Trees in Difficult Sites

Abstract

Urban trees are thought to come under frequent water stress due to limited water supply and high evaporative demand. A three-year study of street trees in New York City suggests that soil water was not limiting to recently planted street trees and that periods of high demand are common, though infrequent. These findings underscore the need for research in tree physiology under urban conditions. Basic research will yield a more accurate picture of the urban tree habitat than will extrapolation from study conducted under non- or simulated urban conditions. Results from field research will provide an objective foundation for selection and management guidelines.