Analysing timing and causes of individual tree loss after land development: Insights for urban forest management

2020| Susan D. Day, PhD, University of British Columbia

Land development, whether it be infill or sprawl, is one of the primary drivers of urban tree canopy loss. Municipalities rely on a variety of tree protection strategies to help stem the loss from new land development. Nonetheless, trees continue to be removed many years after land development—even when effective plans for protection and enforcement are in place. This project aims to help address this problem by pinpointing causes of tree removal occurring many years after land development. In partnership with the City of Surrey, British Columbia, we will use LiDAR data and ground surveys to assess canopy loss 10-20 years post-development and identify specific causes of tree removal as documented in city records and initial and follow-up arborist reports. In addition, our study will reveal the time trajectory of long-term tree loss. Results will help maximize return on investment in canopy loss mitigation and contribute to adjustments in bylaws, best management practices, or future design or planning approaches.

Year: 2020

Funding Duration: 2 years

Grant Program: John Z. Duling Grant

Grant Title: Analysing timing and causes of individual tree loss after land development: Insights for urban forest management

Researcher: Dr. Susan D. Day

Key words:

Peer Reviewed Publications from Grant:

General Audience/Trade Publications:

Professional Presentations:

For more information on this project, contact the researcher via TREE Fund at treefund@treefund.org.