Urban ecosystems have been globally subjected to disturbance, fragmentation, and invasion. Introduced to the United States in the late 1700s, the tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima) has rapidly and aggressively spread. Today, the tree of heaven mostly occupies environments that have been altered by human activity, hence their large presence in New York City.
Our study aims to answer the following: How will A. altissima affect New York City’s urban landscape over time?
Michelle Chen, Samuel Doueck, Jacob Moloy
Chidera Eddie-Nkwoh
December 5, 2022 — 6:49 pm
I’ve seen the “Tree of Heaven” all over NYC, but could never identify it. Its uniqueness is the ability to thrive in (generally) uninhabitable places like pavement cracks. This will lead to the structural issues the conclusion mentioned. If the mitigation strategies are ineffective–and even detrimental–should the government take more drastic measures?