[CANUFNET] Tree Planting Programs

[Naomi Zurcher]

It would also be very interesting to learn what if any site selection and preparation as well as tree selection procedures and protocols were part of the larger planting criteria. 

Most of the failures begin long before the tree actually gets planted - something that is rarely addressed. In addition, we keep planting and planting but we have never stopped to figure out how to sustain and maintain what we already have in the ground.

It might be professionally prudent to stop putting the cart before the horse and start analyzing how we can actually GROW what we plant well into maturity. We have the research and the strategies are out there. Now we need to make those strategies actionable so they find their way into the ground.

> On Nov 7, 2019, at 12:27 PM, Julian Dunster via CANUFNET <canufnet at list.web.net> wrote:
> 
> It is good to see the many planting initiates underway. It would be useful to know how many of these include a capital budget for :
> 
> a) ensuring the trees get properly established ( so, say a 4-5 year watering and weeding protocol) and
> 
> b) what the actual survival rates are.
> 
> Over the past few decades I have seen many well intentioned tree planting schemes attracting headlines. Far fewer actually succeeded in creating long term tree canopy. It is an ongoing issue.
> 
> 
> Many of my municipal colleagues bemoan the waste of money as they plant trees but have no budget to water them or maintain them in the years after planting, and so the initial capital investment is largely wasted. Out here on the west coast, summer drought is now our new reality and watering restrictions are commonplace, and even when not enforced, watering is expensive. On some sites I am finding it hard to locate anyone who can water trees well -  as opposed to simply dumping x gallons of water on the ground and assuming it will work.  I also find that gator bags have very variable success. Just because they are there does not automatically mean they work. They need filling regularly, and they need maintenance. I am seeing a lot of case where they encourage moulds / fungi and insect when placed too close to the tree trunk, and other cases where ants seem to love the moisture but plug the drains holes with mud.
> 
> 
> How many of you have a capital budget to ensure planting success?
> 
> What is the percentage  failure rate of the trees planted?
> 
> jd
> 
> On Behalf of Dunster and Associates Environmental Consultants Ltd.
> 
> 
> Dr. Julian A Dunster R.P.F., R.P.P.., M.C.I.P., ISA Certified Arborist,
> ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist # 378,
> ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified
> Honourary Life Member ISA + PNWISA
> 
> North American distributor for Rinntech
> www.dunster.ca
> www.treelaw.info
> www.rinntech.info
> 
> 
>