The importance of tree species richness in urban green spaces: a case study of two Italian cities

Introduction: Urban green spaces enhance biodiversity and provide critical ecosystem services like carbon sequestration and urban cooling. Historically dominated by non-native species, modern approaches now emphasize native tree planting to support ecological resilience (Grimm et al., 2008 ). Advanced tools like LiDAR and i-Tree software enable precise monitoring of tree health and ecosystem benefits, guiding sustainable urban planning . By analyzing species distribution and canopy structure, cities can optimize green space management to combat climate change (Wang et al., 2021) . These data-driven strategies help planners maximize ecological benefits whilepromoting urban biodiversity, ensuring greener, healthier cities for future generations (Sharma et al., 2025). Aim of study: This study aims to explore the species richness of urban trees in two Italian cities, Palermo and Florence, examining various types of green spaces, including treelined streets, public squares and historical gardens. Particular emphasis is placed on the potential of new technologies to assess and promote biodiversity in these spaces. Conclusions: This study demonstrates how advanced tools like LiDAR revolutionize urban forestry through precise 3D tree modeling and ecosystem service quantification using i-Tree. As the most sophisticated technology for structural analysis, LiDAR enables accurate health assessments and carbon sequestration measurements, providingurban planners with critical data for decision-making. By mapping species distribution and ecosystem benefits, cities can optimize planting programs and develop targeted sustainability plans.