Trees are a vital part of the urban landscape and are an essential factor for the well-being of people. Trees, and mainly their root system, in urban environments are frequently subject to intense conflicts with infrastructure, such as buildings, roads and utility installations. Because of the inaccessibility of the root system we have only a limited understanding of root activity and their interaction with the tree canopy in an urban setting The overarching objectives of this project are to quantitatively assess the state of the root system of mature urban trees, to link it to the functioning of the tree canopy, and to test management options targeted at improving conditions of the root system and the entire tree. The study will provide insights into tree management using practices to improve root function and tree survival.

Funding:  HUJI Center for Sustainability

Collaborator: Nimrod Schwartz, Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel