RTG2679

Structure, Functioning and Ecosystem Services of Urban Trees

This project focuses on understanding and enhancing the ecosystem services (ESS) provided by urban trees, including cooling, shading, carbon sequestration, habitat provision, and noise reduction. We will model these services by considering factors such as tree species, age, and site conditions, providing a comprehensive analysis of their contributions to urban environments. Addressing the critical knowledge gap on urban tree mortality, we aim to improve modeling accuracy and guide more effective urban planning. We aim to develop a matrix model for sustainable urban trees to support long-term planning efforts. 

Using dendrochronology, we also aim to investigate less common tree species in urban areas to assess their drought tolerance, which could provide insights for introducing new, more resilient urban tree species better suited to future climate conditions.

Our overarching hypotheses are that the ESS of urban trees is highly site-dependent, requiring advanced management approaches, and that a better understanding of urban tree stocks can significantly enhance climate-smart urban planning.

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