Who Cares for the Trees in Your Town?

Trees need us. Trees in rural forests may live up to 200 years but the same trees need our help to survive in urban areas. The average life span of a downtown tree is only 10 years. However, when planted properly and given adequate care and space to grow trees live longer, look better, and are safer.

Without care, trees may decline and become liabilities but when given the attention and care they deserve, trees are one of the few public assets that increase in value and provide more service as they age.

A successful community forestry program is a good investment of public funds as it provides benefits and savings that far outweigh its cost. An effective program:

• Ensures that public dollars are spent wisely on trees of good quality that are suited for the site where they are planted;
• Trains and supervises city crews and contractors to use the best planting and care practices, thus extending the lives and maximizing the benefits of public trees;
• Ensures a diversity of trees species and ages and oversees regular maintenance;
• Monitors trees for insect and disease problems and invasive species;
• Identifies and removes hazardous trees;
• Works to mitigate wildfire danger;
• Provides tree selection, planting, and care information to residents, property managers, and green industry professionals.
• Trains volunteers to plant and care for trees;
• Represents the best interests of trees through the planning and development process;
• Works with engineers and developers to protect trees during road-building and other construction.

If there is no organized effort to care for public trees in your community, you can start the process. Call the Alaska Community Forestry Office for help.