The data collected on the urban forest in the Chicago region is the most extensive regional dataset on urban forestry in the country. The combination of spatial, on-the-ground, and operations capacity data provides a broad foundation for education and outreach across the seven county Chicago region.
We would not expect a palm tree to grow in Chicago, or an upland oak tree to grow in a swamp. Urban environments, especially below ground, can be just as foreign to any tree and must be managed to provide the basic requirements needed for good root growth.
The number of species that can tolerate poor-quality of roadside soils is limited. Can we increase the diversity of trees that can thrive in this harsh environment and increase the ecosystem services they provide by matching soil amendments with tree traits?
The aim of this ongoing research is to elucidate the best ways of managing landscapes to promote the attraction of beneficial organisms as well as the best ways to implement “biological control” in urban landscapes.