FREE3 Policy Brief: National Strategies for Integrated Urban Plant Health

This policy brief, published under the FREE3 Innovators Grant and UB3Guard COST Action (CA20132), examines how institutional silos between national plant health systems and urban forestry create critical biosecurity vulnerabilities. It outlines national-level strategies to help Member States comply with the EU Plant Health Regulation (EU 2016/2031) and align with frameworks like the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030 and the Nature Restoration Law. Key strategic actions include introducing due diligence frameworks for the plant trade, integrating sentinel planting networks for early warning, and harmonizing plant protection product registrations across Member States.

Keywords: Urban trees, Biosecurity, National strategies, Early detection, Pest management, Tree health, Urban forestry, Invasive species, EU Plant Health Regulation, Due diligence

FREE3 Policy Brief: Empowering Small Municipalities: Practical Steps for Urban Tree Biosecurity

This policy brief, published under the FREE3 Innovators Grant and UB3Guard COST Action (CA20132), provides practical biosecurity guidance for European small and medium municipalities (SMMs) that lack specialized arboricultural resources. It details how local authorities can comply with the EU Plant Health Regulation (EU 2016/2031) and support the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030 through cost-effective actions like citizen science monitoring, strict plant procurement protocols, and tree species diversification (such as the 10-20-30 rule). Ultimately, the brief emphasizes that early preventive monitoring is at least ten times cheaper than managing established invasive pests, making local biosecurity vital for preserving urban tree canopies and public health benefits.

Keywords: Urban trees, Biosecurity, Small municipalities, Early detection, Pest management, Tree health, Urban forestry, Invasive species, EU Plant Health Regulation, Citizen science

Policy Brief: Future-Proofing Urban Tree Health: Emerging and Innovative Technologies for Urban Tree Biosecurity

This policy brief explores emerging and innovative technologies and tools designed to enhance urban tree biosecurity. It highlights advancements in early detection, monitoring, diagnostics, and data-driven management approaches for invasive pests and pathogens. The brief emphasizes how these technologies can support proactive risk assessment, strengthen resilience, and guide informed decision-making to protect urban tree populations and maintain critical ecosystem services in European cities.

Keywords: Urban trees, Biosecurity, Emerging technologies, Early detection, Pest management, Tree health, Urban forestry

Policy Brief: Strengthening Urban Tree Biosecurity Systems in Europe

This policy brief provides recommendations for enhancing urban tree biosecurity across Europe. It examines current gaps in monitoring, prevention, and management of invasive pests and pathogens affecting urban forests. The brief emphasizes the need for coordinated policies, stakeholder collaboration, early detection systems, and public engagement to reduce the risk of pest introduction and spread. Practical strategies for building resilient urban tree populations and safeguarding ecosystem services are highlighted to support sustainable urban forestry.

Keywords: Urban trees, Biosecurity, Invasive pests, Forest health, Policy recommendations, Early detection

Policy Brief: Public Awareness and Biosecurity Behavior for Urban Tree Health in Europe

This policy brief examines the role of public awareness and behavior in maintaining biosecurity and protecting urban tree health across Europe. It highlights how informed citizens, stakeholders, and communities can prevent the introduction and spread of invasive pests and pathogens. The brief outlines strategies for education, outreach, and engagement to promote responsible practices, such as proper plant handling, reporting of pest outbreaks, and compliance with biosecurity measures. Emphasis is placed on integrating public participation into urban forestry management to enhance resilience and safeguard ecosystem services.

Keywords: Urban trees, Biosecurity, Public awareness, Invasive pests, Tree health, Stakeholder engagement

A comparison of priorities and interests of practitioners and researchers

This poster presents a comparative analysis of the priorities, interests, and perspectives of practitioners and researchers working in urban forestry and tree health. It highlights areas of alignment, gaps in expectations, and opportunities for improved collaboration. The comparison aims to support more effective knowledge exchange, coordinated decision-making, and integrated approaches to urban tree management and biosecurity.

Keywords: Practitioners, Researchers, Urban forestry, Priorities, Collaboration, Knowledge exchange, Tree health

Conifer Disease Caused by the Fungus Diplodia sapinea

This article provides an overview of the conifer disease caused by Diplodia sapinea, a fungal pathogen responsible for shoot blight, cankers, and blue-stain in many pine species and other conifers. The pathogen typically infects weakened or stressed trees but can also affect healthy hosts under favorable conditions. Symptoms include browning of needles, dieback of shoots, resin exudation, and stem lesions. The text highlights the biology of the fungus, its infection pathways, environmental factors promoting outbreaks, and the associated impacts on forest health. Management focuses on reducing tree stress, removing infected material, and implementing preventive silvicultural practices.

Note: The original text is in French

Keywords: Diplodia sapinea, Conifer disease, Shoot blight, Fungal pathogen, Forest health

Policy Brief: Preventing the spread of the plane tree killer fungus, Ceratocystis platani

This policy brief addresses the threat posed by Ceratocystis platani, the fungus causing canker stain in plane trees, and outlines practical measures to prevent its spread. The document is structured around key sections on recommendations, prevention, and actions, providing guidance for policymakers, municipal authorities, and tree-care professionals. It emphasizes early detection, hygiene protocols, movement restrictions, and coordinated management efforts to protect vulnerable plane tree populations and maintain healthy urban green spaces.

Keywords: Ceratocystis platani, Canker stain, Prevention, Recommendations, Management actions

Short-Term-Scientific Missions for the COST Action “Urban Tree Guard"

Short-Term Scientific Mission (STSM) within the COST Action Urban Tree Guard supports collaborative research aimed at improving the protection, health, and resilience of urban trees. The mission enables researchers to exchange knowledge, develop new skills, and contribute to shared methodologies for monitoring pests, pathogens, and environmental stressors in urban forest environments. Through international cooperation, the STSM strengthens scientific capacity and advances innovative approaches for safeguarding urban green infrastructure.

Keywords: STSM, Urban Tree Guard, Urban trees, Collaboration, Biosecurity

Collaborative approaches to urban tree biosecurity: Stakeholder’s perceptions, actions and social networks

This study investigates how stakeholder perceptions, priorities, and networks influence the effectiveness of urban tree biosecurity across Europe. Using stakeholder mapping, surveys, and network analysis, the research identifies key actors, current and emerging pest threats, and the most commonly implemented biosecurity actions. Results show strong concern about several invasive pests and pathogens, highlight the importance of communication and training, and reveal that collaboration is strongest among practitioners closely involved in tree care. The study underscores the need for connected and well-coordinated stakeholders to ensure a coherent and resilient urban biosecurity system.

Keywords: Urban biosecurity, Invasive pests, Stakeholder networks, Perceptions, Europe