Increasing Urban Tree Diversity, Quality, and Abundance in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed: Challenges and Opportunities

Abstract Background While many tree professionals recognize the importance of planting quality stock and a diversity of species to enhance longevity and increase urban forest resiliency, the availability of such stock is often limited. Methods To address this disconnect, we conducted 3 focus groups with growers, designers, urban foresters, and other technical experts from the Chesapeake Bay watershed region (USA) to identify challenges and opportunities for growing greater numbers of high-quality, underused species. Results Contract growing was seen as a key opportunity for increasing quality and diversity. Additionally, increased communication between growers and tree purchasers, as well as potential partnerships with nonprofit or state nurseries, were identified as potential solutions where the marketability of underused species was limited. There were differences among participants regarding their preferences for native species, non-native species, cultivars, and non-cultivars. Conclusions While this research focused on the tree supply chain within the Chesapeake Bay watershed, many of the challenges and opportunities discussed are not region-specific, making our findings applicable to professionals beyond the study area.