Residential urban trees – socio-ecological factors affecting tree and shrub abundance in the city of Malmö, Sweden

Abstract Trees and large shrubs in urban environments provide a wide array of ecosystem services, enhancing the well-being residents. Public trees Sweden are managed by local governments, but private-owned trees, which represent proportion total tree population, residential property owners. Residential generally not included forest management plans at government level. This study examined property-level characteristics that could lead to better decisions owners on Malmo, Sweden. Using spatial sampling, 99 properties were inventoried determine basal area (m2/ha), as measure woody plant abundance. In parallel, residents surveyed about their attitudes information background variables was collected using through publicly available data. Statistical modelling used relationships between key socio-ecological abundance well reasons for planting removal trees. The results showed positively perceived benefits did necessarily result greater shrub individual properties. Instead, house age potential plantable space correlated with Years residence had negative correlation probability planting. primary reason improper growing site, indicates providing practical appropriate site/species selection reduce risk healthy removal.