When creating and/or fostering an ur- ban forest, the first objective should be to ensure a balance between the plants, trees and insects. The second step is to plant the right plant in the right place to ensure you benefit insects without creating a situation where they feed too much. If you find yourself wondering where to start, I usually recommend plant- ing more natives and/or replacing the non-natives when the opportunity presents itself. An urban forest that provides benefits to wildlife should be three-dimensional: You should have an overstory, an understory and a dense border of plants and shrubs.
When creating and/or fostering an urban forest, the first objective should be to ensure a balance between the plants, trees and insects.
dar. Think of tree and plant species that have evolved in the ecosystem, have coexisted with organisms and wildlife for millions of years and are well-adapted to the region in which they’re growing. Most people don’t want their plants to be eaten by insects, which is why people oen choose non-native plants. There’s less that feed on their plants –
or so they think. Turns out, there are a lot of insects that are brought over with these plants, which they need to be treated for. It’s not a huge advan- tage. Oen, the native insects don’t damage the plant beyond the home- owner’s acceptability of damage. If that’s the case, you’ll have a plant that looks good and performs all the func- tions the homeowner wants – all while benefiting wildlife.
Before planting non-native trees, I like to encourage people to consider a native alternative that can provide the same benefit as well as additional benefits that can slip under our radar. Think of tree and plant species that have evolved in the ecosystem, have coexisted with organisms and wildlife for millions of years and are well-adapted to the region in which they’re growing. Photo courtesy of ACRT.
26 | ArborTIMES Summer 2023
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