Pressures, priorities and strategies for tree care across budget restraints
Date
2015
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Publisher
University of Delaware
Abstract
Many smaller institutions with budget constraints have limited budgets for tree care. These institutions have tree collections that are important for meeting the strategic goals of the institution. Many of these institutions do not have arborists on staff to care for their tree collections. These institutions rely upon commercial tree care companies to perform a majority of the work on these trees. These institutions need to use creative strategies to maximize the relationships they have with commercial arborists to stretch the limited budgets they have as far as possible.Successful models are available for other institutions to learn from as they plan their strategies for managing their tree collection. Primary objectives of this research were to document success stories in public institutions that, because of limited resources, must rely on commercial tree care
companies. This research included two surveys sent to approximately 160 public
institutions with tree collections, as well as in-depth interviews with staff from 3
public institutions (Garden in the Woods, Montgomery Botanic Center, Moravian
College) that were identified as representative of how successful relationships are best
created and sustained. Successful programs stand on the foundation of making tree collections an
institutional priority, and creative partnerships with commercial tree care companies
are central to institutions with successful collection management strategies. Further,
interviewees emphasized the importance of having dedicated staff that understand the
needs of the collection and can build long-term relationships with tree care companies
that are mutually beneficial to both organizations. Staff members must also build and
utilize personal networks and work outside of their traditionally-defined job roles.
Interviewees also highlighted the need to treat new partnerships like philanthropic
relationships. Moreover, having a collections management plan and articulating a clear
mission help staff to develop successful long-term relationships with outside
organizations.