Month: February 2017

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Tree Advocacy Class in Ocean Beach!

SDRUFC Executive Committee member, Anne Fege has been working with Ocean Beach residents to address specific concerns and opportunities, and lately to develop a Tree Advocacy Handbook and Class.  The class now has a date-time, location, and outline!  This is an extension of the “tree advocacy” that has been in the works.

SDRUFC is sponsoring the event Saturday, March 25, 2017, 9:30 to 12:00 (starting with coffee and bagels), at the Ocean Beach Community Center, 4843 Voltaire Street. The event is FREE! Register at https://treeadvocacyclass.eventbrite.com

This short class will answer these questions:  Where are the trees and who owns the trees? What laws apply to trees, and who takes care of them? What does it take to manage trees?  What can citizens do for trees in San Diego?  More information in Tree Advocacy Handbook that all participants will receive.

Some of the text we’re using:
The most powerful action you can take to protect and enhance trees is to speak on behalf of sound urban forest management whenever you have an opportunity. Citizens play vital roles insupporting urban forestry, calling for adequate funding, planting and taking care of trees, and calling out “I want trees in my neighborhood!

 

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Save our Water AND our Trees!

Our drought may be easing – for now, but we have learned we need to change our thinking and be water-wise 24-7-365!

“Trees in irrigated landscapes become dependent on regular watering. When watering is reduced – and especially when it’s stopped completely – trees will die.

Tree loss is a very costly problem: not only in expensive tree removal, but also in the loss of all the benefits trees provide. Your trees provide an immense range of health, energy, environmental and economic benefits:

  • Trees improve air and water quality
  • Trees provide shade to the landscape and reduce water needs
  • Trees help keep your home cooler
  • Trees slow stormwater runoff and help recharge groundwater
  • Trees reduce soil erosion
  • Trees add value – sometimes thousands of dollars’ worth – to your home and neighborhood”

Find our more information at www.saveourwater.com/trees

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Report shows increase in tree-care related occupational fatalities in 2016

We are well aware of the benefits trees provide our communities.  However in order to keep them healthy and thriving, trees require maintenance.  Tree-care professionals work in one of the most hazardous occupations – and injuries and fatalities are on the rise.  If you are a home owner – please hire only companies that are qualified, are certified arborists, and maintain strict safety standards.  If you are a tree-care professional, please always work safely, do not cut corners, and if something feels wrong – Stop immediately and correct any potential safety issues.

The Tree Care Industry Association tracks injuries and fatalities in the tree-care industry.  TCIA learned of 153 tree care-related occupational incidents in calendar year 2016. Ninety-two of them were fatal. A report in the most recent issue of ArborAge provides what TCIA knows about these incidents from the media accounts.

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Plants and trees provide shade and transpire moisture to cool the air; gravel and artificial turf don’t.

Drought panic and rebates incentivize too many quick and dirty solutions for our water crisis. All over the city — and especially in park-poor areas, where postage-stamp lawns may be the only relief from pavement — we have to think before we act. Will exchanging a living, breathing yard for a bleak gravelscape save water? Some. But is it the only way? Is it the right way?

We know the answer is Heck No!  But to find out why not, check out this great Op-Ed from the LA Times from Jun 2015

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San Diego Host to 2017 Western Chapter ISA Conference May 8-11

San Diego is hosting the 2017 WCISA conference May 8-11 with a theme of “Plans, Partners and Progress.”  Several SDRUFC members are actively involved in the planning and preparations for this event.  It will be held on the island resort of Paradise Point in Mission Bay.  There is a fantastic line-up of engaging speakers, and plenty of entertainment including “Joe Rathburns Island” a Jimmy Buffet Cover band.

We had a walk through of the site yesterday and this definitely is a conference not to be missed!

Check out the conference website for more details and to register to attend! https://wcisaconnect.com/

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Tree Care for Birds BMP Ready for Review!

The Tree Care for Birds and Wildlife project is a state-wide partnership between volunteers of the arboriculture and wildlife communities of California to enhance habitat through tree care practices.

Begun in July 2015, this three-year project focuses on tree care to protect birds and other wildlife during and beyond nesting season as well as on ways to enhance habitat for birds and other urban wildlife. Its key strategic approach is to develop Best Management Practices (BMPs) which will also set the standards for specialized training and certification for tree care specialists in California.

These BMP’s are now ready for review.  Please provide comment by February 24th.  Visit www.treecareforbirds.com to download the BMP and for more information.

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Trees and Stormwater Webinar 2/8/17 10-11am

With recent storms, we are reminded of the importance of onsite stormwater retention, the role of trees and other vegetation in absorbing rainwater, ….. and also the risks of tree failure from shallow roots developed by inappropriate tree watering and tree selection.  When arborists and engineers work together, trees are a low-cost, multi-benefit, amazing asset in our local Stormwater resources!!!  Please take time to view this 1-hour webinar on Wed. Feb. 8, 10am