City Trees is a premier publication focused on urban + community forestry. In each issue, you’ll learn how to best manage the trees in your community and more!
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/648999
34 City Trees Species diversity in ND can be a challenge. This 'Mountain Frost' pear, along with oak and linden, were recently planted near the airport. Photo by Scott Liudahl • Other ongoing projects include riparian area protec- tion, mature tree preservation, and new plantings. The City has bought out several hundred homes along the Red River for flood management needs. This has creat- ed new opportunities for enhanced green spaces that are now public property. The Fargo Land Development Code now requires street trees in new subdivisions; the city is expanding quickly, and it can be challenging to enforce and manage this requirement. What are some of the unique challenges and/or pleasures of urban forestry in your municipality? • It's challenging to try to predict the future. Our road- ways continue to get wider and wider due to a rapidly developing community. Some trees that were properly spaced ten years ago are no longer safe due to unex- pectedly high rates of road expansion. • Most new trees are planted in what used to be a cornfield. Heavy clay soils are common in the Red River Valley area. Combine this with compaction and construction, and you have a tough growing site. • Our Dutch Elm Disease management program contin- ues to be strong and aggressive. Over 7000 mature American elms (Ulmus americana) still line the streets in many residential neighborhoods. Our management program usually begins in late March with elm fire- wood abatement and continues through September. Per ordinance, the City has responsibility for the street trees, while private elm trees are handled by the prop- erty owner. What are some misconceptions municipal arborists from other parts of the world might have about urban forestry in Fargo? • Many people are surprised that we even have trees, or state that telephone poles are our city trees. I also have heard, "Fargo has only one tree. What do you do all day?" • There is this perception by some that North Dakota is just cornfields, tall grasses, cold temperatures, and lots of snow. This is true, but it's also rich in beauty and full of great opportunities. (opposite) Fargo Arborists and contractors prune 7000- 8000 street trees annually. Photo by Allen Lee