The impact of uncomfortable outdoor environments and extreme heat on energy demand, peak electricity, air quality, human health, thermal comfort and economy is well documented. Several investigative studies were conducted, and mitigation strategies have been proposed globally to address issues relating to urban heat island and local climate change. Engaging communities in the monitoring process…

The latest report from the IPCC on 1.50C shows that we need to do all we can to remove fossil fuels from our economy but we cannot make the necessary adjustment to reducing CO2 in the atmosphere unless we put much more carbon back into the landscape.   This needs more plant matter and more soil…

“Heritage Tree” (HT) programs are an essential method used to acknowledge and raise awareness about some of the world’s most majestic and important tree specimens. Existing at all geographic scales, “Heritage” (aka “Significant”, “Exceptional”, “Old-Valuable”, “Monumental”, etc.) trees are valued due to various traits that are able to inspire wonder throughout society and provide a…

After 20 years of TREENET symposia, there is a much better understanding of what makes a street tree planting successful. Proper tree selection and using the highest quality stock are a great start, but problems with planting technique are still too common. Trees are planted too deep or shallow and the process of planting can contribute to site compaction. Even…

Rear Admiral the Honourable Kevin Scarce AC CSC RAN (Rtd) Kevin was born in Adelaide and educated at Elizabeth East Primary School and Elizabeth High School, was the 34th Governor of South Australia from 2007 to 2014. He served in the Royal Australian Navy from 1968, retiring in 2004. His appointments included service on HMAS…

A practical demonstration of techniques and ideas, for the construction of passageways for arboreal animals across roadways, using trees, poles and rope ladders. Dr Rodney van der Ree Dr Rodney van der Ree is the Australian National Technical Executive – Ecology, with WSP, a multi-national specialist engineering consultancy. He is internationally recognised for his expertise…

Since 1982, Earthwatch Institute Australia has focused on building networks of citizen scientists to generate data that address major biodiversity issues, including climate change. Due to the scale of the data collection task, there is currently a significant lack of knowledge within Australia on climate change impacts on biodiversity. Success in gathering this data is…

Why is a community's relationship with nature important in urban forestry management? How can arborists promote the urban forest to the broader community and why does this matter? Relationships are formed through shared experience and knowledge. Many see trees as valuable natural assets whilst others see them as a liability. The relationship  community has to the natural environment shapes policy, that in…

It is important to discuss what creates the different perceptions of ‘best’ and therefore the consequences of people’s actions – in the past and today – to create our current landscapes. What responsibilities and actions can we now take to have the ‘right’ types of trees for the future? ‘Best’ and ‘right’ are personal value…

The massive loss in the number of large trees with hollows is occurring in urban, agricultural and forestry landscapes globally. It is particularly problematic in urban areas due to clearing for development and tree or branch removal to reduce risk to people and property. Historically, nest boxes have been used as replacement hollows, but numerous…

Soil is complicated and we still have a lot to learn about soil/tree interactions.  This presentation will look at some recent research that throws some light on these interactions, as well as providing some general advice about soil specification and amelioration for healthy tree growth.  The presentation will finish by thinking aloud about possible directions…

At the heart of the Town of Victoria Park’s Urban forest strategy is the Vic Park community, both in content and in delivery. From inception, this Urban Forest Strategy (UFS) has been community led. 130 residents petitioned for a Special Electors Meeting, in the main due to the removal of 98 mature trees as part…

Dan will provide a closer look at this new program offering from the Arbor Day Foundation, developed in partnership with the United Nations Food & Agriculture Organisation (FAO). Tree Cities of the World is committed to inspiring cities and towns to care for and celebrate their urban tree canopy. Find out how arborists and urban…

Stormwater rapids flowed down the footpath and flooded into private properties, while trees new and old on nearby Netherby Reserve struggled for moisture in soil not replenished since the Millennium Drought. Innovative drainage work solved the regular flooding by redirecting stormwater to soakage trenches which zig-zag the reserve. Annual growth increments in young English oak (Quercus robur) attest to the value of…

Soil Volumes and Soil Design for Consulting Arborists.  Soils are fundamental in tree development, health and longevity, so why is soil design not often addressed in tree report assessments and recommendations? Consulting arborists are key in providing soil design recommendations for improving both existing and proposed trees. Practically also, arborists are at the forefront of…

The concept design for the redevelopment of a former paper mill in Alphington, Melbourne, featured medium density housing with generous streetscapes in an exclusive inner-city environment.  Construction commenced with stripping of topsoil and removal off-site leaving the remnant tertiary basalt clay subsoil as the palette on which the green infrastructure would be developed. Spatial constraints…

Andrew will outline the work of the Clean Air and Urban Landscape hub as it relates to contemporary urban greening research. He will describe how the information generated in this project can have an impact by providing an example of the Shadeways project. This is a partnership between RMIT, City of Greater Bendigo, Spatial Vision,…

Grant will be talking about recent improvements in habitat creation techniques, drawing on his work with ANU that involved the installation and monitoring of sixty chainsaw carved hollows. Reconciling risk management with conservation of tree habitat values will also be discussed, with case studies from urban parks in Melbourne. Grant will also reference some success…

Horticultural Media: A look at ‘Who, How & Where’ to get messages that make a statement out to the broader community. From traditional media to social platforms, tips and ideas on what works best. Kim Syrus Kim Syrus is the Executive Producer and Presenter on South Australia’s very own lifestyle show ‘Outdoors Indoors’ on Channel…

Giant pine scale (Marchalina hellenica) is a scale insect that sucks the sap of pine trees. If established, the insect poses a threat to Australia’s softwood plantation industry and urban forest species, by causing: branch dieback gradual desiccation tree death. Giant pine scale has been previously detected in Victoria and metropolitan Adelaide. This discussion will…