Urban forests play a critical role in improving the quality of life in cities, but in arid environments, little is known about the potential benefits and growth conditions of different tree species. Our study aimed to fill this gap by investigating the relationships between tree dimensions, above-ground biomass carbon storage, and shading potential in three common urban trees in the arid city of Jericho, Palestine, (i.e., Ficus nitida, Delonix regia, and Phoenix dactylifera). The trees were chosen according to their distribution in urban locations and tree vitality, with ages ranging from 20 to 90 years. Based on the results from tree structure measurements, the carbon storage and shading potential were calculated using the City Tree model. The results indicate a moderate to strong relationship between tree height, crown diameter, and crown volume for F. nitida and D. regia (R² = 0.28–0.66), but no relationship for P. dactylifera (R² = 0.03–0.06). The findings suggest that the analyzed tree species can considerably contribute to the potential benefits of trees in improving the climate of an arid city: D. regia shows a higher median of above-ground biomass carbon storage of 155 kg C tree⁻¹, while P. dactylifera 91 kg C and F. nitida 76 Kg C. D. regia and F. nitida have a higher median of shading potential, (31 m²–41 m²), respectively. Information on the ecosystem services from urban trees and their relationships in terms of species, age, and tree planting urban location are very important for city planners, in relation to sustainable urban green spaces in arid cities.

Building proximity was associated with species-specific patterns in urban tree growth, crown structure, and allometric relationships under arid conditions. Urban trees provide essential ecosystem services in arid cities, yet the extent to which surrounding buildings influence tree development remains insufficiently understood. This study investigated species-specific responses of urban trees to surrounding urban structures in Jericho, Palestine, using a height-weighted Building Proximity Index (BPIsum) integrating building distance and height. Tree structural variables and aboveground carbon storage were assessed for Delonix regia, Ficus nitida, and Phoenix dactylifera. Linear mixed-effects models and linear models were used to evaluate growth responses and allometric relationships across the BPIsum gradient. Positive BPIsum associations were observed for stem diameter and aboveground carbon storage in F. nitida (β = 0.101, p = 0.011; β = 0.236, p = 0.004, respectively). In contrast, P. dactylifera maintained stable structural characteristics, whereas D. regia exhibited intermediate responses. Crown diameter and crown symmetry remained stable, whereas crown volume showed stronger species-specific variation. These findings highlight species-specific patterns of tree development and have implications for species selection and urban greening strategies in arid cities.