Trees in urban areas significantly affect the integrated ecohydrology of the water–forest–soil system. Their presence can improve the water cycle by increasing evaporation, reducing surface runoff, and enhancing water infiltration through roots in anthropized (human-altered) areas. Therefore, understanding vegetation traits and their effects on rainfall interception is important in urban hydrology. Over a 58-rainfall events, stemflow volumes were measured alongside precipitation and multiple plant traits. This study investigated how dendrometric (size, total height, crown projection area, and basal area) and morphological traits (crown density, crown shape, trunk tortuosity, trunk inclination, bark texture, and the presence of bryophytes) are related to stemflow yield in eight tree species commonly found in peri-urban areas. Linear regression and factor analyses revealed that the interplay of trunk structure, crown shape, and bark texture exerted a major influence on stemflow. Exfoliating-bark species (e.g., Paubrasilia echinata, Eucalyptus urograndis) generally funneled water more efficiently to the base of the trunk, whereas species with large or inclined canopies (e.g., Leucaena leucocephala, Moquiniastrum polymorphum) showed lower stemflow yields. Contrary to conventional assumptions, commonly used indicators like basal area provided only weak or inconsistent predictions of stemflow. Instead, trunk inclination and bark morphology were more reliable forecasters of water redistribution. These findings underscore the importance of aligning tree-selection decisions with urban water management goals—particularly in cities susceptible to extreme rainfall events. By favoring species that direct water more efficiently to the soil, planners can potentially enhance infiltration and reduce peak runoff. Overall, this study highlights the ecohydrological importance of integrating morphological and dendrometric parameters in urban forestry, supporting the development of more resilient cityscapes in line with global sustainability targets. The results have broader implications for enhancing the resilience of cities to extreme rainfall events, advancing progress toward international sustainability targets (SDGs 6 and 11) by aligning arboricultural practices with integrated water management objectives.
