[CANUFNET] Preserving Mature Trees in Urban Public Parks

[stephen at ufora.ca]

If they are Cottonwoods (probably Carolina poplars) you might have to worry about Poplar Branch Drop in that location too. The Silvers may be getting past their safe age too if they’re really big.  See the tread from a while ago on canufnet about it. Do a good risk assessment.

Stephen Smith
Urban Forest Associates Inc.
Urban Forestry and Ecological Restoration
www.ufora.ca

From: Gina Brouwer 
Sent: Friday, August 10, 2012 12:02 PM
To: canufnet at list.web.net 
Subject: [CANUFNET] Preserving Mature Trees in Urban Public Parks

Hello,

I am a part-time student in the Master of Forest Conservation program at U of Toronto and I will be completing my final research paper this coming fall semester.  I have been doing studies for the Town of Cobourg throughout this program including tree inventory, EAB Management Plan and coordination of their Heritage NeighbourWoods pilot program this past summer with the town arborist.  



I am starting to conduct background research for my final paper which will focus on mature and heritage tree preservation and management options.  I am looking at mature boulevard trees in the heritage dristrict as well as mature trees in Victoria Park along the Cobourg beach.  Of particular concern are the park trees and the impact of increased park use and major festivals primarily relative to soil compaction.  There has also been media attention lately surrounding the impact of 'Ribfest' due to heat and grease.  The main park study area has recently seen the death of two mature elms due to DED and branch union failure of large silver maples.  The remaining mature trees are primarily silver maple, a butternut and some massive cottonwood along the boardwalk which have been getting attention as heritage candidates from council and the community.  



I have not yet found much background information, guidelines or precedents on managing user impacts in public urban parks and would appreciate any experience or insight this group can share.  The Town has started doing some investigation this year including compaction testing around trees.  Testing leading up to the Canada Day festival in dry conditions revealed extreme compaction. This will be an ongoing study to gather data under various conditions in spring and fall.  There are also discussions about mitigation measures such as radial excavation and mulching.  



I appreciate any feedback.  



Many thanks!  



Gina Brouwer, OALA, CSLA, ISA

* MFC Candidate 

Manager of Landscape Architecture 

Planning, Design and Development

Canada Central East 

D 905.372.2121 ext.249

Gina.Brouwer at mail.utoronto.ca 

Gina.Brouwer at aecom.com



AECOM
513 Division Street
Cobourg, ON  K9A 5G6

T 905.372.2121 F 905.372.3621

C: 905.373.5015
www.aecom.com
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