6) Dr. Yakir Preisler

Urban areas experience elevated temperatures due to the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect, and urban forests are crucial for mitigation through shading and transpiration. However, street trees face significant abiotic stresses, such as soil compaction and pollution, making species selection critical for their survival and effectiveness. This study assesses the adaptability of five common urban tree species by comparing their physiological and morphological responses in street versus park environments. We monitored diurnal and seasonal variations in stem diameter and sap flow, along with leaf gas exchange, water potential dynamics, and leaf turgor loss point to quantify stress levels. Contrary to our hypothesis, preliminary results indicate that the street trees were not significantly more stressed than the park trees and, in some cases, may experience unexpectedly favorable conditions. This finding challenges common assumptions about urban tree stress and suggests that certain species possess greater resilience in harsh urban microclimates than previously understood, holding important implications for future urban greening strategies.