Urban Tree Planting Analysis in Four Squares of Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

In the present study, we conducted a tree planting evaluation in four squares of Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro, where we analyzed the species richness, diameter at breast height (DBH) and height of subjects, and we also performed a diagnosis of plant health. We found 310 individuals, distributed in 36 species and 14 families, with more emphasis on Cassia siamea and Delonix regia (32.4%). Cassia siamea represented 9.4% of the subjects of Castilho France square, 32.3% of Varnhagen square, 24.0% of Saens Pena square and 11.1% of Xavier de Brito square. Delonix regia totaled 3.2% of the species of Varnhagen square, 10.7% of Saens Pena and 35.2% of Xavier de Brito. A proportional distribution between exotic and native species was observed in the four squares investigated; however, a predominance of exotic species was found when the number of subjects was compared. 83.6% of the subjects presented height between 5 and 15 m. It was possible to observe that 49.5% of the trees showed DBH greater than 30 cm. 64.5% of the trees are healthy, 25.4% are being attacked by pests, and 10.1% have suffered worrying injuries. Given these facts, we recommend the replacement of debilitated subjects that represent a threat to users or impair aesthetics, always trying to use the largest possible number of native species to avoid uniformity. It is also necessary to intensify the control of pests and environmental education activities in order to reduce damage to flora specimens of urban squares.

floristics; tree species; diagnosis of tree; urban tree