The care of trees in the built environment

"A challenge is issued concerning our perceptions of trees. It is argued that the way we value trees is usually dependent on personal preferences within cultural context. For the most part, trees are given no moral standing as individuals or parts of an ecological community. When they area—as in the case of veteran trees—this can lead to other difficulties. Bureaucratic measures—such as Planning Policy Guidelines (PPGs), Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs), etc.—step aside from evaluating the significance of trees. Unlike personal preferences, value judgements about trees can be interrogated. It is suggested that all too often, we are not aware of what kinds of judgements we make about non-human Nature or how they are derived. An ensuing discussion from the 35th Arboricultural Association conference is reported on. A short post-script has been added thereafter. Finally, it is recommended that the Arboricultural Association convenes a group to discuss the value of trees.” [Abstract]