Comparison of four methods of street tree assessment

Abstract

Householders and professionals were surveyed regarding the suitability of eight street tree species planted in their area. The same species were rated in slide presentations, and physical inspections were undertaken of sidewalk damage associated with tree roots. There was more agreement among householder, expert and slide simulation procedures in rating specific attributes than in judging overall suitability of a street tree. Sidewalk inspections did not correlate with other information sources on root damage. The benefits and limitations of each assessment procedure are described. -Authors