Leaf functional traits highlight phenotypic variation of two tree species in the urban environment

Urbanization is transforming landscapes globally, altering environmental conditions that affect ecosystem functioning, particularly in urban areas where trees are crucial for regulating microclimates, improving air quality, and sustaining biodiversity. This study investigates the environmental differences and tree leaf structure and morphology in urban and suburban sites in the Chicago Metropolitan Region. The leaf functional traits of Norway Maple and Little − leaved Linden were studied in three locations in the summer of 2023: an urban park (University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL), a suburban park (Morton Arboretum, Lisle, IL), and a suburban residential site (Lombard, IL). The urban site had higher daytime and nighttime air, and land surface temperatures compared to the suburban sites with significant fluctuations observed across the sites. Cumulative growing degree days, a measure of potential photosynthetically active days, were also higher in the urban park than in the suburban sites between March and August. Norway Maple trees growing in the urban site displayed higher specific leaf area (SLA) and lower leaf dry matter content (LDMC) than in the suburban sites, resulting in thinner leaves. Similarly, Little−leaved Linden trees in the suburban residential site displayed higher SLA and lower LDMC than those in the suburban park. The values of gas exchange traits − namely photosynthetic assimilation, transpiration rates, and stomatal conductance − of Norway Maple were higher at the urban site compared to suburban sites as temperatures increased during the summer. Norway Maple gas exchange values decreased as the growing season progressed, as expected by ontogeny. In contrast, Little−leaved Linden maintained similar leaf gas exchange values throughout the growing season. Both species in the urban site exhibited lower instantaneous water use efficiency and reduced LDMC, suggesting greater water loss in response to elevated temperatures compared to suburban park and residential sites. Comparisons with existing global trait databases emphasize the need for localized data to accurately capture site−specific responses. Although some traits aligned with database values, others deviated significantly, underscoring the importance of comprehensive, site−specific datasets for robust ecosystem modeling and management strategies.