Threatened urban trees
Name(s):
Urban hazards to trees
Endangered park trees
Nature
The trees growing on urban streets are subject to a number of hazards, and they often appear sickly, as is noticeable to city residents. Disasters such as the epidemic of 'Dutch elm disease' and the death of trees from the use of de-icing salt have made an awareness of 'urban forestry' particularly pertinent. The most important problems for the vitality of city trees have been listed in the following order of significance: dryness, salt pollution, and nutrient deficiency. In smaller cities with a less pronounced urban climate, mechanical damage, through motorized traffic, construction projects, and vandalism, is predominant. Other factors considered to be responsible for the deteriorating condition and stunted growth of urban trees are natural gas, acid rain, fumes from industry and traffic, over-shadowing by tall buildings, reduction in the air content of soil by excessive compression, and improper planting and lack of subsequent maintenance.
Incidence
In British villages, towns and cities there are an average of 17.4 trees per acre, mostly in residential neighbourhoods. In 1993, 60% of British urban trees showed signs of sickness such as leaf loss and discoloration, a worse level than that in many of other 33 countries surveyed. Half of the trees planted in cities die within 5 years from lack of water, nutrient-poor soil and lack of regular attention.
Claim
Research shows that trees make cities more liveable: they consume carbon dioxide, provide shade and moisture, harbour wildlife, increase neighbourliness and property values, and are aesthetically pleasing.
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(D) Detailed problems