Trees In Urban Landscapes Research Articles

Non-Invasive Assessment of the Internal Condition of Urban Trees Infested by Two Cerambycid Beetles, Aromia bungii and Massicus raddei, Using Sonic Tomography

The introduction of wood-boring insects to non-native areas can pose a significant threat to global forest ecosystems. Aromia bungii and Massicus raddei, native to Asia including Korea but potentially important in urban forestry worldwide, are severe trunk borers that have recently infested host trees in urban landscapes of Korea. The signs of external injury can help identify cerambycid-infested trees. However, assessing the internal condition of trees without causing damage is challenging, which hinders the management of infested trees that are still alive. This study evaluated the potential use of sonic tomography to assess injury characteristics in the woody parts of trees, such as Prunus × yedoensis and Quercus palustris infested by A. bungii and M. raddei, respectively. Among the 45 investigated trees, the number of holes on external parts was recorded by visual examination. Sonic tomography images revealed decayed areas, allowing for a comparison of internal damage between infested and non-infested trees. The internal status of trees infested by the two cerambycid beetles differed from that of healthy trees. While some healthy trees exhibited minimal internal damage, those that were not infested by beetles showed decayed areas, potentially caused by non-biological factors such as frozen cracks. In conclusion, sonic tomography equipment can potentially be used for non-invasive assessment of internal injuries caused by wood-boring insects in urban trees.

Role of Street trees in Urban Landscape: A Resource Audit

Street trees first considered as an ornamentation of the city landscape while brings unique identity to the city. Sri Lanka being a bio diversity hotspot large variety of trees and shrubs were available and used as part of urban landscape ornamentation. Choice of street trees based on agroclimatic zone, cultural identities, characteristics and multipurpose nature of the species. Main focus of study was to explore the role of street trees in ornamentation of cities and identify uniqueness brought to the city landscape, find out ecosystem services provided by the street trees and find out socially, culturally, economically and environmentally suitable trees species for cities located in different agroclimatic zones of Sri Lanka. Case study approach was instrumental for this study. Main data collection tools were field observations, in-depth interviews with city dwellers (45), visitors (35), officers of municipal council and urban development authority (10) and scientists (3) and policy makers (3) and maps of the cities considered for the study. Present study based on the street tree profile of 5 main cities (Colombo, Galle, Matara, Anuradhapura and Kandy), town (Bandarawela, Kaluthara, Hambantota, Rathnapura, Peradeniya and Batticaloa) and small town (Suriyawewa, Ambalongoda, Bandaragama, Mawenella, Aluthgama and Mirissa). Street trees of the main cities were ornamented by culturally imported tree species while street of the town areas was appeared with diverse mixture of trees. In Contrast economically importuned trees were common in small towns. Typology of street trees were developed using seven dimensions; social benefits, functional properties, resistant to urban environment, environmental constraints, cultural constraints and limitation constraints. 6 species were identified as the most suitable for street posadas among 15 species found in street trees. Street trees played multifunctional role in urban landscape other than its themed ornamentation role. 
 Keywords: Ecosystem services, Street, trees, Urban landscape

Effects of fertilizer application on the growth of Stranvaesia davidiana D. seedlings.

Wild plants represent a potential source of urban landscape trees. Stranvaesia davidiana Dcne. is a member of the Stranvaesia Lindl. Genus, which belongs to family Rosaceae Juss. It has great ornamental value. It can contribute to urban color foliage and fruit species. However, the most effective fertilizer application strategy required for its cultivation is unknown. Therefore, we conducted an orthogonal experiment to investigate the fertilizer type and level (pure nitrogen) using ten experimental groups, including an untreated control group. Pot experiments were used to determine the growth indices of seedlings, including plant height, basal diameter, and chlorophyll content post-fertilizer treatment. This study explored the most appropriate fertiler application model for the growth of S. davidiana seedlings. The results revealed that enhanced seedling growth depended on the type and amount of fertilizer used, and their interaction. Fertilizer application increased the plant height by 2.67 cm to 12.26 cm, basal diameter by 0.39 cm to 0.75 cm, and chlorophyll content by 5.66 to 19.86. Among the different types of fertilizer, organic fertilizer increased the plant height by 0.42 cm to 9.59 cm and basal diameter by 0.01 cm to 0.05 cm, compared with the control group. Organic fertilizer had the maximum effect on seedling growth, especially at medium levels. The total growth of basal diameter and chlorophyll content was 1.58 ± 0.04 cm and 39.53 ± 2.37, respectively. Basal diameter is the most critical index in seedling reproduction . The study results suggest that the application of 4.06 g of organic fertilizer per plant was the most effective, and served as a basis for further field trials.

Mechanisms of trunk cavity formation of large old trees in urban landscapes: A case study on four tree species in Beijing

Cavity trees play a crucial role in enhancing urban biodiversity, despite limited habitat space. Understanding these aspects is of paramount importance for promoting biodiversity in urban environments. Nevertheless, there is a paucity of extensive research on the characteristics and formation mechanisms of cavity trees across diverse tree species in urban landscapes. In this study, Arbotom sonic tree tomography was used to identify cavity cores within four representative large old tree species in Beijing, encompassing two broadleaved species [Styphnolobium japonicum (L.) Schott, n = 301; and Ginkgo biloba L., n = 100] and two conifer species [Platycladus orientalis (L.) Franco, n = 515; and Pinus tabuliformis Carr., n = 404]. We introduce a cavity index to quantify tree decay and explore cavity characteristics and formation mechanisms across different tree species. Our results reveal that the cavity index is primarily linked to diameter at breast height (DBH), tree age, and trunk health in the four large old tree species studied. The formation of cavities in trees is primarily attributed to external disturbances that lead to tree damage. Subsequent fungal infections occur when a tree's defense mechanisms fail to prevent them, resulting in trunk decay and the formation of cavities. It is worth noting that different tree species exhibit varying defense mechanisms, with coniferous species generally displaying stronger defenses than broad-leaved species. In summary, the formation of cavity trees in urban landscapes is influenced by a combination of internal and external factors, with the tree species' defense mechanisms and the extent of external disturbances determining cavity characteristics. The findings indicate a higher likelihood of cavities in the outer parts of large old trees in southern regions compared with those in northern regions. Coniferous species also exhibited fewer cavities than broad-leaved species. Further, urban trees are more susceptible to external damage that can lead to cavity development, thereby necessitating attention to their growth environment and morphological conditions. However, understanding these factors can aid managers in crafting conservation policies that enhance urban biodiversity and provide habitats for urban wildlife, thereby maximizing the societal benefits.

Transplanted Ginkgo growth rates indicate common Chinese nursery techniques may severely limit urban ecosystem services

China has experienced history's largest rural-to-urban migration. The social, economic, and environmental challenges brought about by urbanization are diverse and complex. Given China's national goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060 and commitment to urban sustainability, large cities have focused on urban greening initiatives. Yet, studies seeking to quantify ecosystem services and disservices only assess healthy, mature trees, rather than those with severe damage, declining health, or lack of vitality due to poor management. In this short communication, we conducted a case-study in one of China's major nursery stock-producing cities, Chengdu, on a common street tree, Ginkgo biloba, to assess the long-term impact of one of the most common yet extreme nursery transplant practices on tree growth (traumatic root-cutting of ‘super-large’ nursery stock). We used tree-ring data collected in a typical urban greenspace from 23 Ginkgo trees, including 18 trees transplanted as ‘super-large’ nursery stock and a control group (5 trees) transplanted as small-caliper trees. We found the trees transplanted as ‘super-large’ nursery stock experienced declining tree growth with decades of lost landscape potential likely due to traumatic root-cutting at the time of transplant from nursery to landscape. The control group allowed contrast between the growth patterns of ‘super-large’ transplanted trees with those that remained healthy, being transplanted as smaller-caliper trees. For the ‘super-large’ trees, we found a decrease in carbon sequestration from 7.6 kg C yr−1 on average per tree in 2001 to about 1.5 kg C yr−1 on average per tree in 2021, while no decreasing trends were observed among the control trees. This implies a negative impact on multiple expected ecosystem services including carbon sequestration, shade, canopy coverage, and pollutant mitigation. These results highlight the unrecognized costs of common Chinese nursery and transplant techniques on urban landscape trees, necessitating more research, science-based policies, and better management techniques.

Urban trees of the Nilgiris district, Tamil Nadu, India

The study presents the current status of trees in urban landscapes of the Nilgiris district. In this study, 171 species belonging to 127 genera and 59 families were identified. The angiosperms were represented by 156 species and the gymnosperms by 15 species, identified as potential urban trees, including both wild and ornamental tree species. Among the 171 species, the Fabaceae were the dominant family (19 species), followed by the Myrtaceae (13 species) and Cupressaceae (6 species). Ornamentals accounted for 24% of all the species. A complete list of the recorded urban trees is provided, supplemented with their potential economic value.

Effects of leaf microstructures on the water storage capacity of common urban landscape trees

AbstractLeaf surface characteristics are the key to determine the water storage capacity of tree canopy and then determine the water interception capacity of the entire stands. We selected 10 common tree species in Qingdao, China, as experimental materials to determine the relationship between the leaf water storage capacity and the microstructure of leaf surfaces. The results revealed that water storage capacity varied from 110.16 to 181.35 g·m−2 on tree branch surfaces and 122.58 to 193.24 g·m−2 on leaf surfaces in these species. Prunus serrulata with the highest leaf storage capacity had low wettability and high roughness, while Platanus acerifolia with the lowest leaf storage capacity had high wettability and low roughness. Among them, leaf roughness played an important role in work‐of‐adhesion for rainfall. With an increasing roughness, the raindrops increasingly adhered to the leaf surface, and leaf water storage capacity increased. Thus, the effects of leaf surface properties on hydrological processes cannot be ignored, and this study is of great significance for demonstrating their impacts on water storage capacity and further promoting sponge city construction by using trees.

The large-scale period of atmospheric trace metal deposition to urban landscape trees as a biomonitor

The large-scale period of atmospheric trace metal deposition to urban landscape trees as a biomonitor

The use of wood vinegar as a non-synthetic herbicide for control of broadleaf weeds

Pruning trees in urban landscapes produces a large amount of pruning waste. Pyrolysis is a process that thermally converts lignocellulosic biomass to a number of useful products, including wood vinegar. The objectives of this research were to 1) identify the composition and property of wood vinegar resulting from the pyrolysis of elm (Ulmus spp.) tree pruning waste and 2) evaluate the efficacy of wood vinegar for control of several broadleaf weed species. Acids along with various other chemical groups including alcohols, aldehydes, carbohydrates, phenols, nitrides, and ketones were identified in wood vinegar. Water constituted the highest proportion of wood vinegar, accounted for 77 % by weight. In growth chamber experiments, wood vinegar at 4000 L ha−1 showed 95 % injury and 76 % fresh aboveground biomass reduction of perilla mint [Perilla frutescens (L.) Britt.] compared to the nontreated control at 7 d after treatment, whereas a 2000 L ha-1 application volume caused 80 % injury, with 60 % biomass reduction. The efficacy of 1000 or 2000 L ha−1 application volume were significantly lower. In field experiments, wood vinegar showed varying levels of control for perilla mint, creeping woodsorrel (Oxalis corniculata L.), and Carolina geranium (Geranium carolinianum L.). While wood vinegar at 4000 L ha-1 provided 100 % control of perilla mint and control of creeping woodsorrel and Carolina geranium were 82 % at best. Further, faster and greater control was achieved at low temperatures (10 °C) compared with high temperature conditions (20 or 30 °C). Overall, these findings suggest that wood vinegar derived from the pyrolysis of pruning waste can be used as a non-synthetic herbicide for control of broadleaf weeds.

Assessment of the Diversity of Large Tree Species in Rapidly Urbanizing Areas along the Chao Phraya River Rim, Central Thailand

Urban trees provide numerous ecosystem services in cities such as pollution absorption and reduced urban heat island intensity, energy use, and mental fatigue. Understanding urban tree species diversity can enhance tree planning and management in rapidly urbanizing areas. However, few studies have examined the effects of urbanization on urban tree diversity in Thailand. This study assessed the diversity of large trees in urban landscapes including 11 cities along the 372 km Chao Phraya River Rim in central Thailand. Species diversity, importance value, and distribution were evaluated in each city. Our survey documented 987 large trees belonging to 65 species, 48 genera, and 31 families. The dominant species of Dipterocarpus alatus and Hopea odorata had the highest importance and relative abundance. The highest abundance of large trees was seen in the rural city of Sing Buri, while large urban cities such as Ayutthaya and Bangkok exhibited the highest species diversity. Detrended correspondence analysis indicated that the diversity of unique species was high in large urban cities, while dominant and common species were ubiquitous in rural cities. These findings suggest that large trees are few in number but exhibit high species diversity in large rapidly urbanizing cities. Therefore, preserving good site conditions is critical for the survival of large trees in urban cities. Heritage tree registration may aid preservation efforts and enhance the benefits of these large trees in rapidly urbanizing areas.

Correction to: Seasonal variations in photosynthetic functions of the urban landscape tree species Ginkgo biloba: photoperiod is a key trait

Correction to: Seasonal variations in photosynthetic functions of the urban landscape tree species Ginkgo biloba: photoperiod is a key trait

Evapotranspiration of Urban Landscape Trees and Turfgrass in an Arid Environment: Potential Trade-offs in the Landscape

Irrigation in arid urban landscapes can use significant amounts of water. Water conservation must be based on plant species and the ability to meet plant water requirements while minimizing overirrigation. However, actual evapotranspiration (ET) estimates for landscape trees and turfgrass in arid environments are poorly documented, especially direct comparisons to assess potential trade-offs. We conducted research to quantify ET of 10 common landscape tree species grown in southern Nevada and compared these values with the ET of both a warm season and cool season turfgrass species. The trees were grown in a plot with a high-density planting (256 trees/ha). A complete morphological assessment was made on each tree, and monitoring of plant water status was conducted monthly. ET was quantified with a hydrologic balance approach, irrigating based on the previous week’s ET to eliminate a drainage component. Transpiration was estimated with sap-flow sensors, and evaporation was estimated by difference. Although ET in liters revealed no statistical difference based on species, there were many significant differences in tree morphological parameters (P < 0.05), such as found with basal canopy area. When ET was converted to centimeters based on standardizing the ET on a basal canopy area basis, statistically higher ET values (P < 0.05) were generated for three of the trees (Lagerstroemia indica, Gleditsia tricanthos, and Fraxinus velutina ‘Modesto’). A clear separation of all tree ET values (lower ET) with turfgrass ET occurred (P < 0.001), with the exception of L. indica. Backward regression analysis revealed that all morphological and physiological parameters were eliminated with the exception of percent cover in predicting ET (cm, R2 = 0.88, P < 0.001). In addition, a highly curvilinear relationship existed between decreasing percent tree cover and ET on a basal canopy area basis (R2 = 0.96, P < 0.001), revealing that smaller trees located within the plot had significantly higher ET (centimeters). Tree-to-grass water use ratios demonstrated that all species except L. indica had ratios significantly below 1.0, indicating that on the basis of this study, landscapes dominated by mature trees irrigated at ET would have lower water use rates than similar areas planted to turfgrass, with the exception of the smaller L. indica. The results suggest that the smaller trees within the higher planting density plot were partially released from a negative feedback on transpiration that occurred in the larger trees based on reduced canopy atmospheric coupling.

Seasonal variations in photosynthetic functions of the urban landscape tree species Gingko biloba: photoperiod is a key trait

Seasonal variations in the leaf photosynthetic traits of an urban tree, Ginkgo biloba, were almost synchronized with the photoperiod. Non-stomatal limitations were a cue for photosynthesis in Ginkgo biloba. Photosynthetic functions, which are key traits in determining the carbon uptake of urban trees, exhibit significant seasonal variations in temperate zones. It is essential to clarify the seasonal dynamics of photosynthesis to evaluate the CO2 uptake in urban areas. We investigated seasonal variations in the photosynthetic traits of Ginkgo biloba, which is a major urban deciduous tall tree often planted in Japan. Seasonal variations in the leaf photosynthetic traits, including the maximum photosynthesis rate, maximum carboxylation rate, and mesophyll and stomatal conductance, were well fitted to quadratic models, in which they peaked around the summer solstice and then declined with time. Seasonal variations in the environmental variables, such as photoperiod, temperature, and solar radiation, were compared to those of the leaf photosynthetic traits, in which the photoperiod explained well variations in the leaf photosynthetic traits. Seasonal variations in photosynthesis were largely governed by non-stomatal limitations, i.e., mesophyll and biochemical limitations. The high synchrony of the photoperiod and photosynthetic traits during leaf maturation may cause an enhancement in the daily carbon uptake of G. biloba leaves around the summer solstice, which has the longest photoperiod, and thus, will lead to an increase in the annual carbon uptake.

Relating the climate envelopes of urban tree species to their drought and thermal tolerance

Analysing the climate envelope of plant species has been suggested as a tool to predict the vulnerability of tree species in future urban climates. However, there is little evidence that the climate envelope of a plant species directly relates to the drought and thermal tolerance of that species, at least not at the resolution required to identify or rank species vulnerability. Here, we attempted to predict drought and thermal tolerance of commonly used urban tree species using climate variables derived exclusively from open-source global occurrence data. We quantified three drought and thermal tolerance traits for 43 urban tree species in a common garden experiment: stomatal sensitivity to vapour pressure deficit, leaf water potential at the turgor loss point, and leaf thermal tolerance. We then attempted to predict each tolerance trait from variables derived from the climate envelope of each species, using occurrence data from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility. We found no strong relationships between drought and thermal tolerance traits and climatic variables. Across wide environmental gradients, plant tolerance and climate are inherently linked. But our results suggest that climate envelopes determined from species occurrence data alone may not predict drought or thermal tolerance at the resolution required to select tree species for future urban forests. We should focus on identifying the most relevant strategies and traits required to describe tolerance which in combination with climate envelope analysis should ultimately predict growth and mortality of trees in urban landscapes.

The Complex Issue of Urban Trees—Stress Factor Accumulation and Ecological Service Possibilities

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.

Biochemical response and interactions between arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and plant growth promoting rhizobacteria during establishment and stimulating growth of Arizona cypress (Cupressus arizonica G.) under drought stress

Arizona cypress is a major urban landscape tree many of which have declined in the recent years. Although the cause for this decline is complicated, drought is generally thought to be a leading factor. This study was designed to investigate the effects of artificial inoculation of seedlings of a major urban forest tree, Arizona cypress (Cupressus arizonica Green) with beneficial microorganisms under the water stress. We conducted this research with three factors comprising arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inoculation with Rhizophagus irregularis or Funneliformis mosseae or a combination of the both fungi species (CF), bacterial inoculation with Pseudomonas fluorescens (PF) and non-inoculated controls, and two levels of irrigation including well-watered (WW) and severe-water deficiency (SWD) using three replications of each treatment. The results clearly showed that SWD adversely affected root colonization, morphological parameters, relative water content, and soluble carbohydrate content. However, antioxidant enzyme contents (i.e. catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase), hydrogen peroxide, malondialdehyde, and proline increased as a result of water stress. Moreover, AMF-inoculated plants grew better than non-inoculated plants under SWD conditions. Dual-inoculated plants with CF and PF inoculation accumulated more ascorbate peroxidase and glutathione peroxidase than plants with merely PF or AMF inoculation under SWD conditions. Inoculated plants significantly decreased the water deficit-induced hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde in Arizona cypress leaves. In conclusion, the symbiotic association between PF and AMF can alleviate water-deficit damage and improve water stress tolerance in the Arizona cypress.

Reproductive Phenology of Lannea coromandelica (Houtt.) Merr.

Lannea coromandelica (Houtt.) Merr. is a fast growing, large size deciduous tree which is widely used for Jhingan gum extraction, timber, ornamental and medicinal purpose. The better understanding of phenology will help us to efficient utilization of these trees in urban landscapes and agroforestry systems. The present investigation revealed that L. coromandelica was starts flowering from Mid-January to March. It has a mean of 26 flowers per inflorescence with 0.54 % fruit set and 0.80% seed set around.The fruits attain harvest maturity at 18th week after anthesis with a distinctive colour change from light red to darker red colour. Seeds are orthodox in nature and have maximum of 52.67% germination.

The growth and genetic potentials of gempol (Nauclea orientalis L.) as shading trees in urban landscapes

Gempol (Nauclea orientalis L.) is a fast-growing species with a wide crown and large diameter. This native species has the ability to replenish soil fertility and to control erosion and may be integrated in urban landscapes for genetic conservation purposes. However, the ecological function of the species as well as the genetic potentials of this species have not been investigated. This study aimed to assess the growth performance and to evaluate the genetic potentials of gempol by utilizing the progeny test stand that was established in 2011 using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). The area was divided into 10 blocks in which each block was represented by 49 families planted using 4-tree-plot replication. The observation showed that as much as 67% of the trees had a straight stem form with the average score of 4.38. The diameter ranged between 9.17 – 14.23 cm, with a total height that ranged 5.90 – 8.60 m and a crown diameter with a range of 2.06 – 3.32 m. Depending on the traits, the heritability varied between low to high. Clear bole height performed the highest heritability with a value of 0.60 (family) and 0.52 (individual). A Crown diameter indicated a moderate positive correlation with a diameter degree of 0.328 and denoted a strong positive correlation with a total height degree of 0.798.

Genome Size, Ploidy, and Base Composition of Wild and Cultivated Acer

Acer is a large and important genus of woody plants most commonly encountered as small to large trees in urban landscapes. Considerable investigation has been devoted to addressing the taxonomy of maples, but little is known about genome sizes across the genus. Relatively more work has been conducted to determine chromosome numbers and ploidy of more species, but much could be gained by expanding knowledge of genome sizes in combination with traditional cytology. Furthermore, base pair (bp) composition may have implications for a species’ adaptability and also impacts nucleic acid stability at high temperatures. Our objectives were to determine the genome size of 195 accessions of maples, assign ploidy to each using inference as well as cytology, and determine base composition of a subset of 48 accessions. Most species had small genome sizes (1.4–3.5 pg) with the exception of section Rubra, which contains many polyploids. Holoploid genome sizes ranged from 1.39 to 6.10 pg, with the latter being interpreted as 9x. The mean monoploid genome sizes (1Cx) ranged from 0.43 pg in A. carpinifolium (section Indivisa) to 1.66 pg in A. caudatifolium (section Macrantha); mean monoploid genome sizes were significantly different among sections. Forty-four of the 48 accessions measured using both fluorochromes had greater estimates with 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) than propidium iodide (PI). The proportion of the genome composed of guanosine and cytosine (GC%) among the taxa evaluated in this study ranged from just 38.61% to 43.96% and did not appear to be related to ecological adaptability or urban tolerance among these taxa.

Strategic planning for cultivation of fruit trees and shrubs in urban landscapes using the SWOT method: A case study for the city of Mashhad, Iran

In urban landscape planning, using or not-using fruitful trees and shrubs as part of urban agriculture is a significant challenge. This study evaluated the important factors affecting cultivation of fruitful shrubs and trees in urban landscapes. It also utilized these factors in developing effective strategies for cultivation of these groups of plants in landscaping of the metropolitan city of Mashhad, Iran. It would be crucial for urban landscape managers and decision-makers to understand the relative importance of the affecting factors and to develop effective planning strategies for using these groups of plants in urban landscaping. To support their decision making process, a SWOT analysis approach was applied. Twelve factors and their relative weighting were examined through focus group interviews. This was followed by a semi-structured questionnaire survey with landscape decision makers in the city of Mashhad. The results suggested a range of SWOT strategies among which Strength-Threat (ST) strategies were the most important strategies. These ST strategies should be applied in productive cultivation of trees and shrubs in landscape development in the city of Mashhad. One of the main strategies which might be applicable for urban agriculture development in developing countries is using germplasms of native fruit trees with low water requirements. Using native species leads to sustainable use of local water and soil resources that are critical in these countries, such as the countries in the Middle East, on the benefit of employing more labors that are relatively cheap. This can also improve satisfaction of the society with reduction in unemployment rates.