Green streets

Image credit: Niek Roozen

Green character is established quicker with large healthy trees and mature green

Healthy trees planted in a healthy environment contribute to the short term and long term character, value and usability of green spaces, real estate, and the health of surrounding residents. Usability, attractiveness and effectiveness are visible directly following construction and improves as time passes.

Canopy area should be compensated, not the number of trees

Cities should base their tree regulations on the quality of the trees more than on the quantity of trees planted. When mitigating the loss of existing trees (which has a negative effect on air quality), the canopy area of the removed trees should be compensated, not the number of trees.

Large healthy trees have a better survival rate

Trees with a trunk diameter of 30-35cm (measured 1m from the ground) have a better rate of survival because they are more established and less susceptible to growth disturbance such as diseases, molds, bacteria, and wind. Vandalism is less disruptive to trees with a minimum trunk diameter of 20-25cm. The root ball should also be large, compact and contain some fine roots. The costs of replacing dead trees are high when compared to the price of larger specimens.

Trees should be able to adapt to the urban conditions

The suppliers of plant material should be made aware of the eventual conditions in which the trees will need to survive. The production process should include a period of adaptation (transplanting, etc.) so the plants are not shocked when introduced to their new urban environment.

Plant big quality trees and shrubs in urban areas in order to achieve the desired green result directly after realisation.