Title: Modeling Tree Growth to Better Predict Tree Size and Canopy Coverage in Urban Environments

Summary: To fulfill municipal site plan requirements, developers specify tree planting densities based on anticipated canopy growth during a given attainment period. These calculations are typically based on observations of trees growing in non-limiting environments such as nurseries and arboreta, which are not representative of typical urban conditions. This study researches growth rates of trees in highly urbanized conditions to reduce uncertainty about tree canopy development and improve canopy cover management practices. A variety of data has been collected, and empirical modeling and tree ring analysis identify environmental parameters that significantly influence tree growth and quantify changes in tree growth over time. Research findings to date will be presented.

Julia Bartens, B.S., M.S. Horticulture, Virginia Tech, Forestry, Blacksburg, VA, United States

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