PERCEPTION OF URBAN TREES AND THEIR ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

Abstract: Global urbanization is one of the most wide-ranging, irreversible, and rapid land-use changes in modern history. Natural elements, such as trees, should be incorporated into cities to produce sustainable urban environments. Urban trees can provide considerable benefits to human mental and physical well-being in addition to urban environmental quality. The value of trees for a healthy urban environment is anticipated to rise further as a result of increased urbanization and a warming climate. People are drawn to natural elements for aesthetic reasons, thus, when choosing urban trees, residential satisfaction, preferences, and their many benefits should be considered. Due to this, the aim of this thesis was to gather information about people’s perceptions of urban trees and their different ecosystem services. With the intention of contributing to understanding about which type of tree people prefer in the urban environment and why. The survey-based thesis, conducted in Gothenburg Central Station, investigates the public's preferences and attitudes towards eight urban tree types, examining which traits and ecosystem functions are of public importance and whether they vary in relation to gender. The results show that there is no difference between genders. The majority of both genders considered tall trees and a large, compact tree canopy more attractive than smaller ones. The tree types Quercus cerris, Liquidambar styraciflua, and Betula pendula were the top three preferred trees, with Quercus cerris being the most preferred due to its large size. Furthermore, the majority favoured deciduous trees over conifers. The choice of tree images and the background may have had an impact on respondents' perception, as they were in the context of spring/summer and two of the most desired tree traits involve the tree crown's properties, which will change depending on the season. Future research should therefore focus on urban tree perception of autumn and winter trees, as well as with a different urban background. The results of this thesis can be utilized to help urban planners, landscape architects, and other professionals better take the desires of the public into account while planning a green infrastructure. Additionally, it is important to consider whether communication strategies need to be put in place if the plantation of climate-smart trees contributes traits less desirable to the public.