When immovable infrastructure meets irresistible trees: Using tree biology to make informed planting decisions.

Summary

Trees are an integral part of the urban landscape from backyards to lining our streets. Media outlets cover disease and invasive pest issues in urban forests, but there is little mention regarding infrastructure and planting challenges facing urban foresters. Research has shown urban trees provide numerous benefits for society, many of which are not realized until trees have grown to a mature size. Trees are removed every year because of their conflict with urban infrastructure. Trunk flares may lift sidewalks and tree canopies often interfere with buildings or overhead utilities. This study’s intent was to create biological growth models for common Minnesota street tree species to provide urban foresters a practical method to predict urban tree form ultimately helping to better inform planting decisions to conflicts with urban infrastructure.