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Urban Forest Health Under Rapid Urbanization: Spatiotemporal Patterns and Driving Mechanisms from the Chang–Zhu–Tan Green Heart Area

Author

Listed:
  • Ye Xu

    (College of Forestry, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China)

  • Jiyun She

    (College of Forestry, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China)

  • Caihong Chen

    (College of Forestry, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China)

  • Jiale Lei

    (College of Forestry, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China)

Abstract

The Ecological Green Heart Area of the Chang–Zhu–Tan Urban Agglomeration in Central China faces increasing forest health threats due to rapid urbanization and land use change. This study assessed the spatiotemporal dynamics and drivers of forest health from 2005 to 2023 using a multi-dimensional framework based on vitality, organizational structure, and anti-interference capacity. A forest health index (FHI) was constructed using multi-source data, and the optimal parameter geographic detector (OPGD) model was applied to identify dominant and interacting factors. The results show the following: (1) FHI declined from 0.62 (2005) to 0.55 (2015) and rebounded to 0.60 (2023). (2) Healthier forests were concentrated in the east and center, with degradation in the west and south; (3) Topography was the leading driver (q = 0.17), followed by climate, while socioeconomic factors gained influence over time. (4) Interactions among factors showed strong nonlinear enhancement. This research demonstrates the effectiveness of the OPGD model in capturing spatial heterogeneity and interaction effects, underscoring the need for differentiated, spatially informed conservation and land management strategies. This research provides scientific support for integrating ecological protection with urban planning, contributing to the broader goals of ecosystem resilience, sustainable land use, and regional sustainability.

Suggested Citation

  • Ye Xu & Jiyun She & Caihong Chen & Jiale Lei, 2025. "Urban Forest Health Under Rapid Urbanization: Spatiotemporal Patterns and Driving Mechanisms from the Chang–Zhu–Tan Green Heart Area," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(16), pages 1-19, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:16:p:7268-:d:1722523
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Cheng Gong & Huijun Pang & Aruhan Olhnuud & Fan Hao & Feinan Lyu, 2024. "Green Infrastructure Fluctuations in Urban Agglomeration of Shanxi Province, China: Implications for Controlling Ecological Crises," Land, MDPI, vol. 13(5), pages 1-14, April.
    2. Xiaoyan Ren & Yuhao Yang & Zongming Wang, 2023. "A Long-Term and Comprehensive Assessment of the Ecological Costs Arising from Urban Agglomeration Expansion in the Middle Reaches of the Yellow River Basin," Land, MDPI, vol. 12(9), pages 1-22, September.
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