Rationale for the increased use of conifers as functional green infrastructure: A literature review and synthesis

Abstract

Green infrastructure is the aggregate of plants and green spaces in the urban landscape. This infrastructure provides many benefits that are becoming increasingly valuable as municipalities strive for urban sustainability. The value of the urban forest is an integral part of securing funding and support for urban forestry initiatives: the higher the value the more support is gained, and benefits accrued. According to available data from street tree inventories, most species that make up street trees in urban forests in the United States and Canada are broadleaf, deciduous species. Since many urban tree benefits are attributed to the tree canopies, benefits effectively drop to negligible levels during the leaf-off period. When a rain event occurs during this season, the canopy cover afforded by evergreen tree species, in concert with the canopy architecture and density of evergreen conifers will help to maintain canopy-dependent benefits. This paper investigates the role that conifers play in increasing the canopy-dependent ecosystem services of an urban forest and the unique role they play in increasing the stability of the urban forest through diversification.

Keywords::

• conifers
• diversity
• ecosystem benefits
• green infrastructure
• urban forestry

Additional information

Notes on contributors

J. Casey Clapp

J. Casey Clapp, MS, earned a Bachelor of Science in Forest Management from Oregon State University and a Master of Science from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. He has studied and worked with urban trees for 5 years and is an ISA Certified Arborist.

H. Dennis P. Ryan

H. Dennis P. Ryan, EdD, is Professor and Head of the Arboriculture & Community Forestry program University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Prior to his University position, he was Executive Director of Forestry and Horticulture, New York City Department of Parks & Recreation.

Richard W. Harper

Richard W. Harper is the UMass Extension Assistant Professor of Urban & Community Forestry. An ISA Board Certified Master Arborist and Connecticut Licensed Arborist, Rick has more than 15 years combined green industry experience both as a field technician and in Cornell University's Cooperative Extension Commercial Horticulture Program. Rick received his Master of Science in Entomology and undergraduate degrees in Environmental Studies/Forest Management.

David V. Bloniarz

David V. Bloniarz, PhD, is a faculty member at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. His primary work involves research and technology transfer initiatives related to urban natural resource structure, function and value. He works on the development of new tools and technologies that can be used by planners, managers and researchers, which are the primary focuses of the work undertaken by the Urban Natural Resources Institute (UNRI), where Dr Bloniarz serves as its project director.