Recent activity has spurred the creation of the ‘Quality Tree Initiative’, a professional movement to improve the quality of nursery tree stock for the betterment of our urban forest. In partnership with California's nursery industry, the Urban Tree Foundation, UC Cooperative Extension, and the University of Florida, the CCUH has embarked on the Quality Tree Initiative. The CCUH became involved in this project after hosting the Quality Trees for CA conference in October 2007. Based on input from the nursery industry, they have identified four steps for immediate action. They are:
- The CCUH will organize an industry advisory committee to provide input on strategies and techniques to improve tree quality. This meeting will be held March 26, 2008.
- Agenda
- Notes
- Guideline Specifications for Nursery Tree Quality
- A volunteer Steering Committee agreed to meet following the March 26th meeting to decide on the creation of an Advisory Board to represent the nursery industry and lead the Quality Tree Initiative forward. This meeting was held on May 29, 2008.
- The CCUH will organize an educational conference for buyers that will likely be held Fall/Winter 2008.
- Develop educational programming and materials for nursery staff that demonstrate the best management practices for producing quality trees.
- Print and distribute standards for selecting quality trees in California.
Working Group notes:
Quality Tree Standards work group
BMP work group
Education & Outreach work group
Publications