The Role of Minor Mediterranean Fruit Trees in Sustainable Residential Landscaping: A Longitudinal Perspective

Abstract

This study aims to explore the role of minor Mediterranean fruit trees in shaping sustainable residential landscapes by examining their presence, selection criteria, and long-term trends in home gardens. Data were collected from 400 homeowners through structured surveys to analyze their preferences, motivations, and influences in garden planning. Findings reveal that olive (60.3%) and pomegranate (50.0%) trees are the most prevalent fruit species, reflecting their cultural and ecological resilience. In contrast, species like hawthorn and jujube are less common, suggesting a shift in gardening trends. Older gardens (40+ years) tend to have greater biodiversity, whereas newer gardens prioritize easier-to-maintain and aesthetically appealing species. Regarding garden design, aesthetic considerations (46.3%) and balance (40.8%) were the most important principles, while traditional approaches (47.5%) dominated landscape preferences. Principal component analysis (PCA) highlighted that apricot, loquat, and peach contribute most to garden variability, while olives remain stable across all timeframes. Additionally, homeownership duration strongly influences plant selection, with long-term homeowners maintaining diverse and traditional fruit tree compositions. Overall, this study underscores a gradual shift from traditional Mediterranean fruit trees to monotonous, low-maintenance gardens, emphasizing the need for conservation efforts to preserve the rich horticultural heritage of the region. Future research could explore climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable urban gardening strategies.