Exploring the negative perceptions of tree-based urban green space. People's behaviour and management are crucial

Abstract

Studies dealing with services and benefits of urban green space are overrepresented compared to those addressing disservices, perceived constraints and other negative perceptions. Even when focusing on disservices and perceived constraints, the studies often take into account only a limited number of reasons for the negative perception. In this study we conducted a series of focus group interviews with the members of the public in the city of Zagreb (Croatia) with the goal of grasping the variety of reasons for negative perception, providing classification of those perceptions and exploring whether and how the perception is related to sociodemographic characteristics. Participants mostly discussed negative perceptions due to the behaviour of other users and perceived inadequate management of urban green space, while the least about the perception of safety. Tree disservices accounted only for a small portion of overall reasons for the negative perception. Age, gender, household income, employment status, number of preschool children and the length of living in Zagreb proved statistically significant for the perception, while education was not. Focus groups as a method enabled cataloguing the variety of reasons for negative perception. Understanding the range of reasons leading to the negative public perception of urban green space contributes to better planning, management and meeting public needs and expectations.