Non-Native Trees QUIZ – Non Native Trees

In six chapters, two virtual field trips, 11 reading sections, and 13 lecture units, the team of the ALPTREES project gave you the opportunity to deepen your knowledge about non-native tree species in the Alpine Space. Not all aspects of dendrology, NNT management, invasiveness, climate change adaptation & mitigation, citizen science, urban green space planning, or tree health will now be clear. Some topics will even raise new questions and encourage you to seek more information or even to contact the experts of the ALPTREES team directly. Nevertheless, with this online course on non-native trees, we tended to raise your awareness to the understanding of the responsible use of non-native trees for climate change adaptation of European forests and urban areas requires cross-sectoral and transnational cooperation to secure the biodiversity, ecosystem services, and cultural resources of native forests against the risks of NNT. Above all, we hope to have shared the fascination for trees in the Alpine Space with you!

Finally, we invite you to conclude the online course on NNT with a final exam, which serves to consolidate the new level of knowledge and consists of 25 questions. If you successfully complete the final exam, you will receive an ALPTREES Certificate at the end.

Thank you very much for participating in the online training course on the sustainable use and management of non-native trees in the Alpine Space!

Find the QUIZ below…

Welcome to Non-native trees QUIZ

Name

1. Pests and diseases are potential threats to non-native tree species as well as to native trees in urban and forest areas. What should be done prior to introducing NNT to a new area?

Plant NNT in small area and wait to see if pests and diseases will harm native and NNT trees.

We should conduct site-specific risk assessments and increase overall tree diversity to prevent the risk of massive damages in forest and urban stands.

We choose tree species that do not have natural enemies in their natural range

Which continent do most of the non-native tree species in the Alpine region originate from?

North America

Asia

South America

Other European regions outside the Alpine Space

3. Why is introduction of NNT into urban areas less critical compared to forest areas?

Because of the long history of the selection and use of NNT in urban areas.

Because they cannot become invasive in urban areas.

Because there are no harmful pests in urban areas.

In the Alpine Space, there are several billion trees of (enter a number) native tree species. By far the most common tree species is Picea abies, the Norway spruce.

The economically most relevant NNT sold by volume is ....

Populus x canadensis

Abies grandis

Cedrus libani

Pseudotsuga menziesii

6. Why are invasive species causing concern and need to be managed properly?

Because people do not think they look nice in the environment.

They reduce toxins into air if you look at them for a longer time.

They have a negative effect on native biodiversity, which is especially problematic in ecosystems with high conservation value.

These species reduce air quality.

7. The impacts of climate change are expected to be particularly severe in the Alpine region. What is expected with warmer temperatures in future in alpine forests?

tree growth period will extend, treeline will shift upwards and it will become too dry for many native trees at lower altitudes

tree growth period will shorten, treeline will shift downwards and lowlands will become optimal growing conditions for native trees.

The introduction of NNT in the Alpine space has started in thee 19th century – mainly for purposes.

Where are invasive non-native tree species observed most frequently?

degraded areas

forest margins

forest clearances

abandoned agricultural land

all of the above

10.

Where do most of the non-native trees in the Alpine region grow?

in the cities

in the forests

11.

Do the terms non-native and invasive (tree species) have the same meaning?

yes

12. The lifespan of urban trees is frequently:

Longer, because they have more space to grow than in their natural habitats

Longer, because they are exposed to more sunlight and can grow faster and stronger.

Longer, because of elevated CO2 concentrations in cities which increase the photosynthesis rate in plants, leading to faster growth and production of above-ground biomass.

Shorter, because of the harsh environmental conditions in cities (drought stress, higher risk of overheating).

13.

How many non-native species do you think have been identified in the Alpine region?

less than 50

from 50 to 100

from 100 to 500

more than 500

14. Which tree-specific characteristics are important for invasiveness potential assessment?

Blossom and leaf shape.

Reproduction and spreading potential.

Straight trunk and big leaves.

Size and shape of the tree.

15. Sustainable management and use of non-native tree species (NNT) in urban areas imply several steps, including identification of suitable tree species and their long-term management. Which criteria NNT has to meet to be considered for planting in urban settlements?

Suitability for other cities – If NNT grows well in urban settlements in other countries, it should grow well also here

Aesthetic quality, rooting ability and depth, growth rate, trees allergenic properties, drought tolerance, pest and diseases tolerance, salt tolerance (e.g., in case of tree species planted along the roads), fertilizers requirement, little long-term maintenance (e.g., frequent pruning), non-invasiveness.

We should consider only aesthetic values and ecosystem service delivery since trees in urban settlements are there for beautifying streets and providing shadow.

16. For the identification of different tree species, the dichotomous keys are often used. The following tree characteristics are the most important to determine tree to the species level:

Colour of leaves, shape of roots and diameter at breast height.

Shape of leaves, bark pattern, position of branches, shape of flowers and fruits.

Presence or absence of bird nests in tree crown.

If tree is deciduous or coniferous.

17. of particular importance in the Alpine region are the protective functions of forests, which have a stabilizing effect on the natural environment. Which ones belong here?

Recreation and aesthetic improvement.

Maintaining clean water and air, reducing the risks of impacts of floods, avalanches, erosion and drought.

Timber and non-timber products.

Cultural enrichment and environmental awareness.

18. Which steps are crucial for successful tree management in urban areas?

Selection of appropriate species for current and future climate conditions, comprehensive site assessment, improvement of site conditions to ensure successful tree establishment, use of seedlings with suitable provenance and quality, long-term strategy for adequate planning and management.

Selection of appropriate species for current and future climate conditions is the only important step.

Selection of species which have nice blossoms, leaves and crown, short-term strategy for planning and management, due to short life span of urban trees.

19.

Which is the most frequent and abundant NNT species in Europe?

Robinia pseudoacacia / Black Locust

Aesculus x carnea / Red horse-chestnut

Pinus wallichiana / Himalayan pine

20. Vital and stable stands are composed of healthy individual trees that have a strong root system, long and broad crowns, and a favourable H/D (height/diameter) value. What should be a value of H/D for a tree to be more stable against natural events (storms, wind)?

Smaller H/D value

Higher H/D value

21.

In what percentage do you think that NNT cover European forests?

NNT are estimated to cover around 4% of European forests.

NNT are estimated to cover around 0.3% of European forests.

NNT are estimated to cover around 14% of European forests.

NNT are estimated to cover around 40% of European forests.

22. What can forest owners do to make their forests fit for the impacts of climate change and what can be done to make the forest “climate-smart”?

Considering different silvicultural measures for different development phases, carrying out measures at the right time, promoting a stable, well structured, multi-staged mixed forest.

Introducing suitable species for the climate, avoiding clear-cuts, avoiding soil erosion, checking forests regularly for potential bark beetle attacks, ensuring seeds and seedling of appropriate provenance.

Increasing biodiversity of tree species and diverse habitats such as dead wood, veteran trees, shrub and herb layer.

Get advice and legal regulations from experts.

All of the above.

23. Urban trees generate significant ecosystem services, such as:

24.

Try to name at least three NNT species typical for the Alpine region.

25. Do you think that future climate changes will increase or decrease the number of non-native tree species in the Alpine regions?

increase

decrease

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