Perceptual Differences of Tree Removal in Development Areas among Landscape Professionals

Abstract

Urban areas employ proactive strategies to effectively manage their urban tree population, aiming to enhance the overall coverage of tree canopies. This process involves certified landscape practitioners (ALP) and individuals without formal professional credentials (LP) who collectively contribute to decision-making processes. However, there is limited information on the perception among these LPs. Thus, this study employed a questionnaire survey to obtain empirical observations from the perceptions of landscape professionals in both groups about tree removal by comparing similarities and differences and identifying the factors influencing existing tree removal decisions in development areas. The study used simple random sampling involving 265 respondents, 102 ALPs and 163 LPs. Descriptive and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) were used to analyse the data. Results showed that the tree removal was a common decision in urban development. Both groups of respondents agreed on three factors influencing tree removal in development areas: institutional constraints, resource availability, and cost/benefit, with institutional constraints being the primary determinant of the decision-making process. Additionally, ALPs posited that the physical environment influences tree removal decision-making. On the other hand, The LPs contended that this decision was also motivated by preferences and tree characteristics. This research advances urban tree retention literature and provides pertinent information for tree retention and management planning and strategy. Future studies may consider investigating the perceptions of different landscape professional credentials related to site design and construction to strengthen the research findings.