To tree or not to tree: User and management perspectives of cemetery trees

摘要

The global population is becoming more urban, which has increased demand for built infrastructure. This has had negative impacts on the extent and quality of urban greenspace, including tree canopy cover. Tree-planting efforts have mainly focused on street rights-of-way, but consideration should also be given to alternative locations such as cemeteries, which are free of many of the challenges facing street trees. However, the primary function of cemeteries for the interment of human remains indicates that the social dimensions need to be considered before planting trees in these environments. We employed interception surveys and manager interviews to determine how cemetery trees are valued and what concerns people have about increasing tree cover in cemeteries in Halifax, Nova Scotia (Canada).