The influence of trees on the perception of urban squares

The balanced relationship between nature and urbanity in cities concerning ecology, sustainability, climate, and well-being, is an omnipresent aspect of modern urban planning. Accordingly, the perceived value of trees in urban squares is a crucial, albeit hard to quantify, determinant of successful plaza design. Against this background, we investigate the extent to which the sheer existence of trees affects the perception and assessment of public urban squares. In order to measure the subconscious effects of trees on place perception, a two-group online survey was carried out that simulated different greening scenarios. The empirical results indicated positive effects of trees on the perceived esthetics and characteristics of urban squares, such as city image, worth to stay there, cleanness, and shopping atmosphere. We show that the assumed price level in adjacent restaurants as well as the willingness to visit, in terms of the willingness to stay in an urban square (i.e., the desired duration of visit) and the willingness to revisit it (i.e., the desired frequency of visit), are positively influenced by the presence of trees. Our results provide direct implications for urban planners and city managers.