More damaged trees mean fewer ecosystem benefits for low-income residents

A Cornell University study examining tree health in 29 U.S. cities reveals a stark contrast between affluent and impoverished neighborhoods, particularly in relation to low-income residents. The research, published in Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, found that nearly 60% of trees in impoverished, racially diverse neighborhoods were damaged, compared to just 17% in wealthier areas with predominantly white populations.

Senior author Daniel Katz, assistant professor in the School of Integrative Plant Science at CALS, noted that the findings apply across all the cities studied, not just a single case. Trees in minority neighborhoods also had 7% fewer leaves and a higher likelihood of being dead. The study underscores the importance of considering the condition of trees, not just their quantity, as healthy trees provide critical ecosystem services such as cooling, air purification, and stormwater management.

Researchers previously documented that lower-income, minority neighborhoods had fewer trees than affluent, predominantly white areas, but this study is the first to account for the health of those trees. Mangala-Munuma, the study's first author, emphasized that damaged trees provide fewer benefits or none at all and can pose hazards with falling branches or entire trees.

The research team analyzed data from the Urban Forest Inventory & Analysis program, which assessed 23,659 trees in 3,166 representative plots across the 29 cities, alongside demographic, economic, and housing data from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey. While the study does not delve into the causes of the disparity, Katz suggested that lower rates of homeownership in poorer and more racially diverse neighborhoods may be a significant factor, as homeowners have a greater incentive to plant and maintain trees.

The findings highlight the need to address this inequality, which Katz believes can be remedied. Mangala-Munuma, now a research administrator at Van Andel Institute, hopes the study will raise awareness among residents and city parks and recreation departments about this new site of inequality.