The effects of paving surfaces and planting orientation on street tree growth and trunk injury

Abstract

The direct effects of atmospheric and re-radiated heat from surfaces surrounding a street tree can affect its establishment, growth and development through high-temperature-induced injury. Sunscald is a symptom of direct heat injury to plant tissue that occurs on the trunk and branches as a result of high solar radiation causing the dehydration and death of plant tissues. This research was designed to investigate the impact of different paving surfaces, tree orientation at the time of planting and high ambient temperatures on the establishment of roadside trees in Melbourne, Australia. Thirty young Platanus × acerifolia trees were planted along the centre median of a major road and on the we..