Qualitative parameters in the evaluation of urban trees vigour in the city of Curitiba, Parana, Brazil

The scope of this work was to evaluate the use of qualitative vigour parameters for urban trees. The species studied were acer (Acer negundo L.) e ipe (Tabebuia chrysotricha (Mart ex DC.) Standl). Locations with different traffic load intensity (high, medium, residential and municipal parks) and different planting conditions (paved and grass-bed areas) were chosen and the trees were classified as superior (with the best healty and esthetical condition) and inferior (with any esthetical or healthy disorder). The qualitative parameters utilized were: foliage color, occurrence of epiphyts, dry or dead branches, pest, diseases, fruits, crown density and trunk damages. Despite the results showing significant correlations between parameters, the use of qualitative vigour parameters do not characterize differences between tree category and planting conditions concerning the studied species.