The impact of urban conditions on different tree species in public green areas in the city of Poznan

Abstract

Parks in urbanised areas fulfil an important function as they create a positive climate in cities and contribute to the good health of their inhabitants. The study gives an answer to the question of which of the species under investigation is the most suitable for planting in urbanised areas. The aim of the research conducted from 2013 to 2014 at selected sites in Poznan (Poland) was to determine the state of health of Tilia cordata Mill., Acer platanoides L. and Quercus robur L. trees and to compare their state of health depending on the location of the research sites. The aim of the research was also to determine the environmental variables that may have an influence on the state of health of the tree species under analysis. The research included statistical analyses and models based on discriminant analysis. The research revealed that the state of health of the tree species under investigation growing in the city is determined by anthropogenic factors. The closeness of the city centre, main thoroughfares and estates heated with fossil fuels are the factors that have the most negative influence on the state of health of oak, maple and lime trees. Acer platanoides L. was the species in the best state of health in parks, whereas in forests it was Tilia cordata Mill.Ke y wor d s: Norway maple, pedunculate oak, small-leaved lime, statistical models, urbanised areas

Volume 16 :2018 issue 3

“…Rapid urban growth changes in the environment have indirectly influenced the roadside tree conditions (Krzyżaniak, Świerk, Walerzak, & Urbański, 2015;Battipaglia et al, 2010;Sieghardt et al, 2005;Moore, 2009). According to the statistics of public complaints (Sistem Talian Aduan Rakyat, 2017 and IResponz system, 2017), four selected local authorities namely the Kuala Lumpur City Hall, Petaling Jaya City Council, Subang Jaya Municipal Council and Selayang Municipal Council have shown nine issues of tree problems such as fallen trees (1,662 cases), brittle branches (2,142 cases), obscure visibility (1,493 cases), dead leaves and debris on the road (1,610 cases), heavy branches obstruct traffic (1,471 cases), old and dead trees (1,300 cases), clogged drainage system due to debris (1,596 cases), close proximity of trees to houses (181 cases) and leaning tree trunk (1,191 cases).…”