Trees of Lafayette Park

 

According to the Davey Resource Group, Inc (2021), Lafayette Park has “863 sites which included 850 trees and 13 stumps” (p. iii). “The 10-20-30 rule is a common standard for tree population distribution, in which a single species should compose no more than 10% of the tree population, a single genus no more than 20%, and a single family no more than 30%” (Davey Resource Group, Inc, p. 4). The maple genus is at 19% of the tree population in the park (Davey Resource Group, Inc, p. 5). The Davey Resource Group, Inc recommends having more “species diversity” in the park (Davey Resource Group, Inc, p. 7). If there is a pest outbreak within a specific tree species, the other tree species should be unaffected. “Continuing to increase species diversity is a critical goal that will help Lafayette Park’s tree resource to be resilient in the event of future pest invasions” (Davey Resource Group, Inc, p. 7). 

I spoke with the president of Lafayette Park Conservancy, Michael Bushur, who informed me that Lafayette Park may attempt to become an arboretum. 

Davey Resource Group, Inc. (July, 2021). Standard inventory analysis and management plan: Lafayette park- St. Louis, Missouri.