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TT: Forest -vs- Trees
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Hi everyone,
I was reading the tree ordinance guide and noticed that no understory
trees/shrubs were mentioned. This raises a question I thought I would
ask of the group. Two points before I ask, though. This mostly pertains
to suburban rather than urban areas, and assumes that urban forestry
covers more than the front yard. Anyway, here I go...
Should a community have more than just a tree ordinance? Just trees do
not make up a forest. What about productive understory plantings (local
species) to provide food and cover for wildlife? Around here that would
include Dogwood, Spicebush, and Viburnums. What about the soil? Is it
like a woodland soil, with the ability to absorb a lot of rain water and
slow runoff, or is it lawn? I have seen many wooded lots were the land
owners clear the "tangled brush" and planted lawn grass, leaving just
mature trees? This type of 'urban forest' doesn't do much for the local
environment, plus it's on a clock that's ticking down until all the
mature trees die. Would home owners act differently if told the value
of and how to identify the local forest plants? Can an urban forest
division act as the educator here?
Seems there should be a great difference between a tree council and
urban forestry. Can urban forestry tackle the problem of allowing
development while still maintaining a healthy (for an urban area anyway)
forest? Can a local tree council become a local plant council? Food
for thought at least.
I have enjoyed reading all the recent posting here in TreeTown,
especially the famous trees. You've made my Inbox a pleasant place to
visit. :-) Happy Holidays everyone!
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Mark W Stephens (markws@one.net) - Cincinnati, OH Zone 5
http://w3.one.net/~markws - Our Backyard Forest
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