New rule: Builders must save more trees - CharlotteObserver.com:
In an effort to save Charlotte's tree canopy, the City Council approved changes to its tree ordinance Monday night that will increase the number of trees that must be saved in commercial development and apartment complexes.
The tree ordinance had been debated for five years, as developers and environmentalists engaged in a tug-of-war over the issue. The council approved the changes by an 8-3 vote, but only after another debate over how the requirements would impact affordable housing.
Council members Warren Turner, a Democrat, voted against the tree ordinance changes, as did Republicans Andy Dulin and Warren Cooskey.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
All shade tree ordinances to be strictly enforced - Pittston, PA
All shade tree ordinances to be strictly enforced | The Pittston Dispatch, Pittston, PA:
The pruning of all shade trees within the Borough of West Pittston must conform to ANSI A300-1995 pruning standards and ANSI Z133-1 safety requirements. A copy of both is on file in the borough office. All contractors need to comply with the proper West Pittston borough license requirements and follow proper trimming requirements.
Residents should be aware topping is unlawful. “Topping” is defined as the severe cutting back of limbs within the tree’s crown (top) to such a degree so as to remove the normal canopy and disfigure the tree. Residents who participate in the topping of trees on the tree lawn will face a substantial fine for violating the Borough Code. Trees severely damaged by storms or other such causes or certain trees under utility wires may be exempt, but only at the determination of the Shade Tree Commission.
The pruning of all shade trees within the Borough of West Pittston must conform to ANSI A300-1995 pruning standards and ANSI Z133-1 safety requirements. A copy of both is on file in the borough office. All contractors need to comply with the proper West Pittston borough license requirements and follow proper trimming requirements.
Residents should be aware topping is unlawful. “Topping” is defined as the severe cutting back of limbs within the tree’s crown (top) to such a degree so as to remove the normal canopy and disfigure the tree. Residents who participate in the topping of trees on the tree lawn will face a substantial fine for violating the Borough Code. Trees severely damaged by storms or other such causes or certain trees under utility wires may be exempt, but only at the determination of the Shade Tree Commission.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Boy Scouts complete tree care project - Quincy, MA
Quincy Herald Whig:
A Quincy Boy Scout troop gave its support to efforts restoring the thick canopy of towering shade trees along Maine Street.
Twelve scouts and five adult leaders from Troop 22 of St. Francis School placed mulched 95 trees between 12th and 30th streets Saturday morning as a service project.
A Quincy Boy Scout troop gave its support to efforts restoring the thick canopy of towering shade trees along Maine Street.
Twelve scouts and five adult leaders from Troop 22 of St. Francis School placed mulched 95 trees between 12th and 30th streets Saturday morning as a service project.
Lasers May Help In Researching Oregon Forest Canopy - Blue River, OR
Lasers May Help In Researching Ore. Forest Canopy | Oregon Blue River:
Using a growing technology that involves shooting lasers from airplanes to accurately and quickly create three-dimensional maps of the ground and vegetation below, Betts and other researchers are discovering more about the forest ecosystems in Oregon.
'It allows us to see the forest in new ways,' said Thomas Spies, a research forest ecologist with the U.S. Forest Service's Pacific Northwest Research Station.
Using a growing technology that involves shooting lasers from airplanes to accurately and quickly create three-dimensional maps of the ground and vegetation below, Betts and other researchers are discovering more about the forest ecosystems in Oregon.
'It allows us to see the forest in new ways,' said Thomas Spies, a research forest ecologist with the U.S. Forest Service's Pacific Northwest Research Station.
Monday, September 27, 2010
City needs volunteer tree liaisons - Norwalk, CT
Norwalk Tree Alliance: Norwalk needs tree liaisons:
Norwalk is looking for volunteers to become neighborhood tree liaisons.
The city’s Tree Advisory Committee regards the liaisons as essential to the vitality and growth of the community’s urban forest.
But only seven of Norwalk’s 21 neighborhood associations count tree liaisons among their active members today. And the neighborhood associations represent only half of the city’s 36.3 square miles of territory.
Norwalk is looking for volunteers to become neighborhood tree liaisons.
The city’s Tree Advisory Committee regards the liaisons as essential to the vitality and growth of the community’s urban forest.
But only seven of Norwalk’s 21 neighborhood associations count tree liaisons among their active members today. And the neighborhood associations represent only half of the city’s 36.3 square miles of territory.
Guest columnist: Town doesn't need tree canopy rules - Chapel Hill, NC
chapelhillnews.com | Town doesn't need tree canopy rules:
Even though the council heard stern criticism of 'canopy' rules in February 2010, the Planning Board has recommended an ordinance that still has minimum tree 'canopy' as its base concept. There is a long and legitimate list of questions that must be answered:
Does Chapel Hill really need new, more onerous, more complicated tree 'canopy' standards?
Is there really a tree 'problem' in Chapel Hill that needs to be solved?
Even though the council heard stern criticism of 'canopy' rules in February 2010, the Planning Board has recommended an ordinance that still has minimum tree 'canopy' as its base concept. There is a long and legitimate list of questions that must be answered:
Does Chapel Hill really need new, more onerous, more complicated tree 'canopy' standards?
Is there really a tree 'problem' in Chapel Hill that needs to be solved?
Monday, September 20, 2010
Emerald ash borer found in Champaign and Grundy counties - Canton, IL
Emerald ash borer found in Champaign and Grundy counties - Canton, IL - Canton Daily Ledger
A destructive pest that feasts on ash trees has been confirmed in Champaign and Grundy counties. The emerald ash borer (EAB) was discovered in Champaign County at Prairie Pine Campgrounds in Rantoul and in Grundy County at the Three Rivers Rest Area on I-80 in Morris, the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) announced Friday.
USDA staff discovered the Rantoul infestation on a purple sticky trap used to locate the presence of adult EAB, while IDOA staff collected a specimen from a trap placed in the Grundy County rest area. Both specimens were submitted to the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, which confirmed them as EAB.
“Grundy County is already under our EAB quarantine, which includes all or parts of 23 counties in the northern and central parts of Illinois,” Warren Goetsch, IDOA bureau chief of Environmental Programs, said. “However, Champaign County is not. Therefore, the quarantine boundaries will need to be adjusted.
A destructive pest that feasts on ash trees has been confirmed in Champaign and Grundy counties. The emerald ash borer (EAB) was discovered in Champaign County at Prairie Pine Campgrounds in Rantoul and in Grundy County at the Three Rivers Rest Area on I-80 in Morris, the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) announced Friday.
USDA staff discovered the Rantoul infestation on a purple sticky trap used to locate the presence of adult EAB, while IDOA staff collected a specimen from a trap placed in the Grundy County rest area. Both specimens were submitted to the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, which confirmed them as EAB.
“Grundy County is already under our EAB quarantine, which includes all or parts of 23 counties in the northern and central parts of Illinois,” Warren Goetsch, IDOA bureau chief of Environmental Programs, said. “However, Champaign County is not. Therefore, the quarantine boundaries will need to be adjusted.
Remote sensing and crane rides give scientists a picture of carbon stocks in trees
BBC News - Crane ride high above the forest canopy:
How do you accurately measure the heights of some of the world's tallest trees?
Scientists from Colorado State University and Nasa are compiling a unique satellite map that details the heights of the forests - which they say will help them build an inventory of how much carbon they store, and how much is recycled back into the atmosphere.
At the same time, botanists on the ground are tagging and measuring trees to establish an inventory of woodland areas in specific locations. One of these is the Gifford Pinchot National Forest in south west Washington.
At the Wind River Canopy Crane Research Facility scientists from the University of Washington are following the life cycles of trees such as the Douglas Fir, many of which are over 500 years old. They are using an industrial crane that lifts researchers over 60 metres in a gondola, to above the tree canopy.
How do you accurately measure the heights of some of the world's tallest trees?
Scientists from Colorado State University and Nasa are compiling a unique satellite map that details the heights of the forests - which they say will help them build an inventory of how much carbon they store, and how much is recycled back into the atmosphere.
At the same time, botanists on the ground are tagging and measuring trees to establish an inventory of woodland areas in specific locations. One of these is the Gifford Pinchot National Forest in south west Washington.
At the Wind River Canopy Crane Research Facility scientists from the University of Washington are following the life cycles of trees such as the Douglas Fir, many of which are over 500 years old. They are using an industrial crane that lifts researchers over 60 metres in a gondola, to above the tree canopy.
Trees pay us back - Largo, FL edition
Largo's growing tree canopy has benefits - St. Petersburg Times:
By last count in 2005, there were 17,411 trees on city property, with a value of $15 million.
And, according to city parks superintendent Greg Brown, there could be many more that have yet to be counted.
The current number of trees in the city, which range from thousands of queen palms and oak trees to single examples of exotic evergreens like the monkey puzzle tree, has been boosted in recent years by city efforts — the Mayor's Street Tree Planting Program and Communitrees.
By last count in 2005, there were 17,411 trees on city property, with a value of $15 million.
And, according to city parks superintendent Greg Brown, there could be many more that have yet to be counted.
The current number of trees in the city, which range from thousands of queen palms and oak trees to single examples of exotic evergreens like the monkey puzzle tree, has been boosted in recent years by city efforts — the Mayor's Street Tree Planting Program and Communitrees.
Rainforest Canopy Cover & Precipitation Interception Affecting Climate Change & Global Warming
Rainforest Canopy Cover & Precipitation Interception Affecting Climate Change & Global Warming | Our Amazing Planet:
With billions of overlapping leaves, stretching sometimes for hundreds of feet above the ground, the canopies of the world's rainforests act like giant umbrellas – catching rain before it has a chance to reach the forest floor. It turns out that these arboreal umbrellas intercept almost 2 trillion gallons of rain each year, a new study that could improve our understanding of the impacts of climate change finds.
That's about 20 percent of the rain that falls from the sky over the world's forests. The massive amounts of rain essentially puddle up on the leaves before evaporating back into the atmosphere. While scientists have estimated rain interception for specific forests before, Diego Miralles, a researcher at VU University in Amsterdam and lead author of the new study, says this is the first global estimate.
With billions of overlapping leaves, stretching sometimes for hundreds of feet above the ground, the canopies of the world's rainforests act like giant umbrellas – catching rain before it has a chance to reach the forest floor. It turns out that these arboreal umbrellas intercept almost 2 trillion gallons of rain each year, a new study that could improve our understanding of the impacts of climate change finds.
That's about 20 percent of the rain that falls from the sky over the world's forests. The massive amounts of rain essentially puddle up on the leaves before evaporating back into the atmosphere. While scientists have estimated rain interception for specific forests before, Diego Miralles, a researcher at VU University in Amsterdam and lead author of the new study, says this is the first global estimate.
Knoxville Utilities Board tree trim panel makes final recommendations including lateral pruning and undergrounding - Knoxville, TN
KUB tree trim panel makes final recommendations � Knoxville News Sentinel:
A panel KUB formed earlier this year to review the utility’s tree trim policy issued its final report today, recommending ways to protect powerlines, the trees growing near them and develop a policy for public education and dispute resolution.
The 27-page study that took some seven months to complete urges KUB to continue pruning trees using lateral cutting techniques, while trying to keep cutting to no more than 25 percent of the tree’s canopy.
The study also recommends using tree growth regulators, the existing tree replacement program, and qualifications for special status trees to preserve valuable urban vegetation. KUB also is advised to encouage new developments to install underground utility lines.
A panel KUB formed earlier this year to review the utility’s tree trim policy issued its final report today, recommending ways to protect powerlines, the trees growing near them and develop a policy for public education and dispute resolution.
The 27-page study that took some seven months to complete urges KUB to continue pruning trees using lateral cutting techniques, while trying to keep cutting to no more than 25 percent of the tree’s canopy.
The study also recommends using tree growth regulators, the existing tree replacement program, and qualifications for special status trees to preserve valuable urban vegetation. KUB also is advised to encouage new developments to install underground utility lines.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Get your tickets for TREES Inc. anniversary dinner on 9/28 - Terra Haute, IN
Get your tickets for TREES Inc. anniversary dinner
The reservation deadline is Tuesday for TREES Inc.’s 20th anniversary celebration. The Sept. 28 dinner at the Holiday Inn will feature nationally known urban forester Dr. Burney Fischer.
The public is invited to attend the celebration, which will recognize individual and businesses supporters of TREES over the past two decades and announce seven state champion big trees located in Vigo and Clay counties.
The reservation deadline is Tuesday for TREES Inc.’s 20th anniversary celebration. The Sept. 28 dinner at the Holiday Inn will feature nationally known urban forester Dr. Burney Fischer.
The public is invited to attend the celebration, which will recognize individual and businesses supporters of TREES over the past two decades and announce seven state champion big trees located in Vigo and Clay counties.
Tree Regulations and Programs Open House 9/21 to explain Tree Canopy Goal - Seattle, WA
Building Connections � Tree Regulations and Programs Open House:
The City of Seattle invites the public to an open house to learn how the City is increasing Seattle’s tree canopy. Seattle has a goal of increasing its urban forest from the current 23% coverage to 30% by 2030.
The City of Seattle invites the public to an open house to learn how the City is increasing Seattle’s tree canopy. Seattle has a goal of increasing its urban forest from the current 23% coverage to 30% by 2030.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Rehoboth Beach tree study to start later this month - Rehobeth Beach, DE
CapeGazette.com - Rehoboth Beach tree study to start later this month:
A study of Rehoboth Beach’s public tree canopy is set to get underway in the last week of September and the first week of October.
Davey Resource Group of Ohio will conduct the study, which is expected to take two weeks, working four 10-hour days.
Bryan Hall, of the State Office of Planning and Coordination said the results of the study should be complete before the beginning of next year.
The city received a $15,000 grant from the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control to conduct the study. Davey Tree estimated it could inventory 5,000 city trees at a cost of $4.49 per tree.
Bryan Hall, of the State Office of Planning and Coordination, said the study will take place while leaves are still on the trees but most of the tourists have gone home.
A study of Rehoboth Beach’s public tree canopy is set to get underway in the last week of September and the first week of October.
Davey Resource Group of Ohio will conduct the study, which is expected to take two weeks, working four 10-hour days.
Bryan Hall, of the State Office of Planning and Coordination said the results of the study should be complete before the beginning of next year.
The city received a $15,000 grant from the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control to conduct the study. Davey Tree estimated it could inventory 5,000 city trees at a cost of $4.49 per tree.
Bryan Hall, of the State Office of Planning and Coordination, said the study will take place while leaves are still on the trees but most of the tourists have gone home.
Druid Hill Park Turns 150 - Baltimore, MD
| The Afro-American Newspapers | Your Community. Your History. Your News.
One of the cornerstones of African-American history and life in Baltimore will be 150 years old in October. Druid Hill Park was originally developed as part of a major urban parks initiative in the late 19th century. To celebrate the green oasis in the heart of urban life, Tree Baltimore, a division of the Department of Parks and Recreation; The Friends of Druid Hill Park, a local cooperative; and Cathy Allen, the green ambassador, have teamed up to plant 150 new trees in the park on Oct. 9. The plan is to enhance the tree canopy on the Zoo Mansion House lawn and replace older, dying trees around the park with saplings.
Allen, who frequently visits the park with her two young children and lives in close proximity, is excited about the celebration of the history of the park and the initiative to plant more trees. She calls it “green goodness.”
One of the cornerstones of African-American history and life in Baltimore will be 150 years old in October. Druid Hill Park was originally developed as part of a major urban parks initiative in the late 19th century. To celebrate the green oasis in the heart of urban life, Tree Baltimore, a division of the Department of Parks and Recreation; The Friends of Druid Hill Park, a local cooperative; and Cathy Allen, the green ambassador, have teamed up to plant 150 new trees in the park on Oct. 9. The plan is to enhance the tree canopy on the Zoo Mansion House lawn and replace older, dying trees around the park with saplings.
Allen, who frequently visits the park with her two young children and lives in close proximity, is excited about the celebration of the history of the park and the initiative to plant more trees. She calls it “green goodness.”
Mundy Park plan dropped - Coquitlam. British Columbia, Canada
The Tri-City News - Mundy Park plan dropped:
A forest adventure playground in Coquitlam? Maybe one day. Eco-tourism in Mundy Park? Never.
A forest adventure playground in Coquitlam? Maybe one day. Eco-tourism in Mundy Park? Never.
More NeighbourWoods trees available - Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
More NeighbourWoods trees available - Kelowna News - Castanet.net:
Due to the overwhelming success of this year’s spring NeighbourWoods program, the City of Kelowna is excited to offer a second, fall program.
“By providing resilient trees at a discount we are encouraging residents to help us increase the city’s urban tree canopy,” says Parks Services Manager Ian Wilson.
“Studies show that increasing our tree cover to 25 per cent will produce pretty significant energy savings and other great benefits. The research also points out that we don’t have much species diversity and that our canopy is only about 13 per cent.”
Due to the overwhelming success of this year’s spring NeighbourWoods program, the City of Kelowna is excited to offer a second, fall program.
“By providing resilient trees at a discount we are encouraging residents to help us increase the city’s urban tree canopy,” says Parks Services Manager Ian Wilson.
“Studies show that increasing our tree cover to 25 per cent will produce pretty significant energy savings and other great benefits. The research also points out that we don’t have much species diversity and that our canopy is only about 13 per cent.”
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Mount Vernon: Trees to be cut down, replaced in plan to upgrade public squares around Baltimore's Washington Monument - Baltimore, MD
Mount Vernon: Trees to be cut down, replaced in plan to upgrade public squares around Baltimore's Washington Monument - baltimoresun.com:
About 100 mature trees in the heart of Baltimore would be cut down and replaced with 118 younger trees in a slightly different configuration, if city officials adopt a private group's $18.5 million plan to upgrade the four public squares around the Washington Monument.
The Mount Vernon Place Conservancy plans to raise funds to make the improvements by mid-2015 if the city accepts its restoration plan, including the tree replacement proposal as a key element. The nonprofit group and its design team presented their recommendations Monday to Baltimore's Commission for Historical and Architectural Preservation, which has legal authority over changes to the city-owned parkland.
About 100 mature trees in the heart of Baltimore would be cut down and replaced with 118 younger trees in a slightly different configuration, if city officials adopt a private group's $18.5 million plan to upgrade the four public squares around the Washington Monument.
The Mount Vernon Place Conservancy plans to raise funds to make the improvements by mid-2015 if the city accepts its restoration plan, including the tree replacement proposal as a key element. The nonprofit group and its design team presented their recommendations Monday to Baltimore's Commission for Historical and Architectural Preservation, which has legal authority over changes to the city-owned parkland.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Gird your trees for the next big blow - Miami, FL
Gird your trees for the next big blow - Home & Garden - MiamiHerald.com:
Each year South Florida braces for the ``big one.'' Churning its way across the tropical Atlantic, a major hurricane can exact a toll on life and property like few other natural disasters can. Damage to the home landscape can be considerable and long lasting, even with a smaller category 1 or 2 storm.
For many of us, the dread associated with an approaching storm focuses more on the fear over the loss of our landscaping than loss of life. Few who lived through the fury and aftermath of Hurricane Andrew in 1992 will forget the impact this event had on their lives and their landscapes, forever marking time as pre- or post-Andrew.
Each year South Florida braces for the ``big one.'' Churning its way across the tropical Atlantic, a major hurricane can exact a toll on life and property like few other natural disasters can. Damage to the home landscape can be considerable and long lasting, even with a smaller category 1 or 2 storm.
For many of us, the dread associated with an approaching storm focuses more on the fear over the loss of our landscaping than loss of life. Few who lived through the fury and aftermath of Hurricane Andrew in 1992 will forget the impact this event had on their lives and their landscapes, forever marking time as pre- or post-Andrew.
Entrepreneur transplants trees to bring comfort at Ground Zero - NYC, NY
Entrepreneur transplants trees to bring comfort at Ground Zero | Houston & Texas News | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle:
HALLOWED GROUND
Nine years after the 9/11 terror attacks, work continues on the Ground Zero Memorial Plaza. Houston native Tom Cox has played a critical role by procuring and transplanting more than 500 trees for the project.
• The trees: Sweet gums and swamp white oaks, all harvested from New York, Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C., where lives were lost on Sept. 11, 2001.
• A solid canopy: 386 trees will provide a park-like canopy of shade over an underground museum; 126 more will dress up the adjacent Port Authority transportation hub, still under construction.
• Time frame: The first 16 trees were craned in on Aug. 28. Another 266 are to be in place by Sept. 11, 2011. The project should be complete in five to six years.
HALLOWED GROUND
Nine years after the 9/11 terror attacks, work continues on the Ground Zero Memorial Plaza. Houston native Tom Cox has played a critical role by procuring and transplanting more than 500 trees for the project.
• The trees: Sweet gums and swamp white oaks, all harvested from New York, Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C., where lives were lost on Sept. 11, 2001.
• A solid canopy: 386 trees will provide a park-like canopy of shade over an underground museum; 126 more will dress up the adjacent Port Authority transportation hub, still under construction.
• Time frame: The first 16 trees were craned in on Aug. 28. Another 266 are to be in place by Sept. 11, 2011. The project should be complete in five to six years.
North Carolina Division of Forest Resources announces 2010 Urban & Community Forestry Award Winners
NCDFR - 2010 Urban & Community Forestry Award Winners:
Outstanding Project:
Winston-Salem’ annual Community Roots Day tree planting event started 17 years ago with a handful of volunteers planting 60 trees. Approximately 6,000 trees have been planted since then. The event has grown to 400-600 volunteers planting 300-500 trees one April morning this spring. In 2009, approximately 350-400 volunteers planted over 300 trees along streets and neighborhoods surrounding the Hanes Hosiery Recreation Center. The volunteer base includes neighbors, businesses, churches, civic groups and city/county organizations.
Read about the other winners...
Outstanding Project:
Winston-Salem’ annual Community Roots Day tree planting event started 17 years ago with a handful of volunteers planting 60 trees. Approximately 6,000 trees have been planted since then. The event has grown to 400-600 volunteers planting 300-500 trees one April morning this spring. In 2009, approximately 350-400 volunteers planted over 300 trees along streets and neighborhoods surrounding the Hanes Hosiery Recreation Center. The volunteer base includes neighbors, businesses, churches, civic groups and city/county organizations.
Read about the other winners...
DigitalCommons@USU - John H. Lowry Jr.: Spatial Analysis of Urbanization in the Salt Lake Valley: An Urban Ecosystem Perspective
DigitalCommons@USU - John H. Lowry Jr.: Spatial Analysis of Urbanization in the Salt Lake Valley: An Urban Ecosystem Perspective:
Because urban areas comprise a variety of biotic (e.g. people, trees) and abiotic (e.g. streets, water) components that interact and are often interdependent upon one another, it is helpful to study urban areas as urban ecosystems.
Because urban areas comprise a variety of biotic (e.g. people, trees) and abiotic (e.g. streets, water) components that interact and are often interdependent upon one another, it is helpful to study urban areas as urban ecosystems.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Clackamas County commissioners approve new tree-cutting ordinance - Clackamas County, OR
Clackamas County commissioners approve new tree-cutting ordinance | OregonLive.com
Clackamas County's commissioners approved an ordinance Thursday limiting clear-cutting of trees in urban, unincorporated areas of the county.
The decision comes two full years after the board appointed a 12-member task force, made up of conservationists, real estate agents, watershed specialists and developers, and asked its members to address both single-incident problems of clearcutting and the larger, longer-term issue of preserving the county's "urban tree forest."
The decision comes two full years after the board appointed a 12-member task force, made up of conservationists, real estate agents, watershed specialists and developers, and asked its members to address both single-incident problems of clearcutting and the larger, longer-term issue of preserving the county's "urban tree forest."
The commissioners, in approving the new ordinance, directed county staff to expand efforts to maintain and enhance the county's tree canopy.
Trees for Houston offers free school program - Houston, TX
Trees for Houston offers free school program > River Oaks Examiner > Lifestyles Archives > Houston Community Newspapers Online - News Around Town:
The Trees for Schools program is accepting registration for its free educational presentations taught by Trees For Houston representatives to third- and fourth-grade pupils at area schools.
Each 45-minute presentation focuses on the value of planting, protecting and preserving trees. The session covers the benefits of trees, basic tree biology and concludes with a questions and answer session.
The Trees for Schools program is accepting registration for its free educational presentations taught by Trees For Houston representatives to third- and fourth-grade pupils at area schools.
Each 45-minute presentation focuses on the value of planting, protecting and preserving trees. The session covers the benefits of trees, basic tree biology and concludes with a questions and answer session.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Preserving Baltimore's urban forest - baltimoresun.com
Preserving Baltimore's urban forest - baltimoresun.com:
Trees make a city more beautiful, and Baltimore is blessed with an abundance of them — some 2.7 million at last count. That leafy green canopy, which acts as the city's lungs and air conditioner by cooling and cleaning our air and water, doesn't always get the attention it deserves as a critical element of the urban infrastructure. Yet if Baltimore is to remain an attractive place to live and work, its urban forest must be constantly maintained and continually renewed.
Baltimore's tree canopy — a measure of the proportion of the city shaded by trees — has been declining in recent decades, largely due to commercial and residential development and the paving over of previously green spaces. The last time the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Forest Service measured the city's tree canopy, it found its coverage had declined from about 30.5 percent of the city in 2001 to just 28.5 percent in 2005.
Trees make a city more beautiful, and Baltimore is blessed with an abundance of them — some 2.7 million at last count. That leafy green canopy, which acts as the city's lungs and air conditioner by cooling and cleaning our air and water, doesn't always get the attention it deserves as a critical element of the urban infrastructure. Yet if Baltimore is to remain an attractive place to live and work, its urban forest must be constantly maintained and continually renewed.
Baltimore's tree canopy — a measure of the proportion of the city shaded by trees — has been declining in recent decades, largely due to commercial and residential development and the paving over of previously green spaces. The last time the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Forest Service measured the city's tree canopy, it found its coverage had declined from about 30.5 percent of the city in 2001 to just 28.5 percent in 2005.
Study looks at best spots to plant trees in Nashville, TN
Study looks at best spots to plant trees in Nashville | tennessean.com | The Tennessean:
Nashville is greener than many other cities, boasting more tree canopy than Atlanta, Washington or Seattle.
But Davidson County's first-ever tree assessment, including its most urban areas, shows where more trees could be added, including a possibility that trees could shade almost two-thirds of downtown.
It would take a lot of trees — 197,213 — to add 1 percent more canopy countywide.
To guide the greening effort, volunteers who plant trees along neighborhood streets will have to get Metro approval of what and where they plan to plant.
Nashville is greener than many other cities, boasting more tree canopy than Atlanta, Washington or Seattle.
But Davidson County's first-ever tree assessment, including its most urban areas, shows where more trees could be added, including a possibility that trees could shade almost two-thirds of downtown.
It would take a lot of trees — 197,213 — to add 1 percent more canopy countywide.
To guide the greening effort, volunteers who plant trees along neighborhood streets will have to get Metro approval of what and where they plan to plant.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Counting the true cost of street trees - Toronto, Canada
A tree grows in Toronto, but not long - thestar.com:
They beautify our city streets, give us shade in a concrete jungle, and have become almost an expected part of the city’s urban landscape.
But our desire to have sidewalks lined with a canopy of lush tall trees — at any cost — almost verges on cruelty. In part, because every time a tree is planted along a Toronto street, it fights to survive.
“You plant trees and people expect them to thrive. They don’t thrive, because they have lost 80-95 percent of their roots,” said Richard Ubbens, director of urban forestry for the city of Toronto. “These trees are in major, major shock.”
They beautify our city streets, give us shade in a concrete jungle, and have become almost an expected part of the city’s urban landscape.
But our desire to have sidewalks lined with a canopy of lush tall trees — at any cost — almost verges on cruelty. In part, because every time a tree is planted along a Toronto street, it fights to survive.
“You plant trees and people expect them to thrive. They don’t thrive, because they have lost 80-95 percent of their roots,” said Richard Ubbens, director of urban forestry for the city of Toronto. “These trees are in major, major shock.”
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Activists Outraged at Proposal for Cutting Old Trees - Seattle, WA
Activists Outraged at Proposal for Cutting Old Trees | Slog | The Stranger, Seattle's Only Newspaper:
Some Seattle residents say that a proposal (.pdf) from the city’s Department of Planning and Development to update tree protection codes on private property would only strip large, rare trees off whatever protection they currently have.
But DPD contends that the current rules are no longer working. The department is acting on a 2009 council resolution which asked them to craft new guidelines and incentives that would curb tree removal and retain more trees on private and public properties. DPD spokesperson Bryan Stevens says that the new regulations primarily seek to improve the city's canopy coverage under Seattle’s Urban Forest Management Plan. 'We don't think our proposal will lead to more people cutting down their trees,' Stevens says.
Some Seattle residents say that a proposal (.pdf) from the city’s Department of Planning and Development to update tree protection codes on private property would only strip large, rare trees off whatever protection they currently have.
But DPD contends that the current rules are no longer working. The department is acting on a 2009 council resolution which asked them to craft new guidelines and incentives that would curb tree removal and retain more trees on private and public properties. DPD spokesperson Bryan Stevens says that the new regulations primarily seek to improve the city's canopy coverage under Seattle’s Urban Forest Management Plan. 'We don't think our proposal will lead to more people cutting down their trees,' Stevens says.
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