Biological Modeling of Trees

Trees are an integral part of the urban landscape from backyards to lining our streets.  Media outlets cover disease and invasive pest issues in urban forests, but there is little mention regarding infrastructure and planting challenges facing urban foresters.  Research has shown urban trees have numerous benefits for society many of which are not realized until trees have grown to a significant size.  However, trees are removed every year because of their impact on urban infrastructure. Trunk flares may lift sidewalks and tree canopies often interfere with buildings or overhead utilities. This study’s intent is to create biological models for common Minnesota tree species with the goal of providing urban foresters a practical method for predicting urban tree form ultimately reducing infrastructure damage caused by urban trees. 

Urban Forest Inventories

Community Engage through Urban Forest Surveys and Inventories
Click here to read about the project.

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QR Codes and Trees

University of Minnesota Student Project using QR Codes to tell stories about the tree on the St Paul, MN Campus.  Click here to view the project site.