WITH more than 310,000 trees and 1,400 kms of hedgerow in Cork City’s administrative area, a tree top strategy is a vital tool for ensuring the sustainability of our city trees and the many benefits they provide.
The Cork city tree canopy occupies many and varied locations. Our public parks, woodlands and riverbanks are obvious spots for tree appreciation but don’t forget our city streets and roads, educational and business campuses, cemeteries and the margins of sports grounds, including golf courses. Interestingly though, these municipal areas only contribute 17% of the overall city tree canopy. Back gardens, private lands and private developments provide 83% of the trees you see around Cork city and suburbs.
Throughout Ireland the goal is to increase the tree canopy and maximise the benefits trees provide. Currently, the Cork city tree canopy stands at 13%, just ahead of the national average of 12%. Since 2021, Cork City Council has planted more than 10,000 trees in parks, open spaces and greenways and as part of infrastructure projects. Furthermore, community groups have planted thousands of trees during this time, on both public and private lands.
The National Land Cover Map provides a general overview of tree cover in Cork City but there is limited information currently available regarding the species, age and health of these trees.
Cork City Councils draft Tree Strategy proposes an inventory of the city trees and for the first time the strategy will set down policies and long term aims to protect, manage and plant. It will address the complexities and challenges around tree management in an urban environment too. Cork is a growing city with ambitious development targets and an expanding urban environment. Integrating existing trees and planting new ones takes careful design and a high level of collaboration to ensure their longevity and health.
The strategy supports the maxim “Right Tree, Right Place.” If the needs of the tree are not matched to the location in which it is planted, it can result in poor tree health and conflict with surrounding land use. This in turn can lead to increased maintenance requirements, the decline in tree health and in the longer term, the removal of the tree.
The Draft Tree Strategy sets out Cork City Councils internal policies and a clear action plan through to 2028. While planting more trees would seem to be the logical starting point, ensuring our existing trees are well maintained and healthy is the foundational first step. It takes a long time to grow a healthy mature tree, 50-100 years in fact, and its value is up to 12 times that of a newly planted tree, as they support and provide greater eco-system service value.
All these trees are an essential part of Cork’s character and heritage and are a valuable economic asset that make our city far more attractive and appealing. They bring us joy and they are fundamental for human health and wellbeing and for the health and wellbeing of the natural environment. With these considerations in mind, Cork City’s Tree Strategy will aim to increase the city’s tree canopy cover and enhance the long-term eco-system service value through the following methods:
1) management of existing trees
2) retain existing trees
3) plant new trees with a view to longevity “right tree, right place”
4) collaborate with community groups
5) monitor and track changes in the tree canopy
6) further develop the information base and foundations necessary for the creation of a long-range tree strategy, including the development of additional ecological corridors and woodlands.
Community involvement will be an integral part of this Strategy. Through its Parks Department, Cork City Council already collaborates with many schools, community groups, clubs, individuals and businesses, in the promotion of planting and care of trees. It will continue to actively encourage and facilitate the involvement of such groups.
Ultimately, when you have a strategy in place, you can improve.
Cork City Council is a Member Organisation of the Tree Council of Ireland and employs a specialist Tree Officer as part of the Parks and Recreation staff.
Cork City Council is also part of the UNECE Tree’s in cities challenge and The European union 3 Billion Trees Pledge.
The Draft Tree Strategy is in the public consultation phase. The deadline for submissions is February 16, 2024. See Public Consultation on the Draft Tree Strategy | Cork City Council’s Online Consultation Portal to view the overall public management strategy and to make a submission.
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12.02.2024
WITH more than 310,000 trees and 1,400 kms of hedgerow in Cork City’s administrative area, a tree top strategy is a vital tool for ensuring the sustainability of our city trees and the many benefits they provide.
The Cork city tree canopy occupies many and varied locations. Our public parks, woodlands and riverbanks are obvious spots for tree appreciation but don’t forget our city streets and roads, educational and business campuses, cemeteries and the margins of sports grounds, including golf courses. Interestingly though, these municipal areas only contribute 17% of the overall city tree canopy. Back gardens, private lands and private developments provide 83% of the trees you see around Cork city and suburbs.
Throughout Ireland the goal is to increase the tree canopy and maximise the benefits trees provide. Currently, the Cork city tree canopy stands at 13%, just ahead of the national average of 12%. Since 2021, Cork City Council has planted more than 10,000 trees in parks, open spaces and greenways and as part of infrastructure projects. Furthermore, community groups have planted thousands of trees during this time, on both public and private lands.
The National Land........
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