The purpose of this study was to quantify and qualify the urban tree planting in the São
João Batista district, Volta Redonda (RJ). This present work has been separate into two
sections: the first part included a tree planting survey and their management needs were
identified, while in the second part an interview was applied with forty-five local
residents. The interview covered some aspects about the urban tree planting and the
awareness level from the local residents was evaluated. It was found one hundred
fourteen individuals, distributed in twenty-two species and fifteen families. The four
most common species accounted 53,5% of all individuals. They were Michelia
champaca L. (26,3%), Ficus benjamina L. (9,6%), Bauhinia variegata Linn. (8,8%)
and Casuarina equisetifolia J.R & G.Forts (8,8%). Eighteen different species accounted
46.5% of the tree planting. The Ficus benjamina L., the second largest common species,
showed a concern due this species can cause serious damage on urban infrastructure.
Out of these plant species, 85% of the studied individuals were exotic and 15% were
native. Of all diagnosed conflicts, the electric transmission networks (34,2%), and the
sidewalk obstructions (28,1%) stand out from the others. In relation to high class
distribution, 25,4% were smaller than 5 m, 53,3% were in the class between 5 to 10 m
and 21.1% were above 10 m. Only 21% of the individuals showed good phytosanitary
conditions, while 67% showed regular conditions and 12% were in worse conditions.
The presence of parasitic plants was found in 5.6% of the trees. 95.6% of respondents
perceive the importance of urban tree planting. The reduction of heat (80.0%) and the
production of shadow (77.8%) were the most cited benefits. 13.3% of respondents were
very satisfied with the urban tree planting of the district, 48.9% were satisfied, 37.8%
were somewhat satisfied and none dissatisfied. The desired species in the trees
implementation on the district area were: Tabebuia heptaphyla ( Vell.) Toledo. (20.0%),
Tibouchinia granulosa (Desr.) Cogn. (6.7%) and Chorisia speciosa A.St.-Hil. (4.4%). It
is concluded that the urban tree planting of this district is inadequate, where 14.0% of
individuals must to be removed. The most of people realize the importance of tree
planting, and they point to the advantages of heat reducing, the shading and the
production of flowers.
