Open AccessThe Management of Tree Root Systems in Urban and Suburban Settings II: A Review of Strategies to Mitigate Human Impacts
Author(s) -
Gary Watson,
Angela Hewitt,
Melissa Custic,
Marvin Lo
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
arboriculture and urban forestry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.222
H-Index - 47
eISSN - 2155-0778
pISSN - 1935-5297
DOI - 10.48044/jauf.2014.025
Subject(s) - tree (set theory) , root system , root (linguistics) , urban forestry , tree health , environmental science , root cause , agroforestry , ecology , biology , engineering , mathematics , agronomy , operations management , mathematical analysis , linguistics , philosophy
Root systems of nearly all trees in the built environment are subject to impacts of human activities that can affect tree health and reduce longevity. These influences are present from early stages of nursery development and throughout the life of the tree. Reduced root systems from root loss or constriction can reduce stability and increase stress. Natural infection of urban tree roots after severing has not been shown to lead to extensive decay development. Roots often conflict with infrastructure in urban areas because of proximity. Strategies to provide root space under pavements and to reduce pavement heaving have been developed, but strategies for prevention of foundation and sewer pipe damage are limited to increasing separation or improved construction.