Historic Trees, Modern Tools: Innovative Health Assessment of a Linden Avenue in an Urban Environment

Within the current administrative boundaries of the city of Lublin, fragments of roadside tree avenues of various historical origins and periods of establishment have been preserved, including former tree-lined roads leading to rural and suburban residences from the 18th and 19th centuries. This avenue once led to the manor in Konstantynów and now serves as the main road through the campus of the John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin (Katolicki Uniwersytet Lubelski—KUL). As one of the last surviving elements of the former rural landscape, the Konstantynów avenue represents a symbolic link between past and future. The research combines acoustic tomography and chlorophyll fluorescence analysis, providing a precise and non-invasive evaluation of the internal structure and physiological performance of 34 small-leaved linden trees ( Tilia cordata Mill.). This methodological approach allows for early detection of stress symptoms and structural degradation, offering a significant advancement over traditional visual assessments. The study area is an intensively used urban campus, where extensive surface sealing beneath tree canopies restricts rooting space. The degree of surface sealing (paving) directly beneath the tree canopies was also measured. Based on the statistical analysis, a weak a non-significant weak negative correlation (r = −0.117) was found between the proportion of sealed surfaces within the Tree Protection Zone (TPZ) and the Fv/Fm vitality index, indicating that higher levels of surface sealing may reduce tree vitality; however, this relationship was not statistically significant ( p = 0.518). The study provides an evidence-based framework for conserving historic trees by integrating advanced diagnostic tools and quantifying environmental stress factors. It emphasizes the importance of improving rooting conditions, integrating heritage trees into urban planning strategies, and developing adaptive management practices to increase their resilience. The findings offer a model for developing innovative conservation strategies, applicable to historic green infrastructure across Europe and beyond.