Forestry
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Importance of Mankato’s Urban Forest
Urban forest planning plays a major role in developing the character of a city and extends the value aesthetically, environmentally and economically. The increased need for trees in the city has never been greater because of their ability to replenish oxygen, filter particulate pollutants, prevent soil erosion and create micro-climate relief. The trees visual appearance helps to soften the edges of concrete, asphalt and steel, reminding urban dwellers of the natural ecosystems contained within the city. Healthy trees can provide benefits to the entire community and ultimately improve the quality of urban life. In addition to their aesthetic and ecological benefits, trees can play an economical role as well. For example, property values are influenced by trees and sell at a faster rate than properties without trees. Trees can enhance property values by as much as 20 percent with an average increase of five to 10 percent. In business areas where there are lots of parks and green spaces, people stay longer. They shop longer. They spend more.
Although trees add value to urban life, the city’s harsh environment makes it hard to establish and maintain street trees. The trees that line city streets lack many of the biological advantages enjoyed by forest trees. Unlike forested trees, the roots of city trees occupy soil that has been excavated, compacted and stripped of its organic nutrients. City trees grow in restricted spaces and in soil temperatures that are generally several degrees warmer than the forest soil. Impervious surfaces directly affect the growth and maintenance of street trees, due to the fact that rapid run-off of rain reduces the amount of moisture absorbed. Humans adversely affect street trees by construction activities; by collisions with lawn mowers, automobiles, or bicycles; by attaching signs to trees; by improper use of pesticides; and in many cases, by blatant vandalism.
Trees growing in such an unnatural, stress filled, environment require intensive and systematic maintenance. In addition toplanting and removal, trees must be given supportive services such as watering and routine trimming to prolong and intensify their usefulness. A tree planting and maintenance program preserves one of the city’s greatest assets and the quality of life for future generations.
It should be noted, especially in a time of budget restrictions and dollar stretching efforts, that while many public expenditures involve capital investment in projects that decline in value, investment in tree planting and maintenance is an investment in a commodity that increases in value.
For more information or to report downed trees contact Mankato's City Forester at (507) 387-8580.
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