Who we are. Staff of 18 employees ISA Certified Arborists (International Society of Arboriculture) 2 - ISA Municipal Specialists

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1 Urban Forestry

2 Who we are Staff of 18 employees 12 - ISA Certified Arborists (International Society of Arboriculture) 2 - ISA Municipal Specialists 1 - ISA Tree Risk Assessor (Tree Risk Assessment Qualification) 5 - Pesticide Applicators 1 - TCIA Certified Treecare Safety Professional

3 What we do Maintain and preserve an urban forest encompassing: 280 Sq. Miles and 24 Municipalities (unincorporated areas only) 50 Miles of Recreational Trails 4,242 Acres of Parkland 4,521 Miles of Roadway 598 Tree Maintenance Zones In the most densely populated county in Florida with 916,542 residents.

4 Our Purpose Our purpose is to provide and maintain a forest of healthy, safe, and functional trees that will enhance the environment by; promoting clean air and water, increasing property values, reducing erosion and stormwater runoff, providing wildlife habitat, moderating temperatures, and lessening energy demands. Without a vibrant urban forest the condition of our lives would appreciably diminish.

5 Tree City USA The Four Standards for Tree City USA Recognition 1. A Tree Board or Department 2. A Tree Care Ordinance 3. A Community Forestry Program With an Annual Budget of at Least $2 Per Capita 4. An Arbor Day Observance and Proclamation we inspire people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees -Arbor Day Foundation

6 Trees are the key to: Encouraging a healthy, thriving community. Supporting a strong local economy. Providing water that is safe to drink and air that s healthy to breathe. Decreasing energy and infrastructure maintenance costs. #LiveWorkPlay

7 Trees are the key to Encouraging healthy, thriving communities for ALL residents by creating comfortable shared spaces that promote physical activity and good nutrition. When New York City increased its urban forest by 343 TREES for each square kilometer, asthma in young children decreased by 29%.

8 Trees are the key to Supporting local businesses with increased foot traffic. In central business districts with a high-quality tree canopy, shoppers may spend 9-12% more for goods and services.

9 Trees are the key to Boosting property values, which benefits homeowners and increases tax revenues for local governments. Street trees increase home values in Portland, OR by a total value of $1.35 billion.

10 Trees are the key to Reducing air pollution by removing pollutants and carbon emissions from the air. A single tree stores on average 13 pounds of carbon annually and U.S. forests currently provide the equivalent of $22 billion in carbon control costs.

11 Trees are the key to Decreasing energy consumption and costs in homes, offices, and other buildings. A 25-foot tree reduces annual heating and cooling costs of a typical American Household by 8 to 12 percent.

12 Who is an Urban Forest Advocate? If you want your community members to lead healthy, active lives If you want breathable air and drinkable water If you want to promote steady job opportunities and a prosperous economy, and reduce unnecessary costs YOU are an urban forest advocate.

13 Unlocking the Potential of Trees How can you help build a vibrant community? Get informed. Find out what s happening in your area to make it a healthier, greener and more resilient community. Contact the local IFAS Extension Office. Get active. Plant a tree. Join or donate to an organization that s caring for urban forests. Encourage your elected officials to invest in green infrastructure Proper maintenance. No Topping. Hire an ISA Certified Arborist.

14 Why Topping Hurts Trees Topping is perhaps the most harmful tree pruning practice known. Yet, despite more than 25 years of literature and seminars explaining its harmful effects, topping remains a common practice. Topping Stresses Trees Topping Leads to Decay Topping Leads to Sunburn Topping Can Lead to Unacceptable Risk Topping Makes Trees Ugly Topping Is Expensive