An ever-growing, international body of research points to many human health and wellness benefits that result from nearby nature experiences. But what about trees? Two recent reviews have explored, first, the studies that focus on the urban forest and...

Mulches provide many benefits for trees and shrubs. Properly applied mulch will moderate soil temperatures, reduce soil moisture loss, reduce soil compaction, provide nutrients, improve soil structure, foster beneficial microbial communities, and keep...

Island systems are among the most vulnerable to climate change, which is predicted to induce shifts in temperature, rainfall and/or sea levels. Our aim was: (i) to map the relative vulnerability of islands to each of these threats from climate change...

Oak decline is a slow-acting disease complex that involves the interaction of biotic and abiotic factors such as climate, site quality and advancing tree age. Oak decline occurs more commonly among red oak species, but white oaks are susceptible as...

Iconic tree species include those native trees that once dominated the typical American city landscape. The American elm and chestnut are the first two that come to mind, and now ash trees are similarly under significant threat of loss. The USDA Forest...

The history of the Morris Arboretum can be told through its eldest trees. Every scar and abnormality present on these immense specimens inspire awe, enrich visitor experience, and provide a glimpse into the past of the gardens. They also act as living...

Trees planted in cities face many survival challenges, but when they thrive they make our cities healthier, less hot, and more beautiful. Historically, professionals have planted the same familiar trees over and over in cities since they are a safe bet...

Ice or snow loads can cause branch breakage or failure of entire trees and shrubs. Branches or entire trees that fall in storms can impact homes, vehicles, power lines and block roads. After a storm, the first priorities are safety and restoration of...

An Urban Tree Canopy (UTC) assessment, which provides a measure of a community’s tree canopy cover, is important for understanding the extent of a community’s forest or tree resource. UTC assessments are often used for establishing and implementing...

Oaks are critical to the health and function of forest and shrubland habitats in the United States, but many native oaks are threatened with extinction in the wild. Ongoing conservation efforts exist for some species, but with growing threats and...

Improving urban forests is one of the solutions to achieving several of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and making cities healthier and more livable for people. Priority should be given to protecting mature trees and promoting long‐...

This publication provides forest resource statistics contributing to the 2020 Resources Planning Act (RPA) Assessment to provide current information on the Nation’s forests. Resource tables present estimates of forest area, volume, mortality, growth,...

Although the effects of climate on species richness are known, regional processes
may lead to different species richness–climate relationships across continents
resulting in species richness anomalies, especially for tropical groups....

Insect and disease infestations pose major threats to several North American forest tree species.
Scientists and managers from throughout the United States Forest Service developed a conservation priority-setting framework for forest tree...

North American forests and forest management institutions are experiencing a wide range of significant ecological disturbances and socioeconomic changes, which point to the need for enhanced resilience. A critical capacity for resilience in...

As the pace of urban development increases, urban green spaces, and urban trees in particular, come in direct conflict with bulldozers and backhoes. With careful early planning and an understanding of how tree damage occurs, strategies for tree...

This tree plan, not only comprises a history of trees that once stood in the Park and catalogues the trees currently standing, but also directs the succession and maintenance of the tree canopy that future generations of Park users will enjoy. As we...

NYC’s forested natural areas provide important benefits to the city including high-quality recreation, enhanced biodiversity, and improved air and water quality. The Natural Areas Conservancy (NAC) and the New York City Department of Parks and...

This is an example of how a historic landscape and public garden used GIS to map, track, and monitor tree health on their grounds. The presentation highlights how one might be able to use GIS at their public garden and some of the key features GIS...

These 2 publications from Arboriculture and Urban Forests (Volume 43, Issue 1) share important information and reserach conducted on climate resilience of trees in urban areas:  

Street tree diversity is widely viewed as a key...