Here in Atlanta, several summers of high heat and drought have left trees in the worst health ever. Many are already showing signs of tip dieback. Atlanta has also been losing so many trees to runaway development that summer temperatures in the city are a few degrees higher than in the suburbs, and we can no longer claim to be "the city in a forest."

Despite massive tree loss, tree pollen counts this year (mostly oak) are the highest ever. We've had a fairly-wet late-winter and early-spring. This raises the question of fewer trees, more pollen, why?

I'm speculating that this is another indication of poor urban forest health, that our trees are working hard to put out large seed crops necessary to propagate the species. This is just theory without supportive evidence. Thanks in advance for sharing your ideas and insights.

Keep Looking Up,
Tom

Reply to post by Tom Watson, on April 19, 2001 at 01:35:18:

Tom,

It is a little hard to relate to this when we had 10F and snow last sunday. Are the drought and high temps the result of the heat island effects that you mentioned to me last fall? Is this going to be permanent pattern until someone turns down the heat in Hotlanta?

I think your speculation is probably right, based on observing the huge fruit crops Ive seen in walnuts and oaks under stress.

May be in your neck of the woods this summer. If so will definitely look you up.

Bob

Reply to post by Bob Underwood, on April 19, 2001 at 01:35:18:

Bob, it's a combination of regional drought and the heat island effect. Because of runaway development and a good economy, Atlanta has lost more trees faster than any city ever, while roads are increasingly packed with commuters, at least a third of them driving SUVs and other extra-polluting vehicles.

The summer heat dome drives Atlanta proper temperatures up higher than the suburbs and incoming rain, unable to rise, condense and fall within the dome, is diverted southward. The city of Atlanta, however, is finally taking an aggressive tree preservation approach, hiring four new city arborist last year, up from one. The city parks department recently took applications for three arborists, up from zero. I would have mentioned it to you, but I found out a day after the app deadline.

Our local arborist tree study/public education group is gearing up to really publicize proper tree care and planting. We could sure use someone with your knowledge and teaching experience.

Keep Looking Up,
Tom