Cities are increasingly interested in using green infrastructure, such as streetside tree pits, to manage urban stormwater runoff. However, urban trees are valuable assets that can be impacted by their growing conditions and the effect of runoff on the health and growth of trees is not well known. This is particularly the case in northern climates where road salts are frequently used.

Through both a field and microcosm experiment, this research project aims to answer the following questions: Does saline runoff have an impact on the growth or health of urbain trees? How does resistance to the effects of salinity differ from one tree species to the next?