How do cites decide which tree to plant on streets?

Question

Any city planners out there can assist me?

Answer 1

The decision as to what trees are planted along streets is made based on each species attributes. The first step is determining what species can grow in the given climate. After that:

Height is considered: you don't want to plant tall trees under powerlines. Canopy size is considered: if space is available the largest canopied tree is best, provides most shade, absorbs the most air pollution, etc. Fruit is considered: you don't want very messy trees planted along streets and sidewalks. Growth rate is considered: you want a fast growing tree, but a middle ground must be found because fast growing trees are not usually long-living trees. Urban tolerance is considered: the species must be able to tolerate air pollution, compacted soils, road salt (if in an area where it snows), reflected heat, etc. Trees with aggressive root systems are often avoided. In desert areas water requirements are considered. Many communities are now considering how much biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) are emitted by trees. BVOCs such as isoprenes and monoterpenes are emitted by all trees and they contribute to the formation of smog; lower BVOC emitting species are often choosen to limit this bad contribution to the environment.

It is important to plant a variety of species to prevent a monoculture. Serious urban pests exist that often kill specific species or groups of species (emerald ash borer, gypsy moth, Asian long-horned beetle).

Answer 2

the city planners contact horticultrist to find out which trees can live in the area and which will be beneficial or may cause problems,, how big they grow for certain areas etc,,, there really is a lot of thought put into that decision!!

Answer 3

Urban Forestry... with the assistance of arborists and horticulturists, cities are able to decide what trees belong where. Many factors are considered when deciding what type of tree is used to plant on the side of streets; size, care, color, foliage, pest and disease management strategies, and whether it is monecious (male and female reproductive structures on the same plant) or diecious (just female or just male). Root sizes and street cleaning is also important.

Answer 4

First they form a commission that meets weekly for a year. Then they appoint an artist to give his concept of what a tree should look like. Then they decide which tree is going to die, and which ones are the most costly. Then someone mentions his brother-in-law who will send the whole committee to Vegas, if he gets the contract, but he gets to pick the trees. And there you have it!

Answer 5

Some of all of the above. In our town almost all the trees are indigenous and drought tolerant. After the first year the only water they get is from rain. Almost all of them change in the fall. It is probably the most beautiful thing in the town.