An Analysis of Permanantly Shaded Areas and the Defect Rate of Landscape Trees in Apartment Complexes Using Daylight Simulations

Background and objective: The purpose of this study was to provide basic data on trees that can be used for planting design and construction for permanently shaded areas by grasping the growth status of trees according to the daylight conditions of the outdoor spaces of apartment complexes. Methods: On the recently completed apartment complexes, daylight conditions were analyzed by using daylight simulations utilizing Solar Access Analysis of Ecotect Analysis. With a criteria for assessment of tree condition, the defect rate of trees planted in permanently shaded areas and green spaces with good daylight conditions was analyzed to suggest trees applicable to permanently shaded areas. The first tree survey was conducted from November 18, 2019 to February 15, 2020, focusing on trees planted in permanently shaded areas, and the second tree survey of all the trees planted on the study sites including permanently shaded areas was conducted from March 16 to March 30, 2020. Results: Evergreen trees which are classified as shade intolerant trees including Pinus densiflora, Thuja occidentalis, and Abies holophylla showed a higher defect rate of trees among the trees planted in permanently shaded areas. Taxus cuspidata, Zelkova serrata, Cornus kousa, Chionanthus retusus and Acer palmatum which are classified as shade tolerant trees and shade moderate tolerance trees seemed to be able to be used in the plant design of permanently shaded areas in apartment complexes because the trees showed good growth and a low tree defect rate. In addition, although it was excluded from the analysis due to a small number of samples, Sorbus commixta and Prunus cerasifera var. atropurpurea also can be used for planting in permanently shaded areas. Conclusion: The daylight simulation technique used to analyze permanent shaded areas in this study can be used as an analysis tool considering the daylight environment at the stages of design and construction, and additional research will be required to analyze tree growth according to daylight conditions through data accumulation and monitoring by managing records throughout the entire life cycle of trees in the process of planting and maintenance.