scholarly journals A Novel Way of Assessing Plant Vitality in Urban Trees

Forests ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patricio Sepúlveda ◽  
Denise M. Johnstone
Keyword(s):  
Chlorophyll Fluorescence ◽  
Water Potential ◽  
Physiological Stress ◽  
Urban Trees ◽  
Platanus Acerifolia ◽  
Tree Vitality ◽  
Urban Tree ◽  
Ulmus Parvifolia ◽  
Vitality Index ◽  
Statistical Relationships

The assessment of mature urban tree vitality using physiological measurements is still in its infancy. Chlorophyll fluorescence is a method for assessing tree vitality that has potential for use in urban environments, particularly on trunk bark, which is easy to access from the ground. Here we describe how we compared bark and leaf fluorescence in a variety of street and park trees (Ficus macrophylla Pers., Platanus × acerifolia (Aiton) Willd., and Ulmus parvifolia Jacq.) with pre-dawn water potential as a way of determining the cause of potential physiological stress in the summer of 2012. Statistical relationships were observed between bark chlorophyll fluorescence and pre-dawn water potential in Ficus macrophylla and Platanus × acerifolia, but were not as consistent in Ulmus parvifolia. In addition, bark and leaf chlorophyll fluorescence were compared with an urban visual vitality index both in autumn 2011 and summer 2012. In this case statistical relationships between bark chlorophyll fluorescence values and urban tree visual vitality were almost non-existent in the Ficus macrophylla and Platanus × acerifolia trees, however, statistical relationships were significant between bark chlorophyll fluorescence and the urban tree vitality index in Ulmus parvifolia. Bark chlorophyll fluorescence may become a useful tool for measuring physiological stress in trees, but further work needs to be undertaken to clarify and better understand the varying responses of different tree species.

The Effect of Water Shortage on Potted Peach Trees in Relation to Ecophysiological Parameters and Infra-red Thermometry

HortScience ◽  
1998 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 541b-541
Author(s):  
Rita Giuliani ◽  
James A. Flore
Keyword(s):  
Chlorophyll Fluorescence ◽  
Gas Exchange ◽  
Early Detection ◽  
Water Potential ◽  
Canopy Temperature ◽  
Water Shortage ◽  
Development Rate ◽  
Plant Water ◽  
Infra Red ◽  
Peach Trees

Potted peach trees grown outdoors during the 1997 season were subjected to drought and subsequent rewatering to evaluate their dynamic response to soil water content. The investigation was primarily focused on the early detection of plant water stress to prevent negative effects on the growth. Leaf chlorophyll fluorescence and canopy temperature estimates (by infra-red thermometry) were conducted. Drought effect on physiological processes were detected through by estimates of canopy development rate, leaf gas-exchange measurements; while leaf water potential was measured to characterize plant water status. A decrease in the canopy's development rate was found 1 week after irrigation was stopped, which also coincided with a more-negative leaf water potential, whereas a decrease of the gas-exchange activities occurred several days later. No significant differences between the stressed and control plants were recorded by the chlorophyll fluorescence parameters (Fo, Fm, Fv and the ratio Fv/Fm), whereas the infra-red estimates of canopy temperature detected a slight increase of the canopy surface temperature (connected to the change of leaf energy balance and in relation to partial stomatal closure) on the non-irrigated plants 1 week after the beginning of the trial. The use of infra-red thermometry for early detection of water shortage is discussed.

scholarly journals Towards sustainable management of the stock and ecosystem services of urban trees. From theory to model and application

Trees ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. Pretzsch ◽  
A. Moser-Reischl ◽  
M. A. Rahman ◽  
S. Pauleit ◽  
T. Rötzer
Keyword(s):  
Ecosystem Services ◽  
Carbon Sequestration ◽  
Leaf Area ◽  
Ecosystem Service ◽  
Sustainable Management ◽  
Environmental Changes ◽  
Urban Trees ◽  
Urban Tree ◽  
Age Class ◽  
Sustainable Planning

Abstract Key message A model for sustainable planning of urban tree stocks is proposed, incorporating growth, mortality, replacement rates and ecosystem service provision, providing a basis for planning of urban tree stocks. Abstract Many recent studies have improved the knowledge about urban trees, their structures, functions, and ecosystem services. We introduce a concept and model for the sustainable management of urban trees, analogous to the concept of sustainable forestry developed by Carl von Carlowitz and others. The main drivers of the model are species-specific tree diameter growth functions and mortality rates. Based on the initial tree stock and options for the annual replanting, the shift of the distribution of the number of trees per age class can be predicted with progressing time. Structural characteristics such as biomass and leaf area are derived from tree dimensions that can be related to functions such as carbon sequestration or cooling. To demonstrate the potential of the dynamic model, we first show how different initial stocks of trees can be quantitatively assessed by sustainability indicators compared to a target stock. Second, we derive proxy variables for ecosystem services (e.g. biomass for carbon sequestration, leaf area for deposition and shading) from a given distribution of the number of trees per age class. Third, we show by scenario analyses how selected ecosystem services and functions may be improved by combining complementary tree species. We exercise one aspect (cooling) of one ecosystem service (temperature mitigation) as an example. The approach integrates mosaic pieces of knowledge about urban trees, their structures, functions, and resulting ecosystem services. The presented model makes this knowledge available for a sustainable management of urban tree stocks. We discuss the potential and relevance of the developed concept and model for ecologically and economically sustainable planning and management, in view of progressing urbanization and environmental changes.

scholarly journals Influence of Pure Mulches on Suppressing Phytophthora Root Rot Pathogens

2013 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 221-226 ◽  
Author(s):  
G.C. Percival
Keyword(s):  
Root Rot ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Prunus Avium ◽  
European Beech ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Urban Trees ◽  
Horse Chestnut ◽  
Phytophthora Root Rot ◽  
Tree Vitality ◽  
Lesion Severity

Mulching as a means of controlling Phytophthora root rot pathogens has become recognised as a potential cultural management system within the arboricultural, nursery and landscape industry. The influence of a pure mulch, i.e., mulch derived solely from one tree species, on reducing Phytophthora root rot severity has received little study. The purpose of the conducted research was to determine if a range of pure mulches derived from European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.), common hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna JACQ), silver birch (Betula pendula ROTH.), common cherry (Prunus avium L.), evergreen oak (Quercus ilex L.) and English oak (Q. robur L.) could reduce the development and impact of pathogen severity caused by Phytophthora cactorum and P. criticola on containerised horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum). Irrespective of Phytophthora pathogen, leaf area, leaf, shoot, root and total plant dry weight following application of a pure mulch was higher than non-mulched controls. Likewise, leaf chlorophyll content, chlorophyll fluorescence Fv/Fm ratios, photosynthetic rates and root carbohydrate concentration as measures of tree vitality were higher in pure mulched compared to non-mulched control trees. Application of a pure mulch had a significant influence on Phytophthora root rot lesion severity. In the case of P. cactorum root rot lesion severity was reduced by 39–63%. In the case of P. criticola root rot lesion severity was reduced by 33–61%. In conclusion, pure mulches offer positive benefits for those involved in the care and maintenance of urban trees as well as nursery, forestry, orchard and horticultural crop production where Phytophthora pathogens are problematic.

scholarly journals 3D MAP SYSTEM FOR TREE MONITORING IN HONG KONG USING GOOGLE STREET VIEW IMAGERY AND DEEP LEARNING

2020 ◽  
Vol V-3-2020 ◽  
pp. 765-772
Author(s):  
M. Li ◽  
W. Yao
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Urban Trees ◽  
Depth Image ◽  
Accurate Information ◽  
Ground Truth Data ◽  
Google Street View ◽  
Urban Tree ◽  
Tree Detection ◽  
Street View

Abstract. In densely built urban areas such as Hong Kong, the positive effect of urban trees is to help maintain high environmental and social sustainability for the city while unmanaged trees lead to negative effects such as accidents, outbreaks of pests and diseases. The public awareness of urban tree population has been increasing and preserving all the benefits offered by trees, a continuous monitoring concept would be required. In this work, an efficient 3D map system for tree inventory in Hong Kong is presented to the based on automated tree detection from publicly available Google street view (GSV) panorama images. First, Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) based object detector and classifier – YOLOv3 with pretrained model is adopted to learn GSV images to detect tree objects. GSV depth image has been utilized to decode depth values of each GSV panorama image and will provide accurate information to calculate the tree geographic position. A “field of view” filter was designed to remove duplicated tree detection within the overlapped areas followed by spatial clustering applied to further increase the tree localization accuracy. The average distance between the detected trees and ground truth data was achieved within 3 meters for selected roads used for the experiment. Second, a 3D Map platform prototype for facilitating the urban tree monitoring and management was developed. Currently, there is no true 3D platform for interpreting the results of tree records in Hong Kong city areas. With the help of webGL technology, contemporary browsers are able to show 3D buildings, terrain and other scene components together with the obtained tree records in an open source 3D GIS platform, the level of visualization is enhanced as all the detected trees are placed on the 3D digital terrain model. Consequently, it is easy for end-users to know the actual position of the trees and their distribution.

scholarly journals Classification of trees and tree species in Obrenovac “Mali park” by the elements of growth, vitality and ornamentalness

2010 ◽  
Vol 62 (4) ◽  
pp. 1119-1124 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Stavretovic ◽  
M. Vuckovic ◽  
B. Stajic
Keyword(s):  
Tree Species ◽  
Juglans Regia ◽  
Platanus Acerifolia ◽  
Homogeneous Groups ◽  
Tree Vitality ◽  
Direct Measurements ◽  
Betula Verrucosa ◽  
The Town ◽  
Celtis Australis

The study was performed in Mali Park, in the town of Obrenovac. Our findings are based on the data obtained after direct measurements of elements of growth and the derived indicators of tree vitality and ornamentalness. Cluster analysis was applied to determine the relatively homogeneous groups of tree species. The results show that the group with the best functional characteristics includes Platanus acerifolia, Tilia grandifolia and Fraxinus ornus, and the group of species with inferior characteristics includes Betula verrucosa, Juglans regia, Celtis australis, Acer platanoides, Cedrus atlantica and Acer negundo.

scholarly journals Unintentional Vandalism: Unskilled tree pruning practices in tree management

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (16) ◽  
pp. 181-188
Author(s):  
Helmi Hamzah ◽  
Noriah Othman ◽  
Norainiratna Badrulhisham ◽  
Lina Karlinasari
Keyword(s):  
Publishing House ◽  
Urban Trees ◽  
Structure Damage ◽  
Urban Tree ◽  
Tree Management ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
International Publishing ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Tree Pruning ◽  
Open Access Article

Urban trees are exposed to "unintentional vandalism" during poorly skilled pruning practices that can lead to tree structure damage. This causes harmful consequences that affect tree performance in terms of the ecosystem services they contribute. This study aims to explore the relationship between unintentional tree vandalism and poorly skilled pruning practices in tree maintenance by analysing qualitative and quantitative data from tree workers contracted by selected Malaysian local authorities and tree care experts. The results showed that insufficient tree pruning knowledge leads to unintentional vandalism in tree pruning practices. Keywords: Tree management; unskilled tree pruning; unintentional tree vandalism; urban tree eISSN: 2398-4287© 2021. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BYNC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians/Africans/Arabians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia. DOI: https://doi.org/10.21834/ebpj.v6i16.2633

scholarly journals Effective Placement Methods of Vermicompost Application in Urban Tree Species: Implications for Sustainable Urban Afforestation

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (14) ◽  
pp. 5822
Author(s):  
Huong Thi Thuy Dao ◽  
Jeong Min Seo ◽  
Jonathan O. Hernandez ◽  
Si Ho Han ◽  
Woo Bin Youn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nutrient Uptake ◽  
Tree Species ◽  
Growth Parameters ◽  
Belowground Biomass ◽  
Chamaecyparis Obtusa ◽  
Urban Trees ◽  
Nutrient Concentrations ◽  
Larix Kaempferi ◽  
Urban Tree ◽  
Slow Growing

Knowledge on growth and nutrient uptake characteristics of urban trees and effective strategies to grow trees can help accomplish the goal of urban afforestation initiatives in a sustainable way. Thus, the study investigated the effects of different vermicompost (VC) application placements on the growth and nutrient uptake of three contrasting tree species (fast-growing Betula platyphylla and Larix kaempferi and slow-growing Chamaecyparis obtusa) to provide implications for growing tree stocks for sustainable urban afforestation programs. Five placement methods were used in the greenhouse trial: no fertilization (CON), surface placement (VCs), subsurface placement at 6-cm depth (VCc), bottom placement (35-cm depth (VCb)), and mixed with soil (VCm). We measured the growth parameters such as height, root collar diameter (RCD), and biomass and analyzed foliar nutrient concentrations in response to different placement treatments of VC. Relative height growth was the highest at VCc (132% (B. platyphylla), 114% (L. kaempferi)) and VCs ((57%) C. obtusa). Significant improvement in aboveground and belowground biomass growth of all species at VCs and VCc compared to the other treatments was also observed. Generally, VC treatments significantly increased N concentration compared to CON in all species. In conclusion, fertilizing the fast- and slow-growing urban tree species using VCs and/or VCc is relevant to growing high quality planting stocks for sustainable urban afforestation purposes.

scholarly journals Long-Term Validation and Governance Role in Contemporary Urban Tree Monitoring: A Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (14) ◽  
pp. 5589
Author(s):  
Blaz Klobucar ◽  
Johan Östberg ◽  
Märit Jansson ◽  
Thomas Barfoed Randrup
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Sampling Design ◽  
Lateral Approach ◽  
Urban Trees ◽  
Limited Attention ◽  
Governance Arrangement ◽  
Urban Tree ◽  
Primary Focus ◽  
Longitudinal Sampling

Urban trees provide important ecosystem services, across ownership and governance structures, and tree inventories are an important tool enabling urban foresters and green space managers to monitor and perform the sustainable management of urban trees. For optimal management of urban trees, a better understanding is needed concerning how urban tree inventories can provide long-term monitoring overviews across administrative borders, and how inventory protocols should be adapted to address specific practitioner issues. In this review, 98 articles on urban tree inventories were examined, the primary focus being sampling design. A governance arrangement approach was applied to identify the policy-making arrangements behind the inventories. Stratification is commonly used in the sampling design, despite being problematic for long-term representativeness. Only 10% of the stratification sampling designs identified were considered as having long-term validity. The studies frequently relied on an individual sampling design aimed at a particular issue, as opposed to using an existing longitudinal sampling network. Although private trees can constitute over 50% of the urban tree population, 41% of the studies reviewed did not include private trees at all. Urban tree inventories focused primarily on tree data on a local scale. Users or private tree owners are commonly not included in these studies, and limited attention is paid to economic, cultural or social factors. A long-term validation of sampling methods in urban areas, and a multi-lateral approach to tree inventories, are needed to maintain long-term operational value for local managers in securing ecosystem service provisions for entire urban forests.

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