Lviv to introduce tree care standards, developed by Polish organization

Standards for tree care in the city developed by the Polish organization Instytut Drzewa will be introduced in Lviv.

Oleksandra Sladkova, head of the ecology department of the city planning of the Lviv City Council, announced this.

She explained that it was about three standards that "are on the desk of almost every city employee who deals with trees in Polish cities."

"Our great friends, the Instytut Drzewa, and the best friend of trees, Piotr Tyszko-Chmielowiec, have developed three standards on the desk of almost every city worker who deals with trees in Polish cities. This is what they appeal to when they want to come to an understanding in challenging situations," she said.

PRUNING AND TREE CARE

The standard defines at what age trees and what procedures are necessary, desirable, and prohibited. These norms help to keep trees healthy throughout their life.

"In short, the more correct interventions are carried out from the intention to plant a tree to its adult state-the fewer interventions, risks, and ultimately the funds for maintaining the tree throughout its subsequent life in the city. At the same time, any intervention in a tree over the age of 60 must be justified because, at that age, it is easy to damage a tree, which will take away its further stability and longevity," said Sladkova.

PROTECTION OF GREEN PLANTS DURING CONSTRUCTION

This standard ensures that trees are not harmed during repairs, reconstruction, network laying, and new construction. Special attention was paid to the excavation of the roots because "the health of the root system most determines the health and stability of the tree," explained the city council.

"It's not fantasy but detailed instructions on how to act in a particular situation. It is precious in de-escalating conflicts on the construction site because it is more difficult to grow a new tree than to preserve an existing one in good condition before the start of construction work. In addition, there are recommendations in which it is better to replace the tree than to try to preserve it with all our might," says Sladkova.

INSPECTION AND DIAGNOSTICS OF TREES

This standard determines the value of wood and its defects according to various parameters. From this information, the degree of risk for the tree is calculated, which determines the next inspection date.

"The information is summed up, and the risk is assessed. The degree of risk determines the date of the next inspection. For some trees, it is ten years. For some, it may be three months. If you have such instructions and an inventory of trees, you do not need to go to the commission; one inspector is enough," the city council explains.

By September 2022, they plan to translate all three standards into Ukrainian, conduct training for each of them in Lviv for the relevant services, and approve the standards at the local level. Sladkova suggested introducing them at the national level as well.

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