Urban Trees – Which Species are Best for Cities?
Urban Trees – Which Species are Best for Cities?
In the face of rapidly growing cities and increasing pollution challenges, the appropriate management of green spaces is becoming crucial to ensure the health and well-being of residents. Urban trees play an extremely important role in shaping urban spaces, offering a range of ecological, health and social benefits. However, selecting the right tree species for urban planting is a challenge that requires consideration of many factors, such as climatic conditions, air pollution and disease resistance. In this article, we take a look at the most important tree species that work best in urban settings, their impact on the environment and the benefits they bring to the health of residents.
Ideal Tree Species for Cities
Choosing the right tree species for urban planting is a task that requires taking into account the specific environmental conditions that prevail in urban areas. High concentrations of pollutants, limited root space, as well as variable soil and climatic conditions require trees to be highly resilient and adaptable.
Common maple (Acer platanoides)
Common maple is one of the most common tree species in cities. It is resistant to air pollution and tolerates pruning well, making it an ideal candidate for planting along streets and avenues. The common maple is also characterised by a fast growth rate and a high capacity for oxygen production, which is extremely important for improving urban air quality. In addition, this maple has a spreading crown that provides shade, thus reducing the urban heat island effect.
Small-leaved lime (Tilia cordata)
The small-leaved linden is another popular urban tree species, known for its resistance to harsh environmental conditions and its ability to filter air of pollutants. The linden is also valued for its aesthetic qualities – its fragrant flowers attract pollinating insects, which promotes urban biodiversity. What’s more, this tree is characterised by its longevity, making it an investment for many years.
Ash tree (Fraxinus excelsior)
The ash tree is one of the most resilient tree species that can be found in cities. It is resistant to varying soil conditions, as well as to periodic droughts, making it ideal for planting in areas with difficult conditions. Ash also has a high capacity to absorb carbon dioxide, thus contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in cities.
Pedunculate oak (Quercus robur)
Known for its majestic crown and longevity, the pedunculate oak is an excellent choice for planting in parks and larger urban spaces. This oak is resistant to air pollutants and copes well in urban conditions, while its deep root system helps to stabilise the soil and prevent erosion. In addition, the pin oak is one of the trees with the highest carbon sequestration capacity, making it an important element in the fight against global warming.
Urban Trees and Environmental and Health Benefits
Trees in cities perform many functions that contribute to the quality of life for residents. As well as producing oxygen, trees absorb carbon dioxide, which helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Studies have shown that one adult tree can absorb an average of 22 kilograms of carbon dioxide per year, which, on a city-wide scale, makes a huge difference to air quality.
Urban trees also contribute to reducing the urban heat island effect by providing shade and cooling the environment. In cities where concrete and asphalt dominate the landscape, trees help to lower the temperature, which translates into less energy consumption for air conditioning.
The health benefits of urban trees are equally significant. Numerous studies have shown that contact with nature, even in the form of urban parks and tree canopies, has a positive effect on the mental and physical health of residents. Trees reduce stress levels, improve mood and support respiratory health by cleaning the air of pollutants.
Fruit Trees in Cities
Planting fruit trees in cities is gaining popularity as a way to promote local agriculture and sustainability. Fruit trees such as apple, pear and plum trees not only provide healthy local fruit, but also contribute to biodiversity and improve air quality. Planting such trees in urban community gardens or green spaces has the added benefit of environmental education – residents can learn about plant growth processes, agriculture and sustainable lifestyles.
However, fruit trees require more attention and care than traditional urban trees. They are more susceptible to diseases and pests, and their fruit can attract unwanted insects. Therefore, proper care and planting planning are necessary to make urban fruit tree planting successful.
Differences in Tree Planting in Cities and Forests
Tree planting in cities and forests differs not only in purpose, but also in the approach to species selection, planting techniques and even subsequent care. Understanding these differences is key to ensuring that both urban and forest areas can enjoy the benefits that trees bring to the environment.
Goals of Tree Planting in Cities and Forests
In forests, trees are mainly planted to restore or maintain the natural ecosystem. This is often linked to the regeneration of areas degraded by human activities such as logging, fires or soil erosion. Trees in forests play a key role in maintaining biodiversity by providing habitats for wildlife. In addition, forests are an important resource in the production of timber, used in industry and as fuel.
In cities, tree planting is mainly aimed at improving the quality of life for residents and shaping urban aesthetics. Urban trees have an ecological function – they clean the air, reduce noise and regulate temperature – but they also have an important role in terms of health, providing shade for residents, space for recreation and the psychological benefits of contact with nature. In cities, trees are also part of the green infrastructure that supports rainwater management and protects against flooding.
Choosing Tree Species
In forests, priority is given to planting native species adapted to the natural climatic, soil and hydrological conditions of the region. Such trees are more resistant to disease, integrate better into the local ecosystem and support biodiversity. Examples include the Scots pine, English oak or European beech in Central European forests. Native tree species are key to maintaining natural food chains and ecosystem services.
In cities, due to specific environmental conditions, it is often necessary to plant species that are more resistant to the stresses of air pollution, limited access to water, soil salinity or extreme temperatures. This means that in urban areas it is not uncommon to plant exotic species or hybrids that can better withstand urban conditions, such as the maple-leaf plane tree, the triple-cheeked gleditsia, or the previously mentioned common maple and small-leafed lime.
Planting techniques and care
In forests, trees are often planted in large groups, following natural patterns of ecological succession. In many cases, large-scale planting techniques are used, such as planting seeds or young seedlings, which have relatively low maintenance requirements because the natural ecosystem provides them with support in the form of the right soil, microclimate and other plant and animal companions.
In cities, due to limited space and specific requirements, tree planting is more complicated and requires more intensive care. It is often necessary to prepare special planting sites that take into account the root systems of the trees, as well as future needs for water access and pest control. In cities, modern technologies such as irrigation systems, erosion control mats or root barriers are also used to help trees survive the harsh urban environment. Regular pruning, fertilisation and monitoring of the tree’s health are key to ensuring its longevity.
Challenges and a Differentiated Approach
In forests, the biggest challenge is protecting young trees from disease, pests and climate change, such as droughts and severe storms. In cities, on the other hand, the biggest challenges are pollution, mechanical damage caused by urban infrastructure (e.g. road construction), and limited access to space and resources (water, nutrients).
For this reason, forests and cities have different approaches to tree planting and care. In forests, the emphasis is on natural regeneration and succession processes, whereas in cities, active human intervention at every stage of a tree’s life is important.
One More Tree Foundation – Supporting Green Initiatives
One of the leading organisations that promote and organise tree planting in cities is the One More Tree Foundation. This foundation works to increase the amount of green space in cities, as well as in rural areas, by organising tree planting campaigns that residents and volunteers can get involved in.
Planting trees with the One More Tree Foundation is not only a way to improve the environment, but also to activate local communities and provide environmental education. The foundation offers various forms of involvement, including employee volunteering, which allows companies to combine environmental activities with team building and involving employees in environmental protection activities.
By partnering with the One More Tree Foundation, everyone can contribute to increasing the amount of greenery in their city, thereby improving the quality of life for all residents.
Summary
Urban trees are an invaluable element of urban spaces, providing numerous benefits for both the environment and the health of residents.The selection of suitable tree species for urban planting should be based on their ability to adapt to harsh urban conditions, as well as their ecological benefits. Species such as the common maple, small-leafed linden, ash or pedunculate oak are excellent examples of trees that work well in urban plantings.The One More Tree Foundation offers residents and businesses the opportunity to actively participate in urban greening, which is an excellent way to promote ecology and sustainability.Planting trees is an investment in the future – in cleaner air, a healthier society and more beautiful cities.We encourage everyone to get involved in this kind of initiative and work together to benefit our environment.
