Geography
Urban Forest Management Motivations and Practices in Relation to a Large-Scale Tree Planting Initiative
Document Type
Article
Abstract
The success of public trees planted in urban areas by tree planting initiatives (TPIs) depends on how well the new trees fit into existing municipal structures and capacities. We sought to understand municipal management of trees in mid-sized towns through a case study in Massachusetts (US) involving a state-funded and state-managed TPI. Data was collected through structured interviews with tree wardens (municipal urban forest managers) to understand the various impacts that maintenance practices, municipal support and funding, and departmental structure may have on recently planted trees. In this Massachusetts program, municipal structure influenced the number of proactive management practices as well as the size of the tree activity budget. Consideration of municipal department roles and structure by TPIs may allow for more effective implementation of these initiatives. Our study begins to fill a research gap regarding small to mid-size municipalities and their role in tree planting and maintenance. © 2023 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.
Publication Title
Society & Natural Resources
Publication Date
2023
ISSN
0894-1920
DOI
10.1080/08941920.2023.2220119
Keywords
Arboriculture, environmental governance, institutional capacity, municipal forest
Repository Citation
Healy, Marc; Geron, Nicholas; Harper, Richard W.; Rogan, John; Martin, Deborah G.; and Roman, Lara A., "Urban Forest Management Motivations and Practices in Relation to a Large-Scale Tree Planting Initiative" (2023). Geography. 945.
https://commons.clarku.edu/faculty_geography/945
