"You may have the right to remove a tree for any reason, but we have the right to refuse to do it. It’s your tree, but it may be your neighbor’s shade."
What is the Urban Forest?
Reno’s urban forest is all of the trees and vegetation in developed areas around the city on both public and private land. Urban forests are ecosystems that provide habitat for humans and wildlife. Native plants and trees are a source of food for local wildlife, and exotic plants and trees can serve as a food source and refuge for migratory birds.
While trees on public land are managed by the Reno Urban Forest Commission, individual trees on private land are managed independently by arborists and tree care companies such as us. How we prune and remove trees impacts the urban forest and affects wildlife.
Why is the Urban Forest Important?
Reno’s Urban Forest is important because it makes Reno a better place to live. Trees make urban areas more beautiful, reduce crime and stress, and improve peoples’ quality of life in many other ways. The benefits of trees are numerous.
Cities are referred to as urban heat islands because they are usually hotter than rural areas around them. Pavement and structures absorb and retain more heat than bare ground. Trees and other vegetation create a canopy cover that blocks a lot of this heat and keep urban areas cooler in temperature. It’s concerning that Reno’s tree canopy cover is only 5.2%, one of the lowest among other arid cities of the Intermountain West, and Reno is one of the fastest warming cities. For comparison, Las Vegas is at 9%, Phoenix is at 12.4%, and Salt Lake City is at 15%.
How We Make a Positive Impact on Reno’s Urban Forest
The biggest difference we make is refusing unnecessary tree removal. You may have the right to remove a tree for any reason, but we have the right to refuse to do it. It’s your tree, but it may be your neighbor’s shade.
We offer specialized services for tree protection and preservation such as AirSpade root management.
Our Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program is based on improving tree health holistically, starting with watering, mulching, and reducing tree stress.
We respect pollinators and abide by Nevada’s law concerning the use of neonicotinoid pesticides.
We offer OMRI Listed® organic insecticides and other biorational pesticides, and eliminate the possibility of pesticide drift by using systemics applied by trunk injection.
We balance the need to maintain trees with their value to people and wildlife. Dense tree crowns should not be excessively pruned, and dead branches are valuable wildlife habitat that can be retained when they pose a low risk to people and property. In some cases, dead trees or woody material should be left in place, or altered to create habitat.
The waste we create from pruning is excellent wood chip mulch and 100% of it is reused in the Reno area to benefit trees, other plants, and build healthy soil.
We support ReLEAF Reno, the city-sponsored program designed to preserve and expand Reno’s urban forest.
Commentaires