The Impact of Planting Practices on Tree Health and Asset Protection

Abstract

Urban conditions can be challenging for the growth and health of many tree species. The cause of urban tree decline can be difficult to identify, as decline may be the result of the cumulative impact of multiple stressors. Tree planting, care, and removal is often a large expense of a municipal forestry budget. In 2022, a tree inventory was collected along regional roads in Peel Region, Ontario. Using the data collected in the inventory, Random Forest models were built to determine whether foliar decline variables (wilt, dieback, chlorosis, epicormic shoots, and scorch) could be predicted based on observed size, tree genus/species, root health variables, damage/decay, and traffic volume. The models determined that the presence of foliar decline variables could be predicted, with accuracy ranging from 66.5% - 79.4%. The results support the need for more environmental and tree health data to improve modeling, diverse and resilient species selection, continued and improved urban forest management and maintenance practices, and continued and expanded monitoring projects.