You are working in a fringe/peri urban area in the metropolitan hinterland, and you have been assigned as an expert to make the maintenance program for the below area (see images), just after the plantation.

The place is in North Italy, in Milan's hinterland. It’s next to a very popular promenade and the area is about 5 hectares.

The main items of the peri-urban forestation are:

  • rows of Tilia (trees along the main track) with ready effect plants - in complex 4 km long;
  • rows of Morus nigra trees in the fields - 1 km long;
  • strips of woodland - 1 hectare;
  • a new mixed wood with forestry plants - 1 hectare;
  • open fields - 3 hectares.

The plantation was made in late autumn (November), so the first year's maintenance lasts from the plantation till next fall (12 months). Suppose a quite dry, hot, windy spring and a hot and dry summer.


Picture 1 - Before the intervention

Before the intervention



Picture 2 - The first winter season after planting

Before the intervention



Drawing - The planting site from above (the project)

After planning


Please describe – in short – the most important maintenance actions (at least three) you have to plan during the first year of maintenance. Use the table available in the table template (ODT format) or the table template (PDF format). To fill the table, refer to one of the additional resources available here: Arborist News Article (PDF).

Now think about what actions would be left (not made any more) after a five years assessment. What maintenance actions would you still keep, eventually? Why? Click on the Reply button below and write a short paragraph in the forum below. You can also link the table you filled while writing the post.

{discussion:Week 3 / M3 - What maintenance actions would you still keep, eventually? Why?}