Lorenzo Rotella

Dr. Lorenzo Rotella

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

1Year (2026-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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4 March 2026 in Land
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Lorenzo RotellaLorenzo Rotella
Lorenzo Rotella
Angela CiminiAngela Cimini
Angela Cimini
PFPaolo De Fioravante
Paolo De Fioravante
FBFabio Baiocco
Fabio Baiocco
VCVittorio De Cristofaro
Vittorio De Cristofaro
PCPiermaria Corona
Piermaria Corona
Systematic, spatially explicit tree inventories are increasingly implemented in cities worldwide, as they are crucial for evidence-based green infrastructure planning. Currently, different approaches are adopted, which differ in methodological framework and parameter standardization, limiting comparative assessments and coordinated monitoring. This study presents a replicable protocol for a field-based digital street tree census, applied in a densely built central area and in a low-density suburban area of Rome. Field surveys documented a set of 15 parameters, including species identity, dendrometric and tree pit parameters, acquired using open-source QGIS/QField tools. Subsequent analysis evaluated floristic diversity, population structure, and climate suitability at the neighborhood scale, enabling the identification of context-specific vulnerabilities. The testing of the methodology shown in this work involved 13,017 georeferenced tree pits, pointing out substantial pit restoration needs and insufficient soil conditions in the most densely urbanized area, whereas the suburban area shows optimal conditions with extensive road verge green spaces. Joint interpretation of the considered parameters reveals that high floristic diversity alone does not guarantee climate resilience: high-diversity neighborhoods can exhibit substantial non-climate-resilient species and limited alignment with local species recommendations, demonstrating that comprehensive evaluation of street tree populations requires integrated analysis. The operationalized protocol establishes a replicable, municipally scalable methodological framework, providing policymakers with fine-scale, actionable insights enabling differentiated urban forestry strategies addressing both infrastructure deficits and long-term species climate suitability.