Theme 1 : Impact of construction activities on urban trees
The first research theme considers trees in the planning and design of any project. Here, we evaluate the impact of different approaches to protecting mature trees during the installation of major infrastructures to promote an integrated approach to protection when installing gray infrastructures (e.g., roads, bicycle lanes, buildings). We also evaluate the impact of construction and related anthropogenic activities on climate change.
Project : The impact of root cutting on tree stability
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In urban areas, it is not uncommon to have to cut tree roots when carrying out infrastructure redevelopment or repair work. This root-cutting can have an impact on the stability of the tree and its vigour. The study aims to quantify the impact of root cutting on the stability of two important species in Quebec City: Norway maple (Acer platanoides) and Little-leaf linden (Tilia cordata).
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Student : Clément Pallafray
Category : Maîtrise Advisor: Jean-Claude Ruel Co-advisor : Janani Sivarajah Date : 2021-2023 |
Project : Impacts of large construction activities on ecophysiological functioning of Quebec city’s trees
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Anthropogenic and large-scale construction activities often significantly impact the health of urban trees. Specifically, the consequences of root damage during extensive construction activities can be twofold: loss of stability and disruption of tree ecophysiological functioning. This project will build upon project above and it will help us to understand the short-term ecophysiological responses to anthropogenic stressors, and the impact of root-cutting on overall tree health.
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Student: Ravosoa Ramaroson
Category : Master Advisor : Janani Sivarajah Co-advisor : Ilga Porth Date : January 2023 |
Project : Evaluating the influence of root cutting on environmental factors pertaining to methane emissions and associated gas interactions
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This project originated from a long-term experimental initiative initiated in the summer of 2021 by the CRAUM in six municipal parks located in Quebec City. The project involved the excavation of root trenches at varying distances from specific tree trunks. Our primary objective in this study is to evaluate how cutting tree roots affects environmental factors related to methane emissions and associated gaseous interactions. Construction activities can disturb the root system, potentially impacting the environment. Consequently, we aim to gain a deeper understanding of how roots recover after such disturbances and how they undergo decomposition, potentially leading to increased methane emissions and disruptions in the initial state of both the soil and the tree's surroundings.
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Professional : Claudelle Bourque
Student : Ravosoa Ramaroson Advisor : Janani Sivarajah Collaborator : Md Abdul Halim Date : 2023 - ... |
Thanks to all of our research partners and funders !
