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/871307
Palms come in all shapes and sizes. Who hasn't seen photos of the classic California landscape with streets or stately mansions of the rich and famous landscaped with stately palm trees? While hundreds of species of palms might appear to be a natural occur- rence in the California landscape, there is only one true native: California fan palm (Washingtonia filifera), a shaggy specimen naturally found around springs and arroyos in the desert Southwest. Though not native to the State, 157 palms are known to grow in the northern part of California. Whether celebrat- ed or hated by the public, palms have become the bane of the utility vegetation manager's existence. Inappropriately planted under or adjacent to overhead power lines, or suffering from benign neglect, palms have become a sig- nificant hazard risk to the power grid. Whether growing into direct contact with energized facilities, or having fronds break off and sail aloft in high winds, palms have become a common cause of power outages. In order to address the risk, Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) is taking an innovative approach to identifying trees that pose a threat to power system reli- ability. Coupling LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) with Hyperspectral Imagery, trees that are within defined clearance limits will be identified for further evaluation and remediation. Depending on the tree condition, recommendations can include pruning or removal. By identifying trees which are proven to be problematic from a utility's perspective, SMUD will be able to strate - gically target trees through sophisticated analysis of the data. Instead of solely relying on an individual's instinct or opinion that a tree may or may not pose a risk, this technology will enable field personnel to clearly prescribe maintenance activities to address the risk. Ultimately though, it's the responsibility of the entire community of urban forestry professionals to band together and ensure the Right Tree/Right Place mantra is heeded. By doing so, we will promote a healthy, thriv- ing landscape that can be enjoyed by all. —Steve Hallmark, Manager for Vegetation Management, Sacramento Municipal Utility District Palms don't always fall into the vision of an urban forest, but palms have been a major element in Miami's landscape and have given South Florida an important facet of its identity for decades. At the same time, for a number of years, the City of Miami has developed strategic plans to increase the number of shade trees such as live oaks (Quercus virginiana), wild tamarinds (Lysiloma latisiliquum) and mahogany trees (Swietenia 33