Roman, L.A., Pearsall, H., Eisenman, T.S., Conway, T.M., Fahey, R.T., Landry, S., Vogt, J.M.,
van Doorn, N.S., Grove, J.M., Locke, D.H., et al. (2018). Human and biophysical legacies
shape contemporary urban forests: A literature synthesis. Urban Forestry & Urban
Greening.
Bioregional Context
The initial ecosystem properties of a region significantly influence urban forest development and
constrain potential trajectories
Native biome, climate, topography, initial vegetation, and pre-urbanization land use form the
starting conditions for urban forests
Bioregional context interacts with human actions to shape how legacy effects unfold over time
Human Drivers of Legacy Effects
Colonial Era
Colonial histories influenced species selection, with certain trees symbolizing power and cultural
identity
European colonists often planted familiar species from their homelands, impacting urban forest
composition
Urban Parks Movement
The 9th century parks movement led to the creation of large urban parks, significantly altering
urban landscapes
Frederick Law Olmsted's designs emphasized native species and naturalistic aesthetics,
influencing park development across North America
Civic Beautification
Early 20th century beautification efforts promoted tree planting along streets and in residential
areas
These initiatives often favored fast-growing, non-native species, shaping urban forest
composition
Neighborhood Urban Form
Historical development patterns and lot sizes affect the space available for trees, influencing
canopy cover
Older neighborhoods often have more mature trees and higher canopy cover due to longer
establishment periods
Socioeconomic Change
van Doorn, N.S., Grove, J.M., Locke, D.H., et al. (2018). Human and biophysical legacies
shape contemporary urban forests: A literature synthesis. Urban Forestry & Urban
Greening.
Bioregional Context
The initial ecosystem properties of a region significantly influence urban forest development and
constrain potential trajectories
Native biome, climate, topography, initial vegetation, and pre-urbanization land use form the
starting conditions for urban forests
Bioregional context interacts with human actions to shape how legacy effects unfold over time
Human Drivers of Legacy Effects
Colonial Era
Colonial histories influenced species selection, with certain trees symbolizing power and cultural
identity
European colonists often planted familiar species from their homelands, impacting urban forest
composition
Urban Parks Movement
The 9th century parks movement led to the creation of large urban parks, significantly altering
urban landscapes
Frederick Law Olmsted's designs emphasized native species and naturalistic aesthetics,
influencing park development across North America
Civic Beautification
Early 20th century beautification efforts promoted tree planting along streets and in residential
areas
These initiatives often favored fast-growing, non-native species, shaping urban forest
composition
Neighborhood Urban Form
Historical development patterns and lot sizes affect the space available for trees, influencing
canopy cover
Older neighborhoods often have more mature trees and higher canopy cover due to longer
establishment periods
Socioeconomic Change
