Preprint Short Note Version 1 Preserved in Portico This version is not peer-reviewed

The Tripping Point – Minimum Planting Widths for Small-Stature Trees in Dense Urban Developments

Andrew K. Koeser
* ,
Richard J. Hauer
ORCID logo ,
Deborah R. Hilbert
,
Robert J. Northrop
,
Hunter Thorn
,
Drew C. McLean
,
Allyson B. Salisbury
Version 1 : Received: 28 August 2021 / Approved: 30 August 2021 / Online: 30 August 2021 (14:39:04 CEST)
Version 2 : Received: 31 August 2021 / Approved: 31 August 2021 / Online: 31 August 2021 (11:42:48 CEST)

A peer-reviewed article of this Preprint also exists.

Koeser, A.K.; Hauer, R.J.; Hilbert, D.R.; Northrop, R.J.; Thorn, H.; McLean, D.C.; Salisbury, A.B. The Tripping Point–Minimum Planting Widths for Small-Stature Trees in Dense Urban Developments. Sustainability 2022, 14, 3283, doi:10.3390/su14063283. Koeser, A.K.; Hauer, R.J.; Hilbert, D.R.; Northrop, R.J.; Thorn, H.; McLean, D.C.; Salisbury, A.B. The Tripping Point–Minimum Planting Widths for Small-Stature Trees in Dense Urban Developments. Sustainability 2022, 14, 3283, doi:10.3390/su14063283.

Abstract

As urban development increases in density, the space to grow urban trees becomes more constrained. In heavily developed areas, small stature trees can be planted to reduce both above- and below-ground conflicts with infrastructure elements. However, even these species have their limits when placed in extremely confining conditions. In this study, we build on past work to determine the minimum planting widths of small stature urban trees. We found that species, stem diameter, and the height at which stem diameter measurements occurred were all strong predictors of trunk flare diameter (adjusted R2 of 0.843). Additionally, we modelled the relationship between planting space and the presence or absence of hardscape conflicts – using the predictions derived from this effort to project the potential cost savings in two United States cities. Study results provide a guideline to create sufficient space for urban trees and minimize infrastructure damage and associated cost savings.

Keywords

ecosystem disservices; green infrastructure; site design; tree selection; urban forestry

Subject

Biology and Life Sciences, Forestry

Copyright: This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

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