In large and small communities alike, utility efforts represent the most significant force for change in the urban forest. Where a community lacks resources, a cooperative effort may represent the only way to manage the urban forest. In many communities, a history of cooperation exists between the local utilities and government agencies. For example, cooperation was common during efforts to remove elm trees during the peak of the Dutch elm disease in the late 1960's and early 1970's. If such a relationship does not exist, one should be initiated immediately.
Cooperation occurs in situations where both parties benefit by working together.
But, this situation also presents an opportunity to improve the composition of the urban forest through a cooperative program of tree removal and replacement. Conflicting ideas will not disappear overnight. For example, it may be difficult to reconcile the public's desire for streets shaded by majestic trees with the utility's need to eliminate interference between trees and overhead lines. Where appropriate small scale street trees can be integrated into the community's planting plan. In other cases, pruning practices that appeal to community aesthetics may be needed.