“ mortality spiral ,” where each stress compounds the next until recovery is no longer possible. This is a pressing challenge for urban foresters who find themselves racing against the clock to mitigate the impacts of climate change. Many tree care professionals are turn- ing back time by returning to prove- nance, selecting species that are pro- gressively adapted to the local climate challenges to restore balance and lay the groundwork for healthier, more re- silient urban forests. “In the long term, we need to plant regionally adapted, pest-resistant na- tives in order to have less of a land- scape-scale loss,” Sons stressed. Ultimately, caring for trees amid cli- mate change means recognizing that they are part of a larger system, one that is constantly shifting and adapting in an ever-changing world. This is why the concept of “right tree, right place” is now more important than ever, as thoughtful choices today can shape the longevity of the landscape tomorrow. “The entire landscape is a living, evolv- ing entity, and it will change with weather patterns and natural plant and insect life cycles,” Whisple reflected. “Any tree or planting will struggle if it is not in the correct environment.” READY, SET, ACTION Fighting back against key threats and challenges is no easy feat, but there is hope. Early detection of pests, diseases, and other challenges in the landscape helps prevent problems before they start, providing plant healthcare pro- fessionals with a decisive advantage in maintaining tree health. “Early monitoring in the field will be key,” Whisple noted. Effective monitoring is the critical first step, but what should we do when communities are already facing an on- slaught of pest attacks?
Urban tree deaths aren’t always caused by pests. Many decline because of multiple stresses such as drought, freeze‑thaw cycles, and compacted soil.
invasive insects is that preventative op- tions aren’t always available at the on- set of pest pressure,” Brewer observed. Meet integrated pest management (IPM). With a toolkit of preventative, cultural, physical, biological, and chemical con- trols, IPM uses a combination of effec-
tive, environmentally sensible methods to create a standard for managing pests, diseases, and other challenges in urban forests. Because of this holistic philos- ophy, it is important to adopt a “forest for the trees” perspective and evaluate all possible interventions when devel- oping treatment plans for trees. “To allow us to successfully implement the process of integrated pest manage- ment, we have to react to the landscape in real time with effective techniques that take the whole picture into ac- count,” Whisple emphasized. “It isn’t always about jumping right into chemi- cal intervention.” There are absolutely times when that approach is needed and worthwhile, but it is just as important to regular- ly assess the landscape for pests and diseases and use additional strategies alongside it. Effective IPM practices may involve physically removing eggs, juveniles, and adult insects from trees by hand or with water.
Effective monitoring and early detection of pests, diseases, and other issues lets plant healthcare professionals act before problems develop.
“The toughest part about dealing with
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