Relationships Between Tree Characteristics and Perceived Value Dimensions in Urban Tree Preservation

Abstract

Urban tree preservation presents an ongoing challenge in rapidly developing cities, where decisions are frequently shaped by structural safety and risk considerations rather than by a comprehensive evaluation of ecological, cultural, and experiential benefits. Although the multifunctional roles of urban trees are widely acknowledged, there remains limited empirical understanding of how professional arborists weigh objective tree characteristics against different value dimensions when making retention decisions. This study examined the relationships between measurable tree attributes and four perceived value dimensions - utility, design relevance, sensory contribution, and symbolic significance - drawing on assessments from 20 certified arborists in Malaysia. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire based on a five-point Likert scale. Respondents evaluated key characteristics, including life expectancy, health condition, growth habit, tree dimensions, species origin, aesthetic qualities, and tree category. Descriptive statistics were first used to summarise overall trends, followed by Spearman’s rank correlation analysis to explore associations between tree characteristics and perceived value dimensions. The results indicate that biological condition and projected longevity play a central role in professional judgment. Life expectancy demonstrated a strong positive relationship with perceived utility (rₛ = 0.870, p < 0.01), while health condition was positively associated with both utility and sensory value. In contrast, aesthetic qualities showed a strong negative correlation with symbolic significance (rₛ = −0.979, p < 0.01), suggesting that visual attractiveness and cultural meaning may operate as distinct evaluative lenses in professional assessment. Native and evergreen species were more strongly associated with utility and symbolic values, whereas introduced species tended to be linked with design relevance. Overall, the findings suggest that functional durability remains the primary driver of expert-led preservation decisions, yet important tensions exist between ecological performance, aesthetic preference, and cultural significance. These insights point to the need for a more integrated, multi-criteria framework capable of balancing technical evaluation with the broader social values attached to urban trees.