Street trees in wealthier neighborhoods boost biodiversity and biomass, reinforcing urban inequities.
Street trees in urban areas, especially in wealthier and denser neighborhoods, play a crucial role in increasing biodiversity and tree biomass. These trees contribute significantly to the overall urban forest by adding more species and biomass. However, they do not necessarily improve areas with low tree canopy cover. The type of trees planted and their survival maintenance can impact the distribution and function of the urban forest, potentially reinforcing inequalities in different neighborhoods. Wealthier neighborhoods tend to have more trees and canopy cover, highlighting the importance of considering where and why street trees are planted and how they are managed to ensure a more equitable urban forest.