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- Info
Improving the health of the urban forest, part I
| Author: |
Moll, Gary |
| Date: |
1987 |
| Periodical: |
American Forests |
| Abstract: |
The article that appeared in this section of the May/ June issue of AMERICAN FORESTS (see "The State of Our City Forests") surveyed the condition of trees in 20 cities. The conclusion of the study was that our urban forests are in a state of decline. For at least the last 10 years, trees have been dying at a faster rate than they have been planted. A third of the cities plant one tree for every eight trees removed, and about half the cities surveyed replant only a quarter of their losses. Much like high blood pressure in humans, the decline of the city forests is a creeping crisis. We don't recognize the malady for many years, and when we do, it is already a serious health issue that requires immediate and aggressive action. To reduce high blood pressure, a series of actions ax prescribed including medication, changes in diet, and stress reduction: Improving the condition of city trees requires immediate action, too. First, at least as many trees must be planted as die each year. Second, the quality of the trees planted must meet a set of standards that include the selection of quality genetic stock and expert care of the trees in the nursery. Third, the environmental stresses must be reduced, and finally, a periodic maintenance program must be carried out throughout the life of the tree. The first two actions will be addressed in this article and the latter two it the next issue of AMERICAN FORESTS. |
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