How many trees are enough – tree death in the Urban canopy

Lara A Roman

2014-06-26

Scenario Journal

Tags: Urban Forestry, Tree Conservation, Public Policy, Community Development, Tree Health, Environmental Education

How many trees are enough – that is, how many need to be planted to make a lasting impact, and meet a city’s canopy cover goals? What are the implications of future tree death for managing the urban forest, in terms of cycles of tree removal and replacement? Answering these most basic questions in urban forest planning requires information about tree mortality and growth rates.

The article "How Many Trees are Enough? Tree Death and the Urban Canopy" by Lara A. Roman, published in Scenario Journal, explores the challenges of maintaining urban tree canopy cover despite extensive tree planting campaigns. It highlights the importance of tree survival in realizing the environmental and socioeconomic benefits of urban forests. The article discusses the discrepancy between the number of trees planted and the number that survive to maturity, emphasizing the need for long-term monitoring and data on tree mortality. It suggests that urban forest management should focus on both planting and ensuring the survival of trees through proper maintenance and stewardship. The article also advocates for a shift in focus from the number of trees planted to the number of trees that survive and thrive, proposing a more nuanced approach to urban forest planning.

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Keywords: Urban Forestry, Tree Mortality, Tree Planting, Urban Canopy Cover, Long-term Monitoring, Tree Survival