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: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/566672
YOU DESERVE MORE We have over a century of experience, but innovation and re-invention are natural parts of our culture. As technology and scientific research advances, so do we. STRENGTH THROUGH STABILITY EMAIL: ufsolutions@davey.com WEB: www.davey.com/quality CONTACT: 855.623.4993 struction site, communication is key to success. Formal communication, such as scheduled meetings and submitting daily or weekly reports, is a given. Informal communication, such as keeping a journal, taking pho- tographs, and having friendly, non-tree talks with crews can be just as important. Strong communication not only allows for the continual transfer of information about the project and the trees between all parties, but it also establishes the arborist as a trusted expert who is willing to listen and work with the team to make the project a success. Step 6. Remediate as needed Tree damage is bound to happen during a construction project; our goal as arborists is to minimize the amount and types of damage. The key is having remediation plans and solutions in place. That could mean recom- mending something as simple as supplemental water- ing, fertilization, and/or pruning following the project's completion. It could mean something more complex like applying plant growth regulators and performing Level 2 Risk Assessments. Or, sometimes it just means plant- ing new trees to replace those lost. Step 7. Continue to monitor Tree preservation doesn't end when the construction project is over and the fences come down. It is import- ant to continue monitoring the trees for at least three to five years. Post-project monitoring allows you to pro- actively perform additional remediation and tree main- tenance that will likely cost less than removing the tree. Growth of Park and Arborist A shady Washington Park reopened to the public with much-deserved fanfare in July 2012. Since that time, the park and the redevelopment project continue to receive national acclaim. Washington Park was one of five national finalists for the Urban Land Institute's 2014 Urban Open Space Award. This year, it was named among USA Today's "10Best: Parks that have helped revive their cities." It has been said that Washington Park may be the country's most notable urban park makeover since New York City saved Central Park in the 1980s. The Washington Park redevelopment project was a highlight of my professional career. I sharpened my tree protection skills and learned new ones from the expe- rience. I believe I was able to teach many construction professionals the value of including a certified arborist in their projects. I think they also now know that making trees part of the plan is important, easier than they thought, and well worth what is the smallest expense of any construction project.