Urban Tree Threat Response Guidance for Arizona and New MexicoOVERVIEW
Trees in urban and community forests are subject to a wide range of insect and disease threats. This Website addresses high priority threats—including both native and nonnative invasive insect and disease species—that can damage or kill urban trees. Some species are present in Arizona and/or New Mexico now. Others have not yet been detected, but could move here from other US states where they are currently impacting urban trees and forests. Detrimental environmental conditions and poor cultural practices can result in tree damage or death as well, and are also addressed at this Website. COMPONENTS OF THIS WEBSITE Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Overview The Integrated Pest Management framework is used throughout this Website to address management of insect, disease and environmental threats to urban trees in Arizona and New Mexico. Elements of the IPM approach including cultural, mechanical, biological and chemical control strategies are described in the overview. Threats Directory The interactive Insect and Disease Threats Directory describes 24 threat species and conditions that impact urban trees in Arizona and New Mexico or could impact them in the future. The Directory can be searched using common/scientific threat names, tree names and/or tree symptoms. Environmental Threats to Trees Detrimental environmental conditions and poor cultural practices can result in urban tree damage or death. Major environmental conditions and cultural practices affecting urban trees are described, along with recommended strategies to improve tree health. Urban Tree Threat Response Guide The 50-page URBAN TREE THREAT REPONSE GUIDE for Insect, Disease and Environmental Threats to Urban Trees in Arizona and New Mexico, describes 24 insects and diseases that weaken or kill urban trees. Some are currently present in Arizona and/or New Mexico, and others could make their way here in coming years. Five environmental/cultural factors that affect urban tree health are also addressed. Informational Handout/Pamphlet The Informational Handout is intended to inform tree care professionals, educational organizations, tree-related businesses and the public about the resources available at this website. The pdf of the Informational Handout/Pamphlet can be downloaded and circulated via email or printed for distribution. ARIZONA AND NEW MEXICO URBAN AND COMMUNITY FORESTS Urban and community forests are the combined trees growing throughout cities, towns and the urban/rural fringe. These forests include trees in parks, backyards, gardens, school yards, commercial properties, public sites, urban preserves, public rights of way, greenways and more. Urban forests in Arizona and New Mexico provide a multitude of social, environmental and economic benefits including cooling and shading people, buildings and streets; improving human health; sequestrating carbon; filtering air and water; cleansing stormwater; conserving energy; creating habitat for urban wildlife and beautifying the landscape. A portion of the trees impacted by insect, disease and environmental threats are medium and high water-use trees. The species composition of urban forests could evolve in coming decades as the combined impacts of rising temperatures, ongoing drought and increased competition for water supplies further stress existing urban trees, making them more vulnerable to insect, disease and environmental threats. Transitioning to more heat- and drought-tolerant trees with low and medium water needs—including planting more native southwest species—could increase urban canopy coverage and improve climate resilience in urban and community forests going into the future. State-level Urban and Community Forestry Programs provide information, grants and support for urban forests. Click here for more information about programs in Arizona and New Mexico. https://dffm.az.gov/forestry-community-forestry/urban-community-forestry https://www.emnrd.nm.gov/sfd/urban-and-community-forestry/ Major funding provided by the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management's Urban and Community Forestry Program and USDA Forest Service. These institutions are equal opportunity providers. |