Green for green: The perceived value of a quantitative change in the urban tree estate of New Zealand

Half the sample was dissatisfied with the number of trees in their cities, the great majority wanting more trees. The respondents indicated different importance levels for a series of benefits and negative effects associated with city trees. Aesthetics, fresh air and trees representing nature in the city and bringing wildlife into the urban environment were the most highly regarded benefits, while trees causing drainage problems generated the most concern. The diverse motives given for interest in city trees highlighted the difficulties associated with measuring the total economic value of changes in this urban natural capital due to the non-use, bequest and existence value components.