Assessing the contribution of arboriculture operations to anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions: A case study of a UK tree surgery company

Abstract

The arboriculture industry relies heavily on fossil fuel powered equipment to maintain trees in urban areas; removing carbon sinks (trees) and emitting Carbon Dioxide (CO2) during management practices. It has been suggested that the arboriculture industry may make a disproportionately large contribution to Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions.
The aim of this study was to identify the contribution of arboriculture to GHG emissions and provide recommendations for reduction. A case study of a tree surgery company (Down to Earth (DTE) was used to assess indicative industry emissions. Direct emissions from sources owned or controlled by the company were 101.2 tonnesCO2e yr-1, with 5.2 tonnesCO2e yr-1 of indirect emissions from energy use and 98.9 tonnesCO2e yr-1of indirect emissions from sources owned or controlled by other organisations. Results suggested that the arboriculture industry releases seven times more CO2e emissions yr-1 than other similar-sized industries in the service sector. This was mainly attributed to the use of machinery and heavy-duty vehicles and removal of carbon storing biomass. Changing current practices could reduce GHG emissions from arboriculture by between 12% and 18%. Furthermore, by providing a renewable feedstock for generation of electricity it is suggested that the arboriculture industry may achieve carbon positive status.