The Fourth Urban Forestry Conference promoted the safe environment of trees through communication with local governments, city activists and industry, according to Phillip Rodbell, Urban Forester of the American Forestry Association. The conference, held in St. Louis from October 15 – 19, received sponsorship from the American Association of Nurseries and the ASLA.

Rodbell cited a new milestone in forestry: a concern for global warming and urban heat islands (cities have black top cement surfaces that radiate heat). “Shade has become a critical factor in combating urban heat islands. Trees help curb air pollution by reducing carbon dioxide build-up and associated global warming,” states Gary Moll, Vice President/Programs.

Secondarily, trees reduce the need for air conditioning,” offers Rodbell. “A few well-placed trees can reduce air conditioning costs by 20-50% and reduce dependency during peak loads.”

The National Urban Forest Council has been trying for 10 years to get legislation passed. Three bills from each house of Congress deal specifically with global warming.

The Global Warming Prevention Act proposes $100 million in community grants for urban tree planting. The Global Climate Change Prevention Act calls for the research of potential effects of global warming, its effects and opportunities for change. The Urban Forestry Act focuses on education, research and technical assistance in tree planting projects, asks for $20 million in grants and federal assistance.

Rodbell says the AFA takes a passive, yet positive approach to environmental problems, not by regulating products, but by planting more green. Although trees are sensitive to smog and ozone, other species have been genetically produced to withstand urban conditions.

Another problem, Moll points out, is that for every four trees lost to disease, development or aging, only one is planted. Rodbell remarks, “We’re deforesting our urban communities. We need to plant twice as much to meet environmental needs.”

“We can’t engineer trees to the site,” concludes Rodbell. “We have to start engineering the site to the trees, start planning the cities to incorporate green elements, and not have them as an afterthought.”