The Impact of Urbanization on Tree Growth and Xylem Anatomical Characteristics

SIMPLE SUMMARY: This study explored how urbanization (urban heat island effect and air pollution) affects urban tree growth. The radial growth and xylem anatomical characteristics of trees in urban and rural areas of Harbin were compared by means of tree-ring anatomy. Results showed that there were significant differences in the growth of both broadleaf trees and conifers between urban and rural areas. Urbanization may have the effect of slowing down tree growth, and conifers may be more sensitive to urbanization. Warming and drying climate in Harbin may be an important factor affecting tree growth. Our findings provide a theoretical basis for the future evaluation of the effect of urbanization on tree growth and ecological benefits, as well as the selection of tree species in urban forests. ABSTRACT: In the context of the intensification of global urbanization, how urbanization (urban heat island effect and air pollution) affects urban tree growth is not fully understood. In this paper, the radial growth and xylem anatomical characteristics of three different tree species (Quercus mongolica, Fraxinus mandshurica, and Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica) in urban and rural areas of Harbin were compared by means of tree-ring anatomy. The results showed that there were significant differences in the growth of both broadleaf trees and conifers between urban and rural areas. The vessel number, cumulative area of vessels, and theoretical hydraulic conductivity of all tree species in rural areas were higher than those in urban areas, indicating that urbanization may have the effect of slowing down growth. However, broadleaf trees in urban areas had higher vessel density and a greater percentage of a conductive area within xylem and theoretical xylem-specific hydraulic conductivity. The thickness of cell walls and cell wall reinforcement index of P. sylvestris var. mongolica were strongly reduced by air pollution, implying that it may be more sensitive to urbanization. Compared to Q. mongolica, F. mandshurica showed less sensitivity to urbanization. Warming and drying climate in Harbin may be an important factor affecting tree growth.