Criteria in the selection of urban trees for temperate urban environments

Abstract

This chapter presents an approach that could be used to more robustly select trees for urban green infrastructure projects. When choosing suitable plant material for a site, it is important to consider not only the soil conditions, but also factors such as temperature, wind conditions, rainfall, light availability, pollution and the potential for vandalism. Other characteristics may also be important in the selection process if the intention is to use the trees or tree plantations for one or more technical functions. The most important criteria used to determine tree selection choices are the cold hardiness and health potential of the plant material. This is largely informed by the genetic background of the tree, particularly their provenance or ecotype. Having considered hardiness and health and determined the phase of succession represented by the site, the next most important aspect to consider is the tolerance of the species to the growing site.

Published in

Title: Routledge Handbook of Urban Forestry
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Inc.

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
    

UKÄ Subject classification

Landscape Architecture

Publication identifier

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315627106-23
• ISBN: 978-1-138-64728-2
• eISBN: 978-1-315-62710-6

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/128919