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Urban Science
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Urban Forestry as a Strategy for Promoting Greener and Healthier...
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Urban Forestry as a Strategy for Promoting Greener and Healthier Cities

A special issue of Urban Science (ISSN 2413-8851).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 September 2025 | Viewed by 9615

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Francesco Ferrini

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Agriculture, Food, Environment and Forestry, University of Florence, Viale delle idee 30, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019, Florence, Italy
Interests: urban stresses; tree physiology; tree and the built environment; urban forestry; arboriculture
Dr. Ermes Lo Piccolo

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Agriculture, Food, Environment and Forestry, University of Florence, Viale delle idee 30, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019 Florence, Italy
Interests: arboriculture and urban forestry; tree physiology; urban agriculture; fruit quality; artificial lightining disturbances
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Barbara Mariotti

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Agriculture, Food, Environment and Forestry, University of Florence, Via San Bonaventura 13, 50145 Florence, Italy
Interests: urban forestry; tree nursery production and quality assessment; natural and artificial regeneration; tree planning and management; tree physiology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The phenomenon of urbanization, characterized by increased population density and expanding anthropogenic structures, invariably leads to environmental challenges such as elevated levels of atmospheric pollutants, urban heat island effects, and a decrease in biodiversity. Urban forestry is an interdisciplinary field that merges urban planning with forestry science, advocating for the systematic and strategic incorporation of vegetation within urban landscapes. Trees and urban green spaces play pivotal roles in carbon sequestration, offsetting a fraction of anthropogenic CO₂ emissions. Additionally, through transpiration and shade provision, urban trees mitigate the urban heat island effect, reducing temperatures in densely built areas and providing a multitude of other interconnected ecosystem services. Indeed, from a public health perspective, urban forests have been associated with improved air quality by filtering particulate matter and other pollutants. Moreover, recent studies indicated the psychological benefits of integrating natural elements into urban spaces, suggesting decreased levels of stress and improved cognitive function among urban dwellers.

In this scenario, we intend to publish high-quality papers related to arboriculture and urban forestry, which may include basic and applied studies. Full experimental and methodological details must be provided for research articles.

Accordingly, this Special Issue is interested in:

  • Research articles;
  • Review articles;
  • Mini-review articles;
  • Perspective articles;
  • Opinion articles.

In particular, we welcome contributions by early-career researchers.

Prof. Dr. Francesco Ferrini
Dr. Ermes Lo Piccolo
Dr. Barbara Mariotti
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Urban Science is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • biodiversity
  • ecosystem services
  • edible green infrastructures
  • global climate change
  • psychological benefits
  • tree physiology
  • urban ecology
  • urban forest
  • urban greening
  • urban pollution

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 6700 KiB  
Article
Creating Smellscapes with Plants: A Landscape Architectural Framework
by Victoria Linn Lygum and Jieling Xiao
Urban Sci. 2025, 9(3), 68; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci9030068 - 4 Mar 2025
Viewed by 836
Abstract
This article suggests a landscape architectural framework that purposefully integrates plant scents into the design of urban green spaces. The framework is relevant in the planning and design of urban greening with the aim of enhancing biodiversity and creating a more human-centered environment [...] Read more.
This article suggests a landscape architectural framework that purposefully integrates plant scents into the design of urban green spaces. The framework is relevant in the planning and design of urban greening with the aim of enhancing biodiversity and creating a more human-centered environment to provide good living conditions and health benefits for city dwellers. A drawing–interview method is used to understand how plant scent is used in landscape design practice by examining two real-life projects. Reflecting on the opportunities and challenges of using plant scent in urban spaces, this article introduces a framework that focuses on the connections between the nature of plant scents, human access to it via design, and the perception and effect of it. This framework can be used to incorporate plant scent as part of a multisensory design responding to both the physical, social and cultural context of a space. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Forestry as a Strategy for Promoting Greener and Healthier Cities)
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15 pages, 1885 KiB  
Article
Rethinking Urban Greening: Implications of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design for Enhancing Perceived Safety in Baitashan Park, Lanzhou
by Fei Hou, Massoomeh Hedayati Marzbali, Mohammad Javad Maghsoodi Tilaki and Aldrin Abdullah
Urban Sci. 2025, 9(1), 9; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci9010009 - 6 Jan 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1566
Abstract
While urban greening is an effective adaptation strategy for building resilient cities, socioeconomic factors and individual perceptions of urban parks play a significant role in enhancing their safety and inclusiveness. Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) is a widely recognized approach for enhancing [...] Read more.
While urban greening is an effective adaptation strategy for building resilient cities, socioeconomic factors and individual perceptions of urban parks play a significant role in enhancing their safety and inclusiveness. Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) is a widely recognized approach for enhancing safety in urban public spaces. However, existing research has largely overlooked the impact of socioeconomic factors and interpersonal needs on shaping perceptions of safety. Baitashan Park is Located in Lanzhou City, Gansu Province, China. It is an iconic urban park with significant cultural and recreational value. Despite the park’s popularity, it faces challenges such as uneven accessibility, maintenance discrepancies, and perceived safety concerns, especially among users from the lower socioeconomic status (SES) group. This study examines how SES and interpersonal needs affect the relationship between CPTED principles and perceived safety. Our findings reveal that interpersonal needs significantly mediate the impact of CPTED on perceived safety, with SES playing a moderating role in both the direct and indirect effects. Specifically, the influence of CPTED on perceived safety through interpersonal needs is more pronounced for individuals with higher SES, while the direct effect of CPTED on perceived safety is also stronger for users with higher SES. These results suggest that the effectiveness of CPTED principles can be enhanced by considering the interplay between socioeconomic status and interpersonal dynamics. This study underscores the importance of adopting a holistic approach to urban park design, integrating environmental, social, and economic factors to promote safety, inclusivity, and well-being for all park users. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Forestry as a Strategy for Promoting Greener and Healthier Cities)
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28 pages, 19521 KiB  
Article
Sustainable Management of an Urban Green Space in a Papua New Guinean City: Accessibility, Use and Preferences
by Eugene Ejike Ezebilo
Urban Sci. 2024, 8(4), 243; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci8040243 - 4 Dec 2024
Viewed by 979
Abstract
Urban green spaces provide recreation opportunities that contribute to physical wellbeing, health, and social wellbeing. However, managing green spaces to promote access and use for recreation and at the same time meet the preferences of visitors is often challenging, especially in developing countries. [...] Read more.
Urban green spaces provide recreation opportunities that contribute to physical wellbeing, health, and social wellbeing. However, managing green spaces to promote access and use for recreation and at the same time meet the preferences of visitors is often challenging, especially in developing countries. Using Port Moresby Nature Park (PMNP) in Papua New Guinea as a case study, the objective of this study was to examine visitors’ perceptions of how to manage the park to improve its use for recreation, perceptions of acceptable user fees and preferences for nature types and recreation amenity alternatives. Data were obtained using interviews with 295 visitors to PMNP, of which 291 responses was valid for this study. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and a multinomial logit regression marginal effect model. The results showed that PMNP can be improved by constructing more toilets, providing more benches at strategic positions, providing water fountains, expanding the children’s playgrounds and training more PMNP staff in customer care. A picnic area was the most preferred and an area containing the Papuan hornbill was the least preferred. On average, the visitors would pay 35% more than the park user fee. A recreation amenity associated with reptiles and birds of paradise was the most preferred and an amenity with only reptiles was the least preferred. Multinomial logit regression model results revealed that preferences for recreation amenity alternatives were influenced by demographic characteristics, the nature type visited, recreation activities, the level of the park user fee, and the time spent at and distance of the interviewees’ dwelling to PMNP. The most important explanatory variables associated with the choice of each of the recreation amenities as reflected by marginal effects include the use of a children’s playground for recreation, grilling and partying during recreation, engagement in walking in natural areas during recreation, the use of animal-dominated areas during recreation and the use of picnic areas during recreation. These findings will assist park managers in making informed decisions by considering visitors’ preferences, the affordability of the park user fee and how to improve an urban green space in a sustainable manner. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Forestry as a Strategy for Promoting Greener and Healthier Cities)
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12 pages, 1708 KiB  
Article
Comparing Different Methodologies to Quantify Particulate Matter Accumulation on Plant Leaves
by Barbara Baesso Moura, Francesco Zammarchi, Yasutomo Hoshika, Federico Martinelli, Elena Paoletti and Francesco Ferrini
Urban Sci. 2024, 8(3), 125; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci8030125 - 27 Aug 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1822
Abstract
Urban air pollution poses a significant threat to human health, with metropolitan areas particularly affected due to high emissions from human activities. Particulate matter (PMx) is among the most harmful pollutants to human health, being composed of a complex mixture of [...] Read more.
Urban air pollution poses a significant threat to human health, with metropolitan areas particularly affected due to high emissions from human activities. Particulate matter (PMx) is among the most harmful pollutants to human health, being composed of a complex mixture of substances related to severe pulmonary conditions. Urban green spaces play a vital role in mitigating air pollution by capturing PMx, and it is essential to select plant species with a high capacity for PMx accumulation to effectively enhance air quality. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the accuracy of two PMx quantification methods—light microscopy and filtration—which demonstrated a high correlation (R2 = 0.72), suggesting that both methods are reliable for assessing PMx accumulation on leaves. Light microscopy allowed for the visualization of PMx deposition, revealing the species warranting further analysis using the filtration method. Among the species analyzed, Euonymus japonicus, Ligustrum lucidum, Alnus glutinosa, Rubus ulmifolius, and Laurus nobilis demonstrated the highest total PMx accumulation, exceeding 50 µg cm−2, making them particularly valuable for air pollution mitigation. This study examined the correlation between leaf traits such as specific leaf area (SLA), leaf area (LA), leaf dissection index (LDI), and leaf roundness and PMx accumulation across the 30 different plant species. A multiple linear regression analysis indicated that these leaf traits significantly influenced PMx accumulation, with SLA and LA showing negative correlations and leaf roundness exhibiting a positive correlation with PMx deposition. In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of selecting plant species with specific leaf traits for effective air quality improvement in urban environments particularly in highly polluted areas, to enhance air quality and public health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Forestry as a Strategy for Promoting Greener and Healthier Cities)
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Review

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21 pages, 2587 KiB  
Review
Soil–Plant Indicators for Assessing Nutrient Cycling and Ecosystem Functionality in Urban Forestry
by Cristina Macci, Francesca Vannucchi, Andrea Scartazza, Grazia Masciandaro, Serena Doni and Eleonora Peruzzi
Urban Sci. 2025, 9(3), 82; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci9030082 - 13 Mar 2025
Viewed by 1256
Abstract
Nature-based solutions (NbS) are multidimensional, resource-efficient, and sustainable growth approaches to cope with current challenges, including biodiversity and carbon loss, pollution, climate change and land degradation. Amongst NbS, urban forestry is an important tool to enhance environmental resilience and sustainability, providing useful ecosystem [...] Read more.
Nature-based solutions (NbS) are multidimensional, resource-efficient, and sustainable growth approaches to cope with current challenges, including biodiversity and carbon loss, pollution, climate change and land degradation. Amongst NbS, urban forestry is an important tool to enhance environmental resilience and sustainability, providing useful ecosystem services for human well-being. In this context, using suitable soil and plant indicators allows us to evaluate the efficiency of urban forestry in sustaining ecosystem functionality. Effective indicators should be sensitive to environmental changes and representative of ecological processes. Many studies focus on the selection of soil or plant indicators. The prior investigations considered soil–plant interaction and the related complex heterarchical and bidirectional effects involving plant strategy and soil biota. The choice and the use of indicators related to the soil–plant system could be an innovative strategy to better assess the following: (1) the ability of soil to support healthy plants and their ability to improve air quality; (2) the effect of urban forestry on ecological processes, in particular carbon and nutrient cycles. This review investigates the suitability of soil–plant system indicators related to nutrient cycles, e.g., ecological stoichiometry, enzyme activity and stoichiometry, and carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes, as valuable tools for planning and evaluating the effectiveness of urban forestry interventions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Forestry as a Strategy for Promoting Greener and Healthier Cities)
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17 pages, 767 KiB  
Review
Artificial Light at Night (ALAN) as an Emerging Urban Stressor for Tree Phenology and Physiology: A Review
by Luisa Friulla and Laura Varone
Urban Sci. 2025, 9(1), 14; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci9010014 - 10 Jan 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1878
Abstract
Artificial light at night (ALAN) is an expanding environmental issue, particularly in urban areas. This review aimed to present the state of the art regarding the impact of ALAN on specific and interrelated aspects related to physiological processes and life cycle events in [...] Read more.
Artificial light at night (ALAN) is an expanding environmental issue, particularly in urban areas. This review aimed to present the state of the art regarding the impact of ALAN on specific and interrelated aspects related to physiological processes and life cycle events in tree species. The reviewed studies highlighted the multifaceted effects of artificial light on plants, offering insights and perspectives to guide future research in this evolving and stimulating field. ALAN disrupts circadian rhythms, alters photoperiodic responses, and affects photosynthesis and carbohydrate metabolism. Changes in phenology such as delayed senescence and altered budburst timing demonstrated species-specific responses, often compounded by other urban stressors like heat and drought. Despite an increased interest, knowledge gaps remain concerning the species-specific responses and the effects of light spectra as well as the long-term consequences on tree physiology. These gaps highlight the need for integrated research approaches and urban planning strategies to mitigate ALAN effects, ensuring the resilience of urban trees and preserving ecosystem services in the context of growing urbanization and climate change. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Forestry as a Strategy for Promoting Greener and Healthier Cities)
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