Hi,
Plane trees (Platanus x acerifolia) constitute a significant population within our urban forest in Melbourne, Australia. They have a fantastic canopy and generally do well in challenging urban conditions, which has made them a popular tree. While they are providing substantial ecosystem services we do receive complaints annually for the six week period when shedding leaf and shoot hairs cause a physical irritation for many people and, for some people, pollen causes an allergic reaction. Because of their prominence in our street tree population and because of the ecosystem services these large trees are providing, we have looked at solutions other than replacement. In the past we pursued research in the use of Ethral to prevent fruit set and also considered annual pruning/pollarding as is often practiced in Europe. To date, Ethral trials have not shown promising results and, from what I understand, it would not address the leaf hair issue. From an urban forestry perspective a resource intensive solution and crown reducing approach is not desirable. In the long-term a 'right tree, right place' philosophy for replacement in high pedestrian use areas may be the appropriate solution. However, does anyone know of any current research into treatments that of planes or other trees to manipulate the timing/quantity of fruit set or morphological characteristics? And does anyone know of current research into quantifying tree ecosystem disservices and the cost/benefit of interventions that would be relevant to the plane tree issue? Thanks, Amelia Needoba City of Melbourne This email is intended solely for the named addressee. If you are not the addressee indicated please delete it immediately.
