Potentials for Optimizing Roadside Greenery to Improve the Quality of Life in Cities

Abstract

Trees and plants at the roadside or on median strips are called roadside greenery. These are not only beautiful in our environment but are also an important component of the biological system of a city. In addition, roadside greenery provides a variety of design, structural, traffic and ecological functions. These include shading and aesthetics, but also the sense of security and as a measure against the consequences of climate change. Worldwide, more and more people are living in cities and urbanization is steadily increasing. As a result, inner-city development is becoming increasingly dense, and the air is getting worse. In order to make people’s living environments as pleasant and healthy as possible, more greenery is needed in cities. In this research work, the relationship between quality of life and street greenery is investigated. The aim is to analyze the different needs and wishes of citizens and to identify and compile positive consequential effects of street greenery on people and the environment, as well as possible deficits in urban areas. A guideline for action with recommendations will support municipalities in upgrading and expanding street greenery in cities. The empirical study shows that street greenery is enormously important for the general and subjective quality of life for every age group. The perception of the population shows different assessments and ideals regarding street greenery. Overall, there is a desire among the population to maintain and optimize street greenery in the city.

Keywords

• roadside greenery
• street greenery
• quality of life
• optimization
• municipalities
• recommendations for action