Characteristics Of Green Spaces Research Articles

What Matters Most for Neighborhood Greenspace Usability and Satisfaction in Riyadh: Size or Distance to Home?

Much research work has been carried out on larger urban parks. Smaller neighborhood greenspaces have not received as much academic attention, particularly in sprawling large cities of the developing world. This paper examines the frequency of use and user satisfaction with smaller urban greenspaces within the residential neighborhoods of Riyadh metropolitan city, Saudi Arabia. To measure use frequency and satisfaction level differentials among neighborhood residents, gap analysis using paired samples t-test was performed to assess the differences between mean score ratings of expected (pre-use) and experienced (post-use) feelings of user satisfaction with local greenspace features. A five-point Likert scale questionnaire was used to measure user satisfaction. Pearson r correlation coefficient, chi-square test and F-test were also used to examine the relationships between dependent (usability and satisfaction) and independent variables. The findings show that smaller size, close-to-home neighborhood greenspaces in Riyadh fell short of drawing many users or meeting user expectations. Larger local greenspaces however, managed to attract much more users even from relatively far-away neighborhoods. Size rather than closeness to home is a much stronger determinant affecting use frequency and user satisfaction with local neighborhood green spaces. It is therefore recommended to amend the city’s planning codes and regulations that require the provision of local greens based on service or catchment areas of 500–800 m. They should insist instead on the need for a minimum area requirement of such facilities if their usability and user satisfaction are to be enhanced.

Modeling the relationship between the geometric characteristics of urban green spaces and thermal comfort: The case of Adana city

In recent years, developing heat stress mitigation strategies in urban areas with the help of climate software has become a top priority in climatic studies to eliminate standardisation deficiency. This paper aimed to statistically determine the climatically suitable and least suitable UGS geometric characteristics in different urban morphologies for the hot–humid city of Adana. It combined the climate-based classification of urban morphology with the local climate zone (LCZ), thermal condition analysis of UGS with ENVI-met microclimate software for three different canopy cover scenarios, and statistical analysis results obtained by the one-way ANOVA with post-hoc Tukey-HSD test. Firstly, UGS geometric characteristics (area size, aspect ratio, orientation) and urban morphology were classified. Secondly, mean PET for each UGS and LCZ classes were obtained from ENVI-met. Finally, suitable and least suitable UGS characteristics were determined according to the statistical significance of PET differences (p > 0.05) using the ANOVA Tukey-HSD test analyzes of pairwise comparisons. The statistical analysis results demonstrated that although the suitable and least suitable UGS characteristics differed in the scenarios, the common characteristics were as follows: The suitable UGS were characterised by larger area sizes, rectangular-shaped, N–S or NW–SE-orientated UGS adjacent to low-rise LCZs (LCZ 3, 6, 7, 8, 10), or small area sizes, all shaped and all orientations UGS adjacent and located to the east of high-rise LCZ classes (LCZ 1 and 4). Shading was an important factor positively affecting thermal conditions. Moreover, the wind circulation and wind speed, which also positively affected thermal comfort, were higher for low-rise buildings than high-rise buildings, open settlements than compact settlements, and 100% grass cover than 100% canopy cover. This study's results can serve as a guide for future researchers and decision makers to standardise UGS characteristics in different urban morphologies and to develop climatically comfortable UGS designs and plan strategies that can be implemented in future cities.

兵庫県尼崎市南部における工場に存在する神社緑地の特性

兵庫県尼崎市南部における工場に存在する神社緑地の特性

Changes in Green Space Use During a COVID-19 Lockdown Are Associated With Both Individual and Green Space Characteristics

Mobility restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic present a useful study system for understanding the temporal and spatial patterns of green space use. Here, we examine green space characteristics and sociodemographic factors associated with change in frequency of green space use before and during a COVID-19 lockdown in Brisbane, Australia drawing on a survey of 372 individuals. Applying regression analysis, we found that individuals who visited a different green space during lockdown than before tended to decrease their frequency of visits. In contrast, individuals who continued visiting their usual green space during lockdown were more inclined to increase their number of visits. Changes in frequency of green space use were also associated with particular characteristics of their usually visited green space. The presence of blue spaces and accessibility (carparks/public transport) were associated with increased frequency of use while foliage height diversity was associated with reduced frequency of use. We found that females were more likely to change their green space visitation frequency during COVID-19 compared to men and they also reported greater importance of green spaces for social and family interactions and spiritual reasons during COVID-19 compared to before. Males showed greater increases than females in the importance of green space for nature interactions and mental health benefits during the COVID-19 lockdown compared to before. Our results provide key insights for future resilient urban planning and policy that can fulfil a wide range of physical and psychological needs during a time of crisis and beyond.

Is green space associated with reduced crime? A national-scale study from the Global South

Assumptions about the link between green space and crime mitigation are informed by literature that overwhelmingly originates in the Global North. Little is known about the association between green spaces and crime in the Global South. We utilized 10 years of precinct-level crime statistics (n = 1152) over South Africa, a global crime hotspot, to test the hypothesis that green space is associated with reduced crime rates. We found that, after controlling for a number of socio-demographic confounders (unemployment, income, age, education, land use and population density), for every 1% increase in total green space there is a 1.2% (0.7 to 1.7%; 95% confidence interval) decrease in violent crime, and 1.3% (0.8 to 1.8%) decrease in property crime, with no effect on sexual crimes. However, the direction of the association changed for property crimes when exploring the effect of green space characteristics including tree cover and park accessibility. Property crimes increase by 0.4% (0.1 to 0.7%) with a percentage increase in tree cover, and by 0.9% (0.5 to 1.3%) with every kilometer increase in proximity to a public park. Further research, including experimental studies, is needed to better isolate causal mechanisms behind crime-green space associations, especially considering that green space may map to race and income inequality and that there may be more crime reporting in affluent areas. Nevertheless, our results provide a complementary contribution to the evidence from the Global North, highlighting the need for more nuanced definitions of green space and its characteristics when considering links to crime. When viewed in light of the broader suite of ecosystem services provided by green space, our results support urban greening as a major strategy towards achieving just and sustainable cities and towns.

Urban residential quarter green space and life satisfaction

Urban green space is important for residents’ well-being, improving their physical health, psychological well-being, social benefits, and life satisfaction. Residential quarter, a gated dwelling unit with one or several residential buildings and public infrastructures shared by all residents, is a common form of residence in densely populated cities. Residential quarter green space (RQGS) is conveniently accessible to all the residents. While existing studies have investigated many types of green spaces in cities, RQGS has been overlooked to some extent. To fill this gap, we asked three questions: 1) How often do residents use RQGS? 2) How does the RQGS use frequency contribute to residents’ life satisfaction? And 3) What factors may influence their RQGS use frequency? We surveyed 7326 respondents in 78 residential quarters in Beijing, China, and recorded main characteristics of green space in these residential quarters. We employed multinomial logistic regression analysis and multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression analysis. The results show that 84.7 % of the total respondents used RQGS at least once a week. Using RQGS at least once a week was associated with higher level of life satisfaction, which was on a scale of 1–10 where one means ‘not at all satisfied’ to ten means ‘completely satisfied’. Respondents using RQGS at least once a week were nearly 1.5 times more likely to rank life satisfaction at 8 (OR = 0.679, p < 0.01) and 9 (OR = 0.671, p < 0.01), and 1.3 times to rank at 10 (OR = 0.755, p < 0.05). Having an open space for multiple activities, a pavilion, or a shaded trail will greatly increase likelihood to use RQGS at least once a week. In addition, separating ground traffic and parking from public green space also contribute to attract more frequent users to green space in residential quarters. These findings contribute to our understanding of RQGS and would help to guide its design and management in the future.

Numerical characteristics and spatial distribution of panoramic Street Green View index based on SegNet semantic segmentation in Savannah

Panoramic green view index (PGVI) is an emerging index of urban greenery, which attracts researchers’ attention in recent years. It provides a quantitive method for reflecting real-life feelings about green space in urban areas. The PGVI needs to be calculated from massive datasets, which can be realized by artificial intelligence (AI) techniques. In this work, we used SegNet, an AI semantic segmentation tool, to distinguish urban elements, such as buildings, sky, and people. In total, 6874 panoramic street pictures with an interval of 10 m in the Savannah Historic District were used for the analysis of PGVI and its distribution. Results show that both the PGVI value and its distribution types can reflect the characteristics of regional green space. Good urban greenery can be distributed normally, which also provides a method for greenery classification. The crucial factors influencing PGVI are the trees. Dense low trees with big canopies have a very positive influence. In addition, the grade and width of the road, the parks, and squares along the street also have an impact on PGVI. In Savanah Historic District, the road width of nearly 10 m, and the location near parks and squares, can significantly increase the PGVI of streets.

Assessment of Green Open Space in the Transit-Oriented Development Area in Jakarta

The Jatinegara Station area has developed as a commercial area causing the surrounding residential areas to develop into dense settlements and have limitations in providing facilities and infrastructure, especially green open spaces. Along with the increasing intensity of commercial activities, this has an impact on changing green open spaces into built-up land. The purpose of this study was to examine the existing condition of green open space in the Jatinegara TOD area and then compare it with the standards set by the local government. The results of this comparison are used to provide input on the design of green open spaces in the research area. This goal is achieved by using a quantitative approach. The analysis of the need for green open space is calculated based on the standard of 30% of the total area. The need for green open space is 20 m² per person and the Gerarchis method is used to calculate the need for green space based on oxygen demand. The analytical method used in this research is descriptive quantitative analysis. As the first step is to identify the characteristics of green open space, analyze the availability of green open space and its form and typology. Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that the availability of green open space affects the environmental quality of the TOD area. The form and typology of green open spaces found in the study area are urban forest green open spaces and sub-district environmental parks. Therefore, the existence of green open spaces needs to be maintained through the development and arrangement of green open spaces by taking into account the types of vegetation that can absorb CO₂.

Urban green space characteristics, visitation patterns and influence of visitors’ socio-economic attributes on visitation in Kisumu City and Eldoret Municipality, Kenya

Urban green spaces are known to generate environmental, social and health benefits that accrue to urban residents mainly through direct and indirect use. However, information on how such green spaces are used, reasons behind their use and individual factors influencing such use is not readily available especially in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This study sought to fill this gap by examining green spaces’ characteristics, visitation patterns and reasons for their visitation in Kisumu City and Eldoret Municipality of Kenya. The study further examined the association between visitors’ socio-economic attributes and frequency of green space use. Data collected from seven public green spaces purposively selected was used. An observation checklist was employed to assess the characteristics of sampled green spaces while a questionnaire survey was used to obtain information on reasons for green space visitation and users’ socio-economic attributes. Data was analyzed descriptively to elicit green spaces’ characteristics, visitation patterns and visitors’ socio-economic attributes. Adjusted logistic regression model was employed to determine the association between visitors’ socio-economic attributes and visitation frequency. Findings reveal lack of uniformity in characteristics exhibited across green spaces. Green spaces that exhibited most attributes were also highly visited and the main reason for visitation was relaxation and ‘waiting for someone’. Being male, having been divorced, separated or widowed and having secondary or tertiary education were found to be significant socio-economic predictors of green space use. The paper recommends the need to increase density of green spaces in urban areas as well as provision of requisite facilities and amenities to enhance access and utility of green spaces for different needs by majority of urban residents.

Study on Spatial-Temporal Change of Urban Green Space in Yangtze River Economic Belt and Its Driving Mechanism.

Urban green space plays an important role in beautifying the environment, improving the quality of life of residents, and promoting sustainable urban development. Rapid urbanization has led to great changes in the spatial structure and layout of urban green space. It is urgent to put forward the sustainable development strategy of green space through the research on the change of urban green space. Based on the geographical spatial differences of urban green space and integrating the factors of economy, society, industry, land use, and the environment, we constructed a research framework of “space-supply-demand” integration of urban green space by GI and geodetector methods, and we conducted an empirical study on the spatial–temporal changes of urban green space and its driving mechanism in prefecture-level cities along the Yangtze River Economic Belt in China. First, the urban green space along the Yangtze River Economic Belt is concentrated in spatial distribution, while uneven development appears in urban greening among the zones. Second, the influence of different factors on urban green space change varies greatly and can be divided into three types: key factors, important factors, and auxiliary factors. The driving mechanism of the spatial distribution of urban green space supply and demand is quite different, but urban population and commercial service facilities land are their key influence factors, having a comprehensive influence on the spatial–temporal changes of urban green space. Third, the factors are classified into three categories of high, medium, and low levels according to the mean of interacting forces; in particular, the factors of per capita GDP, utility land, industrial smoke (dust) emissions, and other factors have a very strong interactive effect with other factors. Fourth, according to the spatial distribution characteristics of urban green space and its driving mechanism, this paper puts forward planning and policy suggestions, providing reference for other areas to deal with the green space change.

Residents’ Spatial Image Perception of Urban Green Space through Cognitive Mapping: The Case of Beijing, China

The fundamental purpose of future urban development is to meet residents’ yearning for a better city life with the rapid development of urbanization. This study uses a multinomial logit model and cognitive map to evaluate residents’ spatial image perception of urban green space. A field study and data collection were conducted from July to August 2019, using the typical urban green space area in Beijing as the research object. Based on 375 valid questionnaires and 139 cognitive maps, the study analyzed and evaluated the image characteristics and differences of residents to the urban green space under different conditions. The results show the following. First, there is a close relationship between residents’ preference and the characteristics of urban green spaces, especially the working and living environment and characteristics will have a great influence on it. Second, the cognitive map drawn by Beijing residents can be divided into sequential and spatial cognitive maps, and the image perception shows diversified characteristics. However, the perception is relatively superficial overall, and most are simple line maps. Besides, according to the analysis of the elements of the cognitive map, the advantages and disadvantages of each type of urban green space are closely related to their geographical location and internal structure. This study has two key findings. First, the construction of urban green spaces in various cities should be carried out according to local conditions, considering the scientific basis and reasonableness of urban green space in terms of structural setting. Second, the multinomial logit model and cognitive map can effectively quantify the subjective evaluation of respondents’ spatial perceptions in a relatively simple manner, which can be further expanded in the application system design of the method.

The integration of urban streetscapes provides the possibility to fully quantify the ecological landscape of urban green spaces: A case study of Xi’an city

Urban green space is the critical composition of urban ecosystem, which provides numerous ecosystem services for urban residents, and has great value. The optimization of urban green landscape aesthetics can improve the health level of the city and enhance the enjoyment of the people. In this research, we calculated two kinds of ecological indices based on deep learning semantic recognition and multispectral remote sensing, and proposed a set of integrated multi-dimensional urban green ecological indicators, which can be used to evaluate the value of urban green ecological landscape aesthetics. These two kinds of ecological indices represent the landscape characteristics of urban green space from the perspective of overlooking and the perspective of looking around respectively. And then the regionalization method based on dynamic constraint aggregation cluster and partition (RECDAP) is used to identify the ecological homogeneous area of urban block. The results indicated that first, there are spatial differences in pedestrian perception of urban vegetation, and high-perception areas are mainly distributed in schools, parks and internal roads in large communities. Second, the green cover based on overlooking view is also mainly distributed in schools, parks, large communities and other places. Finally, the integration of indicators proves that human perception of urban green space landscape aesthetics cannot be ignored. The homogeneous areas provide a new reference for urban managers and designers to create and maintain urban green space. The addition of streetscape provides a possibility for a more objective and comprehensive evaluation of the aesthetic value of urban green space landscape, so that people can better understand the dynamic role of green space in the urbanization and human health. Public managers and urban green designers can use the ecological indices system to optimize and maintain urban vegetation by taking ecologically homogeneous areas as units.

Visitors' Perceptions of Urban Green Spaces: A Study of Lisbon's Alameda and Estrela Parks

Urban Green Spaces (UGSs) play a key role in people's well-being, particularly in highly urbanized contexts and possess several elements that may be attractive to visitors. This study focuses on the views and perceptions of visitors of two UGSs located in Lisbon and aimed to determine how they evaluated two different green spaces (Estrela Park and Alameda Park) in terms of physical/natural characteristics, structures, accessibility, surrounding areas, motives for use and importance. Secondly, it sought to explore how people evaluate UGSs in Lisbon in terms of quality and quantity. A total of 188 people responded to a questionnaire composed of close-and open-ended questions. The study revealed that Estrela Park was more valued for its green space characteristics and conservation aspects than accessibility and sports adaptability. Participants visited Estrela Park for its landscape and restful environment and considered the park important to their lives. Although they visited Estrela Park less often, they stayed longer compared to those who visited Alameda Park. Furthermore, regarding the participants' overall perceptions of the UGSs in Lisbon, many participants mentioned the need for more parks and wanted better preservation and distribution around the city. Most importantly, they valued these spaces and believed that UGS helped them to feel more relaxed and balanced, facilitating socialization, recreation and physical activities. In conclusion, this study suggests that green and quiet urban parks in Lisbon are valued by the city's population but they would like to see regular maintenance/cleaning as well as the provision of leisure activities.

Rearrangement of green open space along Krueng Aceh based on sustainable urban riverfront

One of the city government’s programs to upgrade the representation of Banda Aceh as a green city was to revitalize the open space of krueng Aceh riverbanks. However, such a work has been progressing slowly. Although some wide banks area have been processed into parks, but, some other areas especially those with narrow areas in sizes of the banks have not been upgraded. Currently, these areas, with less green, have been becoming slum where some illegal settlements occurred. In general, the area along Aceh riverbanks has not been design comprehensively, since there has insecure public accessibility, irregular park zoning, un functioned water tourism facilities, un proper waste management system, and un balanced socio-economic conditions in relation to local environmental conditions. The purpose of this study is to identify the characteristics of green open space at the Krueng Aceh riverbanks, Banda Aceh City and formulate criteria for structuring Green Open Spaces based on Sustainable Urban Riverfront. This research uses descriptive qualitative research method. The research instrument used was interviews, field observations, literature studies. Data analysis was carried out in a qualitative descriptive manner with data reduction analysis techniques, data presentation and conclusion. The results of this study are the design recommendations for Green Open Space (GOS) that apply the principles of sustainable urban riverfront. The development of the potential of the Krueng Aceh riverbank as a green open space is expected to be a sustainable landscape and able to support the function of the area from the ecological, social, and economic aspects.

Concatenated Residual Attention UNet for Semantic Segmentation of Urban Green Space

Urban green space is generally considered a significant component of the urban ecological environment system, which serves to improve the quality of the urban environment and provides various guarantees for the sustainable development of the city. Remote sensing provides an effective method for real-time mapping and monitoring of urban green space changes in a large area. However, with the continuous improvement of the spatial resolution of remote sensing images, traditional classification methods cannot accurately obtain the spectral and spatial information of urban green spaces. Due to complex urban background and numerous shadows, there are mixed classifications for the extraction of cultivated land, grassland and other ground features, implying that limitations exist in traditional methods. At present, deep learning methods have shown great potential to tackle this challenge. In this research, we proposed a novel model called Concatenated Residual Attention UNet (CRAUNet), which combines the residual structure and channel attention mechanism, and applied it to the data source composed of GaoFen-1 remote sensing images in the Shenzhen City. Firstly, the improved residual structure is used to make it retain more feature information of the original image during the feature extraction process, then the Convolutional Block Channel Attention (CBCA) module is applied to enhance the extraction of deep convolution features by strengthening the effective green space features and suppressing invalid features through the interdependence of modeling channels.-Finally, the high-resolution feature map is restored through upsampling operation by the decoder. The experimental results show that compared with other methods, CRAUNet achieves the best performance. Especially, our method is less susceptible to the noise and preserves more complete segmented edge details. The pixel accuracy (PA) and mean intersection over union (MIoU) of our approach have reached 97.34% and 94.77%, which shows great applicability in regional large-scale mapping.

Green Space and Mental Health outcomes: a cross-sectional survey as a starting point to bridge Green Areas' features to the post-pandemic needs

Abstract Background Green space has been associated with health and mental health. Given the high prevalence of mental disorders and costs of worldwide mental ill health and the concurrent rise in mental disorders during the pandemic, there is a need of a better understanding of the impact of different types of green space on mental health. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of characteristics of green space on mental health in a population in a rural area of Germany. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey based on face-to-face on an online assessment instrument. The instrument consisted of sociodemographic questions (assessing age, gender, income, education), mental health related question (PHQ - 9). Green space was dichotomized into green space with agrarian features and green space without agrarian features and subsequently geocoded using ATkis TN. Results In total n = 484 persons participated (female: 240 (49, 6%), male: N = 239 (49, 9%), n= missing). Mean age was 58,17 years (SD: 18,83) with an age range of 19-96 years. Depression symptoms showed n = 122 (54.9%) persons. Green space without agrarian features was associated with lower symptom levels of depression (Beta: 0.045, SE: 0.023, p = 0.015). However, green space with agrarian features was not related to depression. Discussion Characteristics of green spaces are associated with better mental health; however, the clear definition of quality green space needs further elaboration. The sample is a rural sample and results need further validation in an urban sample. Outlook: In the post-pandemic era green space itself seems to have no impact on mental health, however quality green space does. These results need further validation in multinational studies.

Green Space Quality and Health: A Systematic Review.

(1) Background: As cities densify, researcher and policy focus is intensifying on which green space types and qualities are important for health. We conducted a systematic review to examine whether particular green space types and qualities have been shown to provide health benefits and if so, which specific types and qualities, and which health outcomes. (2) Methods: We searched five databases from inception up to June 30, 2021. We included all studies examining a wide range of green space characteristics on various health outcomes. (3) Results: 68 articles from 59 studies were found, with a high degree of heterogeneity in study designs, definitions of quality and outcomes. Most studies were cross-sectional, ecological or cohort studies. Environment types, vegetation types, and the size and connectivity of green spaces were associated with improved health outcomes, though with contingencies by age and gender. Health benefits were more consistently observed in areas with greater tree canopy, but not grassland. The main outcomes with evidence of health benefits included allergic respiratory conditions, cardiovascular conditions and psychological wellbeing. Both objectively and subjectively measured qualities demonstrated associations with health outcomes. (4) Conclusion: Experimental studies and longitudinal cohort studies will strengthen current evidence. Evidence was lacking for needs-specific or culturally-appropriate amenities and soundscape characteristics. Qualities that need more in-depth investigation include indices that account for forms, patterns, and networks of objectively and subjectively measured green space qualities.

Gender differences in the perceptions of green spaces characteristics

AbstractObjectiveUrban green spaces provide a wide range of health benefits for the population and, therefore, their use should be promoted. However, men and women perceive and value the characteristics of urban green spaces differently, as both have different sensitivities and expectations. The present study aims to identify gender differences in the perceptions of urban green spaces characteristics.MethodsGender differences in the perceptions of eleven urban green spaces characteristics were assessed, including lighting, safety, cleanliness, walking routes, bike lanes, shaded areas, recreational areas, off‐leash dog areas, children's playgrounds, drinking fountains, and pleasant views.ResultsOur results showed that women attribute a higher value to all the characteristics of the urban green spaces analyzed, being the most appreciated the presence of off‐leash dog areas, lighting, children's playgrounds, pleasant views, drinking fountains, safety and recreational areas. In addition, older and more educated people, unemployed women, and single men consider green spaces to be highly important.ConclusionThe results of this study provide evidence for the adequate planning, design and development of urban green spaces that meet the needs of all users.

Restorative benefits of urban green space: Physiological, psychological restoration and eye movement analysis

Urban life is associated with a range of health risks. However, urban green spaces have been found to promote health recovery and reduce mental stress. This study sought to assess the influence of the spatial and environmental characteristics of urban green space on environmental restoration. We measured physiological and psychological changes among 60 participants to evaluate the restorative benefits of 12 green spaces in Shenyang. The Perceived Restorativeness Scale and two physiological measures (heart rate variation and skin conductance response) were used to analyze the effects of spatial characteristics on restorative benefits. In addition, eye-tracking was used to explore the influence of environmental components on restorative benefits. The results revealed that, although there were slight differences between physiological and psychological findings, both confirmed that urban green space had a restorative benefit. Partially-open green spaces with a high degree of naturalness had more positive effects than open green spaces with a high degree of hard paved spaces. Eye movement analysis results revealed that trees and shrubs, as well as water, had a positive effect on the environmental restoration benefits, whereas buildings and paving had a negative effect. Among environmental features, trees and shrubs, water, and buildings exerted the strongest effects on environment restoration. In the future, combining spatial characteristics and environmental components will aid improvement of the restorative qualities of urban green space.

Latin American cities with higher socioeconomic status are greening from a lower baseline: evidence from the SALURBAL project

The characteristics of urban green space have context-dependent associations with socioeconomic status (SES). Latin American cities provide a unique but understudied context to assess the green space-SES associations. We measured the quantity and quality of green space as greenness from satellite-derived Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, and we modeled the relationship between greenness and SES in 371 major Latin American cities between 2000 and 2015. We found that SES was negatively associated with average greenness at city and sub-city scales, which could be explained by urbanization generally improving SES while reducing the provision of green space. About 82% of the cities and 64% of the sub-cities experienced greening or increases in greenness over time. Although with lower average greenness, cities with higher SES had greater greening; however, it was the opposite for sub-cities. We suggest that greening is more likely to take place in peripheral sub-cities where SES tends to be lower. The findings challenge the belief that places with higher SES have better access to environmental resources and amenities; instead, this relationship is context dependent.