THE LEAFLET

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for the 2024 Urban Tree Summit! It was so exciting to return to an in-person format and connect face-to-face with so many people from a wide variety of backgrounds, all united by a shared love for trees. We learned from incredible speakers and had some great discussions about tree health, strategies for thriving landscapes, and what’s ahead for urban forestry.

Leslie Berkes gave us a fresh look at what it really means to work in urban forestry. It’s not just about planting and pruning—it’s so much more! From understanding complex systems to managing thousands of trees, urban foresters wear many hats. Leslie even likened it to a role-playing game, where foresters are the “players in a multiverse,” balancing challenges, resources, and team dynamics to build resilient urban forests. It was a fun and insightful perspective on how varied and vital this work truly is.

In a series of Urban & Community Forestry Society (UCFS) interviews, we learned that many cities and towns rely on just a handful of people to manage thousands of trees. This makes the job both exciting and, at times, a little lonely. Finding space to plant new trees, managing growing urban canopies, and hiring the right people remain ongoing challenges. But despite the obstacles, many are optimistic that in the next 15 years, urban forestry will grow in importance, with more emphasis placed on planting and protecting our trees.

Dr. Eric Wiseman and Brian Keightley shared a deep dive into how Fairfax is tackling its canopy goals. In 2009, Fairfax County enacted a Tree Conservation Ordinance, which requires any land development to include tree conservation plans and fulfill a post-development 10-year tree canopy goal. Partnering with Virginia Tech, Fairfax County was able to do a tree canopy study to see the impact of the tree preservation policy over time. In their presentation, they broke down the mix of policy, science, and long-term strategy that’s helping to grow their tree population sustainably. It was a fascinating look at what it takes to create a resilient urban forest over time.

Nancy Sonti covered the importance of choosing the right tree species for the right environment. It’s not just about planting whatever grows naturally—there are important decisions about genetic diversity, site conditions, and aesthetics. Nancy also highlighted the challenges nurseries face in providing the trees cities need versus what’s available, emphasizing that the choices we make today impact the future of our urban forests.

Asia L. Dowtin talked about the critical role trees play in stormwater management and how different species offer different benefits. She stressed the importance of selecting the right tree for each job—like how some species of oak absorb water more efficiently than others. This ensures that cities can maximize the environmental benefits of their urban canopies.

Richard Hauer wrapped up the day with a presentation on growing trees that will stand the test of time. He emphasized that while some trees live for over a century by chance, we can improve those odds by following tree care standards. Richard walked us through the ANSI A300 Tree Care Standards, explaining the difference between things you must do and strong recommendations. His talk drove home the importance of intentional tree care in promoting resilient, long-lived urban forests.

Each presentation left us inspired and ready to tackle the challenges ahead. There’s a lot of work to be done, but with your dedication, we know we can continue to care for and grow our urban forests.

Your passion and commitment to preserving and growing our urban and suburban forests made this event truly special. We can’t wait to see you at the upcoming field sessions—together, we’re creating greener, healthier communities!