Graduation Semester and Year

2020

Language

English

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Landscape Architecture

Department

Landscape Architecture

First Advisor

Diane Jones Allen

Abstract

The urban space poses many challenges for the growth and survival of trees. The urban fabric is often knitted with concrete, stone, copper, and iron, in the form of sidewalks, parking lots, buildings, wires, and pipes, which displace elements of the natural environment. This has given rise to urban heat islands, polluted air, ineffective water management, and other social problems (Nowak et al., 2010). Currently, efforts are being made worldwide to bring back the natural environment through green infrastructure strategies. Ecological inserts in the urban fabric called ‘Green Webs’ can provide environmental, economic, and social and ecological benefits. ‘Green Webs’ are networks of mature trees with interconnected root systems made possible via mycorrhizal fungal activity. The fungal networks facilitate transfer of nutrients among related trees (Grant, 2018), improve urban soil conditions, empower nature to self-heal, reduce local temperatures and storm water run-off, and consequently increase their carbon retention capacity. This study assessed the potential of connecting tree roots below ground by mycorrhizal networks for better functioning of the urban trees to enhance tree longevity, to gain environmental and ecological benefits, create a sense of place, and connect humans back to nature. By evaluating the current urban tree planting strategies in Dallas county, Texas, and exploring the science of tree connectedness by mycorrhizal networks through literature review, precedent studies and interviews, policy recommendations and Preliminary steps to facilitate ‘Green Webs’ in urban areas is provided.

Keywords

Urban tree planting, Mycorrhizal fungi

Disciplines

Architecture | Landscape Architecture

Comments

Degree granted by The University of Texas at Arlington

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