Maintaining And Preserving Wooded Parks    (View PDF)

Thomas L. Green

Abstract: A rapid and simple evaluation system has been developed by the Morton Arboretum to enable managers of wooded parks to assess the relative health of park trees and predict their longevity. This system facilitates the preparation of planting plans and budgets. Each park tree is assigned to one of six condition classes. An overall inventory provides figures on both the species composition and the percentage of trees in each condition class. The breakdown into condition class categories enables park managers to recognize declining trees and make decisions as to when to replant, how many to replant, and what species to replant in order to perpetuate and enhance the woodland character of the park. This system is especially helpful in parks where tree decline is present but not obvious. Also, this system may be utilized by city arborists and homeowners to forecast tree longevity.

Keywords: Forecasting Tree Longevity; Park Management; Tree Inventory

https://doi.org/10.48044/jauf.1984.039