Trees in Towns: Factors Affecting the Distribution of Trees in High Density Residential Areas of Greater Manchester

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Abstract

The distribution of trees across urban areas of the UK has been shown to be uneven, with lower density residential areas containing many more trees and much higher tree cover than areas of higher density housing. However, in Greater Manchester, tree number within high density housing areas also varies substantially. This thesis sought to explore the reasons for this variation in tree cover, whether tree cover should be increased and if so, how. The research investigated a potential cause for the variation in number of trees and tree cover within high density housing areas – housing type – for the study area of western Greater Manchester. Eleven different types of high density housing were categorised and all high density housing within the study area was classified as one of these types. Within these housing types, the amount of tree cover was determined, along with the proportions of other surface types. The land uses where the trees were growing were also determined. Finally, the potential increases in tree cover were also calculated for each housing type by a simulated planting technique. Maximum surface temperatures and rainfall runoff were calculated using computer models, for both existing and potential tree cover in each housing type. It was found that urban tree cover varies from 1.6% in pre 1919 terraced housing that opens directly onto the road to 14.8% in 1960s walkway-style housing. Tree cover could theoretically be increased by at least 5% in all housing types, reducing maximum surface temperatures by at least 1°C. In housing types with less than 4% existing tree cover, maximum surface temperatures could be reduced by up to 4.5°C. The views of residents were determined using a postal questionnaire about urban trees sent to residents of 4 different types of street environment. Residents of all street types surveyed were very positive about urban trees; their attitudes were not affected by whether there are trees in their street or not. The vast majority of respondents considered trees important to their quality of life, and that cost to the council should not prevent tree planting. The views and practices around urban trees and greening by practitioners were determined by running a workshop and their recommendations to increase tree cover are presented. These include changes in funding to include money for tree maintenance after planting, the importance of a full tree inventory and innovative ways to raise funding for trees.The effectiveness of a community greening scheme at increasing tree cover was compared with two regeneration schemes. The community tree planting scheme was found to deliver tree planting much closer to the potential than regeneration schemes.

Layman's Abstract

The distribution of trees across urban areas of the UK has been shown to be uneven, with lower density residential areas containing many more trees and much higher tree cover than areas of higher density housing. However, in Greater Manchester, tree number within high density housing areas also varies substantially. This thesis sought to explore the reasons for this variation in tree cover, whether tree cover should be increased and if so, how. The research investigated a potential cause for the variation in number of trees and tree cover within high density housing areas – housing type – for the study area of western Greater Manchester. Eleven different types of high density housing were categorised and all high density housing within the study area was classified as one of these types. Within these housing types, the amount of tree cover was determined, along with the proportions of other surface types. The land uses where the trees were growing were also determined. Finally, the potential increases in tree cover were also calculated for each housing type by a simulated planting technique. Maximum surface temperatures and rainfall runoff were calculated using computer models, for both existing and potential tree cover in each housing type. It was found that urban tree cover varies from 1.6% in pre 1919 terraced housing that opens directly onto the road to 14.8% in 1960s walkway-style housing. Tree cover could theoretically be increased by at least 5% in all housing types, reducing maximum surface temperatures by at least 1°C. In housing types with less than 4% existing tree cover, maximum surface temperatures could be reduced by up to 4.5°C. The views of residents were determined using a postal questionnaire about urban trees sent to residents of 4 different types of street environment. Residents of all street types surveyed were very positive about urban trees; their attitudes were not affected by whether there are trees in their street or not. The vast majority of respondents considered trees important to their quality of life, and that cost to the council should not prevent tree planting. The views and practices around urban trees and greening by practitioners were determined by running a workshop and their recommendations to increase tree cover are presented. These include changes in funding to include money for tree maintenance after planting, the importance of a full tree inventory and innovative ways to raise funding for trees.The effectiveness of a community greening scheme at increasing tree cover was compared with two regeneration schemes. The community tree planting scheme was found to deliver tree planting much closer to the potential than regeneration schemes.

Keyword(s)

residential areas; tree distribution; trees; trees in towns; urban trees

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