Document Type
Report
Publisher
Utah State University
Publication Date
2-26-2026
First Page
1
Last Page
1
Abstract
Key results
1. Close to the trail
75% of all graffiti was within 60 feet of the trail.
2. On the largest trees
Graffiti was concentrated on the largest diameter aspen (larger than 8 in diameter).
3. Higher growth in marked aspen
Aspen with graffiti had 24% higher radial growth, relative to unmarked aspen. This is likely because people carve the healthiest aspen.
Recommended Citation
Lutz, J. A., Struckman, S., and Birch, J.D. 2026. American graffiti: Spatial distribution and ecological consequences of aspen arborglyphs. Trees, Forests and People (24):101188. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tfp.2026.101188