Urban tree preferences for climate action: community perspectives in Lemon Grove, California

• Trees are nature-based solutions that support urban climate resilience • Residents preferred native, drought-resistant, aesthetic, non-destructive trees • Preferred locations for trees include busy roads, transit depots, and pedestrian areas • Residents showed willingness to engage in tree planting and maintenance Urban forestry, the planting and management of urban trees, is often proposed in policy and practice as a nature-based solution aimed to promote climate resilience. For example, the City of Lemon Grove, California aims to utilize urban forestry in their Climate Action Plan to help meet their carbon mitigation goals as well as adapting to urban heat island effects. However, urban forestry efforts often do not take into account the perspectives of local citizens. The goal of this study was to better understand community perspectives on how to best implement an urban forestry project to meet community needs and climate action plan goals. An online survey of 64 Lemon Grove residents was conducted; with questions focused on understanding desired tree species, planting locations, and willingness of residents to participate in the funding, planting, and maintenance of an urban forestry project. Survey results indicated that residents prefer tree species with low water input requirements and a high tolerance for heat and direct light. Planting locations should benefit the maximum number of Lemon Grove residents at locations like roads, transit depots, and pedestrian areas such as schools, churches, and parks were highlighted by respondents. About 78% of respondents indicated that they would be willing to make a monthly donation between $1 and $20 USD toward the tree planting initiative. This study can be applied as a format to future urban forestry projects, utilizing community surveys to guide recommendations and meet climate action plan goals for just urban transitions.