In our research we studied the presence of mechanical damage to young trees caused by grass mowing in the roadside tree lines of the City Municipality of Ljubljana. We analyzed one thousand four trees (1004) from different areas of the city and used a combination of descriptive and inferential statistical methods. We detected statistically significant differences in the observed damage among tree species. However, because protection and location were not accounted for, we do not interpret these differences as differences in susceptibilty to mechanical damage. It should also be noted that we analysed exclusively young trees with thin bark. The most severe damage was observed along Letališka and Tržaška streets, which likely results from the influence of various factors, such as the (non)presence and condition of protection, and varying care in mowing execution. Furthermore, we compared the effectiveness of different types of trunk protection and found out that the degree of damage depends on the type of protection. A total of 69 % of all trees were damaged, with 33 % of tress exhibiting the most severe type of damage – injury to the wood. Based on the results, we formulated recommendations for the use of appropriate protection, and the introduction of preventive measures to reduce mechanical damage in the urban environment. The research makes an important contribution to understanding the risks faced by young trees in urban tree lines and highlights the key role of professionally planned and systematically maintained urban green infrastructure.
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