HOR 273 Uban and Community Forestry

Lecture Hours: 2
Credits: 2

Introduces economic, ecological, social, and technical aspects of urban forest management. Focuses on current practices related to the planting, care and management of trees and vegetation in urban areas. Covers the relationship between plants and people in the urban forest.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Describe the economic, ecological and social benefits of trees in urban environments.
Identify and describe common procedures and practices for planting, care and management of the urban forest.
Identify common problems with urban trees due to environmental stress, pests, and physical disturbance.
Summarize historical, political and social perspectives that reflect the relationships between people and trees in urban settings.
Discuss the use of tree inventories and tree management plans to manage the urban forest.

Content Outline

Introduction to Urban Horticulture
- Arboriculture/Horticulture principles
  - Trees for urban settings
  - Tree biology and physiology
  - Basic tree needs
    - Soil properties
    - Planting site
    - Water
    - Site-specific considerations
- Relationships between people and trees
  - Environmental benefits of trees
    - Air quality
    - Energy conservation
    - Storm water runoff
    - Water quality
    - Noise abatement
- Aesthetic and psychological values of trees
  - Aesthetics
  - Restorative power
  - Human behavioral effects
- Economic values of trees
  - Value appraisal of urban trees
  - Cost/benefit analysis of the urban forest
- Public relations and politics
  - Planting trees
  - Preserving trees
Management of Urban Forests
- Species selection and site characteristics
  - Land use considerations
  - Long-range and short-range planning
- Planting urban trees
  - Seeds, liner plants, cuttings
    - Planting techniques
    - Care following planting
- Transplanting larger trees
  - Planting techniques
  - Care following planting
- Maintenance of established trees
- Pruning
  - Techniques
  - Equipment
- Nutrient management
- Water management
- Hazard management
- Tree preservation techniques
- Integrated pest management
  - Abiotic disorders
  - Diseases
  - Insects
- Managing the Urban Forest
  - History of urban forestry in the U.S.
  - Contemporary perspectives on urban forestry
    - Economic
    - Social
    - Environmental
  - Tree inventories
  - Tree management plans
  - Agencies/personnel involved in urban forest management