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

Author

Listed:
  • Andrew K. Koeser

    (Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, Department of Environmental Horticulture, Center for Land Use Efficiency, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS), University of Florida, 14625 County Road 672, Wimauma, FL 33598, USA)

  • Richard J. Hauer

    (College of Natural Resources, University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point, 800 Reserve Street, Stevens Point, WI 54481, USA)

  • Deborah R. Hilbert

    (Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, Department of Environmental Horticulture, Center for Land Use Efficiency, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS), University of Florida, 14625 County Road 672, Wimauma, FL 33598, USA)

  • Robert J. Northrop

    (Hillsborough County Extension, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS), University of Florida, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL 33584, USA)

  • Hunter Thorn

    (Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, Department of Environmental Horticulture, Center for Land Use Efficiency, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS), University of Florida, 14625 County Road 672, Wimauma, FL 33598, USA)

  • Drew C. McLean

    (Urban Forestry, Pinellas County Public Works, 22211 US Highway 19, Clearwater, FL 33765, USA)

  • Allyson B. Salisbury

    (Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, Department of Environmental Horticulture, Center for Land Use Efficiency, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS), University of Florida, 14625 County Road 672, Wimauma, FL 33598, USA)

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 can interfere with pavement when placed in extremely confining conditions. In this study, we build on past work to determine the minimum planting space widths of small stature urban trees. Species, stem diameter, and the height at which stem diameter measurements occurred were all strong predictors of trunk flare (i.e., the interface region between large structural roots and the trunk) diameter (adjusted R 2 of 0.843). Additionally, we modelled the relationship between planting space and the presence or absence of pavement 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.

Suggested Citation

  • Andrew K. Koeser & Richard J. Hauer & Deborah R. Hilbert & Robert J. Northrop & Hunter Thorn & Drew C. McLean & Allyson B. Salisbury, 2022. "The Tripping Point–Minimum Planting Widths for Small-Stature Trees in Dense Urban Developments," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(6), pages 1-7, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:6:p:3283-:d:768766
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Koeser, Andrew K. & Hauer, Richard J. & Downey, Erin E. & Hilbert, Deborah R. & McLean, Drew C. & Andreu, Michael G. & Northrop, Robert J., 2021. "Municipal response to state legislation limiting local oversight of private urban tree removal in Florida," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 105(C).
    2. Petri, Aaron C. & Wilson, Bev & Koeser, Andrew, 2019. "Planning the urban forest: Adding microclimate simulation to the planner’s toolkit," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 88(C).
    3. Daniel, Claire & Morrison, Tiffany H. & Phinn, Stuart, 2016. "The governance of private residential land in cities and spatial effects on tree cover," Environmental Science & Policy, Elsevier, vol. 62(C), pages 79-89.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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