Tree Planting Research Articles

SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION AND ASSESSMENT OF PUBLIC GREEN SPACES IN AN URBAN SETTLEMENT

The article examines the current land use of green spaces as an integral part of the urban economy through the example of a city in central Ukraine, Kropyvnytskyi. It analyses the regulatory framework for the functioning of green spaces. The study also includes an analysis of the geospatial distribution of public green spaces and their structure by number and area in the regional centre. The authors estimate the green areas covered with tree plantations based on vegetative indicators using remote sensing data. The Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) allowed for clarifying the boundaries of green areas, their area, and the density of green mass of vegetation. This index helps to identify the spatial-temporal trends of vegetation, which are necessary to support scientific-grounded management decisions for city governance. The results of determining the NDVI are presented in the example of the park-monument of landscape art ‘Dendropark’. For vegetation in good condition, its value exceeds 0.7, corresponding to 58 % of the area. The Shannon Diversity Index has been used to assess the distribution of land use types in the green areas of general use. We identified six types of green area land use in Kropyvnytskyi city and performed the index calculations according to these types of land use. The calculation of the provision of public green spaces for city residents confirmed its low value compared to the standards. The research’s results determined that Kropyvnytskyi city needs to create new green zones, preserve existing ones, inventory, and develop a database of all green areas. Planting areas of new residential buildings and applying the experience of other countries to increase green areas due to alternative landscaping types (vertical landscaping, green roofs, and others) will allow for an expansion in the green areas of settlements, especially in large cities. The practical importance of the research results is their potential use for creating a strategy to develop and preserve green plantings in the city of Kropyvnytskyi for future years. Keywords: vegetation index, land use, diversity index, green areas, parks.

Spatio-temporal Dynamics of Land Use/Cover Change and Associated Carbon Stocks in Kanyabaha Wetland in Rukiga District, Uganda

Wetlands play an important ecological function of sequestering atmospheric carbon dioxide and thereby moderating adverse impacts of climate change. It is therefore important to understand the dynamics of carbon stocks in wetland vegetation and soils. This study investigated the spatio-temporal dynamics of aboveground, belowground, and total carbon stocks in Kanyabaha Wetland, located in Rukiga District, Uganda, spanning from 1990 to 2021. Through field sampling and laboratory analysis, aboveground carbon stocks were assessed by harvesting vegetation biomass and converting it to carbon stock using established conversion factors. Soil samples collected at different depths (0-20cm, 20-50cm, 50-100cm) were analyzed for soil organic carbon content to determine belowground carbon stocks. The study reveals variable spatio-temporal patterns of carbon stocks across land use types, with papyrus-dominated areas exhibiting the highest aboveground carbon stocks (49.66 tC/ha), followed by small-scale farmlands (33.73 tC/ha) and tree plantations (23.01 tC/ha). Conversely, built-up areas exhibit the lowest carbon stocks (1.29 tC/ha). Temporal analysis reveals fluctuating patterns in carbon stocks, with increases observed in built-up areas and small-scale farmlands, and decreases in grasslands and tree plantations that could be due to changes in hydrological cycle. Belowground carbon stocks follow similar trends, with papyrus areas maintaining the highest stocks (39.96 tC/ha), particularly at deeper soil depths that exhibit the highest carbon accumulation due to its extensive network of papyrus rhizome. Changes in land use, especially reclamation of the wetlands for farming and settlements affected carbon capture and storage in the wetland ecosystem. These findings highlight the importance of targeted conservation of natural wetlands and sustainable land management strategies in the Kanyabaha Wetland catchment for enhanced carbon sequestration. Further, in depth studies in the variability of carbon stocks due to various eco-climatic factors and anthropogenic activities are necessary to support sustainable wetland land management practices in Uganda.

From Stand to Forest: Woody Plant Recruitment in an Andean Restoration Project.

The growing deforestation of tropical forests requires the implementation of restoration actions capable of assisting the recovery of biodiversity and the functioning of these ecosystems. This research aimed to identify the environmental factors that influence the abundance and diversity of woody plant recruitment in an Andean forest restoration project in Medellin (Colombia). Data from woody plant individuals taller than 80 cm were collected in 22 plots of 200·m-2. The environmental factors selected were edaphic variables, plantation structure, slope, elevation, prior land use, and landscape forest cover. Generalized linear models (GLM) were used to analyze recruitment densit and Linear Mixed Models (LMM) to assess recruited species richness, diversity, and dominance. Woody plant recruitment attributes in our study area were similar to those of secondary succession in an Andean forest, but planted trees contributed little to recruitment density and diversity. While recruitment density was affected by slope, canopy closure, and landscape forest cover, recruitment diversity was influenced by physical (bulk density) and chemical (pH, aluminum, Cation Exchange Capacity) edaphic factors, planted tree diversity (species richness and composition), canopy closure, and the mortality rate of planted trees. We conclude that sites with lower mortality rates of planted trees and denser canopies enhance both recruitment density and diversity, indicating a synergy between active restoration and passive regeneration processes.

Why repairing forests is not just about planting trees.

Why repairing forests is not just about planting trees.

Mathematical model for predicting the yield of apple trees on rootstock 62-396

Traditionally, forecasting apple tree yields was carried out on the basis of statistics of already obtained long-term yield dynamics or based on generative formations formed on the tree. The purpose of the work is to identify the most significant soil parameters for the formation of the apple tree varieties yield on the dwarf rootstock 62-396 and to build a mathematical model for predicting fruit yield in the conditions of the Central Chernozem region of the Russian Federation. Field research was carried out in 2004-2022 in industrial apple tree plantations at the age of full fruiting in the Lipetsk (two farms) and Tambov (eight farms) regions. Seven horticultural soil types have been studied. Based on statistical analysis, a mathematical model of apple tree productivity was obtained in the form of an analytical dependence on three factors. A geometric interpretation of the regression model is given using the Mathcad symbolic mathematics system in the form of response surfaces and the corresponding level lines. Practical recommendations are given for choosing rational parameters within selected intervals of factor variation.

Measuring and monitoring tree cover and plant canopy height in Pune city, India

Global datasets often fall short in estimating tree cover areas outside the forest tracts, particularly in urban areas. This limitation poses a challenge for accurately estimating tree cover outside forests (ToF) and understanding their contribution to ecosystem services. In the context of increasing population pressure and unsustainable urbanization in Indian cities, regional-level tree cover and canopy height estimations are crucial for evaluating the impact of ToF on various ecosystem services, including carbon sequestration, climate change adaptation, biodiversity hotspots, groundwater recharge, soil conservation, flood control, urban heat mitigation, and psychological and emotional well-being. This technical note outlines a rapid and cost-effective methodology for assessing tree canopy cover and height, specifically tailored for ToF estimation, offering a valuable tool for addressing these socio-urban environmental challenges and enabling sustainable land use planning.

Canopy temperatures strongly overestimate leaf thermal safety margins of tropical trees.

Current estimates of temperature effects on plants mostly rely on air temperature, although it can significantly deviate from leaf temperature (Tleaf). To address this, some studies have used canopy temperature (Tcan). However, Tcan fails to capture the fine-scale variation in Tleaf among leaves and species in diverse canopies. We used infrared radiometers to study Tleaf and Tcan and how they deviate from air temperature (ΔTleaf and ΔTcan) in multispecies tropical tree plantations at three sites along an elevation and temperature gradient in Rwanda. Our results showed high Tleaf (up to c. 50°C) and ΔTleaf (on average 8-10°C and up to c.20°C) of sun-exposed leaves during 10:00 h-15:00 h, being close to or exceeding photosynthetic heat tolerance thresholds. These values greatly exceeded simultaneously measured values of Tcan and ΔTcan, respectively, leading to strongly overestimated leaf thermal safety margins if basing those on Tcan data. Stomatal conductance and leaf size affected Tleaf and Tcan in line with their expected influences on leaf energy balance. Our findings highlight the importance of leaf traits for leaf thermoregulation and show that monitoring Tcan is not enough to capture the peak temperatures and heat stress experienced by individual leaves of different species in tropical forest canopies.

Spatial Patterns of Productivity and Human Development Potentials for Pinus pinea L.

Pinus pinea (stone pine), a Mediterranean species, is valued for its highly nutritious pine nuts and its ability to adapt to different environmental conditions. The species has been increasingly planted in Chile, where its main ecological requirements are met across a vast area. However, new plantations are established without considering social dimensions. Policymakers can regulate private decisions on tree planting through the appropriate design of economic incentives to foster social well-being. The objective of this work was to describe spatial patterns of potential areas for the cultivation of the exotic nut-bearing conifer P. pinea in central Chile and the possible correlation of those patterns with human development indices. Spatial data layers of the municipality development index (MDI), elevation, edaphoclimatic variables, and stone pine nut’s productive potential were overlapped at the municipality scale along 1225 km in central Chile. A spatial principal component analysis (sPCA) was used to integrate multiple dimensions, summarizing covariation structures, and identifying spatial patterns in the study area. Key results showed that spatial patterns of the potential productive index (PPI) were strongly regulated by the spatial pattern of climate and soil variables, whereas the spatial pattern of MDI showed a cryptic pattern and that the three dimensions of MDI—welfare, economy, and education—showed a different spatial movement, especially education and welfare. The results allow us to recommend that public policies boost municipality development through the promotion of P. pinea plantations and should target areas with a high productive potential and low MDI to generate socio-economic improvements. These findings are useful for the strategic spatial planning of the species cropping in Chile.

Enablers and Consequences of Landslide Outbreaks in Bududa District, Eastern Uganda

Landslides are rapid movements of rock and soil on the Earth's surface, currently ranked among the most catastrophic environmental disasters worldwide. Bududa district, located on the steep slopes of Mount Elgon in eastern Uganda, has experienced a rising incidence of severe landslides. However, the environmental and human-driven factors contributing to these disasters remain poorly understood, hindering effective intervention strategies. This study investigated the causes, intervention strategies, and impacts of the persistent landslides in Bududa, aiming to generate insights for optimal solutions. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted, utilizing pre-validated semi-structured questionnaires and Key Informant Interviews to collect data from a random sample of 212 respondents, including household heads and district leaders. Additionally, 38 soil samples from landslide-affected sites in Bududa were analysed through experiments at Makerere University. This was complemented by observational surveys and digital photography. Qualitative data were analysed using thematic synthesis and photographic interpretation, while quantitative data were processed with descriptive and inferential statistics in STATA version 15.0. Graphs were generated using GraphPad Prism® version 9.0.0. In the findings, factorial analysis of variance (FANOVA, p<0.05), showed that the high soil- organic content (p<0.001), bulky density (p=0.002) and water saturation levels (p=0.011), in addition to other environmental factors such as the steep terrain and heavy rains are the cardinal mediators of landslide outbreaks in Bududa, while soil porosity (p=0.718) and permeability (p=0.267) were not implicated. These environmental drivers were found to be noticeably moderated by the widespread incidence of unregulated anthropogenic activities, primarily human settlement, infrastructural development and monetary enterprises like agriculture and cutting of trees. While some positive outcomes of landslides were acknowledged such as survivors improving their livelihoods after relocation, there was strong consensus on the adverse impacts, including casualties and deaths, and significant damage to infrastructure, agriculture, the economy, and social services. The majority of respondents confirmed the widespread presence of awareness campaigns, multisectoral collaborations, and mechanical preventive measures like physical mapping. Most participants agreed that tree planting could reduce landslides and that external support would enhance coping strategies in Bududa more effectively than local resources. However, they were uncertain about the effectiveness of existing local defensive measures, such as slope geometry modification. Additionally, monitoring for future outbreaks, household micro-land use interventions, and promoting slope stability were perceived as inadequate. Conclusively, reliable evidence was generated, indicating that the main factors enabling the recurrent landslides in Bududa are tri-faceted. That is, natural topography and soil characteristics, climate, and human influence. Consequently, strengthening the cooperative participation of stakeholders from sectors related to those three facets may improve the results of interventions.

Landscape, Human Disturbance, and Climate Factors Drive the Species Richness of Alien Invasive Plants on Subtropical Islands.

Invasive alien plants (IAPs) pose a significant threat to island biodiversity and severely impact ecosystems. Understanding the species-area relationship and environmental determinants of growth forms for IAP species on subtropical islands is crucial for establishing an IAP's early warning mechanism, enhancing island ecological management, and protecting the ecosystems of Fujian and other subtropical islands. The study identified significant species-area relationships for IAPs and different life-form plants (trees, shrubs, and herbs), with slopes of 0.27, 0.16, 0.15, and 0.24, respectively. The small island effect does not apply to all species. Isolation has little effect on species richness, and the IAPs on Fujian islands do not conform to the isolation effect in island biogeography. Landscape factors are the main determinants of IAPs and different life-form species richness, with area, shape index, and perimeter-area ratio being the three primary landscape factors. These environmental factors are closely related to habitat heterogeneity. Besides landscape factors, different life forms respond differently to environmental factors. Climate drives the species richness distribution of shrubs and herbs, while trees are mainly influenced by human activities. Overall, landscape, human disturbance, and climate jointly drive the distribution of IAPs, with landscape factors being the most significant.

Development of Ecotourism Packages in Karang Sidemen Tourism Village, Central Lombok

Abstract Introduction: The Karang Sidemen tourist village has an ecotourism package called Begerusuk Adventure, but in this tour package there are still not enough ecotourism activities on offer, therefore, an ecotourism package is being developed that will later add ecotourism activities. This research aims to find out the actual conditions of the Karang Sidemen tourist village, which is devoted to aspect 5A (Accessibility, Accommodation, Amenities, Attraction, and Activity), to find out the actual conditions of ecotourism packages, and to find out recommendations for ecotourism packages in the Karang Sidemen Tourism Village. Methodology: The research method used in this study is qualitative. This research covers attractions, accessibility, accommodation, amenities, activities, and conditions of ecotourism packages by involving 5 informants, namely, the Deputy Chair of the Karang Sidemen Tourism Village Pokdarwis, the owner of Datu Craft MSMEs, the owner of Andewi Homestay, and tourists. Findings: There is already a previous tour package, namely the Begerusuk Adventure package, which still lacks ecotourism activities on offer, therefore there is a recommendation for an ecotourism package that will later add ecotourism activities such as making eco prints, visiting MSMEs, and planting tree seedlings. Conclusion: Based on the identification of ecotourism potential and the actual condition of the existing ecotourism packages in Karang Sidemen Tourism Village, it is concluded that they are good but need further development. The development proposed by the researcher includes adding activities such as creating eco prints, visiting local MSMEs, and planting tree seedlings. Keywords: Development, Ecotourism, Tourism Packages, Tourism Village

Fungal endophytes: A study on molecular taxonomy, nanoformulation, biophysical characterization and entomopathogenicity against insect pests of tropical timber trees In India

Forest cover of India aims to increase thirty three per cent by 2030 through planting trees outside forests boundaries, cultivating and breeding in private farmer’s wastelands. Despite efforts to boost greenery, approximately one million hectares of forest area are lost annually to insect pests, underscoring the need for effective pest management. Synthetic organic insecticides are widely used, with India accounting for 3 % of global pesticide usage, leading to environmental and health concerns. To address this, ecologically sound pest management strategies are imperative. Biological control, particularly using microorganisms, offers a promising approach. Endophytic fungi, found in commercially important tree species like Teak, Ailanthus, Red Sanders, and Gmelina, show potential for insect pest management. In this study, 112 endophytic fungi were isolated, with eight common across all species. Fourteen species, identified through molecular taxonomy, exhibit entomopathogenic properties, paving the way for the development of novel biopesticides.

A living inventory of planted trees in South Africa derived from iNaturalist

Trees have a multifaceted influence on ecosystems globally. Treescapes have been manipulated by humans over millennia for ecological, economic, and cultural reasons that have changed over time and continue to change. In South Africa tree planting over three centuries has radically affected the composition of treescapes, contributing important ecosystem services, but also disservices. Rapid global change calls for diverse interventions to create more resilient ecosystems. Many nature-based solutions involve manipulating tree cover in rural and urban landscapes. There is a need for a spatially-explicit database of planted trees in South Africa to serve as the foundation for policy and management decisions.We used the community science platform iNaturalist to create a comprehensive database of planted trees in South Africa. Records were carefully checked to verify the accuracy of taxon identifications, locality data, and categorization as planted rather than wild-growing trees.The cleaned database contained 35,303 records of 805 planted tree taxa; over 90 % of records were identified to species level. Almost a third of taxa (32.2 %) belong to three families: Fabaceae (97 taxa), Myrtaceae (80 taxa) and Arecaceae (78 taxa). Rarefaction and extrapolation curves suggest fairly comprehensive sampling, but several regions are under-sampled. Non-native taxa dominate, with Melaleuca viminalis having the most records. The Western Cape has the highest number of records and taxa, particularly in urban areas. Both native and non-native trees provide key ecosystem services, but non-natives dominate.The database provides the first spatially-explicit open-access resource for guiding decisions on tree planting and the management of planted trees in South Africa. It offers a snapshot of tree planting trends, predominantly from recent years, leading to some underrepresentation of historically planted species. The database has numerous potential uses, including guiding management of trees pests and diseases, urban greening initiatives, monitoring for new invasions, and planning nature-based solutions.

Response of Herbaceous and Woody Plant Species in Southern Portugal to Cope Oak Decline Associated to Phytophthora cinnamomi

The decline of oak canopies in Iberian woodlands is strongly influenced by abiotic and biotic stress factors, such as the oomycete Phytophthora cinnamomi which has the capacity to infect a wide range of plant species. Understory plant diversity plays an important role in the epidemiology of P. cinnamomi in these ecosystems. This study aimed to identify a set of woody and herbaceous plants that can impact oak decline. Twenty-two herbaceous plant species from three families, and nineteen woody plants (trees and shrubs) from seven families were assessed for their response to infection by P. cinnamomi. Most of the herbaceous species did not show evident susceptibility, only a few exhibited significant biomass root reduction and just seven were identified as hosts. Yellow lupin was the only herbaceous species showing high susceptibility. Among the woody plant species, only two shrub and two tree species exhibited disease symptoms. The other ones, mostly hosts, ranged between low susceptible and tolerant. These results highlight the possibility that many of these species can maintain the pathogen active in the soil or even increase its population. In this context, the findings of this study can contribute to effective management strategies to mitigate Phytophthora infection in woodland soils.

Conservation of wild food plants from wood uses: evidence supporting the protection hypothesis in Northeastern Brazil

BackgroundThe interplay between different uses of woody plants remains underexplored, obscuring our understanding of how a plant’s value for one purpose might shield it from other, more harmful uses. This study examines the protection hypothesis by determining if food uses can protect woody plants (trees and shrubs) from wood uses. We approached the hypothesis from two distinct possibilities: (1) the protective effect is proportional to the intensity of a species’ use for food purposes, and (2) the protective effect only targets key species for food purposes.MethodsThe research was conducted in a rural community within “Restinga” vegetation in Northeast Brazil. To identify important food species for both consumption and income (key species) and the collection areas where they naturally occur, we conducted participatory workshops. We then carried out a floristic survey in these areas to identify woody species that coexist with the key species. Voucher specimens were used to create a field herbarium, which, along with photographs served as visual stimuli during the checklist interviews. The interviewees used a five-point Likert scale to evaluate the species in terms of perceived wood quality, perceived availability, and use for food and wood purposes. To test our hypothesis, we used Cumulative Link Mixed Models (CLMMs), with the wood use as the response variable, food use, perceived availability and perceived quality as the explanatory variables and the interviewee as a random effect. We performed the same model replacing food use for key species food use (a binary variable that had value 1 when the information concerned a key species with actual food use, and value 0 when the information did not concern a key species or concerned a key species that was not used for food purposes).ResultsConsistent with our hypothesis, we identified a protective effect of food use on wood use. However, this effect is not directly proportional to the species’ food use, but is confined to plants with considerable domestic food importance. Perceived availability and quality emerged as notable predictors for wood uses.ConclusionWe advocate for biocultural conservation strategies that enhance the food value of plants for their safeguarding, coupled with measures for non-edible woody species under higher use-pressure.

Physico-mechanical Properties and Potential Utilization of Melia azedarach L. Grown in Quezon Province, the Philippines

The possible utilization of Bagalunga (Melia azedarach L.) was determined based on its physical and mechanical properties. Tests were done following the ASTM D143-2019 standard. Tree samples were collected from two municipalities of Quezon province, the Philippines – namely Sariaya and Unisan. The results showed that compared to the trees from Sariaya, the trees collected from Unisan had 13.48 and 14.24% higher green moisture content (MC) and basic relative density (RD), respectively. However, their tangential (TS), radial (RS), longitudinal (LS), and volumetric shrinkage (VS) were 12.21, 4.42, 28.94, and 7.83% lower than those of the former. Furthermore, the RD of M. azedarach was similar to that of Gmelina arborea, and Acacia mangium and higher than that of Falcataria falcata. As for VS, it was comparable and in some cases even higher than those of commercially used timber species with medium to low VS. For the strength properties, in both green and 12% MC conditions, the strength of trees from Unisan was significantly higher than trees from Sariaya. However, both remained within the medium strength classification – similar to Swietenia macrophylla, G. arborea, and A. mangium but higher than Eucalyptus deglupta, Hevea brasiliensis, and F. falcata. The significant effect of axial height was observed in MC, RD, LS, and VS, and minimal variation was found in the mechanical properties. Industrial tree plantation developers may consider using M. azedarach as an alternative species, with careful consideration of the axial height and location, as these factors can influence tree properties.

Indicators of woody plants and soil in the urbanised environment of the Southern Urals (green zone of Ufa, Russia)

ABSTRACT The study investigates biometric indicators of assimilation and reproductive organs of coniferous and deciduous trees in urban environments: leaf area, inflorescence flower count, stipule length of Tilia cordata Mill. and needle length and weight of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.). Samples of wood, needles, leaves and soil from the planting sites were analysed for 17 chemical elements, including Hazard Class I elements (Arsenic, Lead, Cadmium, Mercury, Selenium) and Hazard Class II elements (Chromium, Cobalt, Nickel, Copper, Molybdenum, Antimony). Tree plantations decreased airborne dust by 30–40% compared to open areas. Concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10 particles showed a direct correlation with busy roads (p < 0.05). In instances of environmental degradation, healthy trees exhibited in needle an increase in biomass and a reduction in weight and length. Consequently, forestry measurements and the impact of the urban environment require specific and individual monitoring of trees, rather than a general assessment of plantations.

Rhetorical strategies in the climate change disclosures of Bangladeshi banking companies

PurposeThe main objective of this article is to explore the rhetorical persuasive strategies in the climate change-related disclosures of the annual reports of Bangladeshi banking companies.Design/methodology/approachTo fulfil this objective, content and rhetorical analyses are conducted on the climate change-related disclosures in the annual reports of Bangladeshi banks. The analysis is interpreted with the help of Aristotle’s rhetorical appeals (ethos, logos and pathos).FindingsEvidence suggests that Bangladeshi banks disclose climate change-related issues in annual reports. These issues include demonstrating a genuine concern for climate change and exhibiting commitment to green finance and investment, paper and energy conservation, tree plantation, biodiversity and climate change risk funds. They also underscore challenges linked to carbon emissions, air pollution, and natural disasters. These disclosures are persuasive, and rhetorical strategies such as ethos, logos, and pathos are evident. However, the disclosures lacked consistency and comparability because of the absence of reporting regulations and a prescribed framework.Practical implicationsThis study informs managers and policymakers about climate change disclosures in Bangladesh, particularly within the banking industry. The research suggests the need for improved reporting consistency and comparability, potentially achieved through standardised climate change reporting guidelines and mandatory requirements.Originality/valueThis paper’s uniqueness lies in its application of Aristotle’s rhetorical triangle to enhance our understanding of how banking companies in a developing economy strategically employ climate change-related disclosures to influence readers. Rhetorical analysis is limitedly used by accounting scholars in analysing corporate climate-change disclosures.

Analysis of the Species Composition of Wood and Shrubs Species, Their Role in the Structure of City Parks of Osh

In the city of Osh, one of the acute problems when using wood species in landscape design is the study of their ecological properties in relation to the environment. The planting of trees in urban parks, squares along streets and boulevards is influenced by various environmental factors. In such conditions, the study of the ecological state and viability of plants is relevant, since woody plants perform sanitary, hygienic and aesthetic functions in an urbanized environment. The main purpose of this scientific article is to identify in the conditions of the city of Osh, the peculiarities of the development of ornamental species of woody and shrubby plants, the ecological justification of their reconstruction, to improve the sanitary and hygienic condition and the development of practical recommendations in landscape works. The study of the characteristics of tree and shrub species and the results obtained to assess their role in the structure of urban parks in Osh will help to improve their decorative qualities, the correct choice of their placement, care and improvement of the urban environment. The results of the work can also be used in the construction and reconstruction of green spaces in parks in the city of Osh, as well as in the improvement of other public facilities in the city. The practical recommendations obtained from the results of the study initiate a large-scale reconstruction of planted species of trees and shrubs in parks, squares and along modern streets.

Effects of prescribed fire on planted oak growth and survival in restored savannas

Most oak savannas in the Midwestern United States have been lost to agriculture and habitat degradation. Because of their rarity and high plant and animal diversity, savannas are often a target for restoration, which frequently relies on the direct planting of oak seedlings to establish the necessary canopy. Returning fire to the system is critical to the herbaceous component, but with planted seedlings, managers risk damaging or killing trees if burning is introduced too soon. We studied the growth and physiological responses of three oak species (Quercus alba, Quercus macrocarpa, and Quercus velutina) to prescribed fire to determine impacts on planted trees. This study utilized two restored oak savanna units that were planted in 1995 and 1998, each with burned and unburned areas. We tracked trees ranging from 0.9 to 29.8 cm in diameter at breast height (DBH) to determine the size threshold above which top kill is unlikely and documented differences in leaf structure and extension growth between the burned and unburned areas. There was no mortality observed. Moreover, no trees larger than 4 cm DBH were top killed by the fire. Fire responses in leaf mass per unit area and chlorophyll content were small and inconsistent across species. However, all oak species grew more in burned areas than trees in adjacent unburned areas. Therefore, the addition of low‐intensity prescribed fire to an oak savanna planting may increase the growth rate of planted trees with minimal risk of mortality once trees have reached sufficient size.