In this chapter the importance of plant quality for establishing trees within the urban forest is highlighted. The chapter discusses current nursery production of trees and shrubs with the accent on plants grown for use in urban environments. Nursery practices, such as nutrition, growing plants in containers, early pruning and the use of mycorrhiza are briefly treated, as are the consequences of pests and diseases on nursery stock. Plant production is the first link in establishing a healthy urban forest and its importance is obvious. All too often planting projects have failed through using poor quality plants. Failures can also be due to planting the wrong species or variety of plants on the site or failing to ameliorate the site to suit the trees; these problems are discussed in other chapters. The growing conditions, which the trees must face in the urban environment, are outlined, in order to emphasize the considerable differences compared to rural sites (Clark and Kjelgren 1989). Climatic conditions across Europe are extremely diverse, varying from warm temperate to sub-arctic; hence the related priorities within the climatic regions of Europe must be kept in mind. As an example, the warmer microclimate of the built up areas within the cities can be advantageous in the far north of Europe (Iceland and northern Scandinavia), enabling the cultivation of less winter-hardy species and the choice of a wider range of exotic species and phenotypes than would normally be expected for those climates (Bengtsson 1998). Conversely the improved microclimate can also cause early flushing or prolong the growing season, rendering the trees susceptible to late spring or early autumn frosts. In Southern Europe the higher temperatures and the reduced water-availability in paved areas can lead to drought conditions and may even curtail the species choice. The fact that the urban environment is a series of heterogeneous microclimates must also be taken into consideration. Therefore, successful planting is dependent on many factors. It is not only necessary to use the right type of plant of the highest quality, but it is essential to ensure the site is suitable for the tree. Proper site assessment should precede plant selection if urban tree plantings are to be successful. The match up of site limitations with tree adaptability is commonly called the 'right tree in the right place' (e.g., Bassuk 1990). Hence not only must plant quality be considered, but also the choice of species, their origins, cultivars and site amelioration. These factors are discussed in other chapters.

Plant quality and establishment / T.Benedikz; F.Ferrini; H.L.Garcia Valdecantos; M.L.Tello. - STAMPA. - (2005), pp. 231-256. [10.1007/3-540-27684-X_10]

Plant quality and establishment

FERRINI, FRANCESCO;
2005

Abstract

In this chapter the importance of plant quality for establishing trees within the urban forest is highlighted. The chapter discusses current nursery production of trees and shrubs with the accent on plants grown for use in urban environments. Nursery practices, such as nutrition, growing plants in containers, early pruning and the use of mycorrhiza are briefly treated, as are the consequences of pests and diseases on nursery stock. Plant production is the first link in establishing a healthy urban forest and its importance is obvious. All too often planting projects have failed through using poor quality plants. Failures can also be due to planting the wrong species or variety of plants on the site or failing to ameliorate the site to suit the trees; these problems are discussed in other chapters. The growing conditions, which the trees must face in the urban environment, are outlined, in order to emphasize the considerable differences compared to rural sites (Clark and Kjelgren 1989). Climatic conditions across Europe are extremely diverse, varying from warm temperate to sub-arctic; hence the related priorities within the climatic regions of Europe must be kept in mind. As an example, the warmer microclimate of the built up areas within the cities can be advantageous in the far north of Europe (Iceland and northern Scandinavia), enabling the cultivation of less winter-hardy species and the choice of a wider range of exotic species and phenotypes than would normally be expected for those climates (Bengtsson 1998). Conversely the improved microclimate can also cause early flushing or prolong the growing season, rendering the trees susceptible to late spring or early autumn frosts. In Southern Europe the higher temperatures and the reduced water-availability in paved areas can lead to drought conditions and may even curtail the species choice. The fact that the urban environment is a series of heterogeneous microclimates must also be taken into consideration. Therefore, successful planting is dependent on many factors. It is not only necessary to use the right type of plant of the highest quality, but it is essential to ensure the site is suitable for the tree. Proper site assessment should precede plant selection if urban tree plantings are to be successful. The match up of site limitations with tree adaptability is commonly called the 'right tree in the right place' (e.g., Bassuk 1990). Hence not only must plant quality be considered, but also the choice of species, their origins, cultivars and site amelioration. These factors are discussed in other chapters.
2005
9783540251262
Urban Forest, Urban Trees: a Reference book
231
256
T.Benedikz; F.Ferrini; H.L.Garcia Valdecantos; M.L.Tello
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Utilizza questo identificatore per citare o creare un link a questa risorsa: https://hdl.handle.net/2158/338499
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