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Image caption: Stichting Open Boek

Maintenance is a long term commitment

A plan should be set up for all greening projects that guarantees the quality and functional performance of trees and other plants. A systematic multi-year maintenance plan includes water schedules and volumes, pruning schedules, fertilizer application, and soil management.

Maintenance is an investment

Well maintained quality vegetation is more attractive and raises the value and usage of green spaces as well as the value of the surroundings. Poorly maintained and overgrown green space creates negative attitudes toward greening in urban areas. Falling branches are dangerous to people and property and are more costly to repair than routine pruning. Funds should be reserved for maintenance, based on a risk assessment and a cost-benefit-analysis.

Design and maintenance go hand in hand

Choices of landscape and planting materials from the beginning of the planning process through to completed construction should consider how these impact ongoing maintenance. There should be a balance between design and maintenance capabilities, that are addressed in budget, initiative and ability.

Involve all parties who are affected by the results

Maintenance solutions should meet the expectations of all stakeholders, including local government, contractors, residents, users and businesses. Facilitated discussions help understand the varied impressions of quality maintenance and find solutions to achieve this within the available resources (money, manpower). Funds may be sourced from various sectors who also profit from an attractive urban environment. Community comments can help guide maintenance experts when the agreed standards are not being met.

Allow trees to reach their full potential by providing proper maintenance from day one.