Visual assessment of trees in the urban forest in Belgrade: A case study of the area planned for the construction of the multifunctional hall of the Institute for Sport and Sports Medicine of the Republic of Serbia

This paper aims to evaluate the vegetation in the area proposed for the construction of the Multifunctional Hall of the Institute for Sport and Sports Medicine of the Republic of Serbia. The assessment of the existing vegetation was based on the analysis of qualitative evaluation parameters - vitality and decorativeness - of selected trees. Vitality and decorativeness were assessed on a five-point scale (1-5) using the Visual Tree Assessment (VTA) method. A total of 509 trees were recorded in the surveyed area, including 11 dead individuals. More than 30 species were identified, comprising five coniferous and twenty-four deciduous species. Conifers predominated, with Pinus nigra J.F.Arnold as the most common, while Quercus sp., Acer platanoide L., and Betula pendula Roth were the most frequent deciduous species. The average vitality and decorativeness scores, assessed on a five-point scale, were 3.10 and 3.08, respectively. The Urban Project proposed that most new facilities be constructed on existing green spaces and meadows previously used as sports fields. Less than 5% of the analysed vegetation would need to be removed in areas designated for construction. During redevelopment, all felled trees should be replaced through appropriate greening measures. Timely visual assessment of trees and green areas is essential in the planning and development of such facilities to ensure the preservation of urban forests and the continuity of green infrastructure.