Visual Assessment of Tree condition as a basis for urban green space management: A case study of Gavrilo Princip park in Belgrade

Urban green areas are essential for improvement of ecosystem services, biodiversity, and well-being of people, but their sustainability depends on the long-term vitality and aesthetic quality of the trees. In this paper, the goal was to present the results of the research of health and aesthetic condition of trees in Gavrilo Princip Park in Belgrade. Vitality and ornamentality marks were evaluated on a 1 to 5 scale using Visual Tree Assessment (VTA) method. 172 trees were recorded on the researched location with an area of 1.92 ha. A total of 39 taxonomic categories were identified, of which 8 within Gymnosperms and 31 from Angiosperms. The most dominant taxa in the park are Pinus nigra J.F . Arnold (within Gymnosperms) and Tilia cordata Mill. (within Angiosperms). The average vitality mark of all trees in the park is 3.01 and ornamentality mark is 3.19. These research studies as a part of regular monitoring of urban green areas should contribute to the preservation and proper management of urban spaces green infrastructure.