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24 THE DAVEY BULLETIN | May/June 2022 EXPERTISE TREE CANOPY ASSESSMENT COMPLETED Davey Resource Group recently performed an urban tree canopy assessment for Tree Pittsburgh that will allow them to monitor changes in canopy cover over time, better understand the connections between urban trees and social equality and plan future planting projects. Tree Pittsburgh celebrated its 15th anniversary in 2021 and is a leader in urban forestry in the region. They fundraise to commission new and relevant studies of the urban forest in Pittsburgh and other communities in Allegheny County. Davey's Pittsburgh Residential/Commercial offices and DRG collaborate each year to support Tree Pittsburgh's programing. This assessment is the third canopy assessment that's been completed and will allow Tree Pittsburgh to evaluate changes from 2010, 2015 and 2020. "Overall, in Allegheny County there is a continuing downward trend of canopy loss. Pittsburgh has managed to stay relatively consistent through focused initiatives within the community," said Will Ayersman, project manager, GIS & Remote Sensing. "The issues they face regarding tree loss are mainly due to tree mortality, disease, pests, construction and development. Their story is similar to other urban metro regions throughout the country. I'm just happy that we have a great partnership with them. Providing this level of detail and fact allows them to make the appropriate decisions moving forward." Will Ayersman said the urban tree canopy assessment allows Tree Pittsburgh to look ahead and do what is best for the residents. This is accomplished by targeting equitable distributions of tree canopy regardless of population, so that people have access to trees and green infrastructure. CLEARING INVASIVE SPECIES TO MAKE WAY FOR NATIVE TREES The Wooster Rotary Club in Wooster, Ohio, planted more trees to extend the Founders' Row grove at Oak Hill Park. In 2021, the club began establishing Founders' Row as part of its centennial celebrations. Twenty-four trees were transplanted from Secrest Arboretum at the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center (OARDC). Rick Hanshaw, branch manager, Davey Nursery, said 50 new trees were planted to extend the grove at the end of March 2022. There were 17 different species all native to Ohio. Before the planting, Davey Resource Group (DRG) worked with Wooster Rotary to eliminate invasive species growing within a three-acre section, said Dave Goerig, senior associate consultant, Environmental Consulting. As part of the work, DRG also identified desirable native trees to be kept. Structural pruning was done on the trees to encourage healthy growth. "With the trees Rick was planting and the trees we kept, we wanted to make sure there was enough space between the trees to account for the crown spread when the tree reaches maturity," Goerig said. The Canton Residential/ Commercial (R/C) office provided a crew to assist DRG Environmental Consulting with the removals and spraying the stumps with an herbicide treatment to prevent regrowth. The invasive species that were removed were ornamental pears, multiflora rose, multiple species of olives and buckthorn. Employees pictured who worked on the project are (center) Ian Tuel and John Gifford. Not pictured is Jim Hicks. PERSEVERANCE

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