Public tree programs: budgeting & funding 101

摘要

Proactively managing any infrastructure asset requires sufficient funding to maintain it to industry and community standards. Public trees are no different. Unfortunately, most people consider the urban forest a luxury rather than a necessity. This view acknowledges the aesthetic value of trees but ignores the tremendous public health and safety benefits these publicly owned assets provide. It also discounts the considerable effort required to lessen liability by protecting trees from storms, insects, diseases, and climate change. Because of this pervasive mind-set, decreased and/or insufficient funding is one of the greatest challenges facing urban foresters.