| [College of ACES] | [University of Illinois] | [Illinois CES] |
In my humble opinion (not that I was asked), in relation to long term sustainability of our urban forests... not to be confused with our wildland forests... far too much emphasis is placed on the "preservation" of mature trees. While such efforts are good for our business... and admitedly I respond at least as emotionally to the grandeur, history and character of large old trees as the next guy... in an urban setting, our efforts are often for naught!
In the end, the best we often do is extent the period of their decline... which may be acceptable, but should be achieved with the reality accepted and communicated to all involved.
I am increasingly of the thinking that long-term sustainibility of the greatest amout of crown cover wuld be achieved by complete absence of development in selected forested areas... "green belts".
Regardless of reinforcement, planting mix, seration systems, species selection, etc., etc. ... trees will never thrive indefinitely in restricted planting spaces.
I believe our emphasis as arborists needs to be on communicating the need for integrating redesign of our urban spaces to allow sufficient growing space for urban trees and the development and/or preservation of existing "green belts" in and around urban development.
Never-the-less... given the choice of street trees in a two-foot square sidewalk planting space that can only thrive for 10-15 years versus no trees at all... I'll take the trees every time!
So... summary? Promote tree planting and work to preserve mature urban trees... but communicate the realities while doing so. Consider and promote increased planting/growing space and preservation or open space areas in the interest of improving the long-term quality of urban forests and their impact on our environment as a whole!
Just food for thought... see ya!
Torrey