Stewardship Success: How Community Group Dynamics Affect Urban Street Tree Survival and Growth

BACKGROUND

Urban street trees provide various benefits. Their establishment has been characterized by low survivals in the past 50 years. Reasons behind the low productivity are bio physical challenges and shortage of funds to take care of the trees. Community groups and home- owners have successfully participated in tree planting programs, however little research has been conducted if there are social factors which contribute to the poor tree survivals and growth.

RESEARCH GOALS AND METHODS

To obtain empirical data on the role of community planting groups in the survival and growth of urban street trees in New Haven, Connecticut, tree surveys are done using data from 1995- 2007 from the Urban Resource Initiative (URI). Community group data is gathered from annual intern reports, including group size, group planting longevity, group focus, group type, and geo-political neighborhood.

CONCLUSIONS AND TAKEAWAYS

According to the authors, social factors influence urban tree health. Community group experience and group focus are incredibly significant influencers of urban street tree health. However, there is need for additional investigation into the influence of biophysical factors on tree survival and growth, including the use of interviews.