Date on Master's Thesis/Doctoral Dissertation
5-2011
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Degree Name
M.S.
Department
Biology
Committee Chair
Carreiro, Margaret Mary
Author's Keywords
Urban ecology; Residential trees; Environmental justice; Tree storm damage; Ufore model; Ecosystem services
Subject
Trees in cities--Kentucky--Louisville; Urban forestry--Kentucky--Louisville; Louisville (Ky.)--Environmental conditions
Abstract
Trees in urban residential neighborhoods provide valuable ecosystem services. Urban trees also face threats from disturbances, such as storms. In 2008, the Urban Forest Effects model was used to estimate abundance and species composition of residential trees and their ecosystem services in 10 of 26 council districts in Louisville, Kentucky. Ten tree species were found to compose half of the estimated 822,576 residential trees in the ten districts, with Celtis occidentalis being most numerous. The ability of sociodemographic and housing variables to predict the distribution of trees and ecosystem services was weak. The strongest relationships were found between % single home and % owner resident and tree number, species richness, and Shannon diversity. After two record-breaking storms in 2008 and 2009, tree canopy losses were found to be 7.9 % with concomitant decreases in ecosystem services. A survey showed only 33% of residents intended to replant lost trees.
Recommended Citation
Scroggins, Shannon A., "Species composition, demographics, and ecosystem services of residential trees in Louisville, Kentucky." (2011). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 1293.
https://doi.org/10.18297/etd/1293
