On the Possibility of Using Tree Inventories in Determining Allergic Trees in Hungary, Based on Data of Szeged and Miskolc

Abstract

In the countries of the European Union, great importance is attached to urban trees, especially to indoor and outdoor treelines, parks and forests. They are considered both an object of the living world, a landscape element, and at the same time a tool against environment harms. Nowadays, 29.1% of the member states’ population lives in rural areas, 39.3% in cities and 31.6% in towns and suburbs. Spreading constructions, extreme weather, rising summer temperatures, and urban heat islands have increased the value of urban green spaces, especially trees that provide shade and reduce air dryness. More and more cities are beginning to realize that urban trees are a value that they must take seriously, which have a positive amortization that is incomprehensible to an average accountant. In Hungary, local governments are required by law to manage their property responsibly, which means that the locality must have a tree inventory. The improvement of the situation is facilitated by the fact that more and more municipalities do regard green areas as infrastructure. In the beginning of our long term research, we examine the status of the partial tree inventories of two settlements with urban status in Hungary: Miskolc and Szeged. We hope that the ongoing research will enable us to get a comprehensive picture of the currently used inventory forms and data recording methods, with which we can ease the situation of municipalities that do not yet have a wood register.