A Study on the Evaluation of Woody Tree Vitality of Artificial Ground: Case Study of Seoullo 7017

Background and objective: This study examined, compared, and analyzed the tree vitality of the trees growing on the artificial ground of Seoullo 7017 that transformed the overpass that was to be demolished into a “sky garden” using portable tree pots. Methods: Based on the summer season when the metabolic activity of plants is most active, this study measured the cambial electrical resistance in four directions(east, west, south and north), using the Shigometer (model OZ-93, Osmose) and compared the location and analysis of pots according to their means and standard errors. Results: Meanwhile, according to the analysis, vitality was relatively superior in pots with a big diameter, trees planted individually than in groups, trees of the ramp section rather than the bridge section, and in the southwest direction of the cambium. Conclusion: This study revealed the improper condition of the planting plan and implementation on the site, where various species of trees are displayed in a poor environment. Despite the significant assessment of the vitality of various trees introduced within Seoullo 7017 for the first time, this study is limited in that the data used were measured only once in summer. In this regard, it raised the need for continuous interest in and monitoring of a special plant environment and development of proper maintenance and management techniques, along with follow-up research on seasonal and temperature conditions, soil moisture and root development conditions to supplement this research.