Which management improvement is needed for urban forest sustainability?

Improved dialog and collaboration among agencies is crucial for urban forest sustainability because it facilitates a multi-disciplinary approach to urban forestry management. Urban forests thrive best when various stakeholders—such as local government agencies, community organizations, and citizens—work together to assess the needs of the urban ecosystem. By collaborating, these groups can share resources, knowledge, and strategies to enhance tree health, mitigate environmental impacts, and address urban challenges such as air quality and climate resiliency.

Effective communication among agencies ensures that urban forest initiatives are coherent and integrated across different sectors, such as city planning, public health, and environmental protection. This can lead to better policy formulation and implementation that benefits both the urban forest and the community. Moreover, collaboration allows for the pooling of funding opportunities, technical expertise, and community engagement efforts, all of which are essential for the long-term health and sustainability of urban forests.

In contrast, increased use of chemical fertilizers may offer short-term growth benefits but can harm the soil health and water quality in the long run. Focusing solely on tree planting doesn't address the care, education, and maintenance necessary for trees to thrive after planting. Reducing green spaces counteracts the essence of urban forestry itself, as green spaces provide crucial ecological, aesthetic, and recreational benefits