Structure and condition of older stands in parks and open space areas of San Francisco, California

Abstract

Planted forest stands and tree groves in parks and open space areas in San Francisco are aging. These stands, dominated by Monterey pine (Pinus radiata), Monterey cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa) and eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus), were planted over a 30-year period beginning in the 1880's. Stand structure varies between park areas planted for amenity values and open space areas planted for wind protection. Park stands have larger diameter trees (92.7 vs. 48.6 cm), fewer trees per ha (147 vs. 265), and greater basal area (130.0 vs. 51.5 m²/ha) than open space stands. About half of the Monterey pine and eucalyptus trees and one-third of the Monterey cypress trees occurring in older stands were rated as being in fair or poor condition. Common defects of these trees included butt, bole and root rots, excessive lean, large dead branches, and small percent live crown. Regeneration was absent or judged inadequate in stands of Monterey pine and Monterey cypress in both the park and open space areas. Eucalyptus stands are regenerating through root sprouts.