Inventário da arborização urbana em praças públicas do município de Monte Carmelo, MG.

Abstract

Public squares are essential for the quality of life in cities, contributing to leisure, sports, cultural activities, and as spaces for water infiltration into the soil. When arborized, they provide benefits such as air quality improvement, noise pollution reduction, temperature regulation, shade, and shelter for pedestrians, in addition to enhancing urban aesthetics. This study aimed to conduct an inventory of the trees in five public squares in Monte Carmelo, MG, to support urban tree planning and maintenance. Data were collected in the Armínio Paranhos, 3 de Outubro, Peixinhos, Getúlio Vargas, and Skate squares, using measuring tape, hypsometer, measuring tape, and portable GPS. Aspects such as location, species identification, dimensions, biological characteristics, surrounding context, interferences, and management practices were evaluated. Data processing was performed using QGIS for georeferencing and Excel for species listing and analysis. The survey covered 88 individuals, distributed across 13 families and 27 species. The most representative species were oiti, sibipiruna, and pink trumpet tree, with purple trumpet tree present in 80% of the squares. None of the squares met the appropriate values according to Santamour's rule, indicating low diversity and potential vulnerability to pests and diseases. In terms of plant health, over 95% of the trees were classified as healthy, but minor injuries were observed in three squares. Regarding permeable free space, Getúlio Vargas Square stood out with 100% adequate areas, while Skate Square had the highest proportion of compromised areas. The squares, although in generally good condition, require management interventions such as removal of parasitic plants, expansion of permeable areas, and diversification of species to promote greater environmental resilience and reduce future maintenance costs.