasters, such as tornadoes, ice storms, hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, and severe straight-line winds strike a metropolitan center, massive damage and loss of trees can result. Besides the collecting and disposing of debris, there is an additional threat to life from hanging branches and uprooted trees, flood water, blocked streets, or downed power lines that may hinder life-saving efforts. The impact of tree-related concerns can overwhelm public services and slow down the short and long-term recovery process. The emergency plan as an addendum to the Street Tree Management Plan can provide solid data, facts, and protocols to assure service continuity and timely recovery and restoration.
The overall objective is to create an emergency preparedness program that details approved policies and procedures, while increasing the efficiency and productivity of emergency storm response operations. Both the emergency response plan and risk reduction plans should be created as a collaborative effort between all key agencies and stakeholders in the community. With the highest ranking public staff worker serving as the lead, information and input from police and fire, parks, purchasing, city or county administration, utility companies, local and state emergency management agencies, and contractors should be obtained and considered when developing these plans.
Removal Strategies
Timely removal of dead trees and stumps reduces the time between tree removal and tree replacement. The Plan should indicate specific storm response protocols as well as the tree replacement policy and timetable.
Maintenance Standards and Enforcement Strategies
Trees that are well maintained perform better over a longer useful lifespan and provide maximum socio-economic benefits to the community as calculated by the i-Tree analysis. Maintained trees have a lower risk of failure while creating a sense of place and pride within neighborhoods.
Ongoing maintenance is essential to the long-term survival of newly planted and mature trees. Tree care requires year-round, trained and supervised staff members to maintain a vibrant urban forest. Additional staff may be brought in for peak season work such as planting in the spring or cleanup after a major storm. The Plan should address the need for adequate specialized equipment necessary to properly maintain the city forest. For maximum equipment operation time, equipment usage scheduling is essential.
Volunteers may provide a community buy-in into the city forestry management and maintenance program, but only on a limited level and after essential training.
Trees are a living asset that requires consistent care and maintenance to realize maximum economic community benefits. A city forest is one of the few public infrastructure improvements that increase in value over time. A steady funding stream is necessary for both capital and operational expenses to pay for the city's forestry program. The strategies listed below are examples of funding methods used by cities around the country, for producing extra funds beyond the normal city tax levy.
· Use the existing park district as a revenue source by offering tree trimmers from the city forestry program to care for the park trees on a reimbursement basis.
· Create a separate city forest assessment district.
· Sell carbon credits.
· Create an endowment fund for city forestry tree planting projects and forestry improvements, which allow the city to use private funds on public tree maintenance.
· Include tree maintenance funding in the street maintenance budget because city councils are more generous to streets than to trees.
· Add a utility tax to cover tree encroachment remedial costs.
· Actively pursue grants from private and non-government organizations.
· Develop private-public partnerships to fund specific city forest management functions and activities. Major tree planting efforts are very popular in vacant lots.
· Leverage city dollars for maximum program impact and for matching fund grants.
· Use urban wood waste and create markets for urban wood waste to reduce landfill expenses and supplement general fund revenue. Waste wood can be in the form of lumber, firewood, or woodchips.
· Many cities are investing in “woodmisers” that covert logs into lumber for municipal projects or as a source of wood that is sold to carpenters, artists, and wood workers.
· Other programs
It is vital for a city forestry division to remain in contact with the community.
· Use social media to disseminate information regarding city forestry activities., especially Arbor Day. Social media is used successfully in other markets and city departments for similar activities.
· Create a weekly column in the local newspaper. Columns can use a number of different formats to distribute information; questions and answers, factoids, advice, and discussions, are typical formats.
· Coordinate marketing and outreach with local non-profit organizations and other city departments to extend the dissemination of information to the community.
· Create and implement an interactive city forest website allowing citizens the ability to view the public shade tree inventory data, place service requests, and select and purchase items such as cost-share and memorial trees. Provide on-line resource links within the city forest web page.
· Coordinate city forestry messaging with other city departments, with community service groups, auxiliary school groups and homeowner association groups.
· Incorporate neighborhood organizations into outreach efforts such as sending out updates to residents on a weekly basis. Provide timely information for distribution via the weekly updates.
· Other opportunities
Risk Management Strategies
The Plan must address the issue of tree risk. It is a fact that all trees die and in the process they may become a risk when they fall unexpectedly. By reducing the likelihood of damage, injury, or death associated with tree failures, fewer tax dollars are spent on liability claims. Risk management and urban forest management must be considered on an equal basis.
Risk management should follow the current American National Standards Institute (ANSI) A300-Part 9, Tree Risk Assessment, and International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Tree Risk Assessment Best Management Practices (BMP) as the foundation for the city forest risk management plan.
The City Forester must establish a consistent tree failure reporting protocol and be notified of all tree failures within the city so a post failure assessment can be made before clean-up operations begin. All field staff should be trained and qualified on risk assessment techniques to identify and address tree risks in a timely manner.
Storm Response
The Plan should have a section dealing with emergency response and recovery that provides information about general tree risk during storms. When catastrophic disasters, such as tornadoes, ice storms, hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, and severe straight-line winds strike a metropolitan center, massive damage and loss of trees can result. Besides the collecting and disposing of debris, there is an additional threat to life from hanging branches and uprooted trees, flood water, blocked streets, or downed power lines that may hinder life-saving efforts. The impact of tree-related concerns can overwhelm public services and slow down the short and long-term recovery process. The emergency plan as an addendum to the Street Tree Management Plan can provide solid data, facts, and protocols to assure service continuity and timely recovery and restoration.
The overall objective is to create an emergency preparedness program that details approved policies and procedures, while increasing the efficiency and productivity of emergency storm response operations. Both the emergency response plan and risk reduction plans should be created as a collaborative effort between all key agencies and stakeholders in the community. With the highest ranking public staff worker serving as the lead, information and input from police and fire, parks, purchasing, city or county administration, utility companies, local and state emergency management agencies, and contractors should be obtained and considered when developing these plans.
Removal Strategies
Timely removal of dead trees and stumps reduces the time between tree removal and tree replacement. The Plan should indicate specific storm response protocols as well as the tree replacement policy and timetable.
Maintenance Standards and Enforcement Strategies
Trees that are well maintained perform better over a longer useful lifespan and provide maximum socio-economic benefits to the community as calculated by the i-Tree analysis. Maintained trees have a lower risk of failure while creating a sense of place and pride within neighborhoods.
Ongoing maintenance is essential to the long-term survival of newly planted and mature trees. Tree care requires year-round, trained and supervised staff members to maintain a vibrant urban forest. Additional staff may be brought in for peak season work such as planting in the spring or cleanup after a major storm. The Plan should address the need for adequate specialized equipment necessary to properly maintain the city forest. For maximum equipment operation time, equipment usage scheduling is essential.
Volunteers may provide a community buy-in into the city forestry management and maintenance program, but only on a limited level and after essential training.
Trees are a living asset that requires consistent care and maintenance to realize maximum economic community benefits. A city forest is one of the few public infrastructure improvements that increase in value over time. A steady funding stream is necessary for both capital and operational expenses to pay for the city's forestry program. The strategies listed below are examples of funding methods used by cities around the country, for producing extra funds beyond the normal city tax levy.
· Use the existing park district as a revenue source by offering tree trimmers from the city forestry program to care for the park trees on a reimbursement basis.
· Create a separate city forest assessment district.
· Sell carbon credits.
· Create an endowment fund for city forestry tree planting projects and forestry improvements, which allow the city to use private funds on public tree maintenance.
· Include tree maintenance funding in the street maintenance budget because city councils are more generous to streets than to trees.
· Add a utility tax to cover tree encroachment remedial costs.
· Actively pursue grants from private and non-government organizations.
· Develop private-public partnerships to fund specific city forest management functions and activities. Major tree planting efforts are very popular in vacant lots.
· Leverage city dollars for maximum program impact and for matching fund grants.
· Use urban wood waste and create markets for urban wood waste to reduce landfill expenses and supplement general fund revenue. Waste wood can be in the form of lumber, firewood, or woodchips.
· Many cities are investing in “woodmisers” that covert logs into lumber for municipal projects or as a source of wood that is sold to carpenters, artists, and wood workers.
· Other programs
It is vital for a city forestry division to remain in contact with the community.
· Use social media to disseminate information regarding city forestry activities., especially Arbor Day. Social media is used successfully in other markets and city departments for similar activities.
· Create a weekly column in the local newspaper. Columns can use a number of different formats to distribute information; questions and answers, factoids, advice, and discussions, are typical formats.
· Coordinate marketing and outreach with local non-profit organizations and other city departments to extend the dissemination of information to the community.
· Create and implement an interactive city forest website allowing citizens the ability to view the public shade tree inventory data, place service requests, and select and purchase items such as cost-share and memorial trees. Provide on-line resource links within the city forest web page.
· Coordinate city forestry messaging with other city departments, with community service groups, auxiliary school groups and homeowner association groups.
· Incorporate neighborhood organizations into outreach efforts such as sending out updates to residents on a weekly basis. Provide timely information for distribution via the weekly updates.
· Other opportunities
Public Relations
Public support comes in the form of the public's perception regarding the City Forestry program. Public support is necessary in order to obtain the funding necessary to pay for street tree management. Public support can be enhanced through a wide variety of public relations programs. Some of the best programs are described below.
Arbor Day
Arbor Day is the day to celebrate trees. Everyone involved in arboriculture should take advantage of, observe, and celebrate this holiday. Most celebrations consist of a ceremony where a tree is installed using the most up-to-date tree installation practices, the history of Arbor Day is discussed and awards for Tree City USA are presented. Boy Scouts are called upon to present the colors and assist with the tree installation.
Tree City USA
This program, sponsored by the National Arbor Day Foundation, is a very popular program that draws attention to a city's forestry program. The city:
1) must have a tree board or department,
2) must have a tree ordinance or by-law,
3) must have a comprehensive city forestry program supported by a minimum budget equal to two dollars per capita,
4) must make an Arbor Day proclamation from the city leader and hold a commemorative tree installation at a public ceremony.
Tree Planting Program
Annually announce that the department is currently accepting additions to the "wait list" for new street trees to be installed during the next planting season. This lets new and forgetful residents know that trees are available from the city and provides the arborist with an opportunity to discuss the importance of the city's forest by phone, online, or in person.
Marketing and Outreach Benefits
Real-time citizen interaction fosters community interest and involvement. Community members become advocates for the city forestry program.
Pest Management Strategies
Trees are living organisms. As such, they are vulnerable to various disease and insect pest problems. In order to protect the city forest investment, pest management must be an active part of The Plan. Also use the press to announce new pests that might be arriving in the city, as well as what can be done to protect the city's trees.
IPM
Tree management should also look at disease and pest control through Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques. Dealing with pests that may impact residential trees, provide an opportunity for the arborist to engage the public about protecting public and private trees from pests.
Pruning Program
The Plan should require the pruning cycle for trimming street trees to be systematic and planned, as opposed to trimming-on-demand. This will decrease the cost per tree while increasing the safety and condition of the trees and reduce demand and storm damage requests. This effort also results in a better public image.
Larger cities will often have a "Trouble Truck" that answers service calls for tree branches blocking traffic signs, branches in the street, etc. This truck is constantly in the public eye, so only the best crew members and best looking truck should be assigned to this duty.
A plan to conduct structural pruning on newly planted trees should be the exception to the systematic pruning program. In this case the pruning cycle should be modified so that the person trained in structural pruning follows a street layout that allows the person to efficiently go from one tree to the next, skipping trees not scheduled for structural pruning. Generally, this program requires the structural pruner to trim only trees that were installed within the past two to five years. Cities with a Trouble Truck will often have this person do the structural pruning when there are no service calls.
Ongoing Plan Management and Updating Strategies
To maintain relevancy, the management plan must be periodically reviewed and updated. At least once a year, there should be a follow-up process done that will evaluate the work performance, planting progress, trees trimmed, inventory update, etc. The process will examine the work actually accomplished compared to what was budgeted and this can be reported in The Plan as well as the city's annual report to the residents.
Implementation
Implementing The Plan will cost money for the annual as well as long-term programs. The Plan can be phased in over time. However, budget directors often see a long term plan in a positive view and will generously provide extra funds to implement a program like this and keep it funded as long as it is meeting the goals.
The Plan is not a static document and should be reviewed on a yearly basis and updated every 5 years. The city forest must be considered as an integral component of the city infrastructure. When constructing new or repairing existing infrastructure, the city forest and its components must be included in the planning and construction process. If trees are not included in the process, they will be adversely affected by the improvements and potentially fail prematurely.
City forest maintenance is inclusive. For the city forest to provide the maximum socio-economic benefits, it must be maintained. Tree installation efforts without ongoing maintenance will not succeed. If newly installed trees cannot be adequately maintained, they must not be planted. Consistent application and enforcement is a prerequisite for the success of an city forest management plan. Implementing a city forest plan often requires making difficult choices. To receive maximum benefit from the city forest, sufficient funding must be provided to facilitate management efforts. The Mayor and City Council must be prepared to make difficult decisions regarding the funding, implementation, and enforcement of The Plan.
Another approach for arborists wanting to create The Plan with limited funds and staffing is to go online and use the California Forestry Management Plan Toolkit.
Sources:
· APWA, Urban Forestry Best Management Practices for Public Works Managers: Urban Forest Management Plan
· Phillips, Leonard, “Wellesley Street Tree Master Plan”, Wellesley (MA) Park and Tree Division, 1998.
· Urban Forest Management Plan Working Group, “Urban Forest Master Management Plan”, City of Missoula, Montana, April 20, 2015.
Some good examples of street tree master plans. (Please note that these documents will take time to download.)
Miami-Dade County, FL
Montgomery, AL
St. Paul, MN
Bonney Lake, WA
San Gabriel, CA
Olympia, WA
Olympia, WA - Habitat and Stewardship Strategy Plan
The test that follows contains 80 questions. Before taking the test be sure you have read the article carefully. The passing grade is 80% on the entire test.
ISA will award 4.0 CEUs* for a passing grade. SAF members will earn 1.0 Cat. 1-CT credit for a passing grade. The cost for taking this test is $20 per credit. If you purchase an annual subscription for 15 credits, the cost per credit is reduced by 50% (see Annual Subscription link below). We will report all passing test scores to ISA and/or SAF. If you are a member of ISA and SAF we will report your passing test scores to both for no additional cost. Tests with passing scores may be submitted only once to each organization.
*Members of ISA may apply the 4.0 CEUs toward Certified Arborist, Municipal Specialist, or BCMA management credits.
California UFC members will receive credit for passing the test. Please add your CaUFC number after your ISA and/or SAF certification number.
ASCA and MTOA members may submit your ISA certification record to these organizations and receive credits one for one.
To take the test by the pay per test option, click on the 'Pay Now' button below where you can send payment online securely with your credit card or Pay Pal account. After your payment is submitted, click on ‘Return to gibneyCE.com’. That will take you to the test sign in page followed by the test. Members with certifications from both ISA and SAF, please be sure to add both of your certification numbers. These numbers are important for reporting purposes.
To take the test as an annual subscriber with reduced rates, click on Password and enter your test password which will take you to the test sign in page. If you would like to become a subscriber see our Annual Subscription page for details.
When you have finished answering all questions you will be prompted to click ‘next’ to send your answers to gibneyCE.com. You can then click ‘next’ to view your test summary. A test review of your answers is available upon request.
All passing test scores are sent from gibneyCE.com to your organization(s) at the end of every month and they will appear on your certification record 4 to 6 weeks* after that. ISA maintains a record of CEU credits on their website .
*SAF requires 5 passing test scores before reporting.
Test re-takes are allowed, however you will have to pay for the retake if you are using the pay per test option. You can spend as much time as you would like to take the test but it is important not to leave the test site until you have answered all the questions and see the 'sending your answers' response.
Public support comes in the form of the public's perception regarding the City Forestry program. Public support is necessary in order to obtain the funding necessary to pay for street tree management. Public support can be enhanced through a wide variety of public relations programs. Some of the best programs are described below.
Arbor Day
Arbor Day is the day to celebrate trees. Everyone involved in arboriculture should take advantage of, observe, and celebrate this holiday. Most celebrations consist of a ceremony where a tree is installed using the most up-to-date tree installation practices, the history of Arbor Day is discussed and awards for Tree City USA are presented. Boy Scouts are called upon to present the colors and assist with the tree installation.
Tree City USA
This program, sponsored by the National Arbor Day Foundation, is a very popular program that draws attention to a city's forestry program. The city:
1) must have a tree board or department,
2) must have a tree ordinance or by-law,
3) must have a comprehensive city forestry program supported by a minimum budget equal to two dollars per capita,
4) must make an Arbor Day proclamation from the city leader and hold a commemorative tree installation at a public ceremony.
Tree Planting Program
Annually announce that the department is currently accepting additions to the "wait list" for new street trees to be installed during the next planting season. This lets new and forgetful residents know that trees are available from the city and provides the arborist with an opportunity to discuss the importance of the city's forest by phone, online, or in person.
Marketing and Outreach Benefits
Real-time citizen interaction fosters community interest and involvement. Community members become advocates for the city forestry program.
Pest Management Strategies
Trees are living organisms. As such, they are vulnerable to various disease and insect pest problems. In order to protect the city forest investment, pest management must be an active part of The Plan. Also use the press to announce new pests that might be arriving in the city, as well as what can be done to protect the city's trees.
IPM
Tree management should also look at disease and pest control through Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques. Dealing with pests that may impact residential trees, provide an opportunity for the arborist to engage the public about protecting public and private trees from pests.
Pruning Program
The Plan should require the pruning cycle for trimming street trees to be systematic and planned, as opposed to trimming-on-demand. This will decrease the cost per tree while increasing the safety and condition of the trees and reduce demand and storm damage requests. This effort also results in a better public image.
Larger cities will often have a "Trouble Truck" that answers service calls for tree branches blocking traffic signs, branches in the street, etc. This truck is constantly in the public eye, so only the best crew members and best looking truck should be assigned to this duty.
A plan to conduct structural pruning on newly planted trees should be the exception to the systematic pruning program. In this case the pruning cycle should be modified so that the person trained in structural pruning follows a street layout that allows the person to efficiently go from one tree to the next, skipping trees not scheduled for structural pruning. Generally, this program requires the structural pruner to trim only trees that were installed within the past two to five years. Cities with a Trouble Truck will often have this person do the structural pruning when there are no service calls.
Ongoing Plan Management and Updating Strategies
To maintain relevancy, the management plan must be periodically reviewed and updated. At least once a year, there should be a follow-up process done that will evaluate the work performance, planting progress, trees trimmed, inventory update, etc. The process will examine the work actually accomplished compared to what was budgeted and this can be reported in The Plan as well as the city's annual report to the residents.
Implementation
Implementing The Plan will cost money for the annual as well as long-term programs. The Plan can be phased in over time. However, budget directors often see a long term plan in a positive view and will generously provide extra funds to implement a program like this and keep it funded as long as it is meeting the goals.
The Plan is not a static document and should be reviewed on a yearly basis and updated every 5 years. The city forest must be considered as an integral component of the city infrastructure. When constructing new or repairing existing infrastructure, the city forest and its components must be included in the planning and construction process. If trees are not included in the process, they will be adversely affected by the improvements and potentially fail prematurely.
City forest maintenance is inclusive. For the city forest to provide the maximum socio-economic benefits, it must be maintained. Tree installation efforts without ongoing maintenance will not succeed. If newly installed trees cannot be adequately maintained, they must not be planted. Consistent application and enforcement is a prerequisite for the success of an city forest management plan. Implementing a city forest plan often requires making difficult choices. To receive maximum benefit from the city forest, sufficient funding must be provided to facilitate management efforts. The Mayor and City Council must be prepared to make difficult decisions regarding the funding, implementation, and enforcement of The Plan.
Another approach for arborists wanting to create The Plan with limited funds and staffing is to go online and use the California Forestry Management Plan Toolkit.
Sources:
· APWA, Urban Forestry Best Management Practices for Public Works Managers: Urban Forest Management Plan
· Phillips, Leonard, “Wellesley Street Tree Master Plan”, Wellesley (MA) Park and Tree Division, 1998.
· Urban Forest Management Plan Working Group, “Urban Forest Master Management Plan”, City of Missoula, Montana, April 20, 2015.
Some good examples of street tree master plans. (Please note that these documents will take time to download.)
Miami-Dade County, FL
Montgomery, AL
St. Paul, MN
Bonney Lake, WA
San Gabriel, CA
Olympia, WA
Olympia, WA - Habitat and Stewardship Strategy Plan
The test that follows contains 80 questions. Before taking the test be sure you have read the article carefully. The passing grade is 80% on the entire test.
ISA will award 4.0 CEUs* for a passing grade. SAF members will earn 1.0 Cat. 1-CT credit for a passing grade. The cost for taking this test is $20 per credit. If you purchase an annual subscription for 15 credits, the cost per credit is reduced by 50% (see Annual Subscription link below). We will report all passing test scores to ISA and/or SAF. If you are a member of ISA and SAF we will report your passing test scores to both for no additional cost. Tests with passing scores may be submitted only once to each organization.
*Members of ISA may apply the 4.0 CEUs toward Certified Arborist, Municipal Specialist, or BCMA management credits.
California UFC members will receive credit for passing the test. Please add your CaUFC number after your ISA and/or SAF certification number.
ASCA and MTOA members may submit your ISA certification record to these organizations and receive credits one for one.
To take the test by the pay per test option, click on the 'Pay Now' button below where you can send payment online securely with your credit card or Pay Pal account. After your payment is submitted, click on ‘Return to gibneyCE.com’. That will take you to the test sign in page followed by the test. Members with certifications from both ISA and SAF, please be sure to add both of your certification numbers. These numbers are important for reporting purposes.
To take the test as an annual subscriber with reduced rates, click on Password and enter your test password which will take you to the test sign in page. If you would like to become a subscriber see our Annual Subscription page for details.
When you have finished answering all questions you will be prompted to click ‘next’ to send your answers to gibneyCE.com. You can then click ‘next’ to view your test summary. A test review of your answers is available upon request.
All passing test scores are sent from gibneyCE.com to your organization(s) at the end of every month and they will appear on your certification record 4 to 6 weeks* after that. ISA maintains a record of CEU credits on their website .
*SAF requires 5 passing test scores before reporting.
Test re-takes are allowed, however you will have to pay for the retake if you are using the pay per test option. You can spend as much time as you would like to take the test but it is important not to leave the test site until you have answered all the questions and see the 'sending your answers' response.