In developing an urban forest master plan, which vegetation types should be included?

In developing an urban forest master plan, including street trees, parks, and greenbelts is essential because these components play a significant role in the overall health and well-being of urban ecosystems. Street trees contribute to urban canopy coverage, provide shade, improve air quality, and enhance the aesthetic appeal of neighborhoods. Parks serve as vital green spaces that support recreational activities while promoting biodiversity and wildlife habitat within cities. Greenbelts, often established as linear parks or conserved areas, help to connect fragmented habitats, provide corridors for wildlife, and offer spaces for community engagement with nature.

In contrast, other vegetation types, while valuable, may not be as integral to the urban forest framework. For instance, private lawns and residential gardens, while they enhance individual properties, do not contribute to the broader ecological connectivity or functions that a master plan seeks to achieve. Similarly, commercial landscaping and golf courses, although they can incorporate some aspects of tree cover and greenery, typically focus on aesthetic and recreational aspects rather than ecological benefits. Ecological preserves and wildlife habitats, while critical for conservation efforts, usually fall under a different management jurisdiction and may not align directly with the urban forest management objectives of enhancing urban livability and community well-being.