Public Attitudes Toward Urban Trees and Supporting Urban Tree Programs

Abstract

In this article, we analyze survey responses regarding Alabama urban residents' attitudes toward urban trees and the provision and maintenance of urban forest by federal, state, and local governments, as well as personal willingness to volunteer and donate money in support of urban tree programs and activities. Using ordered probit analysis, our results showed that individuals who are aware of forestry-related programs, hold a full-time job, belong in the age group of younger than 56 years, and earn an annual income greater than U.S. $75,000, have a positive relationship with willingness of donating money and voluntarily contributing time toward urban forestry programs and activities. Individual characteristics such as race, gender, and residence were not statistically significant factors in explaining attitudes toward urban forestry programs. In addition, with few exceptions, attitudes toward government financing of urban forestry programs and activities were influenced by similar factors.