What factor can affect the aesthetic injury level observed in plants?

The aesthetic injury level observed in plants can be significantly influenced by their proximity to walkways. This is often due to increased human activity and potential disturbances that can lead to physical damage or stress on the plants. For example, soil compaction from foot traffic can affect root health and nutrient uptake, while the accidental brushing against foliage can cause visible injury. Additionally, plants near walkways may be subjected to more frequent pesticide applications or environmental stressors that can exacerbate their overall health.

While soil type can affect plant health and growth, its direct correlation to aesthetic injury is less immediate than the disturbances caused by nearby foot traffic. Humidity levels can influence plant transpiration and overall stress but may not directly impact visible injury. Similarly, time of day can play a role in plant physiological responses but is less likely to be a decisive factor in aesthetic injury compared to the direct effects of human interaction and maintenance practices related to walkways.