Using Trees to Improve the Quality of Urban Spaces - Research Proposal Example

Using Trees to Improve the Quality of Urban Spaces Using Trees to Improve the Quality of Urban Spaces INTRODUCTION Backgroundto Study The importance of trees cannot receive any form of underestimation. Scientific research has revealed that trees present numerous benefits to human beings and the environment as well. This explains why many environmental organizations have placed emphasis on the need to afforestation and reforestation. Previously, the focus of planting trees was in rural areas because of the opinion that trees had more benefits in such areas. However, it has become evident that there is a need for afforestation in urban areas. Notably, the rapid process of industrialization and urbanization led to the destruction of forests and any form of vegetation in urban spaces. This contributed to numerous adverse effects brought about by the lack of vegetation. Research has highlighted that planting trees in urban spaces can contribute to numerous positive changes, improving the quality of life in urban areas. Previous studies have focused on understanding how the planting of trees in urban spaces can contribute to better climatic conditions in urban areas. Experts in this field have relied on different methodologies for assessing the impacts of different types of trees planted in urban spaces (Akbari & Pomerantz, 2001). Without doubt, the need to restructure the architecture of urban spaces by planting trees is becoming more evident in the modern society. With the increasing rates of global warming, human beings have no option, but to modify the urban spaces by planting more trees. Problem Statement Although there has been an emphasis on the need to plant trees on urban spaces, few of the residents in these areas recognize the benefits of trees to them. Previous studies have focused on generating scientific evidence on how trees can improve the quality of life in urban areas. Evidently, there is minimal research, which highlights how urban residents appreciate the benefits of trees and contribute positively to planting more trees in community programs. In order to ascertain the benefits of trees in improving the quality of life, the opinion of environmentalists is of critical importance. Few researchers in the past have given regard to the opinions of the environmentalists in the past. If the efforts of planting trees are to be more successful, then both environmentalists and residents of urban places should focus on a similar agenda. Therefore, this research will assess how trees in urban places improve the quality of life in accordance with environmentalists and local residents (Camacho-Cervantes et al, 2014). Significance of the Research The significance of this research is to assess how trees improve the quality of life in urban spaces. Contrary to the previous studies, this research will consider the perceived benefits of trees by local residents as well as the expert opinion of environmentalists on the multiple benefits of trees in urban spaces. Understanding the potential benefits of trees in urban spaces will trigger local residents to participate in the planting of trees. Notably, different urban spaces have adopted an architectural plan that focuses on tree planting programs. However, the presence of these trees in urban spaces is taken for granted by many residents. Many of them do not recognize the value added by trees to their lives. This research seeks to shed new light on the perceived benefits of trees by the local residents (Dilley & Wolf, 2013). Their opinion will be compared to expert’s opinion provided by environmentalist. The research will then compile benefits of trees that add value to the life of residents in urban areas. Statement of the Research Objectives The objectives of this study will be as follows. To determine the social benefits of trees in urban spaces To highlight the aesthetic value of trees in urban spaces To determine the architectural benefits of trees in urban areas To assess the climatic and physical benefits of trees in urban areas To highlight the ecological benefits of trees in urban spaces To highlight the potential economic benefits of planting trees in urban spaces To assess the cultural and community meaning of trees in different urban areas To determine how trees contribute to a positive reputation of urban places Research Questions / Hypothesis The main research question in this study will be: How do trees add value to the life of residents in urban areas? The hypothesis of this study will be: Trees have the potential to improve the quality of life in urban areas immensely. Summary including a Restatement of the Problem As highlighted above, the value of trees in different geographical regions cannot receive underestimation. This is because a clear understanding of the life cycles illustrates that trees play a critical role in improving the life of human beings. This is especially the case in urban spaces whereby deforestation took place during the rapid urbanization. The elimination of trees in urban spaces presented multiple adverse effects, which have triggered reforestation and afforestation efforts in such regions. Therefore, there is emphasis on the need to plant more trees in urban spaces. There are numerous perceived benefits of planting trees in urban spaces. The main objectives of this study will be to outline all the benefits of trees in urban places that can serve to improve the quality of life of the residents. LITERATURE REVIEW The Importance of the Questions asked This study seeks to assess the benefits of trees in urban spaces. In addition, the research will seek to address how trees improve the quality of lives in such areas. This comes because of recent campaigns that encourage urban residents as well as state governments and municipalities to engage in tree planting programs. Notably, the process of urbanization presents devastating effects to the vegetation of cities and other urban centers. In an effort to put up different forms of infrastructure, deforestation takes place clearing all the trees and vegetation. This leaves many urban areas without any form of vegetation. Worth noting is the fact that urban areas have numerous industries and manufacturing plants that threaten the environmental health of such regions. This means that there is a salient need to counter the effects of different forms of pollution, which takes place in urban areas (Hirokawa, 2011). The United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP) and other leading research institutes have identified afforestation as one of the potential solutions for addressing the ensuing pollution in urban areas. This explains why the main objective of this study is to outline the potential benefits of trees in urban areas and their potential to improve the quality of life. Although there has been an undying emphasis on the need for planting urban forests, many of the residents do not recognize all the benefits of trees in urban spaces. Afforestation efforts emanate from the state governments as well as municipal councils that seek to design the architecture and landscape of urban places. However, it is evident that tree-planting programs need to involve all the urban residents if they are to register maximum benefits. This explains why local residents need to understand how trees in different urban spaces can improve the quality of their lives. Such an understanding and awareness will prompt them to be more willing to participate in tree planting programs (Jim, 2001). When many residents understand how trees can improve the quality of life, they will begin planting trees within their homesteads. Without doubt, local residents in urban areas understand the adverse effects brought about by different forms of pollution. An in-depth understanding of the long-term effects of these kinds of pollution may help residents recognize the value of planting more trees in urban spaces in an effort to counter the adverse effects of pollution (Lohr, 2004). The Status of the Topic Environmentalists and architects of urban places have focused on highlighting the importance of planting trees in urban areas. They have highlighted that trees present numerous benefits and add value to life in urban areas. There are different categories of benefits presented by trees in urban areas. In urban places that have embraced tree planting and that maintain a green environment provide a favorable environment for the residents as well as a conducive space for numerous outdoor activities. Although it is expensive to maintain forests, trees, and even paths within cities, they have an immense value to all the residents living within the urban area (Moskell & Allred, 2013). Trees in urban areas present numerous social benefits according to recent research. In urban places that have taken the initiative of establishing a green environment by planting different varieties of trees and establishing green parks have opened up numerous recreational opportunities. Evidently, the green paths created by the extensive planting of trees and maintenance offer a venue for a variety of recreational activities such as hiking, outdoor activities for children, and others depending on the different facilities brought to the park. Moreover, trees serve to improve the appearance of homes as well as the working environments. The natural improvements of homes and workplaces have a positive impact on the mental well-being of people residing in these areas. The cultural value brought about by different forms of vegetation and trees cannot be ignored. Planting trees in urban places can foster both cultural and historical values of the people. Notably, trees in urban spaces create a greening effect, which reproduces a favorable environment for different forms of interactions. Scientific evident highlights that human beings have a close connection to nature (Sander, Polasky, & Haight, 2010). Therefore, they are more likely to lead quality lives in green environments. For many people living in urban areas, planting of trees creates a refreshing environment where they can sit, relax, and meditate. The green environment is different from the hustle and bustle of the city life. Therefore, researchers have highlighted that a green environment serves to add value to the quality of human beings. Moreover, it creates a favorable setting for different forms of social interactions. Worth noting is the fact that setting is of critical importance in determining the success of the social interactions. City life promotes a sedentary lifestyle because many people are always moving in vehicles to work or school. However, a green environment can motivate individuals to participate in physical exercises. Lack of physical exercise is a leading contributor to the increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, heart disorder, cancer, and obesity. Integrating trees into the urban landscape provides a more favorable environment for different outdoor activities such as biking and even walking (Sawka et al, 2013). Moreover, exercising in a green environment proves to be healthier because trees ensure a clean environment with minimal air pollution. In addition, planting trees in urban spaces have been adopted as a strategy of adding aesthetic and architectural value to the spaces. Many municipalities have focused on introducing a broad variety of plants within urban spaces and proper landscaping in an effort to promote the presence of a variety of textures, colors, as well as densities exhibited by the plants. In many of the urban spaces, landscape architects play a critical role in designing the shape and size of areas where trees will be planted. In addition, landscape architects create favorable proportions of green gardens, open space, buildings, and other infrastructures. They seek to enhance people’s experience with nature. This creates immense aesthetic benefits because of the artistic nature of landscaping and the resulting beauty. Such areas are likely to be the center of attraction for many urban residents. There is evidence that many urban residents who prefer such regions with a green environment in a close proximity (Tallis et al, 2011). Environmental experts as well as the experts from the meteorological departments have highlighted that trees in urban spaces present both climatic and physical benefits. This is because trees have the potential to regulate temperatures, humidity, noise pollution, as well as floods. Trees create a cooling effect, which serves to create a balance in daily temperatures. Moreover, planting of trees in strategic regions where strong winds occur can reduce the strength of winds as well as the devastating effects of extremely windy conditions. Trees play critical role in ensuring that there is adequate oxygen for use and that all the carbon dioxide is sequestered, leaving a cleaner air environment. This is because trees use carbon dioxide in their respiratory processes and release oxygen as a bi-product. The release oxygen is what human beings and other animals rely on as their daily supply of respiratory gases. Scientists have highlighted that one tree has the potential of absorbing over 48 pounds of carbon dioxide while it can release oxygen that can be sufficient for two people on an annual basis. Trees use the carbon dioxide that they absorb during the process of photosynthesis. The environment exhibits a self-replenishing cycle, which means that human beings must co-exist with plants. In addition, trees play a critical role in minimizing noise pollution. This is because a single belt of trees has the potential of reducing noise by 6 to 8 decibels (‘Urban Trees and Ozone Formation’, 2014). In urban places, noise pollution is a common aspect because of the numerous automobiles and manufacturing industries. Therefore, planting trees in different urban spaces are an effective strategy of minimizing noise pollution. Worth noting is the fact that noise pollution reduces the quality of life immensely for many people and may trigger the development of hearing disorders. Recent research highlights that carbon dioxide is one of the leading pollutants in urban cities. This is because it is a byproduct in many manufacturing processes. It contributes to a high level of global warming. The globe lives in constant fear that global warming will register uncontrollable levels and affect human life adversely. There are evident effects of global warming in the rapid changes of climates that have led to the extinction of different species in the globe. Such conditions are likely to prevail in the future if global warming is not controlled. Planting trees in urban places can contribute immensely to the reduction of global warming. As mentioned above, trees absorb carbon dioxide eliminating one of the major greenhouse gases, which results to global warming. Notably, global warming has contributed to rising temperatures, flooding, extreme rainfall in some regions, and excessive drought in others. Trees can play critical roles in reversing these negative effects brought about by global warming. Therefore, it is sensible to invest in tree planting in urban places (Sawka et al, 2013). Trees in urban areas can provide shade. The shade from trees offers a form of protection to human beings from the dangerous sun rays from the dangerous sunrays. Notably, global warming has contributed to a thin ozone layer, which allows dangerous sunrays to reach the earth. This causes skin cancers (melanomas). Shade from trees can serve to shield people from the excessive rays, especially the ultra-violet radiation. Excessive heat from the sun triggers heat-induced stress, which decrease the quality of the life of human beings. However, the shade from trees in urban places can eliminate heat-induced stress. This is of critical importance in car parks, retirement homes, as well as public grounds. Therefore, these areas have been identified as appropriate zones for planting trees in urban areas. In addition, trees provide shelter in urban places, a factor that reduces the wind speed. This serves to protect buildings from turbulent winds and makes life comfortable for the elderly and young children. Moreover, natural shelter from trees reduces costs incurred in the air conditioning of buildings. There is evidence that natural shelter from trees can reduce energy consumption in air conditioning by 10%. Moreover, planting trees in urban spaces can present ecological benefits because the green spaces can define unique habitats for specific species. With an increasing rate of extinction of different species, it is reasonable to introduce green places in urban centers. Trees can also present economic benefits through the provision of timber and other building materials within cities as well as foodstuffs such as berries and mushrooms. In addition, green places in urban centers attract tourists, which promoted different economic activities. Homes with a green surrounding have a higher value in urban centers compared to those in highly polluted areas. Planting trees in urban areas can also provide some people with an economic activity as they can work in the maintenance of parks, homes, and the city landscape. Some urban spaces have a history of high levels of degradation through rapid industrialization and dumping of waste products. Planting of trees can reverse the degradation process and make those areas favorable zones for recreational activities. This explains why planting of trees has been adopted as a land reclamation strategy. The Relationship between Literature and Problem Statement Evidently, the existing literature reveals that there are numerous benefits of trees in urban places. These benefits can serve to improve the quality of life of those residing in the urban [laces. However, it emerges that most of the residents in these areas do not recognize all these benefits brought about by the planting of trees. Many residents are ignorant of the numerous ways in which planting of trees can improve the quality of their lives. Therefore, this research seeks to identify the perceived benefits of planting trees in urban areas according to the residents. Their views will then be compared with those of experts in environmental conservation. Summary As highlighted above, planting trees in urban areas can present numerous benefits, which improve the quality of life in many cities and towns. Worth noting is the fact that urban areas are prone to excessive pollution because of increased urbanization and industrialization processes. This has contributed to high levels of global warming, climate changes, noise pollution, and exposure to ultra-violet radiation. Research has revealed that planting trees in such urban places can serve to reverse all these adverse effects brought about by urbanization and pollution. Without doubt, planting trees in urban places have the potential of improving the quality of life of all the residents working and living in such areas. PROPOSED METHODOLOGY Participants and Research Design This research will adopt a qualitative approach because it seeks to establish the opinion and the views of residents concerning the value of trees in urban areas. Moreover, the research intents to consider the opinion of environmental officers on the real benefits of including trees in the urban landscape. The purpose of the qualitative research will be to highlight whether the residents are fully aware of the potential benefits of trees in urban areas. Their level of awareness determines whether they participate fully in tree planting programs and whether they utilize the green environment fully. Without doubt, including expert opinion from environmentalists will help in understanding the existing gaps in the knowledge exhibited by the residents. The participants in the research will be from the state of South Carolina, which has tree-planting programs that have ensured it has a green environment. The selection of the South Carolina state is through a purposive sampling because it is one of the states with established tree planting programs, and which is enjoying the benefits of green urban places. The South Carolina forestry commission has achieved much in planting trees in different urban spaces and providing knowledge to the residents concerning the appropriate tree planting procedures. The participants in this research will belong to three focus groups. One of the groups will comprise of local residents in South Carolina. Random sampling will serve as an effective sampling technique in the identification of an appropriate sample. Random sampling gives local residents in the state an equal chance of participating in the research. However, the South Carolina population is extremely large and random sampling will be used to select participants from community tree planting programs. More specifically, stratified random sampling will be more effective in identifying the participants from different community tree planning programs (Dilley & Wolf, 2013). The second group of participants will comprise of members of the South Carolina forestry commission. The commission comprises of experts who understand the value of trees in different urban spaces and who have been strategizing on planting trees in the state. Purposive sampling will be used in the identification of the most eligible commissioners who are conversant with the potential benefits of trees. The third focus group will comprise of environmental experts in the South Carolina states. They will be identified through purposive sampling as well, depending on their level of influence and experience. The importance of environmental experts in this research is to bring in advanced knowledge on the environmental effects of planting trees in urban spaces. Environmental experts understand the level of pollution in South Carolina cities and are aware of the landscaping of each city. Therefore, they can provide reliable knowledge on the benefits of trees that make them have the potential of improving lives (Dilley & Wolf, 2013). Data Collection Plans Semi structured interviews will be used as the main data collection method for all the three groups of participants. The researchers will conduct the identified participants and give them a briefing of the interview session. The interview sessions will last for one hour and they will be tape recorded in order to make the data analysis easier. Prior to the interview sessions, all the participants should sign the consent form, which will assure them of confidentiality and anonymity as well as the potential limitations to confidentiality. The main questions in the interview will require the participants to describe their perceived benefits of trees in urban places (Dilley & Wolf, 2013). The participants will also describe whether they have the conviction that trees can improve the quality of life in urban areas. Data Analysis Methods Qualitative approaches of data analysis, such as coding and identification of common themes will be of critical use in analyzing the data from the interviews. Notably, data analysis will seek to identify the social, aesthetic, physical, climatic, ecological, as well as the economic benefits of trees in urban areas that serve to improve the quality of life. Implications and Limitations Evidently, this research will identify the potential benefits of planting trees in urban places in accordance with the experts’ opinions from environmental experts at South Carolina as well as commissioners from the South Carolina forestry commission. The research will also analyze the perceived benefits in accordance with the local residents. Analysis of the results will identify any existing gaps between expert opinion and the perceived benefits of planting trees by the local residents. Identifying these gaps will form a basis for creating awareness programs of educating local residents on how the planting of trees can benefit them immensely. Moreover, findings from this research will determine the future causes of action in establishing more tree planting programs in different communities in an effort to maximize the benefits of trees in urban areas (Dilley & Wolf, 2013). Potential limitations of this research may include insufficient resources as well as inadequate time for conducting the entire research rigorously. However, the researcher will make the best use of the available resources and time in an effort to complete the research. References Akbari, H., & Pomerantz, M. (2001). Cool surfaces and shade trees to reduce energy use and improve air quality in urban areas. Solar Energy, 70(3), 295. Camacho-Cervantes, M., Schondube, J., Castillo, A., & MacGregor-Fors, I. (2014). How do people perceive urban trees? Assessing likes and dislikes in relation to the trees of a city. Urban Ecosystems, 17(3), 761-773. doi:10.1007/s11252-014-0343-6 Dilley, J., & Wolf, K. L. (2013). Homeowner Interactions with Residential Trees in Urban Areas. Arboriculture & Urban Forestry, 39(6), 267-277. Hirokawa, K. H. (2011). Sustainability and the Urban Forest: An Ecosystem Services Perspective. Natural Resources Journal, 51(2), 233. Jim, C. Y. (2001). Managing urban trees and their soil envelopes in a contiguously developed city environment. Environmental Management, 28(6), 819-832. Lohr, V. I., Pearson-Mims, C. H., Tarnai, J., & Dillman, D. A. (2004). How urban residents rate and rank the benefits and problems associated with trees in cities. Journal of Arboriculture, 30(1), 28-35. Moskell, C., & Allred, S. B. (2013). Research paper: Residents’ beliefs about responsibility for the stewardship of park trees and street trees in New York City. Landscape and Urban Planning, 12085-95. doi:10.1016/j.landurbplan.2013.08.002 Sander, H., Polasky, S., & Haight, R. G. (2010). Analysis: The value of urban tree cover: A hedonic property price model in Ramsey and Dakota Counties, Minnesota, USA. Ecological Economics, 691646-1656. doi:10.1016/j.ecolecon.2010.03.011 Sawka, M., Millward, A. A., Mckay, J., & Sarkovich, M. (2013). Research paper: Growing summer energy conservation through residential tree planting. Landscape and Urban Planning, 1131-9. doi:10.1016/j.landurbplan.2013.01.006 Tallis, M., Taylor, G., Sinnett, D., & Freer-Smith, P. (2011). Estimating the removal of atmospheric particulate pollution by the urban tree canopy of London, under current and future environments. Landscape and Urban Planning, 103129-138. doi:10.1016/j.landurbplan.2011.07.003 Urban Trees and Ozone Formation. (2014). Agroforestry News, 23(1), 22-29. APPENDIX Project Schedule The project timeline will be as follows: 4th to 7th of December: Problem identification 7th to 11th of December: Literature review 11th to 31 December: Data collection 1st to 5th of January: Data analysis 5th to 20th January: Summary of findings, project compilation and presentation. Read More