Abstract

Introduced tree species represent a substantial component of urban forests in cities all over the world. Yet there is controversy about the further use of introduced tree species. Many practice orientated publications, research papers and governmental websites in the fields of urban planning, urban forestry, and urban ecology argue for planting native species and avoiding introduced species. Such arguments for native-only species selection are also touted by environmental groups and the media. Consequently the debate has sometimes spiralled away from a sensible and rational platform where invasion risks and biodiversity loss are discussed, to a groundless and unreasonable argument where exotic species are generally considered incapable of providing ecosystem services. From a European perspective, we here aim to curate a set of necessary considerations for current and future discussions on native and non-native plant material in sustainable urban development. Using examples from Northern and Central Europe we illustrate that in some regions the catalogue of native tree species may be too limited to fulfil ecosystem services and resilience in harsh urban environments. A main message from our line of arguments is that we cannot afford to generally exclude non-native tree species from urban greening. If "native-only" approaches become incorporated in regional, national or international policy documents or legislation there is a risk that urban ecosystem resilience will be compromised, particularly in regions with extreme environmental conditions. Since both invasion risks and sizes of native species pools vary conspicuously at regional to continental scales we also argue to adapt urban policies on using non-native trees to regional contexts. (C) 2016 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Keywords

Diversity; Invasive trees; Resilience; Tree selection; Urban trees; Urban forestry; Urban planning

Published in

Urban Forestry and Urban Greening
2016, Volume: 18, pages: 237-241
Publisher: ELSEVIER GMBH, URBAN & FISCHER VERLAG

SLU Authors

• Sjöman, Henrik

  • Department of Landscape Architecture, Planning and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    
  • Gothenburg Botanical Garden

• Deak Sjöman, Johanna

  • Department of Landscape Architecture, Planning and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

Sustainable Development Goals

Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss
Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable


UKÄ Subject classification

Forest Science


Publication identifier

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2016.06.011

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/83139