How robust is the evidence for beneficial hydrological effects of urban tree planting?

Baker, Henry J.; Hutchins, Michael G. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3764-5331; Miller, James D. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7705-8898. 2021 How robust is the evidence for beneficial hydrological effects of urban tree planting? Hydrological Sciences Journal, 66 (8). 1306-1320. https://doi.org/10.1080/02626667.2021.1922692

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Abstract/Summary

Sustainable urban water management initiatives are increasingly required to combat rapid urbanisation and climate pressures. Initiatives include the role of tree planting for which there is need for strong evidence of benefits and drawbacks to support effective future planning. We report robustness of evidence from an assimilated database of urban hydrological impact studies which often had differing primary purposes. Consistent impacts were found at local level, with trees reducing runoff and infiltration. Despite the consistency of evidence, much is undermined by being somewhat lacking in robustness and scientific rigour. Many studies lack adequate controls, and models are often not strongly tested against observations. Moreover, evidence of impact at larger scales is lacking. Effects of tree characteristics were also investigated; such as maturity and species for which evidence is consistent and detailed, and arrangement for which there is less evidence. Realising the full potential of trees in urban water management decision-making would benefit from more-rigorous evidence.

Item Type:	Publication - Article
Digital Object Identifier (DOI):	https://doi.org/10.1080/02626667.2021.1922692
UKCEH and CEH Sections/Science Areas:	Hydro-climate Risks (Science Area 2017-) Pollution (Science Area 2017-)
ISSN:	0262-6667
Additional Information. Not used in RCUK Gateway to Research.:	Open Access paper - full text available via Official URL link.
Additional Keywords:	urbanisation, tree, hydrology, stormwater, green infrastructure, runoff, modelling, nature-based solutions
NORA Subject Terms:	Hydrology
Date made live:	12 May 2021 11:57 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/530061

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