Maintain or restore soils and nutrient cycling in urban areas

Most urban tree problems are related to poor soils or growing conditions, which could exacerbate stresses induced by climate change. Urban soils are often highly disturbed, lack essential nutrients, and commonly include detrimental elements such as chemicals, concrete, asphalt, and other foreign matter that limit the long-term viability of a tree. Trees are dependent on adequate soil characteristics such as rooting volume, organic matter content, drainage capacity, and nutrient availability to achieve healthy maturity. Prior to planting a tree, soil and site analyses can be conducted to determine if the soil content, texture, or volume would meet the long-term needs of a growing healthy tree.

The changing climate may alter the complex interactions among climate, vegetation, and landforms, resulting in changes in hydrology, soil quality, and nutrient cycling. Urban areas often involve further complications because of the greater likelihood that human activities have already significantly altered ecosystem functioning and will continue to do so. Urban conditions are often characterized by difficult growing conditions, including impermeable surfaces, air and water pollution, frequent human interaction, and small soil volumes. Existing guidelines and best management practices for forest management describe actions that can be used to reduce or reverse impacts to soil and water. Many of these actions are also likely to be beneficial in the context of adaptation, although additional effort may be required to maintain ecosystem function in urban areas.