CHAPTER 7 DESIGN, PLANTING AND AFTERCARE Careful design, planting and aftercare will ensure that trees that are planted are long-lived and have a long-term impact on the city’s canopy cover.
[7.1] Species Mix Ireland has 28 native tree species, with nine species being the most common. 11 With increased realisation of the importance of biodiversity, some now advocate planting solely native trees. Cork City Council recognises the value and supports the planting of native tree species. However, Cork City Council supports diverse tree planting that includes a mix of native and appropriate non-native species, as suitable to the area and the intended function of the trees. This is in accordance with urban forestry best practice. [12] A wide range of tree species is vital to the long-term stability of the city’s urban tree population. A wide species mix buffers against host-specific pests and disease and the potential loss of large numbers of trees within a short period. This is particularly important with changes in weather patterns associated with climate change. Increasing the diversity and the variety of trees planted enhances the resilience of the urban tree population. Guidance notes in relation to appropriate species will be developed (see Action 24).
INTERNAL POLICY 10: Cork City Council will plant and support the planting of a mix of native and appropriate non-native species to maximise the benefits trees provide and to safeguard their longevity in the landscape.
[7.2] Provenance ‘Provenance’ can be defined as the geographic locality where the seed from which a tree grew was collected. When planting native species and native woodlands, it is best practice to source stock of local--or at least regional--provenance. However, there are currently practical challenges to this approach, as supply is not currently available to meet demand. National schemes (such as the Innovative Forest Technology Scheme 2023- 2027) are being developed to address this issue. However, adequate supply will not likely be available for some time. Community tree nurseries can supplement (though realistically not fulfil) the demand for a native tree supply.
45
[ Cork City Council - Tree Strategy ]
Powered by FlippingBook