Urban Forestry Extension Council

trees on either side of a sidewalk

Florida Tree Steward Program Manual

Tree steward programs promote public awareness of the benefits community trees provide , including cleaner air and water, cooler summer temperatures and greenspace wellness benefits With the launch of its Florida Tree Steward Program, the UF/IFAS Urban Forestry Extension Council (UFEC) plans to add Florida to the list of States nationwide, offering tree steward programs which will help to bolster local canopy conservation and expansion efforts.

Chapter 1: Introduction

Introduction

Canopy loss in urban and suburban areas continues to occur at an alarming rate. The Treejuvenation Florida Tree Steward program is a 12-module curriculum focused on empowering community members with knowledge on the benefits of trees, including improved physical and mental wellness, cooler summer temperatures and reduced heat island effects, as well as improved air and water quality. Upon completion of the Treejuvenation curriculum, Florida Tree Stewards support local canopy conservation efforts by increasing awareness of how tree assets contribute to improving a community’s quality of life, and how these assets can be wisely managed.

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Chapter 2: Why Trees Matter?
Why Trees Matter?
- Outline the benefits trees and urban forests provide including social, environmental, and economic benefits.
- Explain the relationships between trees and human health & wellbeing.
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Chapter 3: How Trees Work
How Trees Work
- Explain the biology of trees – anatomy, and physiology.
- Describe how the system components and biological processes of trees influence their management and care.
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Chapter 4: How Palms Work
How Palms Work
- Explain the biology of palms – anatomy and physiology
- Describe how the components and biological processes of palms influence their management and care
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Chapter 5: Tree ID
Tree ID
- Outline the process used to identify trees
- Describe the tools used in the tree identification process
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Chapter 6: Tree Planting – Site Assessment
Tree Planting – Site Assessment
- Describe the role of soils (urban soils vs un-disturbed soils) in site assessment for tree planting
- Explain how environmental factors including temperature and precipitation, soil drainage, proximity to overhead/underground infrastructure and surrounding built environments, influence tree planting site assessment
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Chapter 7: Planting and Establishing Trees
Planting and Establishing Trees
- Outline appropriate planting techniques for successful tree establishment
- Describe the influence of abiotic/biotic stressors which impact successful tree establishment
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Chapter 8: Tree Species Selection
Tree Species Selection
- Outline the factors to consider in tree selection
- Explain the contrast between native vs. non-native tree species selection
- Describe the importance of right plant, right place in tree species selection
- Describe the importance of right plant, right place in tree species selection
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Chapter 9: Pruning
Pruning
- Identify appropriate pruning principles.
- Explain the impact of proper pruning on tree health and longevity.
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Chapter 10: Trees – Storms and Recovery
Trees – Storms and Recovery
- Outline tree care factors to consider pre- and post- storms
- Describe the decision-making process for rehabilitating trees post-storms
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Chapter 11: Tree Ordinances
Tree Ordinances
- Describe the purpose of tree ordinances
- Outline various strategies to mitigate common urban development/tree conflicts
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Chapter 12: Get Involved – Florida Tree Steward Activities
Get Involved – Florida Tree Steward Activities

i-Tree, Cataloging trees (Open TreeMap), Tree Inventories, i-Naturalists
- Tree ID Resources
- Whom to contact – local urban forestry resources
- Professional Certifications (ISA, FNGLA, GIBMP)- what they are and why they are important to professionals
- Tree Advisory Committees
- Local tree planting events
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Resources
Resources

Contact Stephanie Cadaval