tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4002316433701252522.post1211923789070628020..comments2023-10-01T08:28:11.595-07:00Comments on Of Paramount Importance: Urban Tree Preservation: More Than Just LandscapingJanet Wayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16963938962898188967noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4002316433701252522.post-58818683719875457682010-03-25T12:39:37.672-07:002010-03-25T12:39:37.672-07:00Kieth Scully makes a good argument for retaining m...Kieth Scully makes a good argument for retaining mature trees in city lots. The mention of 'mitigation' of tree removal involves documenting the qualities to be sure that the re-landscaping is adequate.<br /><br />The accepted method of appraising the financial value of a tree involves measuring tree trunk diameter size, then assigning a value based on the type of tree, the condition it is in, and the land use of the site. This process is quite complex, and is described by the publisher of the appraisal guidebook, the International Society of Arboriculture, as suitable for use only by professional arborists.<br /><br />The guidebook is 10 years old, and the process of revision is taking place. A new system called the Revised Burnley Method http://www.treeworld.info/revisedburnleymethodtreevaluation.html uses a different type of appraisal that applies the height of the tree to a formula to compute the cubic volume of the tree canopy. <br /><br />Tree height has never been used in the ISA method before, and there have been claims of underrepresenting the value of the tall trees found in the Northwest.<br /><br />Tree scientists have never been too adept at calculating the dollar value of the environmental benefits of trees. The intricacies of the disciplines involved in soil science, vegetation management, hydrology, real estate appraisal and other professions have resulted in legislators receiving mixed messages about the contribution of the urban forest o our quality of life.<br /><br />The trend is that more new laws are constantly being passed that seek to protect the urban ecosystem. There will be challenges to these laws based on the right of property owners to do anything they want with their land. The creeks & wetlands on land designated as critical areas, and have effective setbacks. But when a tree pokes it head out of the ground, it becomes a community asset, no matter where it is rooted. Zoning laws protect he rights of the community from property owners who seek to damage their neighbors surroundings. It is appropriate for municipalities to enact tree protection legislation. <br /><br />Trees with structural problems that affect public safety, or disease issues should be allowed to be removed through a painless permit process. Trees should be considered as 100 year assets. Concrete has less than a quarter of that life, and should be managed as a transitory urban fixture. When assessing the viability of a tree, its projected lifespan should be taken into account. Trees just entering the prime of life should be protected from the chainsaw and the bulldozer.Michael Oxman www.treedr.comhttp://www.treedr.comnoreply@blogger.com