Analysis of Tree Falls Caused by Weather Events in Urban Areas: The Case Study of the City of Venice
Urban green areas, while providing numerous benefits, can also produce negative impacts, often referred to as “ecosystem disservices”. While fallen fruits, leaves, and branches may pose tripping hazards, falling trees present a more significant threat to the safety of citizens and buildings. A study...
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MDPI AG
2025-05-01
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| author | Matteo Buson Lucia Bortolini |
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| description | Urban green areas, while providing numerous benefits, can also produce negative impacts, often referred to as “ecosystem disservices”. While fallen fruits, leaves, and branches may pose tripping hazards, falling trees present a more significant threat to the safety of citizens and buildings. A study was conducted to identify the factors that most influence tree falls, aiming to enhance monitoring and maintenance in high-risk areas and develop preventive felling plans. The analysis was carried out in the city of Venice (Italy) using data from 2019 to 2022. Key variables included daily rainfall and cumulative rainfall over the four days preceding tree falls, minimum temperature, average wind speed and direction, and maximum gust speed on the day of the event and two days prior, as well as detailed information on the affected trees from the municipal GreenSpaces application database (R3GIS). The distribution of fallen trees was assessed in relation to these parameters, and a spatial autocorrelation analysis was performed. The results revealed that tree falls were more frequent during the summer season, coinciding with more intense weather events, especially those characterized by gusts of strong wind (>15 m/s). Street trees and trees in groups, particularly those in parks and densely populated urban areas, were most affected. Tree falls during a single event often occurred in clusters within a radius of approximately 1.5 km. Species analysis indicated that maintaining a diverse mix of tree species could reduce the number of fallen trees, as different species exhibit varying levels of resistance to wind pressure and adaptability to urban conditions. Addressing these findings can help to create more sustainable and livable urban environments, maximizing the benefits of green spaces while mitigating their ecosystem disservices. |
| format | Article |
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| spelling | doaj-art-486ac32f09f246cab09fc4fac731d1312025-08-20T03:16:22ZengMDPI AGLand2073-445X2025-05-01146113110.3390/land14061131Analysis of Tree Falls Caused by Weather Events in Urban Areas: The Case Study of the City of VeniceMatteo Buson0Lucia Bortolini1Department of Land, Environment, Agriculture and Forestry (TESAF), University of Padova, Viale dell’Università 16, 35020 Legnaro, ItalyDepartment of Land, Environment, Agriculture and Forestry (TESAF), University of Padova, Viale dell’Università 16, 35020 Legnaro, ItalyUrban green areas, while providing numerous benefits, can also produce negative impacts, often referred to as “ecosystem disservices”. While fallen fruits, leaves, and branches may pose tripping hazards, falling trees present a more significant threat to the safety of citizens and buildings. A study was conducted to identify the factors that most influence tree falls, aiming to enhance monitoring and maintenance in high-risk areas and develop preventive felling plans. The analysis was carried out in the city of Venice (Italy) using data from 2019 to 2022. Key variables included daily rainfall and cumulative rainfall over the four days preceding tree falls, minimum temperature, average wind speed and direction, and maximum gust speed on the day of the event and two days prior, as well as detailed information on the affected trees from the municipal GreenSpaces application database (R3GIS). The distribution of fallen trees was assessed in relation to these parameters, and a spatial autocorrelation analysis was performed. The results revealed that tree falls were more frequent during the summer season, coinciding with more intense weather events, especially those characterized by gusts of strong wind (>15 m/s). Street trees and trees in groups, particularly those in parks and densely populated urban areas, were most affected. Tree falls during a single event often occurred in clusters within a radius of approximately 1.5 km. Species analysis indicated that maintaining a diverse mix of tree species could reduce the number of fallen trees, as different species exhibit varying levels of resistance to wind pressure and adaptability to urban conditions. Addressing these findings can help to create more sustainable and livable urban environments, maximizing the benefits of green spaces while mitigating their ecosystem disservices.https://www.mdpi.com/2073-445X/14/6/1131urban greeningtree failuretree uprootingurban safetypreventive management |
| spellingShingle | Matteo Buson Lucia Bortolini Analysis of Tree Falls Caused by Weather Events in Urban Areas: The Case Study of the City of Venice Land urban greening tree failure tree uprooting urban safety preventive management |
| title | Analysis of Tree Falls Caused by Weather Events in Urban Areas: The Case Study of the City of Venice |
| title_full | Analysis of Tree Falls Caused by Weather Events in Urban Areas: The Case Study of the City of Venice |
| title_fullStr | Analysis of Tree Falls Caused by Weather Events in Urban Areas: The Case Study of the City of Venice |
| title_full_unstemmed | Analysis of Tree Falls Caused by Weather Events in Urban Areas: The Case Study of the City of Venice |
| title_short | Analysis of Tree Falls Caused by Weather Events in Urban Areas: The Case Study of the City of Venice |
| title_sort | analysis of tree falls caused by weather events in urban areas the case study of the city of venice |
| topic | urban greening tree failure tree uprooting urban safety preventive management |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2073-445X/14/6/1131 |
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