The 50+ Year Decision How to pick the right tree so it will last at least for your lifetime!

Ralph Mize, City Arborist City of San José, California The Arborist’s Mantra:

Right Right Tree Place

MANY STREET TREES ARE REMOVED LONG BEFORE THEIR TIME 1869 242,650 Street Trees in 2009 Street Trees are maintained by Property Owners

San Jose’s Community Forest

Diversify!

10-20-30 Trees go in and out of Fashion. 1770’s – Quercus lobata 1870’s – Ulmus procera

1920’s – Platanus x acerifolia

1940’s – Fraxinus velutina ‘Modesto’ & Ulmus parvifolia

1950’s – Liquidambar styraciflua & Zelkova serrata

1960’s – Ceratonia siliqua & Liriodendron tulipifera

1970’s – Pistacia chinensis & Pyrus calleryana ‘Bradford’

1980’s – Lagerstroemia indica x fauriei – Indian Tribes

1990’s – Platanus ‘Yarwood’

2000’s – Fraxinus americana ‘Autumn Purple’

FACTORS TO CONSIDER: Hodge-podge or Monoculture ?

Diversity or Uniformity ? San José’s Mediterranean climate

Climate Adaptability

Quercus lobata Soil compatibility

Quercus palustris Maintenance Consideration

Fraxinus velutina ‘Modesto’ Type of Fruit:

Ginkgo biloba - female

Prunus cerasifera Aggressive Roots

Zelkova serrata Disease Susceptibility

Pistacia chinensis Fraxinus angustifolia ‘Raywood’ Insect Infestations

Liriodendron tulipifera & Celtis sinensis Right Fit for the Site?

Cinnamomum camphora Appropriate Form

Platanus x acerifolia Schinus terebinthifolius Do Not Forget to Consider: COLOR Species Availability is Key

Summary: • Suitable for the climate & soil • No objectionable fruit • Non-aggressive roots • Few diseases or insects • Right fit and form • Pleasing color • Available

Observations: • Too many trees are removed before they are mature, let alone are senescent! • Most homeowners are not knowledgeable about trees. • Selecting the right tree for the site is one of the most important decisions you will make as an Arborist. Develop A Plan:

Strategic Framework for the Community Forest Master Plan

San José Green Vision Goal: • Plant 100,000 net new trees by: 2022 San José’s Community Forest does make a difference! Making the 50+ Year Decision

Ralph Mize, City Arborist