Understanding why young urban trees die can improve future success

Abstract

The first several years after planting a tree, referred to as the establishment period, are recognized to have the highest annual mortality rates; determining those factors that influence survival of young trees should be considered paramount. This research examined several factors that influence young urban tree mortality: nursery production type (i.e. bare root, gravel bed bare root, container, or balled and burlapped), tree taxa, planting location type, and “planted by” (i.e. “who” planted the tree). The results from this study supported several relationships between project variables and young tree mortality, most notably that trees planted as containerized or balled-and-burlapped rootstock types in boulevards and parks had significantly higher survival rates than bare-root trees. Nursery production type, tree planting location, and tree taxa all had statistically significant impacts on young tree mortality, but “planted by” was not significant. The highest mortality rates were experienced by all trees planted in park/public spaces. The conclusions of this research will help to fill gaps and build upon the existing body of literature that practitioners may draw from to make informed planting and care decisions.