Urban Trees more Susceptible to Heat Waves and Drought than Rural Trees, Study Finds
A recent study published in Ecological Applications reveals that trees in urban areas like New York City and Boston are more negatively affected by heat waves and drought compared to trees of the same species in nearby rural forests. This research, conducted by scientists at the Advanced Science Research Center at the CUNY Graduate Center, emphasizes the importance of tailored urban forestry management to protect tree species and combat urban heat islands in the face of climate change.
The study comes at a critical time, with global temperatures on the rise and ongoing hot summers breaking records. As cities grapple with the impacts of climate change, understanding the challenges faced by urban trees and the Ecosystem Services they provide is crucial. Key findings of the study include: urban trees in NYC and Boston are more vulnerable to heat waves and drought, their growth rates and carbon storage capabilities decrease significantly during extreme weather conditions, and the urban environment with its hotter, drier conditions and higher pollution levels exacerbates the vulnerability of urban trees to climate stress.
Researchers used tree core samples from urban and rural forests to analyze historical growth rates and compared these with climate data. The results indicate that urban trees suffer more during extreme weather events, raising concerns about their long-term health and ability to provide essential Ecosystem Services.
Andrew Reinmann, the study’s principal investigator, highlighted the importance of trees in urban sustainability and climate resilience efforts, emphasizing the need for effective urban forestry plans. These plans may include new management protocols that focus on maximizing tree planting pit sizes and selecting tree species that are better adapted to urban conditions.
The study received support from various organizations including The City University of New York (CUNY), the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Services Northern Research Station, Barnard College Summer Research Institute, USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, and the NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates program.
Source
Michael Thompson earned his degree in Agricultural Engineering from Purdue University in the USA, specializing in precision agriculture and smart farming technologies. His work revolves around the development of automated systems that increase farm efficiency and reduce environmental impact. Michael is now a senior engineer at a leading agri-tech company, where he designs innovative solutions for modern agriculture.