Abstract
(1) Background: Global warming has intensified dry heatwaves, threatening urban tree health and ecosystem services. Crown damage in trees is a key indicator of heat stress, linked to physiological changes and urban habitat characteristics, but the specific mechanisms remain to be explored. (2) Methods: This study investigated the heatwave-induced crown damage of Wuhan’s urban tree species, focusing on the influence of physiological responses and urban habitats. Crown damage was visually scored, and physiological responses were measured via stomatal conductance (Gs) and transpiration rate (Tr). (3) Results: Significant interspecific differences in crown damage were identified, with Prunus × yedoensis showing the highest degree of crown damage, while Pittosporum tobira displayed the lowest. A strong correlation was observed between crown damage and Gs and Tr, albeit with species-specific variations. The Degree of Building Enclosure (DegBE) emerged as the most prominent habitat factor, with a mitigating effect on crown damage, followed by the Percentage of Canopy Coverage (PerCC), in contrast with the Percentage of Impermeable Surface (PerIS) that showed a significant positive correlation. (4) Conclusions: The above findings suggest that species traits and habitat configurations interact in complex ways to shape tree resilience under heatwave stress, informing strategies for urban vegetation protection against heat stress in Central Chinese cities.
Published Version
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