Shaping the greenery areas along the streets on the example of Wiśniowa Avenue in Wrocław

Abstract

In the age of concrete cities, it is important to manage space in sustainable way, meeting the needs of urban residents and the natural environment. Following article addresses issues associated with meaning of greenery in cities, primarily alongside traffic routes. The importance of planting crops, and benefits that greenery brings to the environment and mankind has been emphasized. Some functions of plants reduce human impact on the environment, which is important, considering necessity for cities to adapt to climate change. Removing greenery in cities is popular even though it has negative effects in the long run. Mature trees produce more oxygen than young trees and in combination with lower greenery create a barrier to noise, wind, and air pollution. Results of a research about utilization of available biologically active surfaces, carried out on Wiśniowa avenue in Wrocław have been presented. Existing development and levels of traffic noise has been researched. During site inventory, the condition of the plants was assessed. Results show that Wiśniowa avenue is highly populated by plants, nevertheless, there are many regions with just grass planted. Alongside the street a trend has been observed, biologically active surfaces under the trees weren’t landscaped properly. Sidewalks, bike paths, and parking lots are made of impervious materials, which reduce soaking of rainwater into the soil. Importance of deliberated utilization of all available biologically active regions in the city has been proven, especially alongside traffic routes, where we encounter immense air pollution. Lastly, solutions to improve the management of the biologically active area along streets including Wiśniowa avenue in Wrocław have been proposed.