386 be best able to provide the long-term data criti- cally needed to assess the effects of planting, pruning, and risk management efforts over time. The Importance of “Cause Of Death” in Cohort Studies One bit of data that was identified as being extremely useful for cohort studies, but is oſten beyond the scope of most inventory efforts, is the cause of death in a tree. While this is oſten dif- ficult to assess if an inventory happens several months or years aſter a tree dies or is removed, there are some factors that could be recorded at the time of removal/re-measurement. These include: • death by an identifiable, noxious pest/disease (e.g., emerald ash borer, Texas Phoenix palm decline, abiotic disorder) removal to mitigate a risk • • • • removal/death given a conflict with con- struction or development removal because the species was invasive removal by resident request • death given storm damage failure • death given site constraints (undersized planting space) • vandalism or other mechanical damage beyond repair These data would allow researchers to filter out trees that die or are removed for reasons unrelated to structural integrity or vitality (e.g., removed because the homeowner didn’t like the seed pods in his or her yard). With this external noise controlled, researchers would be better able to identify factors and treatment practices that accurately predict plant survival. CONCLUSION The cost of maintaining trees is as important as the benefits received, when evaluating the effective- ness of urban forest management. Though some- what hidden, the costs of not maintaining trees are likely a significant component of the true costs of urban greening. As researchers and practitioners learn more of how specific maintenance practices affect the longevity, safety, and cost and benefits of trees, individuals will be better equipped to man- age trees in the urban forest and make trees in their communities more abundant and appreciated. ©2016 International Society of Arboriculture Koeser et al.: The Cost of Not Maintaining Trees The CNMT summit brought together lead- ing academics, researchers, and practitioners to identify key research needs with regard to the costs and benefits of urban tree management. These summarized findings are intended to help focus future research and funding efforts for those addressing this field of research. Through surveys and open discussions, six management practices were identified as core components of urban tree care. These included: identifying optimal maintenance regime for various man- agement goals (cost versus benefit); calculating the economic return on investment for various maintenance practices; identifying the costs of not maintaining trees (e.g. reduced benefits, built infrastructure costs); comparing reactive versus proactive/systematic maintenance efforts with regard to costs, benefits, tree health/condition, and urban tree longevity; and assessing the impact of structural pruning (frequency, intensity, dura- tion) on tree longevity and failure potential. More importantly, the two projects outlined at the CNMT summit serve as a blueprint for real, actionable science designed to help sepa- rate tree care practices that benefit trees from the larger range of activities believed to increase tree growth and longevity. A retroactive study of past maintenance efforts and a multi-locational cohort study were explored and recommended as research projects that could start answering questions regarding the efficacy and cost-effec- tiveness of past and current maintenance prac- tices. Initial research pilot projects will illustrate the value of structured, cohort research and may attract larger funding sources and more partners. Acknowledgments. This combined symposium and summit was made successful through a partnership with ISA, the ISA Florida Chapter, the Florida Urban Forestry Council, the Patel College of Global Sustainability at the University of South Florida, and the University of Florida IFAS Extension. The authors would like to thank the following organizations for their financial support of the Cost of Not Maintaining Trees Symposium and Summit: The Florida Forest Service, the International Society of Arboriculture Science and Research Committee, the Davey Institute at the Davey Tree Expert Company; Bartlett Tree Experts, the Center for Land- scape Conservation and Ecology at the University of Florida, and the Arboricultural Research and Education Academy.
November 2016
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