Comparing the Structure, Function, Value, and Risk of Managed and Unmanaged Trees along Rights-of-Way and Streets in Massachusetts

Trees provide numerous benefits in urban areas, including improving stormwater retention and filtration, removing gaseous particulate pollutants from the air, sequestering atmospheric carbon, reducing ambient temperature. However, trees also pose risks areas. growing near overhead electrical utility lines cause a large proportion of power outages. To mitigate this risk, arborists frequently sometimes severely prune utilities for clearance to reduce likelihood failure. Ostensibly, distant are not pruned as or severely. This study aimed (i) assess factors related both individual sample populations away lines, (ii) determine whether those differed between two groups. In total, 200 easement plots non-utility control were distributed Eversource Energy’s distribution territories, encompassing 2361 total. Diameter at breast height (DBH), crown spread, percent missing, twig dieback, failure gathered each tree study. These variables compared individually among groups, used inputs calculate estimated ecosystem service delivery using USFS iTree Eco v6. Overall, larger delivered more services, per tree, than plots. on population level, populous aggregate services Although aesthetics pruning is often debated, there no differences ratings findings may help frame commonly seen eyesores, valuable green infrastructure community assets.