urban forestry

kieren · 12th August 2008, 09:51 PM

I was talking to a mate of mine and he was telling me about urban forestry. The idea is to grow stands of trees in parks and as street trees. To me it sounds like a great idea giving the tree a financial value will mean the trees are well maintained and healthy and after several years when it is time to cut them down the timber will be used for other things than mulch for the garden. does anyone know more about this? what are you thoughts?

fosheezy · 13th August 2008, 06:57 PM

i'm a real fan of that idea but the main problem i see is that when you plant trees in public places, people get attached to them. so when it comes time to mill them often the aestheitc value outweighs the timber value so they stay, or slowly get taken down one by one which isnt usually financially viable for milling purposes.

i think it would be possible (in parks where trees arn't damaged by cars and the like) but it would take some brave political decisions to get it done properly.

Greenman UK · 17th August 2008, 11:50 PM

HI,

Many UK city’s and towns have areas which may be classed as Urban Forestry zones.
These were mainly planted as shelter belts in the new towns in the 1960's. I.E, Redditch. These consist of hardwood plantations at 2m spacing!
Unfortunately these spinney’s, coupes, shelterbelts never have management plans and tend to be left alone. This means no silvicultural operations are undertaken to promote plus tree status or products which could be harvested and put back into the local coffers! Not only for products but to promote a good plus tree, free from defects and pathogens for the local people to enjoy!
We try to promote 1st/2nd thinnings of the areas we manage and provide greater access to these areas for people, turning them into an urban woodland environment!
The Mersey Forest, up in the NW of the UK is a good example of how urban forestry can work hand in hand with NGO's and a commercial operation.
In my opinion, what we must remember is trees have a greater value standing as carbon sinks and as a point of interest, than on the kitchen floor of a person’s house.

12th August 2008, 09:51 PM	#1
kieren Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Adelaide Posts: 104	urban forestry I was talking to a mate of mine and he was telling me about urban forestry. The idea is to grow stands of trees in parks and as street trees. To me it sounds like a great idea giving the tree a financial value will mean the trees are well maintained and healthy and after several years when it is time to cut them down the timber will be used for other things than mulch for the garden. does anyone know more about this? what are you thoughts?

13th August 2008, 06:57 PM	#2
fosheezy Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Melbourne Posts: 60	Re: urban forestry i'm a real fan of that idea but the main problem i see is that when you plant trees in public places, people get attached to them. so when it comes time to mill them often the aestheitc value outweighs the timber value so they stay, or slowly get taken down one by one which isnt usually financially viable for milling purposes. i think it would be possible (in parks where trees arn't damaged by cars and the like) but it would take some brave political decisions to get it done properly.

17th August 2008, 11:50 PM	#3
Greenman UK Sappling Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Birmingham UK Posts: 18	Re: urban forestry HI, Many UK city’s and towns have areas which may be classed as Urban Forestry zones. These were mainly planted as shelter belts in the new towns in the 1960's. I.E, Redditch. These consist of hardwood plantations at 2m spacing! Unfortunately these spinney’s, coupes, shelterbelts never have management plans and tend to be left alone. This means no silvicultural operations are undertaken to promote plus tree status or products which could be harvested and put back into the local coffers! Not only for products but to promote a good plus tree, free from defects and pathogens for the local people to enjoy! We try to promote 1st/2nd thinnings of the areas we manage and provide greater access to these areas for people, turning them into an urban woodland environment! The Mersey Forest, up in the NW of the UK is a good example of how urban forestry can work hand in hand with NGO's and a commercial operation. In my opinion, what we must remember is trees have a greater value standing as carbon sinks and as a point of interest, than on the kitchen floor of a person’s house. __________________ BSc (Hons) For, HND For, M.Arbor A. CEnv Consultant Arboriculturist

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