Arboriculture

Introducing the Tree Diversity Reporting Index: A New Tool to Assess Urban Forest Biodiversity

In recent years, it has become a growing priority to establish and maintain resilient urban forests. This has been motivated, in part, by significant tree loss following varied pest and pathogen infestations, and in part due to concerns regarding urban tree survival in changing climatic conditions. Plans for urban forest resilience are rooted in principles of urban forest biodiversity, begin with comprehensive inventories of urban tree cover, and are often laid out in urban forest management guidance documents.

An Oak Wilt Update: New Revelations in Detection and Management

Oak Wilt continues to spread in Michigan. The disease has infiltrated some communities so insidiously that it has become almost impossible to stop. Property owners are so confused with the array of management options and the cost estimates that they become indecisive about how to proceed. Community associations often become gridlocked.  In these situations, the disease continues to spread and becomes far more difficult and costly to manage. Furthermore, mismanagement is not uncommon, leading to more costs and disease advancement.

Long-term Implications of Remediating Roots of Container-grown Trees at Planting

Container-grown trees continue to increase in popularity due to their light weight and ease of handling. However, the effects of circling roots on tree health and establishment are a major concern when planting container-grown trees. Since 2012, personnel in my lab have conducted a series of trials to determine the impact of various approaches to mitigating circling roots at planting including slicing, shaving, and even bare-rooting.

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