Escobar et al. 2024. Phenological shifts in maple trees: comparing leaf senescence between native and non-native species across urban and forest habitats
By Katherine Escobar (primary author), Gina Cambareri, Olvia Devito, Eamonn Doherty, Dr. Hanna Makowski*, Dr. Allyson Jackson
*2024 guest lecturer, postdoctoral researcher at Black Rock Forest and Advanced Science Research Center at CUNY
Abstract
Phenology is the study of seasonal variations in biological events, which provides critical insights into how environmental changes affect species. For trees, key phenological events such as bud burst, flowering, and leaf senescence are influenced by fluctuations in temperature and photoperiod. Urbanization and climate change can disrupt these processes, particularly in areas with limited green space and large surfaces. Understanding these changes is essential for developing effective conservation strategies in a shifting climate. This study examined the timing of leaf senescence in invasive and native maple species across two contrasting habitats: a parking lot and a forest. Twenty-three maple specimens, including 12 Norway maples (Acer platanoides), 5 Red maples (Acer rubrum), and 6 Sugar maples (Acer saccharum), were observed on the SUNY Purchase campus from October 10, 2024, to the present. Daily assessments of canopy conditions were recorded using a 0-4 scoring system. Data was analyzed with R software to identify trends based on species and habitat. The results showed invasive Norway maples retained leaves longer than native Red and Sugar maples. Habitat differences were also significant: trees in the parking lot exhibited earlier leaf senescence compared to those in the forest. Variability in senescence timing across species and habitats underscores the role of environmental cues and microhabitat conditions in driving phenological changes.