Planting in Parking Lots to Improve Perceived Attractiveness and Security

This paper describes the effects of vegetation on public perceptions of the attractiveness and security of com- mercial and residential parking lots. Attractiveness was generally increased by the total amount of vegetation. The sense of security was enhanced by plantings only when the vegetation was well maintained or incorporated in a distinct landscape design. Visibility of building entrances was especially important for security, calling for careful landscape design so that plantings do not obstruct the view of access routes to and from structures. Proper maintenance of structure and grounds enhances both attractiveness and perceived security. Resume. Cet article decrit les effets de la vegetation sur les preceptions du public quant a I'esth6tique et a la s6curit§ de terrains de stationnement commerciaux et r§sidentiels. Le sentiment de s6curit£ fut augmente par la presence des arbres seulement lorsque la v6g£tation 6tait bien entretenue et integree a un am6nagement paysager distinct. Une bonne visibility des entries des edifices etait jug6e importante pour la security, indiquant I'importance de prevoir les amenagements de maniere a ne pas obstruer la vue sur les voies d'acces. Un entretien adequat des batiments et des entries augmente I'esthetique et la security des lieux.