A natural experiment occurred when the Emerald Ash Borer
caused extensive and nearly instantaneous loss of street trees throughout Ann Arbor, Michigan
over the past several years. Where ash trees are clustered, the ecological and
aesthetic integrity of neighborhoods has dramatically changed in a single
season along with the restorative benefits provided by these trees. I will describe a two-tiered experiment,
currently underway, which takes advantage of this disturbance to a managed
urban ecosystem. It begins with an
evaluation of the impact of street tree loss on indices of ecosystem health, human
health and perceived aesthetic value.
This will be followed by a discussion of design options and management
strategies ranging along a stewardship continuum in the context of their impact
on ecosystem health, human health and perceived aesthetic value.