[CANUFNET] String trimmer damage

[Peter Shields]

Hi Dwayne,
If you ever get a chance to visit Central Park, they allow grasses and wildflowers to grow around the base of many of their trees. They also block pedestrian access in many areas, or at least limit access to make it more difficult. This prevents socially built trails, and compaction of course.

This is one of the most well-kept parks anywhere and may be an extreme example. But the results are in the pudding. Along with very diligent operators.

In Markham, parks staff underwent training each spring, maybe a lecture even from the mean forestry supervisor too, with some success.

You'll never get 100%, but minimizing is a goal.  Trying new things like grass/wildflower growth at the base, natural Regen areas, connected mulch beds, etc. will generate some complaints from the public, but public info signs can help too, to inform the public of intentions.

Risk reduction's first line in defense in H and S is removal from the risk, we gotta keep the trimmers and mowers away!

Peter

________________________________
From: CANUFNET <canufnet-bounces at list.web.net> on behalf of Dwayne Gilbert via CANUFNET <canufnet at list.web.net>
Sent: Monday, November 13, 2023 8:24:50 AM
To: Canadian Urban Forest Network (canufnet at list.web.net) <canufnet at list.web.net>
Cc: Dwayne Gilbert <Dwayne.Gilbert at mississauga.ca>
Subject: [CANUFNET] String trimmer damage


Good morning, I have a question for all but perhaps more so for municipal arborists/contract administrators who manage newly planted trees in city parks.



·        Have you had issues with other city staff causing damage to young trees with string trimmers while performing maintenance?





·        If so, did you come up with a solution or various solutions to remedy that problem with good success?







Thank you for your time!



Dwayne Gilbert

Woodlands and Natural Areas Technician

Certified Arborist

T.R.A.Q.

City of Mississauga

(905) 615-3200 ext. 4581

Dwayne.Gilbert at Mississauga.ca<mailto:Dwayne.Gilbert at Mississauga.ca>



City of Mississauga<http://www.mississauga.ca/> | Community Services Department,

Parks, Forestry and Environment Division



[tree 4][Spruce 2]

Studies show trees last longer when not cut down…


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