Malaysian Roadside Tree Species Selection Model in Urban Areas

Abstract

This chapter explains a Malaysian roadside tree species selection model for reference to local authorities and assists landscape practitioners to improve their practices in selecting roadside tree species. The objectives are to determine additional attributes in urban roadside plant species selection and to recommend additional attributes for the Malaysian roadside tree species selection model. The in-depth inter-view aims to describe the current practices in the selection of roadside tree species by selected Malaysian local authorities. The respondents of the survey questionnaire were 764 landscape practitioners who registered with the Institute of Landscape Architect Malaysia (ILAM) session 2016/2018. Additional attributes (namely location, space, trend, personal preference, theme, expertise, landscape policies, frame-work and plan, knowledge, experience and skill) were added to this model, making it fit for use in the Malaysian context. The recommended additional attributes for the Malaysian roadside tree species selection model were agreed upon by all 12 experts including senior landscape practitioners, foresters, horticulturists and arborists. This study expands the existing body of knowledge in the selection of relevant road-side plant species in urban areas perceived to be crucial for Malaysian landscape practitioners.