250 Stobbart and Johnston: A Survey of Urban Tree Management in New Zealand by LAs was identified. Although differences between inspection regimes are inevitable, given the availability of resources and the nature and extent of a LA’s tree population, considerable scope exists to make inspection regimes more risk-orientated. A sig- nificant feature of the results was that 60% of the LAs did not answer the question in the survey that related to the coverage and frequency of the LAs tree inspection program. A similar situa- tion was encountered by Britt and Johnston (2008), and in this case, it was attributed to the possible legal ramifications asso- ciated with irregular and infrequent inspection regimes, despite the assurance of anonymity for LAs in the published results. The ability to plan, store, and manage tree data is signifi- cantly improved by using a computerized tree management system. Although 40% of LAs indicated they were doing so, the results show considerable variability in the way and the extent these systems were being used. Traditional uses, such as maintaining inventories and dealing with enquiries, were well represented, but the use of systems to schedule tree work, capture tree data on site, and use GIS functions was relatively limited. Based on the results of the χ2 test, a computerized tree management system was more likely to be used in a city rather than by a District Council (χ2 = 5.304, df1, P < 0.05). LA tree maintenance can generate substantial amounts of de- bris (brash) and timber. The methods and systems used to dispose of, use, or convert this brash and timber indicates if a systematic approach has been developed to manage an important and poten- tially expensive aspect of urban forestry. The majority of LAs were chipping most of their brash. Only 22% of LAs reported burning an element of their waste and 56% indicated that some of their brash was being sent to a landfill. Considerable scope exists to convert more of the wood arising from tree manage- ment operations for use as timber products, with LAs indicat- ing less than 5% of their timber is currently being converted (a process that can generate additional income and help promote the green credentials of a LA’s tree management activities). While many LAs may not have the resources to systemati- cally maintain the majority of their mature trees, reduced lev- els of post-planting maintenance can be an indicator that LAs are finding it particularly difficult to develop any significant level of systematic management. This can be caused by either chronic under-funding of the LA’s tree program or simply the result of ambitious planting schemes that are not subsequently supported by sufficiently-high maintenance budgets. Although 33% of LAs were carrying out high levels of post-planting maintenance, the results do raise some concerns. Thirty-three percent of LAs were carrying out post-planting maintenance on less than half of their newly planted trees and 12% of LAs indicated that no post-planting maintenance was being carried out. Given the harsh nature of the urban environment, a lack of post-planting maintenance is likely to increase tree mortal- ity rates and result in wasted planting and establishment costs. The importance LAs attach to a range of tree selection cri- teria can provide useful insight into the concerns affecting LA tree management programs. It can also show the extent LAs are following a structured decision-making process when replace- ment or additional trees are being selected. The ratings allocated by respondents to a range of tree selection criteria highlighted considerable variability in the priorities being attached to the dif- ferent factors. The ratings suggest that the ultimate size and long- term maintenance costs associated with a species were particu- ©2012 International Society of Arboriculture larly significant factors in the decision-making process. Although these are logical considerations, the results raised an interesting point. The guidance notes issued with the questionnaire stressed that the ultimate size refers to difficulties beyond normal form and function, meaning that other social factors, for example, pressure from the public, has contributed to trees with a smaller ultimate size being selected for locations that could, in theory, accommodate a larger tree. This reflects a similar situation iden- tified by Britt and Johnston (2008) in their research in England. Another interesting feature of the results was the level of im- portance attached to matching the origin of tree species to the ethnicity of the community. Despite having considerable benefits in terms of promoting social integration and cohesion (John- ston and Shimada 2004), this was not considered a priority in some LAs but considered a very high priority in others. The rea- sons for this are unclear, but given the social diversity in many of New Zealand’s communities, this is likely to be a social as- pect of tree management that is underdeveloped in some LAs. LAs also need to develop a systematic approach for man- aging activities and services in relation to the privately owned trees in their district. The results suggest there is scope for LAs to be more proactive in identifying and protecting trees that have significant amenity value. In addition, many LA officers felt that due to resource constraints their LA only had a limited ability to enforce tree protection policies and measures, particu- larly when the trees were located on or near development sites. Integrated Management Managing the trees in a local authority’s district in a holistic and coordinated way can only be achieved if a wide range of public, private, and voluntary sector organizations work in partnership (Rowntree 1995; Grey 1996; Clark et al. 1997; Kuchelmeister 1998; Johnston and Rushton 1998; Konijnendijk et al. 2005; Schwab 2009). An integrated approach is also essential within the LA itself. This is particularly relevant as many policy areas, such as street design and park maintenance, are closely linked to the development of a vibrant urban forest. Many respondents regarded the lack of integrated management as being a signifi- cant weakness in the delivery of their LA’s tree program. There is considerable scope to improve the level of coordination be- tween LAs and other public sector organizations that are either involved in managing trees or whose activities can have a direct effect on the urban forest. A common theme identified in the re- sults was the conflict between developing quality and extensive urban forests and the needs and dominance of traditional grey infrastructure, such as roads, sidewalks, and the provision of utilities. Respondents highlighted that trees were frequently be- ing regarded as an expendable resource, with little or no con- sideration given to their value or retention when infrastructure schemes were being designed, constructed, and maintained. Opportunities also exist to develop the degree to which LAs were managing the trees in their districts in partner- ship with organizations in the private and voluntary sector. The results suggest that LAs could be doing more to engage with businesses and major private and institutional landown- ers in their district. These groups can play a significant role by providing land and a range of other resources, such as do- nating money and time to help manage the urban forest. This is particularly relevant in the current social climate with many
November 2012
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