Trees play a crucial role in urban ecosystems, such as enhancing air quality, mitigating climate change impacts, and promoting community well-being. However, their distribution within cities often reflects socio-spatial inequities, disproportionately benefiting some neighbourhoods over others.
A first study examines the inequitable distribution of trees, particularly street trees, in Pōneke Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand and investigates whether urban layout and socio-economic indicators explain these inequities. Using spatial analysis of a comprehensive city-wide tree dataset, we explore spatial patterns of (street) tree distribution and employ spatial error models to explore the influence of urban layout and socio-economic indicators on street tree distribution. Our findings reveal significant spatial disparities in tree coverage across the urban area. Notably, only a small fraction of trees (7%) are located on roadside reserves, despite substantial non-vegetated roadside areas suitable for additional planting (17%). The spatial error model indicates that factors such as building set-backs, parcel irregularity, and road complexity significantly influence street tree planting potential, while socio-economic indicators provide limited explanatory power. These results highlight the critical role of urban design in shaping environmental equity within cities, while also illustrating the complex interrelations between urban layout and socio-economic factors in shaping tree distribution. The study suggests that targeted street tree planting and informed urban planning have potential to counteract observed inequities in (street) tree distribution.
A second study acknowledges that achieving the full potential of street greenery requires active engagement from households, particularly in the context of road verge greening, where responsibilities often fall at the intersection of public and private ownership. This study explores the potential of a mosaic governance model for urban verge greening, emphasising its potential to reconcile socio-spatial diversity and foster equitable participation. Drawing on a mixed-methods survey of property owners in Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand, the research examines the motivations, barriers, and socio-spatial factors influencing residents’ participation in verge greening. The findings highlight that while mosaic governance holds promise for encouraging collaboration and addressing urban greening complexities, it must account for the diverse socio-spatial characteristics, motivations, and challenges of residents. Communication, resource provision, and public education are essential to overcoming barriers such as limited knowledge and access to resources. The study makes conceptual and empirical contributions by extending the mosaic governance model to incorporate socio-spatial characteristics of place and stakeholders, stressing the importance of equitable participation in urban greening