Bellevue Park Reservation Tree Assessment
The Bellevue Park Association (BPA) contracted with Landstudies/Brandywine Urban Forest Consulting for the completion of a Tree Assessment (Level 1) for the Bellevue Park Reservations. Major tasks in the scope of the work included: identify hazardous trees, identify potential health treats to trees, identify all Tree of Heaven and other invasive trees, and identify management needs.
Major finding of the Tree Assessment included:
5 trees identified as hazards that should be removed ASAP. (Make that 4... the Ailanthus on Briarcliff Res. recently blew over)
11 trees identified as needing a Level 3 assessment to better determine safety. If funds are lacking for that, removal should be considered.
49 large invasive Ailanthus trees (Tree of Heaven). Removal recommended for all except 1 to serve as a "trap" tree for Spotted Lantern Fly.
Plant health care recommended for 38 trees. 17 of these are White Ash trees. Treatment is problematic, so removal is recommended for those in populated regions.
Pruning recommended for 23 trees.
More recommendations for Invasive Control/Reforestation
The study found that over 70% of Bellevue Park common area trees are now either Tree of Heaven or Norwood Maple, both invasive species which cause harm to our urban forest. Many of our native trees are declining and are unable to rejuvenate because of the invasive tree species' aggressive nature. The Norwood Maple has been problematic because it leafs out early and is last to defoliate, thereby shading out young native trees and fauna.
While BPA has removed hazardous trees on the Reservations over the years, it has never proactively managed our urban forest. Clearly, funds are not available to address the multitude of recommendations. But for the first time, we have data on which to base an informed plan of action. The BPA Grounds Committee will guide implementation efforts as fiscal resources allow. First steps will include removal of hazardous trees and a strategy for removing the invasive Tree of Heaven which serves as host to the damaging Spotted Lantern Fly.
The full report can be read here.