GREEN TREES AND PLANT INSTALLATIONS ENHANCES THE STREETSCAPE (6)

Submitted for the 2002 People/Plant Symposium, Amsterdam, Netherlands

By Kathleen L. Wolf, Ph.D.,Center for Urban Horticulture

University of Washington

Conclusions

Cost-benefit analysis premised on consumer-expressed values will be a future research focus. Contingent valuation studies of wildland or open space natural resources typically aggregate reported price statements across a selected population, region or households to assess non-market benefit values (Tyrväinen and Väänänen 1998). Comparing direct costs of installation and management of a  streetscape design to the summed indirect benefits valuation reveal net public goods value. These can inform decisions about allocating funds for tree installation and stewardship (Prato 1998).

As in natural habitats, diverse living and nonliving factors are needed for a viable retail system. Pedestrian-based retail centers must contain an aggregation of a wide variety of businesses in a short six to twelve block distance (Starkie 2002). Regional economic conditions must be favorable for small business capitalization and start-up. Sanitation services and parking availability must be planned.

In the United States retail consolidation of the 1990s by regional malls and “big box” stores has driven shoppers to turn to unique, identity shopping zones that are more integral to their communities (Starkie 2002). Smart growth urban planning practices are encouraging people to return to cities; many new residents enjoy the conveniences and variety of urban living. Traditional Euclidean land-use zoning has given way to mixed-use developments that blend residential and commercial functions.

Retail settings are part of an emerging interest in community-oriented development, that is, human habitat at the macro scale. Civic commerce includes the amenities that create space and place, and provides the appealing environment that links and supports member retailers. This research suggests that the urban forest is an essential component of a viable, vital retail place. Extensive evidence of the benefits of green trees has been documented but most of the science has been conducted in residential settings (Dwyer et al. 1994). This research extends understandings of the human dimensions of green trees to the retail context. Additional interpretations of results can enable better planning and management of streetscape nature and plant installations to better serve retail needs and interests.

This research was supported by a grants from the National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council (U.S. Forest Service, Projects No WAUF-95-001 and No WAUF-99-001). Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to the author at kwolf@u.washington.edu Additional project information can be found at: www.cfr.washington.edu/research.envmind

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