NCFS Ranger Training Chapter 10 Urban

What is an urban forest

the collection of individual trees, woodlots, and other green spaces located within boundaries of a municipal area (village, town, city)

ecosystem services of urban forests

• air pollution reduction: trees trap and absorb particulates and air pollution

• carbon sequestration

• stormwater mitigation: reduce stormwater runoff by interception and evapotranspiration

• storm wind mitigation: tree canopy cover reduces ground wind speed

• air temperature mitigation: shading and evapotranspiration reduce air temp/ heat island effect

• noise abatement

economic benefits of urban forests

• air pollution reduction

• carbon sequestration and storage

• stormwater mitigation

• energy cost reduction

• increased property value

• increased retail business

• urban forestry industry economic contribution

what are the primary objectives of urban forestry

• reduce the public safety risks of trees

• maximize the ecosystem services the urban forest provides

• effective and efficient management of

objective of urban forestation

select the places to plant trees that will deliver the most ecosystem services and benefits

• focus on public property first

• places where people live, play, and work

• places where shade would be beneficial

• watersheds and areas where water accumulates

• plant the largest species of a tree a planting area and site will carry

soil characteristics for tree planting

• soil is most critical characteristic of a site or tree growth and survival

• soil compaction!!

what tree size for a site under 100 sq ft and 3-4ft width of planting site

small (less than 30ft)

what tree size for a site 100-200 sq ft and 4-6ft width of planting site

medium (30-50ft)

what tree size for a site over 200 sq ft and 6+ft width of planting site

large (taller than 50 ft)

bare root advantages

• low cost

• lightweight

• ease of handling

• can be planted with common hand tools

bare root disadvantages

• limited species available

• limited planting window

• greater storage requirements

containerized advantages

• plant year round

• can be stored if watered/protected

containerized disadvantages

• often have girding/matted roots

• frequent watering required

ball and burlap advantages

• less root girdling vs container

• larger than bareroot

• easier to transport than bare root

ball and burlap disadvantages

• requires backhoe/auger for planting

• costly

• difficult to handle (weight)

tree planting limiting factors

size of nursery stock, type of planting site, and equipment needed

things to know when planting a tree

• call before you dig

• handle with care: lift tree by root ball and keep roots moist

• digging a proper hole: dig 2-5 times wider than the diameter of the root ball with sloping sides

• planting depth: the trunk flare should sit slightly above ground and the topmost roots should be 1-2 inches below ground

• filling the hole: backfill with native soil (unless clay), tamp down slightly

• mulch: allow 1-2 inch clearance between the trunk and mulch. mulch 2-3 inches deep

where is the branch bark ridge and collar

tree pruning best management practices

• develop a pruning prescription based on the tree

• use quality, sharp tools

• use 3-step method when pruning larger branches

• do not top trees

• do not over prune: no more than 25% of leaf area should be removed in 1 year

• avoid pruning in the spring (peak of new growth) and fall (peak of fungal activity)

requirements for tree city usa

• maintain a tree board responsible for urban forestry management

• a public tree ordinance

• spend at least $2 per capita on urban forestry

• celebrate arbor day

the 2 other programs

Tree Line USA and Tree Campus