Quantifying and utilizing urban forest residues within Fort Collins, Loveland, and Greeley, Colorado for 2008
Date
2009
Authors
Nash, Kendra Anne, author
Mackes, Kurt H., advisor
Bauerle, William L., committee member
Coleman, Rocky, committee member
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Abstract
Throughout the United States large amounts of urban forest residues (UFRs) are generated by homeowners, landscape maintenance, and tree care companies as a result of managing urban forests. This study primarily focuses on urban forest residues generated by the cities of Fort Collins, Loveland, and Greeley, Colorado and the surrounding area. The amount of yard trimmings generated in the area was quantified. The study also identified where urban forest residues end up and assessed potential end uses for these residues. Based on findings from this study, the tree care industry in the Tri-City Area generates approximately 36,742 tons of UFRs annually. Two local landfills (Larimer and North Weld) collect about 50,941 tons annually and wood recyclers collect/utilize about 77,351 tons of UFRs annually, which includes UFRs produced by homeowners and landscape companies. Based on these findings, approximately 60 percent of UFRs produced in the Tri-City Area are utilized, with the majority being utilized as mulch. The remaining 40 percent are most likely deposited in landfills. Several alternative uses for UFRs currently exist in the Tri-City Area such as portable band-sawmills milling large diameter wood and bio-energy applications, which are potential solutions for increasing the percentage of this resource that is utilized.
Description
Department Head: Skip Smith.