Residential properties in the United States represent a considerable amount of land area and contain substantial tree cover. Homeowners are important decision makers in the management of city trees because they influence the structure of urban forests, and ultimately, ecosystem service potential. To better understand the perceptions, knowledge, and practices of homeowners regarding residential tree preservation, we surveyed owners of newer versus older homes in a midwestern suburb in the United States. We found that newer homeowners were younger, wealthier, and less knowledgeable about the natural aspects of their property. During the redevelopment process, they relied on professionals to make major decisions regarding tree preservation. In contrast, owners of older homes often identified as retirees and gardeners, had more knowledge of the natural aspects of their property, and were more likely to hire an arborist. Regardless of these differences, both homeowner groups expressed equal appreciation for nature, planted, pruned, and mulched their trees, experienced tree loss, hired landscaping and tree care professionals, and communicated with the City’s Forestry Section. The results of our study further clarify the role that homeowners play in decision-making during development and highlight the important relationships that exist between homeowners and urban forest professionals.

美国的住宅物业占地面积相当大，树木覆盖率也很高。房主是城市树木管理的重要决策者，因为他们影响城市森林的结构，并最终影响生态系统服务潜力。为了更好地了解房主对住宅树木保护的看法、知识和做法，我们调查了美国中西部郊区新房和旧房的房主。我们发现，较新的房主更年轻、更富有，并且对其财产的自然方面了解较少。在重建过程中，他们依靠专业人士做出有关树木保护的重大决定。相比之下，老房子的主人通常被认为是退休人员和园丁，对其财产的自然方面有更多的了解，并且更有可能聘请树艺师。尽管存在这些差异，两个房主群体都表达了对自然的同等欣赏，种植、修剪和覆盖树木，经历了树木损失，聘请了园林绿化和树木护理专业人员，并与市林业部门进行了沟通。我们的研究结果进一步阐明了房主在开发过程中的决策制定中所扮演的角色，并强调了房主与城市森林专业人士之间存在的重要关系。并与市林业科进行了沟通。我们的研究结果进一步阐明了房主在开发过程中的决策制定中所扮演的角色，并强调了房主与城市森林专业人士之间存在的重要关系。并与市林业科进行了沟通。我们的研究结果进一步阐明了房主在开发过程中的决策制定中所扮演的角色，并强调了房主与城市森林专业人士之间存在的重要关系。