Addressing public dissatisfaction on urban tree management: A way to enhance landscape quality

Abstract

Despite the vast research by scholars on urban tree management, little is known about the perspective of public dissatisfaction in relation to the tree management status. The overall viewpoint that emerges from the literature is negative: Slow reaction, complaint-based action, mismanagement and incompetence. To justify and fully enhance landscape quality, it is important to address and minimize public dissatisfaction factors. The aim of this initial study in Kajang was to contribute to the emerging understanding of public dissatisfaction on urban tree management performance. This study presents the analysis of 640 public applications for tree removal due to dissatisfaction derived from the Kajang Municipal Council localities of which the information originates from a public complain database. From public applications for tree removal, their dissatisfaction factors are categorized into 5 major traits on tree management performance; garbage generation, dangerousness, oldness, poor workmanship and interference or obstruction under 4 criteria; management intensity, species suitability, tree risk management and staffing. The outcomes add nuance to the understanding of the trees that have received an application for removal–it indicates that they are poorly managed. This study set the standard in urban tree management journals and differences from other studies with the addition of two variables which is the poor workmanship and interference or obstruction for indicating the performance of urban tree management. In using an untapped source of primary indicators; public dissatisfaction statement with tree management; this study will contribute to future research on similar topics and light up the existing ambiguity on tree management performance.