Tree Care Balances Health of Urban Canopy and Public Safety
Work to Occur within the Chain of Parks This Weekend
February 28, 2020
The City of Tallahassee’s more than 20 certified arborists and tree care professionals provide close care for trees, including those within the downtown park system. In line with the City’s commitment to maintaining a healthy urban forest and knowing that all trees have a life span, proactive reforestation has occurred during the last 20 years with the planting of about 45 trees within the Chain of Parks. This practice has helped diversify the species, ages and sizes of trees within the parks.
Following decades of attentive care and maintenance by trained professionals, five trees in the downtown Chain of Parks have been deemed “high risk” due to natural decay and structural damage. Scans have been performed on these trees over the course of several years to track internal changes to confirm external assessments. The City also engaged community tree experts to provide independent field assessments for these trees over several years. Collectively, the experts, both internal and external, agree that the imminent threat the trees pose now outweighs the benefits they provide and, thus, will be removed.
“In advance of the busy spring season that brings thousands of people to our Chain of Parks, now is the appropriate time to remove the trees that are at the end of their lives. We are extremely grateful for the professional, thorough efforts of our arborists and community tree advocates who collaborated closely on this issue helping to ensure public safety,” said Ashley Edwards, director of the City’s Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Affairs Department. “We are entrusted with being stewards of our natural resources, and we take that responsibility seriously.”
“These trees are growing in a highly urban environment with the characteristic problems of restricted rooting space, soil compaction and probably construction damage in their past. Also, I believe that all these trees have been struck by lightning (at least once) during their lifetime. These impacts have taken a toll both structurally and health wise,” said Stan Rosenthal, UF/IFAS Extension Forestry Agent Emeritus, ISA TRAQ Certified. “Trees live a tough life in the elements. It’s sad when they reach their end, but as trees are removed and replaced, the important thing is that we keep the renewal process going while providing the best care we can.”
“The removal of the park trees is not a short-sighted act. It’s being done after looking at all the available options. A large group was convened that reviewed and discussed the options. The trees pose a hazard, and replanting will be a key part of this process. We’ll have a better-looking area after this work,” said Ann Bidlingmaier, community tree advocate.
“As a Tree City USA, the City values and works to protect its robust canopy. A healthy urban forest has repeatedly been shown to be a critical component to a vibrant and livable community,” said Mindy Mohrman, Urban Forester with the City and ISA Certified Arborist/Municipal Specialist MW-4433AM, Tree Risk Assessment Qualified. “Trees provide effective and low-cost solutions to urban challenges, alleviating water and air pollution, improving public health, increasing property value and enhancing the success of business districts. These solutions span multiple city priorities, including public safety, economic development, infrastructure planning and quality of life.”
A key element of this proactive planting effort is ensuring the right tree is planted in the right place. When it was created in the 1800s, the Chain of Parks was part of a small network of public squares and green space near the northern edge of Tallahassee. Since then, the City has grown, and downtown has evolved. With the development of our downtown has come greater density, taller buildings and more impervious surfaces. Staff factors in all this and more as new trees are planted to ensure each tree receives ample sunlight, can properly spread without debilitating competition from neighboring trees and that minimal conflicts with infrastructure exist.
The concept of “right tree, right place” is in line with the goal of improving the overall canopy quality to ensure long-term sustainability, as outlined in the City’s Urban Forest Master Plan. Tallahassee’s current urban forest is made up of many short-lived, weak-wooded species with low wind resistance, making our urban forest vulnerable to storms. Increasing the populations and diversity of long-lived, high-value urban species improves the quality and health of our urban forest.
“Matching the right tree to the right place is the best way to ensure survival, reduced maintenance needs and maximum benefits. In support of these strategic reforestation efforts, the City planted more than 1,100 trees in the community on public and private property through the Adopt a Tree program, annual Arbor Day event and routine community beautification work in 2019,” Mohrman added.
As protectors of the environment, the City must balance the health of its urban canopy with public safety. The Florida Department of Transportation and the City are working in coordination on all aspects of the tree removal to ensure safety. Work is scheduled to begin this Saturday, February 29. Nearby traffic lanes and sidewalks will be closed to protect the public. Motorists are encouraged to use caution when travelling near the Chain of Parks this week, adhere to all posted closures and follow crew instructions.
For more about the Urban Forest Master Plan, tree care tips and general information about Tallahassee’s trees, visit Talgov.com.
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