Buffalo’s tree inventory is getting a closer look these days, with initial findings being releases just days ago via CitiStat. Davey Resource Group has conducted a $300,000 city-wide survey that The City will use to evaluate tree inventory and respective health of each species. The preliminary findings are now being reviewed by the City of Buffalo Bureau of Forestry.
In initial findings, an ambiguous breakdown was released that stated verbatim: “[There are] 110,909 trees, vacant planting sites and stumps.” It is unclear what the ratio is exactly, between the three very distinct categories that were inventoried. I’m sure that we will find out when the final report is released. Despite the lack of specifics, the following findings were reported, along with recommended maintenance recommendations:
- 226 species representing 78 genera: 39% of the tree population is maple, 18% linden, followed by smaller amounts (less than 5%) of elm, crabapple, lilac, honeylocust, oak, cherry, horsechestnut and pear
- 88% were found in good or fair condition, 11% in poor condition and 1% dead trees
- Recommended maintenance tasks include: 49% pruning of trees, 45% tree plantings and 3% tree removal
“Our city trees are valuable to our urban environment, and this tree inventory – once finalized – will be an important planning tool that will help the City of Buffalo further enhance its tree care program to further strengthen the quality of life in Buffalo,” said Mayor Brown, noting that the city recently hired Ross Hassinger as the City Forester. “We know that properly maintained and well-placed trees are important to Buffalo’s ongoing transformation and the outcome of this inventory is significant because it will help guide future tree and shrub plantings and removals citywide.”
The last time that the trees were inventoried was in 2002.
More information is available on the city’s website at: www.city-buffalo.com & search: Forestry