No imminent problems, diseases or pests pose a threat to the trees planted in Miami Lakes, and less than one percent of trees are dying which is well below the average mortality rate in an urban setting, according to Dr. Jason Smith, an associate professor at the University of Florida’s School of Forest Resource and Conservation.
Smith delivered his assessment of the conditions of the town’s trees during a September 22 meeting at Town Hall, where several council members, Town Manager Alex Rey, Miami Lakes’ Chief of Operations Tony Lopez, Town arborist/field inspector Steve Poulson, and Greenspace maintenance supervisor Jose Orellana were on hand for his presentation.
Smith said it is essential to choose proper trees for specific areas as some trees are weakened and stressed because they do not have ample room to grow.
He believes it is a good practice to diversify trees species in the town.
“In doing so, if a disease affects one kind of tree, it will not damage other species,” he said.
Smith also suggested utilizing the inventory of tree records in the town to monitor tree health over time, and to inform the community of the impact certain fertilizers have on trees so that they are avoided in homeowner’s swale areas.
The meeting stemmed from Councilmember Nelson Rodriguez’s request for an onsite visit by Smith and the University of Florida’s School of Forest Resource and Conservation to get a true assessment of the condition of the town’s sick oak trees.
Rodriguez said the university’s recent report on the trees’ health was based on pictures the town provided to him to make his assessment, but they can be adequately assessed by a physical visit.
Miami Lakes has launched its Black Olive tree removal and replacement program and budgeted $28,807 this year to continue funding the program.