Analyzing growth and mortality in a subtropical urban forest ecosystem

Lawrence, Alicia; Escobedo, Francisco J.; Staudhammer, Christina L.; Zipperer, Wayne C.

doi:10.1016/j.landurbplan.2011.10.004

Cited by 61 publications

(57 citation statements)

References 21 publications

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“…Due to the presence of non-native trees and lack of European-specific equations for certain species, the remaining equations were from China (4% of subsampled trees (Liu & Li 2012)) and North America (35.7% of subsampled trees; (Jenkins et al 2003)). Overall, our growth rates are different from those reported by Jo and McPherson (1995), Iakovoglou et al (2002), and Lawrence et al (2012) for trees in the United States. The order Fagales, for example, had an AGR estimated at 0.77 cm/year which was lower than the 0.85 cm/year (average growth rates of subtropical Q. laurifolia, Q. nigra, Q. virginiana, O. virginiana) reported by Lawrence et al (2012).…”

Section: Quercus Pubescenscontrasting

confidence: 99%

“…Once C storage is obtained for year x, a growth rate is used for each tree to obtain a DBH and subsequent C storage at year x + 1 for the same tree. The model uses average DBH growth rates obtained from a few sites in the USA Lawrence et al 2012). For example, for trees in forest stands, the model uses an annual growth rate of 0.38 cm/year (Smith & Shirley 1984;, for park-like structure the model uses 0.61 cm/year .…”

Section: Ufore and Ctcc Data Input Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The estimation of tree carbon sequestration depends on species types and their mortality and growth characteristics as well as their overall condition Lawrence et al 2012). Urban tree mortality can be influenced by site and tree characteristics such as land use, natural disturbance (e.g.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Similarly, tree growth is influenced by genetics, climate, soil, moisture, light, and competition (Peper & McPherson 1998;Bühler et al 2007). These effects on tree growth and mortality are well-known in European forests, but the majority of studies of urban trees growth rates have been conducted in the United States of America (USA) (Jo & McPherson 1995;Iakovoglou et al 2002;Lawrence et al 2012;Roy et al 2012). We know only a few studies on urban tree mortality and growth in northern Italy (Sanesi et al 2007;Semenzato et al 2011;Marziliano et al 2013), but no studies providing information specific to urban tree growth rates in South Tyrol, Italy, are known to us.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Urban tree mortality can be influenced by site and tree characteristics such as land use, natural disturbance (e.g. pests, fire, and drought), human activities and urbanization effects (Iakovoglou et al 2002;Nowak et al 2004;Lawrence et al 2012), and stewardship (Sklar & Ames 1985). Similarly, tree growth is influenced by genetics, climate, soil, moisture, light, and competition (Peper & McPherson 1998;Bühler et al 2007).…”

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confidence: 99%

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Assessing urban tree carbon storage and sequestration in Bolzano, Italy

Russo

Escobedo

Timilsina

et al. 2014

International Journal of Biodiversity Science, Ecosystem Servic

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Recent climate change, environmental design, and ecological conservation policies require new and existing urban developments to mitigate and offset carbon dioxide emissions and for cities to become carbon neutral. Some North American models and tools are available and can be used to quantify the carbon offset function of urban trees. But, little information on urban tree carbon storage and sequestration exists from the European Southern Alps. Also, the use of these North American models in Europe has never been assessed. This study developed a protocol to quantify aboveground carbon (C) storage and sequestration using a subsample of urban trees in Bolzano, Italy, and assessed two existing and available C estimation models. Carbon storage and sequestration were estimated using city-specific dendrometrics and allometric biomass equations primarily from Europe and two other United States models; the UFORE (Urban Forest Effects Model) and the CUFR Tree Carbon Calculator (CTCC). The UFORE model carbon storage estimates were the lowest while the CUFR Tree Carbon Calculator (CTCC) C sequestration estimates were the highest. Results from this study can be used to plan, design, and manage urban forests in northern Italy to maximize C offset potential, provide ecosystem services, and for developing carbon neutral policies. Findings can also be used to predict greenhouse gas emissions from tree maintenance operations as well as estimating green waste yield from landscape maintenance activities and its use as biofuel and compost. Managers need to be aware that available models and methods can produce statistically different C storage and sequestration estimates.Keywords: i-Tree Eco; growth rates; allometric equations; ecosystem services; CTCC model Introduction Climate change is one of the most important and pressing environmental, economic, and security issues our world faces today (Barnett 2003;IPCC 2007;Karagiannis & Soldatos 2010). Urban areas are steadily growing throughout the world (Grimm et al. 2008) and by 2030 it is expected that 60% of the world's population will be living in cities (Rydin et al. 2012). Thus, as urban environments become more important as living space for humans, they are an increasing source of carbon emissions.Several studies in North America, China, and Australia (Brack 2002;Zhao et al. 2010;Dobbs et al. 2011;Martin et al. 2012;Roy et al. 2012), and more recently in the United Kingdom and Germany (Davies et al. 2011;Strohbach & Haase 2012;Strohbach et al. 2012), have shown that trees in urban environments remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through growth and photosynthesis, and store excess carbon as biomass in roots, stems, and branches. Indirectly, urban trees also reduce building energy used for cooling through their shade and climate amelioration effects, thereby reducing CO 2 emissions from decreased energy production (Akbari et al. 2001).The estimation of tree carbon sequestration depends on species types and their mortality and growth characteristics as well as their overall con...

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