On the potential for carbon sequestration in Australia's urban forest for the next decade

Abstract

Carbon sequestered in trees is recognized as a valuable resource towards reducing carbon emissions. A methodology is developed to estimate above-ground biomass (AGB) and carbon of the urban forest in 7 towns utilizing existing tree inventory data. Growth rates derived from 69 slab and core samples showed a linear relationship between age and diameter. Species was found to be a key determinant of growth. Carbon density maps revealed that the largest amounts of stored carbon were associated with areas where large, mature trees are located. Infill planting of 8,300 trees over the next 10-20 years will not necessarily increase carbon stock, depending on the quantity and types of trees removed from Council's replacement programs. The outcomes of this research will provide urban forest managers with a simple, yet effective, methodology to estimate, visualize and communicate current and future carbon stocks from inventory data.