| dc.description.abstract | Urbanization is the driving force for economic growth however it has adverse effects,
principally on human health, livelihoods and the environment. Urban forestry is key in
mitigating the environmental effects of urbanization however urban environments presents
arboricultural challenges of limited root and canopy space, poor soil quality, deficiency or
excess of water and light, heat, pollution, mechanical and chemical damage to trees.
Research conducted within Nakuru Town established the different challenges caused by
planting of inappropriate tree species and presents the development of a knowledge-based
system that would assist in the selection of the appropriate tree species for the diverse urban
environments. The system developed adopts a formalized approach to urban planting site
assessment and recommends tree species based on their characteristics and suitability.
Through the research it was evident that a better understanding of how urban ecosystems
functions, how to take care of trees, where to strategically plant them and how to maintain
them is the only way to maximize potential benefits of urban trees. The system was evaluated
through selected test cases and the results were fairly accurate and promising when compared
with the results of domain experts. Such a system would assist Governments, city-planners
and conservationists to plan in advance for urbanization’s threats to nature and thus shape the
growth of cities through incorporation of successful urban forests initiatives. | en |
