Planning Design Studio - 2025 MPRA Conference & Expo

Planning Design Studio attended the Missouri Parks and Recreation Association’s (MPRA) Annual Conference & Expo in Branson, Missouri, on Wednesday, February 19, 2025.

Our session, titled “Living Gold: Assessing and Preserving Valuable Tree Resources in Parks,” was presented by none other than our founding principal, Andrew Franke. As a certified arborist, Andy shared his best practices for assessing, maintaining, and preserving trees in parks. In his session, he emphasized that trees are not only beautiful assets to our parks – they are, in fact, vital resources that require careful attention to ensure they thrive for years to come.

A key component of the session was focused on tree assessments, a process that involves identifying tree species, evaluating their health, and understanding their unique needs. Andy explained how different tree types require different types of care and how knowing this is essential for making informed decisions about their preservation or removal.

One simple way to assess a tree's health is by checking for broken or cracked branches around it. This can be a good starting point, after which you can perform a more thorough examination, such as looking for pests, evaluating the condition of the roots, and checking for any signs of disease by using moisture meters. You can then rate the condition on a scale from 1 to 5 and record that with the tree's species and age.

So why is tree assessment so useful? The answer lies in the potential hazards posed by unhealthy or dead trees. Trees in poor condition can become a safety risk, especially in busy public spaces like parks. Falling branches, weakened trunks, or even entire trees can cause injury to park visitors or damage to surrounding structures and landscapes.

To combat this risk, regular tree maintenance is essential. Practices such as pruning and removal are often the most effective ways to address tree health issues.

Andy also highlighted the importance of preserving trees during park improvement projects. Proper tree maintenance before construction is essential for protecting existing trees. This involves practices like root protection, soil management, and consistent watering, among others.

In addition to the session, Andy and Claire, our landscape designer, had the privilege of hosting a booth at the conference. We are very thankful for everyone who visited, and we were pleased to have met so many new faces as well as to reconnect with many of our valued past clients.

Our team left the conference inspired by the insightful discussions and meaningful connections we had with like-minded individuals who share our passion for creating exceptional parks. As always, the experience has fueled our excitement to continue collaborating with communities, ensuring the development of parks that are not only functional but reflective of the needs and aspirations of the people who use them.