Tree Species Selection for Green Infrastructure: A Guide for Specifiers
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How can we improve species selection so that we can provide our towns and cities with diverse and resilient palette of trees that are capable of thriving in challenging urban environments? This guide offers for the first time in the UK a comprehensive, research-based decision-making tool on selecting appropriate species for a range of contrasting planting scenarios. The guide and its companion database are available below.
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Development and use of the guide
As well as providing advice on the general approach to species selection, Tree Species Selection for Green Infrastructure: A Guide for Specifiers includes information for over 280 species on their use-potential, size and crown characteristics, natural habitat, environmental tolerance, ornamental qualities, potential issues to be aware of, and notable varieties. Its aim is to provide, clear, robust information to specifiers to enable appropriate species selection and aid the diversification of the urban forest. It is for anyone with an interest in specifying trees for green infrastructure and is likely to include: arboriculturists, architects, civil and structural engineers, designers, landscape architects, landscape contractors, non-profit organisations, planners and tree officers. The guide was written by Andrew D. Hirons, Senior Lecturer at University Centre Myerscough and Henrik Sjöman, Senior Researcher at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and Scientific Curator at Gothenburg Botanical Garden. It is the major outcome of a Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) Green Infrastructure Innovation Project (NE/N017773/1) entitled Tree Selection for Green Infrastructure. This project provided the opportunity to evaluate the current approach to tree species selection within the British Isles, conduct some original research on a sub-set of species and produce this guidance. In addition to the NERC sponsored research, data derived from studies funded by the Hyland R. Johns Research Grant (TREE Fund), Fund4Trees and The Swedish Research Council for Environment, Agricultural Sciences and Spatial Planning (FORMAS) as well as a wide range of published literature has also been used to underpin the recommendations. The below video is a presentation of the research underpinning the guide (recorded in London, March 2018). |