Casey Tree farm in Virginia • Photo Courtesy NYC Parks
I shared a harvesting technique that NYC Parks has
worked hard to pioneer that makes a huge difference in
tree longevity. Our technique is to ensure that the root
flare is exposed or can be seen prior to tree harvesting
in the field, which requires that soil that has accumu-
lated on top of the root flare be removed. NYC Parks
has trialed this method repeatedly and each time, the
results are the same: more roots are transplanted with
the tree when the root flare is exposed prior to digging.
Lessons Learned #1: There is a long ways to go work-
ing hand-in-hand with the nursery industry to ensure
urban foresters start with quality plant material. Quality
means liners that have a well-balanced and symmetrical
root system, material that is pruned properly and bud-
ded or grafted at the right height, material whose proge-
ny we are confident of, and that possess other qualities
that predict a long and healthy life. Long-term research
has yet to definitively confirm how tree health may be
affected by nursery practices, but initial research con-
firms there is room for improvement in nursery produc-
tion, and we urban foresters have to hold the nursery
industry accountable.
While in Washington DC, I was able to plant a few trees
alongside Casey Trees staff. My visit coincidentally
aligned with an all-staff planting where everyone rolled
up their sleeves to help plant trees in a neighborhood
park. This was a perfect team-building event; every
municipality or non-profit should replicate it in some
Substandard liner stock • Photo Courtesy NYC Parks
www.urban-forestry.com 27
