Residential Green Infrastructure: Unpacking Motivations and Obstacles to Single-Family-Home Tree Planting in Diverse, Low-Income Urban Neighborhoods

Abstract

Urban tree planting on single-family-home lots represents a critical yet underexplored component of municipal greening strategies. This study examines residents’ perceptions of tree planting in Westpointe, a diverse neighborhood in Salt Lake City, Utah, as part of the city’s Reimagine Nature Public Lands Master Plan development effort. Through a mixed-methods approach combining qualitative interviews (n = 24) and a tree signup initiative extended to 86 residents, with 51 participating, this research explores the complex interplay of demographic, economic, social, and infrastructure factors influencing residents’ willingness to plant trees on single-family-home lots. The findings reveal significant variations based on gender, with women expressing more positive environmental and aesthetic motivations, while men focused on practical concerns including maintenance and property damage. Age emerged as another critical factor, with older adults (65+) expressing concerns about long-term maintenance capabilities, while younger families (25–44) demonstrated future-oriented thinking about shade and property values. Property characteristics, particularly yard size, significantly influenced receptiveness, with owners of larger yards (>5000 sq ft) showing greater willingness compared to those with smaller properties, who cited space constraints. Additional barriers, i.e., maintenance, financial, and knowledge barriers, included irrigation costs, lack of horticultural knowledge, pest concerns, and proximity to underground utilities. Geographic analysis revealed that Spanish-speaking social networks were particularly effective in promoting tree planting. The study contributes to urban forestry literature by providing nuanced insights into single-family homeowners’ tree-planting decisions and offers targeted recommendations for municipal programs. These include gender-specific outreach strategies, age-appropriate support services, sliding-scale subsidy programs based on property size, and comprehensive education initiatives. The findings inform evidence-based approaches to increase urban canopy coverage through private property plantings, ultimately supporting climate resilience and environmental justice goals in diverse urban neighborhoods.