Section outline
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Urban forests are crucial component of urban ecosystems, providing essential functions such as improving air quality, regulating climate, managing water, and supporting biodiversity. These functions are vital for the health and well-being of urban populations, especially as cities continue to expand globally (1,2). At the core of these benefits is the microbiome—an invisible yet indispensable community of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microorganisms. This complex and diverse network drives key ecosystem processes like nutrient cycling, soil fertility, plant health, and decomposition, forming the foundation of urban forest health, resilience and functionality (4,7).