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A newsletter for Georgia's tree board members. Inside this issue: summer tree care advice, Great American Tree Competition, upcoming programs, online resources and more.
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GFC headquarters in Macon. |
GFC Director Passes the Baton
The Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) said a heartfelt goodbye to our director, Robert Farris, on his retirement in May. Robert had been our state forester since 2007 and worked to ensure Georgia's forests are plentiful and well managed for future generations.
A committee has launched a nationwide search for GFC's new director. Chaired by Dean Dale Green of the UGA Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources, the committee is made up of government, non-government and forest industry stakeholders. Finalist interviews will take place in August and the GFC Board of Directors will make a final decision on the person it recommends to the governor's office for appointment.
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Protecting Community and Urban Forestry in the FY18 Budget
Last month, the Administration released its proposed FY18 budget. The Sustainable Urban Forests Coalition (SUFC) is deeply concerned about the devastating impact that the proposed budget would have on America's urban and community forests. The SUFC Policy Working Group, spearheaded by Rebecca Turner of American Forests and Danielle Watson of the Society of American Foresters, submitted written testimony to the Senate and House Appropriations Subcommittees on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies. In it, SUFC urged Congress to take a stand for programs that support urban and community forests and that have proven track records of generating economic growth, reducing energy use, improving air and water quality, enhancing human health, and saving millions of taxpayer dollars.
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Edging around trees severs roots. Add mulch this summer! |
Mulch Edging Warning and Summer Tree Care Advice From Seth Hawkins
An old "trick" used by landscapers to edge along tree mulch rings seems to be gaining popularity. Community Forester Seth Hawkins has noticed it more frequently in several communities, parks, and campuses in recent months, and wants you to be aware of this harmful tree care practice.
Landscapers will sometimes turn their string trimmers perpendicular to the ground in order to create a very defined edge between the grass and the tree mulch ring. While this can provide the meticulously manicured appearance some strive for in their lawns or parks, it is very detrimental to tree health. The majority of tree roots are in the top 6 inches of soil, and roots closer to the trunk are even shallower in the soil. This practice of edging multiple inches down around the mulch ring will sever and damage feeder and structural roots that are essential for the health and vitality of the tree. Expanding existing mulch rings or using glyphosate for weed control around tree mulch rings is a better alternative. String trimmers and lawnmowers kill more young trees than any disease or insect.
While the typical message for summer tree care is water, water, water, this summer has presented other issues than drought and we have been lucky with the amount of rain we have received. But with rain comes other problems, such as wind, or mulch washing away. It is important to inspect trees, especially young trees, after any severe weather event. The sooner storm damage to trees is addressed, the sooner the tree can begin the comparmentalization process. It is also important to maintain the mulch rings around trees after heavy rain events, as mulch can be displaced by heavy rain and overland water flow. Proper mulch application is one of the easiest and most effective techniques to maintain the health and vigor of our community trees.
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Search Launched for Great American Tree
The American Grove has launched its annual competition for the extraordinary tree that will represent the nation's canopy as 2017's "Great American Tree."
Submissions must be uploaded online by the deadline of August 4. The first place prize is $500.
@plantyourlegacy
#greatamericantree #GATC17
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Community members inspect the Briarcliff greenspace in DeKalb. |
New GFC Online Resource for Community Greenspace Managers
A new online resource for owners and managers of forestland of fewer than ten acres is now available from the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC).
While a variety of forest conservation and recognition programs exist, small landowners are often unaware of ways to maximize the benefits of their woodlands. Likewise, community green space managers are seeking tools to help them develop activities that can make their woodlands sustainable.
The new online program is a step-by-step guide that provides educational materials, web links, technical guidelines and activities that help users identify their goals and create an individual plan to meet them.
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Example of green stormwater infrastructure and trees. |
Trees and Green Stormwater Infrastructure, Norcross, Aug. 10
Join the Georgia Urban Forest Council for its summer program,
August 10, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
in Norcross.
Karen Firehock from the
Green Infrastructure Center
in Virginia will kick off the program and Shane Carpani with
GreenBlue Urban
will highlight their green infrastructure projects and tools.
Christine McKay
, Water Protection Division, US EPA Region 4, will facilitate a panel discussion on challenges and successes in communities.
Register here
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A storm-struck Georgia community. |
Naturally Resilient Communities Online Guide
Nature-based solutions can be instrumental in helping reduce flood risk for communities, while also providing other benefits such as improved water quality, enhanced recreational opportunities and wildlife habitat, and stronger, more resilient local economies. The Naturally Resilient Communities partnership developed this guide tool in order to help local leaders identify solutions that might be replicable for their community. Specifically, strategies include Urban Forests and Green Streets.
Using nature to address flooding
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New Animated Video: Coastal Georgia's Green Infrastructure & Stormwater Management
Check out this collaboration between Savannah College of Art and Design and the University of Georgia Marine Extension and Georgia's Sea Grant for the Georgia Forestry Commission.
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Help us share the message. #HealthyTreesHealthyLives
July is National Ultra Violet (UV) Safety Month. Shade trees provide protection for you and your family.
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