Avaliação de espécies vegetais utilizadas em vias públicas de Teresina, Piauí

Abstract

Urban arborization plays a fundamental role in environmental quality and population well-being, contributing to microclimatic regulation, pollution reduction, and landscape improvement. However, the use of inappropriate species may generate conflicts with urban infrastructure and increase maintenance costs. The general objective of this study was to evaluate the plant species present along public roads in Teresina, assessing their compatibility with the urban environment and their contribution to environmental quality. The specific objectives were to identify the predominant species; characterize the infrastructure of the analyzed avenues; verify conflicts between urban trees and urban elements; and evaluate their role in promoting urban well-being. The research was conducted along four avenues in the municipality through field surveys, tree inventory, and analysis of conflicts with urban elements, considering individuals with a circumference at breast height (CBH) equal to or greater than 25 cm, in addition to bibliographic review and documentary research. Seven predominant species were identified: nim-indiano (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.), gonçalo-alves (Astronium fraxinifolium), ipê-amarelo (Tabebuia alba), cássia-imperial (Cassia fistula L.), angico-vermelho (Anadenanthera colubrina var. cebil), jucá (Caesalpinia ferrea var. ferrea), and ipê-rosa (Tabebuia impetiginosa). Quantitative evaluation and comparative conflict analysis were conducted for six species based on field data, while nim-indiano was addressed in a complementary manner with an ecological and regulatory focus. The results revealed conflicts mainly with overhead power lines, with angico-vermelho standing out due to its large size. In contrast, ipê-amarelo, ipê-rosa, and cássia-imperial showed a lower incidence of conflicts, demonstrating greater structural compatibility. It is concluded that urban arborization in Teresina requires more rigorous technical planning, prioritizing species compatible with the available space and reducing interference with overhead networks, public lighting, and urban signage.