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

Andrew K. Koeser, Richard J. Hauer, Deborah R. Hilbert, Robert J. Northrop, Hunter Thorn, Drew C. McLean and Allyson B. Salisbury
Additional contact information
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

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 14, issue 6, 1-7

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.

Keywords: ecosystem disservices; green infrastructure; sidewalks; site design; tree selection; urban forestry (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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