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Urban Forestry
Trees are often planted in urban environments to provide beauty and soften the harsh surfaces and angles of the city. But trees provide so much more than aesthetics. Trees affect the environment by providing shade, softening the wind, and cleaning the air. We use trees to screen poor views, provide privacy, and reduce noise. Trees also provide habitat for wildlife. And trees increase property values. Key to a thriving urban forest are proper tree selection and maintenance. Tree Selection: Start by considering the site where the tree will be planted. Taking the time to carefully consider the constraints of the planting location and the type of tree that is appropriate for it will result in a healthy tree that provides many benefits with minimal maintenance. The wrong tree planted in the wrong location can cause damage to sidewalks, become tangled in power lines, and crack sewer pipes. The result will be removal of the tree or substantial maintenance to constrain the growth of the tree that will destroy its natural shape, beauty and health. Tree Maintenance: Providing regular care for your trees is insurance against future problems. It is much easier and less costly to prevent problems and keep a tree healthy than it is to cure a problem once it develops. Regular maintenance includes watering, fertilizing, pruning, and monitoring for insects and diseases. The Master Gardeners and certified arborists are excellent resources to help maintain your trees. When maintaining trees, please do NOT top or tip, as these are harmful practices that ultimately fail to produce the desired result. Numerous resources are available to assist municipalities and individuals, including the staff of the SCCD Forestry Department and the many resources linked below.
Urban Forestry Resources There are numerous urban forestry resources available. You can find information on tree selection, tree planting, routine maintenance and pruning, disease identification, and how to avoid tree damage during construction. WSU Cooperative Extension The Green Zone has specific information on street trees appropriate for Spokane, from selecting the right tree to proper maintenance. The Urban Forest Council, a program of the Lands Council in Spokane, is dedicated to preserving native trees such as Ponderosa Pine and Douglas Fir through education and community action. (509) 838-4912. The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) was created to provide the general public with quality arboriculture, or tree care, related information. Resources include information on tree selection, proper tree care and pruning, and tree problems and treatments. The Pacific Northwest Chapter of National Arbor Day Foundation provides substantial tree information, including selecting the right tree for your location and tree care tips. Washington Community Forestry Council, a program of the Washington State Department of Natural Resources, works to educate citizens and decision-makers about the economic, environmental, psychological and aesthetic benefits of trees and to assist local governments, citizen groups and volunteers in planting and sustaining healthy trees and vegetation. the Urban and Community Forestry Program of the United States Department of Agriculture provides technical and financial assistance to help improve the livability of cities and communities through managing urban forest resources to promote a healthy ecosystem. The Center for Urban Forest Research at the USDA Forest Service conducts research on the benefits and costs of urban forests, creates new strategies for managing community forests, provides information to agencies and the public, and provides expertise to local communities on urban forest issues.
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An urban forest consists of all the trees in an urban setting, whether planted along a street, in a park, or in a backyard.
