Tree evaluation in the historic center of a city

This paper describes the state of public trees in the historic center of Florence. In 1992 an inventory of a large sample of boulevards and squares was carried out to investigate both floristic composition and tree health. 6037 adult trees were examined.

[Abstract] The management of public trees in historic centers often has specific peculiarities because several other problems are present; these peculiar aspects are linked to the cultural and landscaping values of an unchanging scene, a view that the inhabitants are accustomed to. These values must be taken into careful consideration, because if drastic operations are decided the public may object. In these areas operational choices usually concern single trees, so it is necessary to acquire an in-depth knowledge of each tree. This paper describes the state of public trees in the historic center of Florence. In 1992 an inventory of a large sample of boulevards and squares was carried out to investigate both floristic composition and tree health. 6037 adult trees were examined. Boulevards and squares were characterized according to traffic density and were classified into two groups: the first formed by boulevards and squares planned in the 19th century and the second planned only 70–50 years ago. First, using aerial photographs, a map of selected areas was drawn up; we then elaborated a descriptive form consisting of five separate sections: (1) interrelation between tree and infrastructure (boulevard or square), (2) dendrology and morphology, (3) spatial position, (4) health, (5) management suggestions. In all, 43 taxa were listed. Of these 39.53% are exotic species, but they only account for 3.84% of trees. The most represented trees are London plane, nettle-tree and lime trees (75.88%). Only 9.92% are conifers, while deciduous trees amount to 85,16%. The majority of trees (and all those growing along the boulevards) are periodically pruned. The crossed comparison of data shows the possibility of identifying trees in danger.

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