An Analysis of Urban Tree Cover Perceptions: A Survey Study in Riobamba Ecuador

As urbanization expands rapidly, cities like Riobamba, Ecuador, face challenges in balancing development with environmental sustainability and citizen well-being. Urban trees provide essential ecosystem services, including air quality improvement, temper-ature regulation, biodiversity conservation, and contributions to mental and physical health. This study investigates residents’ perceptions of urban trees, their awareness of health-related benefits, and their willingness to engage in tree-related initiatives. A descriptive, cross-sectional survey of 400 residents was conducted, complemented by spatial analysis of surface temperatures across city zones. Results show that 99.5% of respondents recognize the role of urban trees in improving air quality, 61.3% acknowledge their impact on temperature regulation, and 63.2% view them as important for climate change mitigation. Moreover, 65.3% reported feeling more motivated to engage in physical activity in tree-covered areas, and 47.8% associated urban trees with enhanced safety. Despite this high awareness, only 57.8% expressed definite willingness to participate in tree-planting programs, suggesting a gap between environmental consciousness and active community involvement, with many residents perceiving tree management as primarily the responsibility of municipal authorities. Importantly, chi-square analyses revealed that education level was the only significant predictor of the perceived importance of trees (p < 0.001), underscoring the role of environmental edu-cation in shaping pro-environmental attitudes. These findings highlight the need for urban planning strategies that integrate community preferences with climate adaptation measures, while strengthening education and participatory programs to foster deeper civic engagement in urban forestry.