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WAYS AND MEANS <br /> In a forest setting, trees manage to survive very well on their own. However, <br /> environmental stresses and human expectations place hardships on urban trees that <br /> their forest cousins do not experience. Coping with urban pressures requires special <br /> care and special care requires money. Like all local government programs, urban <br /> forestry must compete for a limited amount of funding. The cost of a comprehensive <br /> urban forestry program must be weighed against the monetary value of the urban <br /> forest and the social costs of neglected trees in public areas. <br /> The basic management unit of the urban forest is the individual tree or trees growing <br /> along a section of a given street, as opposed to a forest stand containing many trees. <br /> A single street tree usually has a far higher monetary value than its forest <br /> counterpart. In its Guide For Establishing Values Of Trees And Other Plants , the <br /> Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers published guidelines for accurate <br /> appraisal of a tree's monetary value. Tree diameter, condition, location and species <br /> determine the value of an urban tree. The total appraised value of urban trees is a <br /> major point in justifying funding requests. <br /> Because trees that are not planted in appropriate places or cared for properly <br /> represent a potential hazard, the cost of neglected trees becomes a factor in the <br /> decision making process. Successful litigation may require payment for property <br /> damage caused by trees in public places, or for injuries or fatalities which result <br /> from unexpected blowdown or breakage of trees that had not been inspected or <br /> maintained for safety. The social cost of neglected trees may also include the <br /> premature death of trees which would otherwise greatly enhance the beauty of an <br /> area. <br /> Budget <br /> A budget proposal requests the fmancial support needed to meet program goals. <br /> Each year Eugene's government attempts to balance the value of municipal programs <br /> against their costs. To receive adequate funding, an urban forestry program must <br /> clearly document the value of its services as well as its needs. The budget process <br /> provides an opportunity to demonstrate the value of urban tree care to the long -term <br /> quality of community life. <br /> The decision - makers, beginning with the staff and ending with the budget committee <br /> and city council, generally like to see a range of options. <br />