Abstract
This review paper is the first that summarizes many aspects of the ecological role of trees in urban landscapes while considering their growth conditions. Research Highlights are: (i) Plant growth conditions in cities are worsening due to high urbanization rates and new stress factors; (ii) Urban trees are capable of alleviating the stress factors they are exposed to; (iii) The size and vitality of trees is related to the ecological services they can provide. Our review shows, in a clear way, that the phenomenon of human-related environmental degradation, which generates urban tree stress, can be effectively alleviated by the presence of trees. The first section reviews concerns related to urban environment degradation and its influence on trees. Intense urbanization affects the environment of plants, raising the mortality rate of urban trees. The second part deals with the dieback of city trees, its causes and scale. The average life expectancy of urban trees is relatively low and depends on factors such as the specific location, proper care and community involvement, among others. The third part concerns the ecological and economic advantages of trees in the city structure. Trees affect citizen safety and health, but also improve the soil and air environment. Finally, we present the drawbacks of tree planting and discuss if they are caused by the tree itself or rather by improper tree management. We collect the latest reports on the complicated state of urban trees, presenting new insights on the complex issue of trees situated in cities, struggling with stress factors. These stressors have evolved over the decades and emphasize the importance of tree presence in the city structure.
Highlights
The transformation of natural and agricultural lands into urban areas is increasing every year
We focus on urban trees growing in highly intense conditions in the presence of many stress factors—mostly street trees and those growing in other paved areas such as squares, tree pits, and planters
Our goal is to present, in a clear way, the co-existence of stress factors affecting urban trees and the benefits that trees bring to cities
Summary
The transformation of natural and agricultural lands into urban areas is increasing every year. The stress factors of trees in urban woodlots growing in rural areas. Microbial activity and soil enzyme activity, and deprive the service function of soil [15] Another significant issue in relation to plant growth and development is air quality. These factors impact plant temperature and composition (CO2, O3, NO2, particles etc.) are modified in urban areas These factors physiology, for example, photosynthesis or enzymatic activity [16]. We provide information about the changes in and degradation of the environment for plant growth in urban areas. We discuss subsequent environmental changes such as (i) soil degradation, (ii) air quality, and (iii) light condition disturbances. Using this framework, we outline how those overall changes affect tree dieback. We argue they can be avoided by proper management
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