The Roots of the Problem

The Roots of the Problem: Which above- and below-ground factors contributed to the collapse of solitary urban trees during Storm Eunice in Amsterdam?

Brown, Alex (TU Delft Architecture and the Built Environment)

Hiemstra, Jelle (mentor)
Veldhuizen, Ab (mentor)

Delft University of Technology
Wageningen University & Research

Metropolitan Analysis, Design and Engineering (MADE)

2022-10-20

In this multi-analytical research, a triangulation of qualitative and quantitative methods have been utilised to explore the complex relationship of trees with their urban environment. Focusing on the significant number of treefalls that occurred during Storm Eunice in 2022 as a case example, the various aspects that hinder tree resilience and survival across the city of Amsterdam during storms was undertaken, spanning four stages. First, physical parameters of Amsterdam’s fallen trees were derived and analysed to identify what species, height or age of trees are most susceptible to collapse during extreme weather conditions. Second, specialist interviews were undertaken to focus on what factors above and below the ground contribute to susceptibility to tree fall. Third, a spatial analysis was made linking the locations of fallen trees to selected factors derived from the prior qualitative analysis to further identify correlations between cause and effect. Lastly, the data were used to make a series of recommendations on biotic and technical aspects of tree pits, and which tree species along with planting techniques are best suited for particular conditions to help prevent future tree falls in Amsterdam.

treefalls
resilience
stress factors
below- & above-ground
Storm Eunice
Amsterdam

http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:45ee0053-66ca-4549-b0a0-335d4f4f33c5

Student theses

master thesis

© 2022 Alex Brown