Tree Preservation Research Articles

Categories of Tree Protection Legislative Provisions of Local Planning Authorities in Peninsular Malaysia

This study was conducted to identify categories of urban tree protection legislative provisions (TPLP) implementable by the local planning authorities (LPAs) in Peninsular Malaysia through a deductive thematic analysis of Act 172, Act 267, Act 171, Act 133, Act 536 and Park By-Laws. The results show that Malaysian urban TPLP categories are mainly found only in Act 172 and Act 267, and they are: 1) Tree Felling Prohibition, 2) Tree Preservation Order (TPO), and 3) Tree Protection Planning Conditions. The first category is for the LPAs to prohibit tree felling or other tree damaging activities without their consent. The second category is about orders made by LPAs to protect specific trees or groups of trees in the interests of amenity. The third category is pertaining to conditions imposed by LPAs on a grant of planning permission (Kebenaran Merancang) that requires the applicants to retain and protect any tree in the development. The outcomes of the analysis further suggested that Malaysian protected urban trees can also be group into two: 1) Regulated Trees, and 2) Registered Trees. The former category are trees with girth exceeding 0.8 m (Act 172) and 1.0 m (Act 267) protected by Tree Felling Prohibition provisions. The latter are trees protected by TPO provisions of both Act 172 and Act 267. All protected urban trees are subjects of the Tree Protection Planning Conditions. If properly implemented, the TPLP would be a vital tool for environmental conservation efforts.

PROGRAMMING BURIAL LANDSCAPES: AN ANALYSIS OF LANDSCAPE REGULATIONS IN LITHUANIA AND THEIR POTENTIAL OUTCOMES

This study explores the regulatory frameworks and landscape designs of burial grounds in Lithuania, focusing on the legal documents and municipal regulations governing cemetery maintenance and development. Analysis reveals a dichotomy between the Law of Burial of Human Remains and the Law of Greenery, with the former emphasizing burial practices and memorial protection while the latter prioritizes ecological considerations and biodiversity in the green areas. Municipal regulations vary in their approach to tree planting and maintenance, with some prohibiting certain species or arbitrary planting. The absence of specific guidelines for designers and administrators grants them flexibility in shaping burial landscapes, leading to diverse approaches across municipalities. Case studies of recently expanded Nemajūnai, Ginkūnai, Daušiškės, and Ivoniškės graveyards illustrate different approaches to tree preservation and landscape design. The findings suggest a need for greater integration of ecological concerns in cemetery planning and maintenance practices.

Monumental trees of Ukraine and public awareness of them

Studying the species diversity and condition of monumental trees contributes to their preservation and is important for public awareness of their role in ecosystems and the country’s ecological heritage. The purpose of the study was to reveal the significance of such trees for society. The task of the work was to research the characteristics of monumental trees in Ukraine. The history of environmental protection is analysed and the features of monumental tree preservation in Ukraine are presented. The beginning of environmental protection activity related to the preservation of trees in Ukraine and the most active periods have been revealed of it. The national features of the popularization of monumental trees are given. Based on the analysis of botanical natural monuments cadastres of Ukraine and Kyiv, quantitative and species composition of monumental trees were established. The most common (Quercus robur), common, less common and rare (Buxus sempervirens, Catalpa bignonioides, Metasequoia glyptostroboides, Pseudotsuga menziesii, Rhododendron myrtifolium, Sequoiadendron giganteum and others) species of monumental trees have been established, and important issues regarding their conservation are indicated. According to the types of street plantings, the majority (68%) are single trees. To assess the awareness of the population about ancient trees, the method of sociological survey of respondents was used. The most significant values of monumental trees for the population were studied. The importance of the populations’ awareness of old trees through the development of an emotional connection with them, which contributes to their protection, has been established. The obtained results can be used in future environmental protection activity, exchanging of scientists’ experience from different countries regarding the preservation of such trees, enrichment of information about growth characteristics, historical facts or other issues related to these trees

Greening development: Reducing urban tree canopy loss through incentives

Development and redevelopment are important drivers of tree removal and canopy loss in urban landscapes. Local ordinances are often used to curtail tree removal, but punitive regulations alone may not be enough to reduce urban tree canopy loss in land development. In Florida (US), efforts to balance trees and development have often relied on fees and fines, but with a recent backlash against tree regulations and the fast pace of urban growth, we explored the possible role of incentives in urban tree policies. We interviewed 20 land developers across Florida to understand their perspectives on current barriers and potential incentives for tree preservation and planting. We collected data from developers, whose perspectives on tree preservation are often unknown or overlooked, despite their significant role in tree planting, removal, and retention in and around cities. Our results show that major barriers to tree preservation and planting include requirements to grade sites for stormwater management, site constraints, and monetary costs. Most developers did not know of any existing incentives beyond intrinsic motivations but said that financial incentives would be most appealing to them. Top incentive suggestions include increasing building density, reducing impact fees and tax liability, and changing tree mitigation policies. Another promising finding is that developers are willing to work with regulators to find solutions that benefit both parties. Future research should consider evaluating the level of support and viability of different incentives by gathering feedback from policymakers, land developers, and the public.

HYPERSPECTRAL IMAGING IN PRESERVATION OF CROATIA’S HISTORIC TREES: A CASE STUDY OF DEDEK OAK IN MAKSIMIR PARK

Abstract. This study focuses on the application of hyperspectral imaging techniques for the genetic preservation of historic trees, specifically investigating the 600-year-old "Dedek" Oak in Maksimir Park, Croatia. The research aims to contribute to the conservation of Croatia's natural heritage and underscore the potential of hyperspectral imaging in tree preservation. The Croatian Forest Research Institute has been actively involved in preserving the pedunculate oak trees, recognizing their cultural and ecological significance. Efforts have been made to cultivate seedlings from the original genetic material, thereby preventing the loss of valuable genes and ensuring their long-term preservation. Spectral signatures of "Dedek" Oak and its clones were captured using high-performance hyperspectral push broom cameras, including the HySpex VNIR-1800 and SWIR-384. Spectral camera scanning was conducted in the field and laboratory. The comparative analysis of the spectral samples revealed unique characteristics and demonstrated the effectiveness of hyperspectral imaging in studying historic trees for preservation purposes. The spectral signatures of vegetation display dynamic characteristics in terms of spectral resolution. Collecting and documenting these signatures is considerably more challenging, and their integration into spectral libraries should be approached with careful consideration. There are several spectral libraries that are organized by chapters and consist of samples that have a sufficient number of analysis and documentation to determine the quality of the spectrum. In this study, spectral signatures of pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.) called Dedek and its clones were singled out. The objective of this research was to establish a foundation for a spectral library that would facilitate future research on the application of hyperspectral scanners for detecting protected tree species and their clones, all for the purpose of preservation of the genetic diversity of protected trees in Croatia. The findings of this research contribute to the conservation of Croatia's natural heritage by providing valuable insights into the genetic preservation of the 600-year-old "Dedek" Oak. Also, determining the spectral signatures of clones can help us with the identification of specific tree species (especially during aerial imaging, which is planned to be conducted in the future). In conclusion, this research showcases the importance of preserving historic trees and the potential of hyperspectral imaging as a valuable tool for genetic preservation efforts. The study's outcomes contribute to the long-term conservation of Croatia's natural heritage and provide a foundation for future research in the field of tree preservation and spectral library inception.

Categorising the Tree Protection Legislative Provisions Implemented by Local Planning Authorities Globally

This study aims to categorise the tree protection legislative provisions (TPLPs) being implemented by local planning authorities (LPAs) worldwide to protect their urban trees. Through inductive thematic analysis of content in numerous LPA websites and the legislation documents downloaded from the websites, this study identified five categories of TPLPs: 1) Tree Felling Prohibition, 2) Significant Tree Register Establishment, 3) Tree Conservation Area Designation, 4) Tree Preservation Order (TPO), and 5) Tree Protection Planning Conditions. The first TPLPs category is for LPAs to prohibit tree felling or other tree damaging activities without their consent. The second category is to allow LPAs establishing registers of trees that are considered significant for protection. The third gives power to LPAs to designate their conservation areas and protect the trees inside the areas. Next, the TPO is the orders made by LPAs to protect specific trees, groups of trees or woodlands in the interests of amenity. The final TPLPscategory is about conditions imposed by LPAs on a grant of planning permission that requires the developers to retain and protect any tree. The comprehensive information gathered has also enabled and protected urban trees to be broadly categorised into two: 1) Regulated Trees, and 2) Registered Trees. Moreover, several concepts of urban tree protection were developed and described to elucidate the categorisation. The concepts are: “Prohibitive vs Directive” commands pertaining to approaches taken by LPAs to protect trees; “Specific vs Blanket” methods to declare the protected trees; and “To be Protected vs To be Preserved” status to explain implications of being in each of the protected urban tree categories.

Homeowner perceptions, knowledge, and decision making regarding residential trees and natural areas in a Midwestern U.S. suburb

Residential properties in the United States represent a considerable amount of land area and contain substantial tree cover. Homeowners are important decision makers in the management of city trees because they influence the structure of urban forests, and ultimately, ecosystem service potential. To better understand the perceptions, knowledge, and practices of homeowners regarding residential tree preservation, we surveyed owners of newer versus older homes in a midwestern suburb in the United States. We found that newer homeowners were younger, wealthier, and less knowledgeable about the natural aspects of their property. During the redevelopment process, they relied on professionals to make major decisions regarding tree preservation. In contrast, owners of older homes often identified as retirees and gardeners, had more knowledge of the natural aspects of their property, and were more likely to hire an arborist. Regardless of these differences, both homeowner groups expressed equal appreciation for nature, planted, pruned, and mulched their trees, experienced tree loss, hired landscaping and tree care professionals, and communicated with the City’s Forestry Section. The results of our study further clarify the role that homeowners play in decision-making during development and highlight the important relationships that exist between homeowners and urban forest professionals.

Four decades of urban land cover change in Philadelphia

Given ambitious tree canopy goals, land cover change analyses in cities are imperative. Urban tree canopy change analyses have been hindered by data with low categorical resolution (e.g., canopy vs. not canopy), over relatively short time horizons (5–10 years), representing only two points in time, and scarce linkages to other temporal datasets (e.g., historical socioeconomic data). In this study, using a land cover change data set with five cover classes spanning 40 years (1970–2010) for Philadelphia, PA (US), we asked: which types of land cover changes are most common, and how do those relate to and co-vary with socioeconomic change? Specifically, we tabulated land cover changes (i.e., transition sequences), applied multinomial logistic regression with socioeconomic variables as predictors of land cover change, and used cluster analyses to characterize neighborhood changes associated with land cover change. Land cover stability dominated the transition sequences: the four most common sequences were stable road (e.g. road-road-road-road-road), stable building, tree canopy, and herbaceous vegetation, collectively accounting for 62.57% of all sequences. Multinomial logistic regression identified that increases in homeownership, income, and educational attainment were associated with a higher probability of tree canopy persistence. Cluster analyses via Affinity Propagation showed that some Census tracts have similar land cover change trajectories, and yet different socioeconomic trends. These findings point towards opportunities to focus on tree preservation alongside the importance of establishing new tree canopy through planting. Our study demonstrates the mix of stability and dynamism in multidecadal urban land cover change, and the importance of connecting land cover changes with socioeconomic changes.

What's in a name? The importance of identity in heirloom apple tree preservation

Societal Impact StatementHistoric North American apple (Malus domestica) orchards that thrived in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with cultivar compositions unlike today's orchards, are vanishing. There are several reasons for this loss: tree aging, cost of tree maintenance, and urbanization. Many groups have collected local knowledge regarding the history and horticulture of apples using both phenotypic and genotypic identification methods. Some of these groups have joined with scientists to form the collaborative “Historic Fruit Tree Working Group of North America” to facilitate the conservation of heirloom apple cultivars in North America through documentation, identification, collaboration, and education.

Club stationary reflection and the special Aronszajn tree property

AbstractWe prove that it is consistent that Club Stationary Reflection and the Special Aronszajn Tree Property simultaneously hold on $\omega _2$ , thereby contributing to the study of the tension between compactness and incompactness in set theory. The poset which produces the final model follows the collapse of an ineffable cardinal first with an iteration of club adding (with anticipation) and second with an iteration specializing Aronszajn trees.In the first part of the paper, we prove a general theorem about specializing Aronszajn trees on $\omega _2$ after forcing with what we call $\mathcal {F}$ -Strongly Proper posets, where $\mathcal {F}$ is either the weakly compact filter or the filter dual to the ineffability ideal. This type of poset, of which the Levy collapse is a degenerate example, uses systems of exact residue functions to create many strongly generic conditions. We prove a new result about stationary set preservation by quotients of this kind of poset; as a corollary, we show that the original Laver–Shelah model, which starts from a weakly compact cardinal, satisfies a strong stationary reflection principle, although it fails to satisfy the full Club Stationary Reflection. In the second part, we show that the composition of collapsing and club adding (with anticipation) is an $\mathcal {F}$ -Strongly Proper poset. After proving a new result about Aronszajn tree preservation, we show how to obtain the final model.

Homebuilder Activities and Knowledge of Tree Preservation during Construction: Comparison of Practitioners in Rural and Urban Locations

Preservation of existing trees is one of the few tools available to communities seeking to maintain or increase tree canopy coverage. This study compared the knowledge and activities of builders in an urban locale with a strict tree preservation ordinance and rigorous enforcement against a rural locale with no tree preservation ordinance. Overall, there were more similarities than differences between the two groups though some of those differences are very important. Urban builders and rural builders scored a very similar average of correct responses on questions testing their knowledge: 63% and 65%, respectively. The major difference between urban and rural appears to be in activities as dictated by ordinance. Urban builders were more likely to consult tree preservation experts and use tree fence to create tree protection zones. The successful tree preservation outcomes in the urban community are likely a direct result of ordinance requirements and enforcement by the City Forester, not builders’ knowledge or their conscious decisions.

Logic and Effectiveness of Urban Tree Preservation: A Comparative Case Study of Charlotte and San Antonio

While most U.S. cities have a tree protection policy, the subsequent impact on the reduction of canopy loss is unclear. To rectify this, I utilize a theoretically grounded framework of influence comprised of clear identification of the problem/public support, adequate resources, and sound policy logic. This is then tested in a comparative case study of Charlotte, North Carolina, and San Antonio, Texas. While Charlotte benefits from public recognition of the problem and adequate resources, its regulations are weak, lacking a logical connection to aspirational outcomes. San Antonio's regulations are stronger, but combined with weaker problem identification and resources. Through quantitative and qualitative assessments, I find that San Antonio's strict regulations may have stabilized loss rates, while Charlotte's weaker rules have not. Results highlight the importance of policy logic over other commonly suggested determinants of natural resource protection.

ARONSZAJN TREE PRESERVATION AND BOUNDED FORCING AXIOMS

AbstractI investigate the relationships between three hierarchies of reflection principles for a forcing class $\Gamma $ : the hierarchy of bounded forcing axioms, of $\Sigma ^1_1$ -absoluteness, and of Aronszajn tree preservation principles. The latter principle at level $\kappa $ says that whenever T is a tree of height $\omega _1$ and width $\kappa $ that does not have a branch of order type $\omega _1$ , and whenever ${\mathord {\mathbb P}}$ is a forcing notion in $\Gamma $ , then it is not the case that ${\mathord {\mathbb P}}$ forces that T has such a branch. $\Sigma ^1_1$ -absoluteness serves as an intermediary between these principles and the bounded forcing axioms. A special case of the main result is that for forcing classes that don’t add reals, the three principles at level $2^\omega $ are equivalent. Special attention is paid to certain subclasses of subcomplete forcing, since these are natural forcing classes that don’t add reals.

TREE PRESERVATION ORDER (ACT 172) ADOPTION PROCESS WITHIN THE NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLANNING FRAMEWORK

This study was conducted to obtain comprehensive information on the process of Tree Preservation Order or TPO (Act 172) adoption by the states in the context of National Development Planning Framework (NDPF) that includes the formulation and adoption of TPO Rules. The study was part of the authors’ research in finding answers to the lack of TPO (Act 172) implementation in the country. The data were acquired through consultation with PLANMalaysia and state JPBDs, and by reviewing the agencies’ documents. The results, presented in the form of process flowcharts, would be useful for the current and future research in making evaluation concerning the adequacy of planning and actions taken during the adoption process that would ensure TPO (Act 172) implementation. This study preliminarily concludes that the planning and actions taken were adequate, i.e., done in an orderly manner and followed the procedures common to the NDPF. However, the next step in ensuring that the TPO (Act 172) adoption is effective, TPO (Act 172) implementation must be put as high priority in the work plans of each related agency.

Tree preservation during construction: An evaluation of a comprehensive municipal tree ordinance

In the United States, urban forests represent 35 % of all urban land cover, and deliver benefits to nearly two-thirds of the population. As global urban populations continue to rise, however, redevelopment is continually reported as a major factor in reduced canopy cover. While urban trees provide us with measurable benefits when adequately maintained, their costs when not cared for remains poorly understood. In order to safeguard the benefits that urban forests provide, municipalities have begun to introduce ordinances with the intention to protect and manage trees within their community. The aim of this study was to better understand the condition and survival outcomes of residential trees intended to be preserved through a municipal tree preservation ordinance. The results of this study found that a comprehensive tree preservation ordinance can successfully protect tree and soil health during and after residential development occurs. This is evident through an overall preservation rate of nearly 75 %, having found no correlation between proximity to newly developed foundation and observed tree condition or mortality, and the discovery of healthy soil compaction levels within tree protection areas and the critical root zones of preserved trees. Collaborative research as demonstrated by this project can help both academics and professionals gain a better understanding of how to best manage their own urban forests.

Indigenous farming transitions, sociocultural hybridity and sustainability in rural Senegal

For many centuries, the indigenous agricultural and cultural systems of the Serer people of Senegambia ensured soil fertility, crop rotation, tree preservation, mixed farming and herding, yielding one of the highest population densities in the pre-colonial Sahel. In the 20th century, as population grew, soil fertility declined and climate change produced regular droughts, Serer farming systems changed to creatively combine many indigenous techniques with some modern practices. The Serer hybrid farming system that emerged especially after the late 1960s is demonstrably more productive than modern or indigenous techniques practiced in pure form (Faye et al., 2020). Given the productivity of hybrid farming techniques, this article asks: Who adopts them? And under what circumstances? Building on years of participant observation supplemented with a survey of 742 Serer farmers, I tested several competing explanations from neo-liberal, feminist, and cultural ecological approaches to understand why and among whom hybrid farming occurs. Multiple regression analysis shows a strong relationship between cultural syncretism and hybrid farming. Farming techniques are not just a matter of isolated, individual choice, but also work through the social and cultural systems that support agriculture. The more these systems reflect established patterns of mixing cultural elements, borrowing from outside and blending into and transforming Serer tradition, the greater the likelihood that farmers will use hybrid techniques. These findings have implications both for agricultural sustainability and for recognizing the sociocultural embeddedness of seemingly individual choices.

Evaluating the effects of trenching on growth, physiology and uprooting resistance of two urban tree species over 51-months

Excavation within the root-zone of urban trees is increasing rapidly in compact cities for the installation and repair of belowground infrastructures, but research on excavation damages is mostly limited to the assessment of their effects on growth and dieback, while effects on physiology and long-term stability are still elusive. This experiment was aimed to understand long-term mechanisms of tree response to root severance. Two urban tree species (Aesculus hippocastanum and Tilia x europaea) were subjected to two different root damage intensities by digging either one, or two parallel (either side of the root flare) trenches. An equal number of trees were left undamaged as control. Shoot elongation and DBH growth were measured at the end of each growing season for four years after severance. Root system area was measured after the excavation and four years later. Leaf gas exchange, water relations, and chlorophyll fluorescence were assessed during the growing seasons over a 51-month period after severance. The effects on tree stability were evaluated 2 and 44 months after root severance by conducting pulling-tests and by calculating a theoretical uprooting resistance index based on the size of the root system. Results showed that, even at the most severe root damage treatments, which removed up to 70% of the root system, tree survival, growth and physiology were little affected. CO2 assimilation declined by 16%−25%, mostly due to stomatal limitations, as also supported by a 0.7%−1.9% decrease in the maximum quantum yield of PSII (Fv/Fm). Excavation reduced stem diameter growth rate by 16%−28% and shoot elongation by 30%−41%, compared to control. Although the disturbance to tree physiology induced by excavation had a moderate intensity, the ability to recover from such damage over a 51-month period was scarce, particularly in Aesculus. Results indicate that root damage acts as a predisposing factor which reduces in the long term the capacity of trees to withstand co-occurring stresses by decreasing carbon availability for growth and defence. Similarly, the ability of trees to withstand uprooting was reduced by excavation, and no full recovery occurred in the following 44 months, when uprooting resistance was still 20%–66% lower in damaged plants compared to control, depending on the severity of the damage. A strong correlation (R2 = 0.822) was found between results of the pulling test and the uprooting resistance index. This study highlights the importance of integrating physiological parameters for a better prescription of tree preservation guidelines during excavation work.

Outcome Oriented Policy: Protecting the Urban Forest Through Tree Preservation and Complementary Land Development Regulations in Austin, Texas

The City of Austin has some of the most progressive urban forest and environmental land development regulations in the country. The City directly protects trees and forested natural areas through tree preservation ordinances and indirectly through development restrictions on impervious cover, endangered species habitat, and limiting development in environmentally sensitive areas. This suite of regulations has contributed to an overall canopy coverage of 37% with much of that canopy preserved in perpetuity despite Austin being one of the fastest growing cities in the country.

Long-term effects and development of a tree preservation program on tree condition, survival, and growth

A long-term research study in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA investigated how construction (i.e., repairs to streets, curbs, and sidewalks) affected tree condition, survival, and growth compared to control trees outside construction zones and effects of a tree preservation program on reducing construction impacts. This study is divided into three periods: (1) a limited implementation period (1979–1989) prior to a formal tree preservation program, (2) an intermediate implementation period (1989–2005) during the development and refinement of a tree preservation program, and (3) a full implementation period (2005–2018) after comprehensive execution of the tree preservation program. During the initial limited preservation period, baseline measurements from 1989 showed trees in construction zones died at a higher annual rate (4.1% actual) and had a lower tree condition rating (5.7% actual) in the limited implementation period (1979–1989) as compared to the other two periods. During the intermediate implementation period (i.e. program under development), construction activities resulted in a reduced effect on tree condition (2.4% actual) as measured in 2005. Tree survival and condition in the full implementation period were similar between trees associated with construction zones and non-impacted control trees measured in 2018. Results demonstrate the effect of a tree preservation program on promoting healthy trees in construction zones. Significant findings also show the importance of growing space with trees farther away from curbs and sidewalks having a higher tree condition and survival rate in all three periods. Findings from this study can encourage city-wide-preservation programs elsewhere to protect public street trees from construction.

THE IMPLEMENTATION OF TREE PRESERVATION ORDER IN URBAN ENVIRONMENT: PUBLIC AND LOCAL AUTHORITY PERCEPTION

Trees are natural assets that play a vital role in the environment and living things on earth. Every tree has its own values, importance and benefits that can make a huge impact, especially in terms of enhancing the urban environment. Thus, the Tree Preservation Order (TPO) has been introduced all over the world, including Malaysia, to protect the trees. Although there are numerous studies about the importance of trees in urban areas, there are still not many studies on the TPO in Malaysia. The implementation of TPO in Malaysia is still not sufficient because of the awareness and challenges in implementing the order. This study analyses the perceptions of the public and local authorities in implementing the TPO in the urban environment. The study managed to get fifty (50) respondents from the questionnaire survey conducted, and interview four representatives from the Department of Landscape and Recreation Development and Department of Planning of Kuala Lumpur City Hall (KLCH). The officers were interviewed in order to study the perception of the local authority on implementing the TPO in urban environment. Based on the result obtained, the study found out that the public has awareness, knowledge and proper understanding of the implementation of TPO. However, according to the local authority, the public’s awareness and knowledge of TPO is still lacking. The local authority faces several issues and challenges in implementing the TPO because of the lack of the awareness of TPO on the part of the public. Hence, public awareness and knowledge can also help the local authority in the implementation of TPO in the urban environment.