Date of Graduation

2003

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

MS

Committee Chair

Ray R. Hicks

Abstract

Tree characteristics and environmental factors were evaluated to determine their effect on the health and survival of low-maturing street trees. A total of 271 trees were sampled in 13 West Virginia communities participating in the Municipal Tree Restoration Program (MTRP). Trees were assigned a crown rating on a scale of 0-7, 0 being excellent and 7 being very poor. Crown ratings were based on estimates of crown density, foliage transparency, and crown dieback percentages. Using logistic regression, a model was developed to predict the initial survival. Seven variables were found to have a significant relationship with crown rating: diameter above root collar, live crown ratio, total height, distance to the curb, crown diameter, year, and species type. Diameter above root collar and live crown ratio have positive odds ratio estimates increasing the chances of a low crown rating (high vigor).

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