My Experience in Urban Forestry and Arboriculture
Urban Forest Management Planning
Planning for the urban forest goes beyond planting trees in vacant spots and listing off benefits of existing trees. My approach to UFMPs starts with collected baseline data of the urban area. Starting with a tree inventory (knowing what you have), review of municipal documents (understanding the laws and regulations protecting what you have), and community engagement (guidepost for where to go) only then can the planning process begin and map pathways to success.
Tree Code Review and Update
An urban forest plan serves as the destination for the urban forest while the Tree Code becomes the guidelines. I review and update Tree Codes based on an understanding of where planners and the community want to see their trees and the common problems facing their trees. Updates are developed to meet industry standards, best management practices, and a focus on creating economic incentives to ensure appropriate penalties are applied in relation to the cost and value of the tree lost and new tree being planted.
Tree Inventory
You need to know where you are before you can plan on where to go. Tree inventory comprises of several metrics: diameter at breast height, tree height, canopy health, level 1 risk assessment, vacant planting sites, stumps, and utility conflicts (power lines, sidewalk disruption). Tree metrics are recorded and organized in a method that is compatible with i-tree and easy to filter to answer specific question about the trees inventoried.
Tree Risk Assessment
From protecting heritage trees within a city to prolonging the life of your favorite tree, tree risk assessments allow an informed decision of the likelihood of failure and target impact, and estimated damages. There are three types of risk assessments, varying from shortest time and cost (level 1) to most expensive, longest time, with the most modern equipment (level 3) to develop the most accurate analysis possible.
Tree Pruning
Tree pruning is both science and art that must meet the objective of the client. From pruning for aesthetics or practicality to pruning for health or optimal growth, I have the experience to guide the tree to where the client wants it to go within its biological limits.
Tree Removals
When pruning is not going to be enough, tree removal is necessary. Removals happen to remove a hazardous tree, make room for other projects, or allow plants under its canopy to receive more sunlight. I have experience in both the urban residential tree removal and the wilderness felling. From fuels reduction, habitat restoration, and pre-commercial thinning to tight backyards common in the Greater Seattle Area.
