Protecting our Trees for the Long Term

Unlike most things that depreciate with age, trees increase in value over time and provide more benefits as they mature, which is why it’s important to protect treasured trees from destruction.

When a tree is threatened due to human activity, such as street expansion, construction or negligence, it is imperative to know the reasons for removal and who to contact. The process of protecting or saving a tree is a worthwhile investment of time, there are available toolkits to help you during this endeavor. Below are action items in chronological order that reveal how to protect threatened trees, as well as templates and other tools to help you.

Step 1: Understand why your tree is important

Most likely, you love your tree for its beauty and aesthetics, but your tree is actually part of a larger ecosystem: the urban forest. Urban trees are critical to our health and quality of life, which means that every tree counts. However urban trees require the help of humans to stay healthy.

Beyond a tree’s contribution to the urban forest, it also has specific value of its own, including environmental, social, and economic benefits that pay big dividends to improve our quality of life.  Discover the benefits here. 

Step 2: Determine why your tree is threatened

Is the tree at risk of being removed for aesthetic purposes? Is it healthy? Does it pose a danger to life, health or property? Sometimes the removal of a tree may be the only option, and the answers to these questions will inform your next step.

If your tree is at risk for aesthetic purposes, such as blocking a view or leaves, nuts or fruit on the neighbour’s property, talk to your neighbour and try to find a compromise to save the tree. They may not be aware of the many benefits trees provide. If the health of the tree is failing or poses an immediate danger, there may be just cause to remove it, but ask for whomever is planning to remove it to inform you of the reasons why the tree needs to go. At this point, it’s also important to contact a arborist to take a risk assessment of the tree.

Step 3: Consult an arborist

An arborist is a specialist trained in the art and science of arboriculture, which is the cultivation, management and study of individual trees and other woody plants. Arborists focus on the health and safety of individual plants and trees and are equipped to provide proper care. It is important to consult with an arborist about the condition of your tree so they can provide a risk assessment.

Tree preservation order’s rely on identifying and assessing the structural condition of the tree to determine its weak points and failure potential. Assessment and management of tree risk is based on the science of biomechanics — the way trees grow for structural support and biological function — which will determine whether or not the tree is a danger to human life or property.

To find a certified arborist in your area, visit the International Society of Arboriculture’s website.

Step 4: Look into your local tree ordinances

Tree ordinances are public laws developed by communities to protect trees, preserve greenspaces and manage urban forests. There may already be a law in place in your community to protect your tree.

Discover more about tree ordinances and how they can help save urban tree populations.

Step 5: Make contacts

Different departments and agencies within a local authority/municipality are responsible for handling tree and land-use issues. National and local tree planting associations may also have information on how to protect or recognize your tree locally. Try to find a professional who knows the tree ordinances in your area that will be able to provide details on tree preservation measures.

Step 6: Calculate the value of your tree

Money doesn’t grow on trees, but they can save you some. According to the U.S. Forest Service, for every $1/.80p invested annually in trees brings a return of about $2.70/£2.00 in benefits.

Discover more in our latest publication – Street Tree Cost Benefit Analysis