Spatial Distribution and Driving Factors of Old and Notable Trees in a Fast-Developing City, Northeast China

Yibo Yang, Guangdao Bao, Dan Zhang and Chang Zhai
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Yibo Yang: College of Landscape Architecture, Changchun University, Changchun 130022, China
Guangdao Bao: Institute of Forest Management, Jilin Academy of Forestry Sciences, Changchun 130033, China
Dan Zhang: College of Landscape Architecture, Changchun University, Changchun 130022, China
Chang Zhai: College of Landscape Architecture, Changchun University, Changchun 130022, China

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 14, issue 13, 1-19

Abstract: As a symbol of urban civilization and history, old and notable trees (ONTs) are facing challenges brought by rapid urbanization. Changchun is the fastest growing city in Northeast China, and throughout its development process of over 100 years it has preserved many ONTs. This study investigated all the ONTs in Changchun, and analyzed the species diversity, spatial distribution characteristics, dimension, age, and health status of trees by using ecological index and mathematical statistics, and trying to find out the underlying factors regulating their distribution. The results showed that there were 773 old trees belonging to 25 species and 2 notable trees from 1 species in Changchun. Pyrus ussuriensis was the dominant species, followed by Salix matsudana and Ulmus pumila . The urban area, population density, greening rate, and construction history did not influence the species and quantity of ONTs, while the types of land use and tree protection planning were important factors affecting the richness, diversity, and growth conditions of trees. To explore the potential reasons for their existence, the ONTs’ data in Changchun was compared with two nearby cities—Harbin and Shenyang. The comparison indicated that the geographical location and climatic conditions also controlled the distribution of ONTs. The number and dimensions of trees were driven by the history and development process of the city. Our findings suggested that preserving favorable living environments and maintaining a low intensity of human disturbance are critical factors for the survival of ONTs in cities.

Keywords: Changchun; driving factors; ONTs; spatial distribution; species diversity (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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