Enhancing Urban and Suburban Green Spaces: Dendrological Diversity and Climate Adaptation

This study presents the first integrated, multicity assessment of urban green infrastructure in Armenia, focusing on three major cities, Yerevan, Gyumri, and Vanadzor, that represent contrasting climatic conditions. The study combines an analysis of the present climatic conditions and green-space structure with a long-term assessment of dendrological dynamics over the past 65 years (1960-2025) and an evaluation of potential changes in the species composition under projected climate-change scenarios through 2100. Promising families and genera for arid and semiarid urban landscaping were identified, including Cupressaceae (Juniperus), Aceraceae (Acer), Caprifoliaceae (Lonicera, Viburnum, Sambucus), Fabaceae (Albizzia, Caragana, Cercis, Laburnum, Sophora), and Rosaceae (Cotoneaster, Chaenomeles, Spiraea, Crataegus, Padus, Pyracantha, Rosa, Sorbus), which exhibit the highest dendrological diversity. Approximately 70 ornamental trees and shrubs are recommended for use in urban green spaces, with key information provided on their ecological adaptability, tolerance to urban environmental conditions, and climatic requirements. Plantings of these species in urban and suburban areas can support multiple ecosystem functions, including recreational, hygienic, ecological, social, and cultural services. Overall, the findings provide a scientifically grounded basis for climate-resilient green infrastructure planning, with relevance for semiarid and arid regions of Armenia, the Caucasus, and other regions with comparable environmental settings.