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Hilbert DR, Koeser AK, Andreu MG, Hansen G, Roman LA, Thetford M, Thompson GL. Conceptualizing the human drivers of low tree diversity in planted urban landscapes. AMBIO 2023; 52:1532-1542. [PMID: 37243924 PMCID: PMC10407000 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-023-01876-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Despite the abundance of tree diversity in the natural world, and generally high tree species richness in urban areas, urban forests continue to be dominated by a limited number of species. As socio-ecological systems, urban forests are shaped by historical and current management efforts and decision-making across a wide range of human actors. Drawing on past research, we offer a conceptual framework for describing the complex interactions among tree producers and consumers as trees are selected, grown, specified, and planted in private and public urban areas. We illustrate how multiple layers of selection criteria filter down the entirety of potential local tree diversity to a handful of commonly used and accepted tree species. We detail the actors and decision-makers who impact tree composition and diversity across several land types. Finally, we identify research, education, and outreach needs as they relate to creating more diverse and resilient urban forest ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah R. Hilbert
- Department of Environmental Horticulture, IFAS, University of Florida–Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, 14625 Co. Rd. 672, Wimauma, FL 33598 USA
| | - Andrew K. Koeser
- Department of Environmental Horticulture, IFAS, University of Florida–Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, 14625 Co. Rd. 672, Wimauma, FL 33598 USA
| | - Michael G. Andreu
- School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences, University of Florida–Gainesville, 136 Ne Wins-Ziegler Hall, PO Box 110410, Gainesville, FL 32611 USA
| | - Gail Hansen
- Department of Environmental Horticulture, IFAS, University of Florida–Gainesville, 2550 Hull Road Fifield Hall, PO Box 110670, Gainesville, FL 32611 USA
| | - Lara A. Roman
- USDA Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station & Northern Research Station, 4955 Canyon Crest Dr., Riverside, CA 92507 USA
| | - Mack Thetford
- Department of Environmental Horticulture, IFAS, University of Florida–West Florida Research and Education Center, 5988 Hwy 90, Bldg. 4900, Milton, FL 32583 USA
| | - Grant L. Thompson
- Genus Landscape Architects, 520 42nd Street, Suite 400, Des Moines, IA 50312 USA
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