Schroeder, H.W., 1986, Estimating park tree densities to maximize landscape esthetics, in: Journal of Environmental Management, 23,
- Author : Schroeder, H.W.
- Year : 1986
- Journal/Series : Journal of Environmental Management
- Volume Number (CONSECUTIVE: Counting all Volumes of this Journal ever published) : 23
- Pages : 325-333
- Abstract in English : One question that may arise in managing the physical landscape concerns the amount of some specified feature that will be most attractive. For example, trees are obviously an important feature of park landscapes, but it mat not always be true that “more trees are better”. That is, there may be an esthetical optimum number of trees for a park landscape and, if that optimum is exceeded, the landscape will be less attractive. Is this is so, than a park manager or designer will want to know the optimum number of trees per acre. This information would be useful for designing new park landscapes or for establishing programs to replace dead trees in existing parks. This paper applies and compares two approaches for using environmental perception ratings to estimate optimal aesthetic tree densities in parks. The methods have some limitations. Even when these limitations are overcome, estimates such as these should be regarded as general guidelines of landscape design and management, rather than as precise prescriptions. The spatial arrangement of trees with respect to each other and to the features of the park may have important influences on scenic beauty, and deviations from the optimal density may enhance the appearance of the park by producing variety and special effects. The park designer or manager must still use professional judgement in developing a specific strategy for park tree placement. Estimates of optimal tree densities from public ratings of landscapes should however, provide a good basis from which park landscapes management can begin.
- Comments/Notes : KEYWORDS: tree density, trees, quality, environmental psychology. UTILITY: lecturers/teachers, academic research.