Q. What is the urban forest? Vs greenspace, Vs green infrastructure

A. The urban forest is the collective of trees and other vegetation growing across all urban landholdings – it is an element of urban greenspace which can include parks, waterways, schoolyards, cemeteries, community gardens, backyards, natural areas and plazas; and a component of green infrastructure defined as the network of green spaces and water systems that delivers multiple environmental, social and economic values and services (Ely & Pitman, 2014), vital to support life for humans and other species within our urban environments (AILA 2015). Unlike single purpose transport, waste or energy infrastructure, green infrastructure is multipurpose. Individual components of this environmental network are sometimes referred to as ‘green infrastructure assets, or simply, green assets.

Q. What is an urban forester? Vs arborist Vs consulting arborist

A. Urban foresters advise on the planning and management of populations of trees and forest systems in and around cities, suburbs and towns to optimise multiple benefits (services) and minimise risks, costs and liabilities (disservices). Arborists are qualified practitioners who undertake work on individual trees, such as pruning and tree care; Consulting arborists, also focus on individual trees, undertaking quantified tree risk assessments or tree protection management plans, or diagnosing tree disorders.

Q. What is tree canopy cover or tree cover?

A. Tree canopy cover is the “birds eye view” of the extent of foliage cover of trees, and is usually measured as a percentage of a given land area or in square metres using aerial photos or hyperspectral images taken by satellites (example shown) or laser light pulse technology (LiDAR) mounted in aircraft or drones. Tree cover is a shortened term for tree canopy cover.