Using regional forest nutrition data to inform urban tree management in the northeastern United States

Managing tree health in urban environments is complicated due to the disconnect that exists between novel environmental conditions created by urbanization and those under which species evolved. Soils influence growth, but optimal nutrient pH recommendations are often informed agricultural horticultural norms do not typically include for forest species. At Arnold Arboretum Boston, Massachusetts, USA, we investigated relationships health, foliar chemistry, soil chemistry three native (Acer saccharum, Quercus alba, Tsuga canadensis) located throughout arboretum. We compared these ranges data collected from trees of same growing forested areas northeastern United States. For all species, distributions most concentrations were similar arboretum across region. However, potassium (K) lower at than reference datasets. Soil was higher soils region, potentially a result liming irrigation with city water. Concentrations magnesium also high Potassium deficiency could blocking K uptake or limited availability floor loss. In addition, there some evidence manganese low deficient levels. These results show value comparing chemical populations natural forests nearby rural settings identify potential concern inform management strategies.