Cities learning the value of conserving tree canopy

[Judi Lynn]

Cities learning the value of conserving tree canopy

Daphne Sashin | Sentinel Staff Writer
Posted April 2, 2007

Well before the 2004 hurricanes claimed a single tree, Central Florida cities and counties watched their thick canopies of mature oak, cypress and other trees shrink to accommodate new subdivisions and office parks.

The three storms ripped out 30 percent more of the region's tree cover in some places, providing the impetus and millions of dollars in federal assistance for local governments to plant trees and better manage what's left.

During the past two years, arborists armed with hand-held computers have been trekking through Orlando, Lakeland, Leesburg and other cities, cataloging every tree on public property.

The specialists, from Davey Resource Group in Ohio, note the location, species, size and condition, as well as the presence of dead branches, damaged roots, cracks in the trunk or other problems that could warrant future attention. They record whether the tree's branches are leaning on power lines or its roots are breaking up the sidewalk. And they map out spaces where new trees could be planted.

It's one sign that cities have come to view trees as part of their infrastructure -- just like roads, sidewalks or sewer lines, said Andy Kittsley, an urban forester for Orlando.
(snip/...)

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/custom/growth/orl-trees0207apr02,0,5393728.story?coll=orl-news-growth-headlines