Urban Forestry

44M0560

Master

English

5.0

only winter term

1 semester

More than half the world's population now lives in cities. Creating sustainable, healthy and aesthetic urban environments is therefore a major policy goal and research agenda. This module provides an overview of the state of the art and science of urban trees and urban forestry and provides information for decision-making.

The topics explored include the multiple roles and benefits of urban green areas in general and the specific role of trees, including for issues such as air quality, human well-being and stormwater management (Eco System Services). This module reviews the various stresses experienced by trees in cities and tolerance mechanisms, as well as cultural techniques for either pre-conditioning or alleviating stress after planting. It sets out sound planning, design, species selection, establishment, management and preservation of urban trees. Close interactions with the local urban communities and policymakers who benefit from trees are key to success.

1 Ecosystem Services of Urban Forests and Urban Trees

1.1 Social and economic Aspects of Urban Forestry

1.2 Impacts of Urban Forests on Physical and Mental Health and Wellbeing

1.3 Biodiversity

2 Strategic Perspectives on Planning Urban Forest Landscapes

2.1 The 3-30-300 rule

2.2 The City as a Forest

2.3 Tiny Forests

3 Trees in the Urban Environment

3.1 Urban Tree Physiology

3.2 Abiotic Stress

3.3 Biotic Factors: Pests and Diseases

3.4 Constraints to Urban Trees and their Remedies in the Built Environment 

3.5 Design Options to Integrate Urban Tree Root Zones and Pavement Support within a Shared Soil Volume

4 Selection of Planting Material, Planting Techniques and Establishment

4.1 Criteria in the Selection of Urban Trees for Temperate and Sub Tropical Urban Environments

4.2 Planting Techniques

4.3 Navigating the Establishment Period: A Critical Period for New Trees

5 Managing Urban Forests and Urban Trees

5.1 Irrigation of Urban Trees

5.2 Tree Biomechanics and Tree Risk Assessment

5.3 Sonic Tomography and Static Load Tests

5.3 Management and Conservation of Ancient and Other Veteran Trees

The total workload for the module is 150 hours (see also "ECTS credit points and grading").

• Oral presentation, with written elaboration or
• Homework / Assignment or
• oral exam or
• Project Report, written

The standard form of examination is an oral report, meaning a presentation with a written analysis. Devations from the standard form of examination will be announced within four weeks of the start of lectures.

Oral report: circa 20-30 minute presentation plus a 5-10 page written analysis

or a term paper ca. 10-15 pages, or oral exam ca. 20-30 minutes, or written project report ca. 15-20 pages excluding any appendix.

Sustainable Transformation, Open Space Management

Students have a broad knowledge of ecosystem services provided by urban trees.

Students are able to identify specific influences on urban trees and derive measures to improve the site conditions.

Students are able to select suitable woody plants for urban environments in different climate zones and create forest-like plant communities.

Students can apply methods for biomechanic static analysis of trees and assess risks.

Students can develop new strategies for the compatibility of green, grey and blue infrastructure in cities.

Students can present the advantages of green infrastructure to political policymakers.

Students can question traditional urban planning strategies and develop new solutions for greener and more sustainable cities.

• Bouillon, Jürgen

• Bouillon, Jürgen

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