Content

Introduction
Readings
Fundamental Concepts
Self Check
Activities & Assignments
Summary
Self Review

Tree Planting and Care After Planting: Operationalizing Best Practices

When we scan contemporary research and see what the academic community has to offer on tree planting and establishment questions, data tends to gravitate around the same principles. You've already explored most of them in the first third of this class!

We've explored the basic variables and elements that are essential for tree growth and survival
We understand how urban environments and human practices hinder trees from accessing these resources and developing to the fullest
We've also begun to investigate preventive measures and design approaches to address these issues

Even though rigorous research and theories inform us of what trees need, the true challenge is how to operationalize these principles and make good practice a feasible reality. Communicating clear expectations while cultivating compliance are essential actions in tree planting projects.

This portion of the class will introduce ways in which we can measure tree performance in a context of tree establishment. Once we can evaluate how we're doing, we can better understand what we need to do to improve.

On October 7th 2021, we welcomed Johanna Andrea Martinez Villa to the conversation.

Johanna is a Ph.D candidate working in Dr. Alain Paquette's urban forestry lab at l'Université de Québec de Montréal (UQAM). She is a Colombian plant ecologist studying tree functional traits in different tropical and temperate-urban environments. She can be reached by email at joamartinezvi@unal.edu.co if you'd like to know more about her projects.

Over the next classes, we will discuss what urban forestry leaders can do to make sustainable arboricultural practices more accessible and actually applied in the field.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this topic, you should be able to:

- Recognize tree planting techniques that successfully introduce trees to urban sites
- Understand the concept of tree establishment as well as the variables involved
- Discuss strategies for fostering quality tree planting work and adequate follow-up care
- Be familiar with operational specifications that are available to urban foresters

Topic Readings

Required Readings (Will reinforce course concepts but not covered on exam material)

Koeser, A.K. and Northrop, R.J. (2017). Planting Techniques. Routledge Handbook of Urban Forestry. Routledge, London, (pp. 376–389) (Course textbook).
Harris, J.R, and Day, S.D. (2017). Navigating the Establishment Period: A Critical Period for New Trees. Routledge Handbook of Urban Forestry. Routledge, London, (pp. 390–404) (Course textbook).

Optional Readings

Looking to get up to speed? Consider this optional reading for more background context and terminology.

Lilly, S.J. (2010). ISA Arborists’ Certification Study Guide. International Society of Arboriculture,
Champaign IL (Chapter 7 - Installation and Establishment).

Another great starting point resource:

Watson, G.W, and Himelick, E.B. (2013) The Practical Science of Planting Trees. International Society of Arboriculture, Champaign IL.

Want to dive a little deeper? Take a look at how contemporary researchers are addressing those everlasting questions about "proper tree planting" practices!

Balled and Burlapped Tree Package Materials

To remove or not to remove....does it even make a difference?

Hauer, R.J., Koeser, A.K., Miesbauer, J.W., Edgar, J. and Kleinhuizem, D. (2021) Impacts of Wire Basket Retention and Removal on Whole Tree Stability and Long-Term Growth. Journal of Environmental Horticulture. 39 (1): 41-46.
Wire Basket Retention and Removal 2021.pdf

PRACTICAL RESOURCE

Do you have tree planting specifications to write? Want to be as clear as possible? Need to make sure not to forget any step in the process?

I would suggest you start with the Urban Tree Foundation's series of Open Source CAD details and written specifications. In addition to being familiar with standards in your area, I think that this resource could be helpful as you build your own project specifications.

Fundamental Concepts

Self Check Quiz

Self-check Quiz #

Activities & Assignments

Online Discussion #

Assignment #: Assignment Title

[Provide instructions to help students start thinking of, preparing, and/or completing graded assignment for this week. Link to the assignment page.]

Topic Summary

Topic Self-review

UFOR 521, M.Hanna 2021