The effects of the human footprint and soil properties on the habitat suitability of large old trees in alpine urban and periurban areas

•We conducted a comprehensive field survey for large old trees in urban and periurban areas of Qinghai Province, China.•Human footprint and soil properties, especially cation exchange capacity, could affect the habitat suitability of large old trees.•Our study could provide insight into the effective management of large old trees in alpine regions.