Extension Forestry: Why Urban Forestry?

WHY URBAN FORESTRY?

Since the time of the famous Charter Oak, Connecticut has had a proud heritage of tree-lined streets, shady parks, town forests and commons. If PROPERLY MANAGED these urban forests can produce a wide range of economic, environmental and aesthetic benefits to society and greatly enhance our quality of life. But without management this heritage is in danger of destruction and decay.

A recent survey shows that Connecticut's urban forests are aging, unhealthy and neglected. Budgets for tree care are a low priority for most communities and rarely suffi- cient for more than crises management. Here are some of the reasons why urban forests deserve and need our care, and some of the steps that individuals and communities can take to manage this valuable but neglected resource.

BENEFITS FROM URBAN AND COMMUNITY FORESTS

Urban forests are economic assets:

Property values are increased by 15-20% when homes are surrounded by large trees or are located on well- shaded avenues.
A mature, healthy street tree has an average dollar value of $2,064. The combined value of an urban forest appreciates over time representing a considerable economic asset to the community.

Urban forests save energy:

A mature tree in summer transpires up to 100 gallons of water a day, equivalent to five large air conditioners operating 20 hours a day, with resulting temperature decreases of 5-12 degrees.
Shade trees can reduce the temperature on the exterior surface of buildings by 16 degrees Farenheit, cutting air conditioning costs.
Windbreaks of trees can reduce winter heating costs 20-30%.

Urban forests improve our air:

An 80-foot beech tree daily removes the amount of carbon dioxide produced by two single family dwellings.
Over a 50-year lifetime, a tree produces oxygen worth $31,250 and provides $62,000 worth of air pollution control.
Globally, tree planting may slow the greenhouse effect.
Dust counts can be decreased by 75% downwind of urban plantings. Fumes and bad odors can be intercepted by trees or masked by their more pleasing odors.

Urban forests protect our water:

Over a 50-year lifetime, a tree recycles $37,500 worth of water and controls $31,250 worth of soil erosion.
Windbreaks help control wind erosion; greenbelts around watersheds can decrease water erosion and runoff and preserve water quality.

Urban forests improve our communities:

Urban trees soften architectural lines, articulate entry points and lend color and distinction to public buildings.
Well-placed tree buffers help channel traffic, control hazardous glare and reduce unwanted noise by up to 50%.
Shaded sidewalks, parks, greenspaces and town forests provide places for recreation, rest and contemplation.
Urban forests provide habitat for wildlife.
Surgery patients recuperate faster with a view of trees.

HELPING TREES HELP PEOPLE

URBAN AND COMMUNITY FORESTS NEED PROPER MANAGEMENT

Management of the urban forest is essential to maintain the many benefits trees provide and avoid possible hazards. Does your community manage its forest? Here are some components of successful community forest management:

A coordinating board or tree commission.
An inventory and evaluation of urban forest resources.
A comprehensive long-range management plan to ensure a healthy, well-maintained urban forest and maximize its benefits.
Appropriate training for work crews.
Community involvement and participation.

URBAN TREES ARE SEVERELY STRESSED

Living with people can be hard on trees. Community forests must put up with the destructive attentions of humans and machines. Damage to trunks from lawn mowers, parked cars and initial carvers causes wounds which open the way for disease and insect attacks. Overhead wires and underground utility pipes restrict growing space. The compaction of the surface soil, air and soil pollutants, road salt and exposure to dessicating wind and heat reflected from concrete are additional problems. Trees under stress can also become hazards if not properly cared for.

YOU CAN HELP YOUR URBAN AND COMMUNITY FORESTS

There are many things that individuals and community groups can do to get involved in urban forestry. Here are a few ideas:

Investigate the state of tree care in your community.
Create a tree board or commission in your community.
Help raise funds for town urban forestry budgets.
Sponsor workships for town employees and arborists.
Work towards becoming a "Tree City USA."
Increase public awareness by undertaking special tree planting and care programs like "adopt a tree" or "adopt a park" with schools and neighborhood groups.
Encourage the development of educational programs like "Project Learning Tree."
Commemorate Arbor Day, or better yet, Arbor Month.
Manage the trees in your own backyard! The Cooperative Extension System has a series of information sheets, audio-visual presentations and a library of reference materials on urban and community forestry for your use. For more information on how to manage your community forest resources, contact your local Cooperative Extension System office.
Prepared by Jeffrey Y. Campbell, Former Community Development/Natural Resources Educator in Residence, Cooperative Extension System, 1800 Asylum Avenue, West Hartford, CT 06117 (860)241-4949.
May, 1993