Exploring Resident Preferences for Street Trees in Melbourne, Australia    (View PDF)

Kathryn Williams

Abstract: Residents of Melbourne, Australia (n = 192) were surveyed regarding their preferences for 36 trees presented in black-and-white photographs. The findings indicate preference for medium-sized trees with a globular or oval form. Foliage texture also arose as an important factor, with higher preference for trees with relatively broad or coarse foliage. While there was no overall preference for either native or introduced trees, categories derived statistically from preference ratings suggest this criterion may have been a consideration for many residents. Some findings could not be predicted from the published literature, which has largely been conducted in the Northern Hemisphere.

Keywords: Street trees; social assessment; preference; tree characteristics

https://doi.org/10.48044/jauf.2002.024