By Sandi Bowen

Seminar organised by GCCI’s Green Economy Committee highlights best practices for urban tree management. 

Executing its mandate to provide information on methods that are in accordance with sustainable ecological practices, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (GCCI) Green Economy Committee hosted a one day classroom-style introductory training on “Planting, Training and Management of Trees in Urban Areas” on Tuesday, December 10th, 2019 at the Office of the Chamber. The training was conducted by Horticulturist and Agroforestry Specialist, Dr. Patrick Chesney. Participants included employees of the National Parks Commission/Protected Areas Commission and employees of the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) who are responsible for the maintenance of trees in the city.

Dr. Chesney conducted an informative and instructive training which covered various aspects of tree training, methods of tree planting, effective techniques for tree pruning and trimming, and an overview of tree maintenance tools. Through the use of simple videos, Dr. Chesney was able to reinforce the concepts discussed and practical exercises gave participants the opportunity to create a link between the newly learned concepts and their own duties.

As it relates to the restoration of the ecology of trees in Georgetown, Dr. Chesney recommended certified training for arborists (commonly referred to as “tree climbers”) which would aid in establishing a standard of quality in arboricultural work. Training would be inclusive of the use of hand and power tools. Dr. Chesney added that once certified, arborists should be outfitted with safety gear, proper planting, pruning and tree care tools and a practical arborist manual.

In order to combat decreasing tree canopy in the city, Dr. Chesney suggested that an assessment of the state of trees in Georgetown be conducted. The findings of the assessment would be used to establish a strategy for the removal, replanting, training and maintenance of trees. Dr. Chesney noted that the strategy should also be reinforced by relevant by-laws and standard guidelines. Further, Dr. Chesney recommended zoning of the city for tree species selection and planting in order to ensure that the species planted are well suited and appropriate for the selected location (e.g. flood prone areas should be planted with water-loving plants such as palms.)

Treasurer of the GCCI and Co-Chair of the Green Economy Committee, Mr. Kester Hutson, thanked Dr. Chesney for conducting the training, and commended the participants on their receptiveness and participation during the three-hour session. Mr. Hutson also indicated that the GCCI will be working closely with Dr. Chesney to facilitate a follow-up practical training on urban tree management.

Trees in urban areas can often help to mitigate the negative environmental impacts of urbanization. The effective management of trees can contribute to making the city of Georgetown socio-economically and environmentally sustainable as trees boast numerous benefits including increased urban biodiversity, improved air quality, reduction of urban “heat island” effect, filtration for urban pollutants, reduction of carbon emissions and regulation of water flow.