Conceptualizing the Human Drivers of Low Tree Diversity in Planted Urban Landscapes

Abstract

Despite the abundance of tree diversity in the natural world, and generally high tree species richness in urban areas, urban forests continue to be dominated by a limited number of species. As socio-ecological systems, urban forests are shaped by historical and current management efforts and decision-making of a wide range of human actors. Drawing on past research, we offer a conceptual framework for describing the complex interactions among tree producers and consumers as trees are selected, grown, specified, and planted in private and public urban areas. We illustrate how multiple layers of selection criteria filter down the entirety of potential local tree diversity to a handful of commonly used and accepted tree species. We detail the actors and decision makers who impact tree composition and diversity across several land types. Finally, we identify research, education and outreach needs as they relate to creating more diverse and resilient urban forest ecosystems.

Dendroflora in spatial planning compositions of children’s squares in Vyshhorod town

“…At the same time, aesthetic appeal of territories [3], but also, most importantly, reduces the vulnerability of plantings to the influence of many factors, in particular, pests, diseases, and climate change [4]. However, despite the wide variety of trees in the natural world and the wide possibilities of its use in the development of urban environments, a rather limited number of species predominate in urban plantings [5]. Therefore, green spaces have limited potential to support biodiversity, in particular, low levels of biodiversity are typical for public places [6].…”