Expanding Urban Tree Species Diversity in Florida (USA): Challenges and Opportunities for Practitioners

Abstract

While many practitioners and scholars understand the risks associated with low urban tree diversity, they often lack the ability to rectify this challenge on their own. The complex system of tree production and procurement is shaped by market pressures, nursery and site constraints, local governance, and differing professional objectives among those who grow, specify, and plant trees. To understand constraints to and opportunities for increasing urban tree diversity, we conducted a series of focus groups comprised of nursery growers, landscape architects, and municipal tree managers. Our results highlight a significant list of considerations and constraints to diversity, with some issues shared among green industries and some specific to growers or purchasers. In light of our findings, we outline actionable strategies for increasing urban tree diversity.