In 2010 the U.S. Forest Service, in cooperation with municipal arborists, conducted a research project to determine general costs and benefits of urban trees in Central Florida. The project used Orlando, Florida field data and other information drawn… Read More
Following a major storm, our backyards, and communities can be quickly changed. Homes and buildings may be damaged or destroyed. Power lines will be down and trees broken and torn. In the wake such change people, and entire… Read More
Following a hurricane or other strong storm you may need to assess structural damage to property caused by a storm. You may also want to calculate the financial loss of damage to trees and other landscaping. The value… Read More
Cities around the world are recognizing that urban tree canopy contributes to more comfortable living conditions. Tree canopy lowers urban temperatures, increases water evaporation and removes air pollutants caused by everyday urban activities. Often overlooked are the value… Read More
The semi-tropical climate of central Florida typically produces a warm dry season between March and June. It is at this time of year we are most likely to experience a prolonged period of very low rainfall which stress… Read More
Updated 03/16/20 As we continue to monitor COVID-19 in Florida, I wanted to take a moment to update our UF/IFAS Extension community about our current status, best practices and next steps. Please call your local UF/IFAS Extension office… Read More
Benefits vs Costs of Urban Trees in Central Florida Case Study: Central Florida The U.S. Forest Service conducted a research project to determine benefits and costs of urban forests in Central Florida using Orlando, Florida field data and… Read More
Urban Natural Areas #1 – Disturbance II To determine the scale at which this non-equilibrium disturbance pattern is appropriate, Pickett and Thompson (1978) investigated what they termed the “minimum dynamic area” that could sustain the occurrence of natural… Read More
Disturbance and Urban Natural Areas The dominant paradigm of ecology through the 1970s was the equilibrium, “balance of nature” perspective. Ecosystems were thought to have a stable point equilibrium, a climax state, structurally and functionally complete and self-regulating…. Read More
Habitat fragmentation Habitat fragmentation occurs when large, contiguous areas of habitat are reduced in area and divided into two or more smaller units (Wilcove et al. 1986). The fragmented units are isolated from one another and embedded in… Read More
