NCJ Number
176230
Journal
Environment & Behavior Volume: 30 Issue: 1 Dated: January 1998 Pages: 28-59
Date Published
1998
Length
32 pages
Annotation
Tree density, tree placement, and levels of grass maintenance were manipulated in photo simulations of neighborhood outdoor space, and 100 residents of a public housing high-rise development in Chicago who lived adjacent to the space rated the images with respect to preference and sense of safety.
Abstract
Computer-based photo simulations were used to create realistic images of various landscape treatments for the courtyard. Residents were asked to rate various tree planting densities and placement and levels of grass maintenance in terms of their preferences and fears. Although tree placement had no effect on preference and little effect on sense of safety, both tree density and grass maintenance had strong effects on preference and sense of safety. Surprisingly, tree density and grass maintenance increased both preference and sense of safety. The authors conclude trees and grass maintenance can facilitate crime prevention in inner-city neighborhoods. Implications of the findings for mitigating negative environmental effects of urban development, promoting the physical and psychological health of inner-city residents, and preventing vandalism and destruction are discussed. 45 references, 5 notes, 2 tables, and 8 figures