Tree management is an ecological science. Collins, where many trees planted are not native to that ecosystem,” Herms said. While not native, “they are valuable trees, so we need management in response to increasing drought.”
It requires an ecosystem-level view and approach. Education is a big part of that. Weather continues to change
Climate scientists have noted a change in weather patterns has increased storm intensity. Whether it’s a hurricane in the Southeast or floods in the West, weather events are becoming stronger and more damaging. With warming winters certain pest and insect populations, such as bark beetles, can grow. Colorado has seen this with mountain pine beetle. Professionals are anticipating greater effects and trying to get in front of increased threats to
the landscape. Wildfires are also a great concern. As fires become more frequent and more sustained, it’s important to find better wildfire abatement. Davey is involved in finding ways to mitigate the damage from wildfires. Using scientific models created by researchers, Davey can look ahead at the dangers trees will face in the future and work on programs and services to help them survive these new or intensified threats.
Continuous education
“Tree management is an ecological science. It requires an ecosystem-level view and approach,” Herms said. “Education is a big part of that.” To help increase understanding of the value of trees, Davey collaborated with the US Forest Service to create iTree, a suite of software that can be used to help manage tree inventory for a city. The forest service did the research to quantify the value and Davey developed the software. The scientific studies
detail the ecosystem services trees provide and the economic value of trees, which include: • Stormwater reduction • Carbon sequestration • Heating/cooling benefits of shade • Mitigating air pollution - filtering of particulates. The suite includes software for homeowners and professionals alike and is available for free at www.itreetools.org. It’s essential that the public understand the value of trees and the contribution trees make to the health of a community. More education helps people both understand potential tree problems to expect, and appreciate the purpose of services offered by professionals. |CG
—Cherie Courtade is communications director at ALCC March/April 2019 Colorado Green
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