Members of the City of Medicine Hat's Urban Forestry team pose for a photo in Kin Coulee Park.--SUBMITTED PHOT
Urban forestry teams play a crucial role in maintaining and enhancing green spaces within communities. The City of Medicine Hat’s Urban Forestry team may be small in numbers, but our passion looms large for the 20,000 public trees we care for and manage. Our team consists of approximately six members – three of which are full-time International Society of Arboriculture-certified arborists.
Trees are invaluable to our community and life in general. They improve air quality by absorbing pollutants, reduce urban heat through shade, and mitigate stormwater runoff. Trees also enhance the aesthetic appeal of our neighborhoods, creating a more pleasant and inviting atmosphere.
Oftentimes, residents may only notice our work when we remove trees, which is understandable, given the eye-catching aerial labour required to remove a tall tree. But the exhaustive efforts leading to that point run far deeper than the roots of the tree itself. Before removing a tree, it is equally important to understand what proactive work can help avoid removing it, why and what benefits there are to removing a tree, and how best to replant trees. This foresight ensures the continued growth of our urban forest.
Pruning and tree removal
Pruning is essential for maintaining the health and safety of trees – it helps to remove dead or diseased branches, improve tree structure, and promote new growth. The team employs skilled arborists who use specialized equipment to perform these tasks efficiently and safely. This process maintains the overall health of the urban forest and prevents potential risks to public safety. Tree removal benefits are no different, just on a larger scale.
Planting initiatives
The Urban Forestry team actively plans and executes tree planting initiatives. These plans enhance the diversity and resilience of our urban forest, ensuring that new trees are strategically placed to maximize their benefits. The selection of tree species is a critical aspect of planting plans. We consider factors such as climate adaptability, disease resistance, and aesthetic value to choose the most suitable species for each location. By diversifying the types of trees planted, the team helps create a more resilient urban forest that can withstand various environmental challenges.
Continued maintenance
Once new trees are planted, the Urban Forestry team provides ongoing care to ensure their successful establishment and growth. This includes regular watering, mulching, and monitoring for signs of stress or disease. The team also implements protective measures, such as installing tree guards and stakes, to safeguard young trees from damage caused by weather, animals, or human activity.
When nature strikes
Storm cleanup and response is another critical aspect of the Urban Forestry team’s responsibilities. Severe weather events can cause significant damage to trees, leading to fallen branches, uprooted trees, and other hazards. The team is trained to respond quickly and efficiently to these situations, clearing debris, assessing damage, and taking necessary actions to restore safety and order. Their timely response helps to minimize the impact of storms on our urban forest and ensures that public spaces are safe and accessible.
Our Urban Forestry team is dedicated to preserving and enhancing the natural beauty of our community for future generations. So the next time you see us performing work around the city, feel free to give us a wave from a safe distance – we may not be able to see you down there, but just know we’re working hard to ensure you’re as proud of our city’s trees as we are.
Cole Lanski is the urban forestry foreperson for the City of Medicine Hat
