Vitality as an Indicator of Aesthetic Quality

Urban green spaces are essential for enhancing ecosystem services, biodiversity, and human well-being, yet their sustainability relies on the long-term vitality and aesthetic quality of trees. This study examined changes in tree vitality and decorativeness in Akademski Park, Belgrade, Serbia, over a ten-year period (2015–2025) to assess species-specific responses to urban environmental stress. Data were collected using the basic Visual Tree Assessment (VTA) method, evaluating 132 trees in 2015 and 121 in 2025 across 22 species. Both vitality and aesthetic values were rated on a five-point scale, and differences were tested using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test for paired samples. Results showed a slight overall decline in vitality (from 3.9 to 3.7) and a stable decorativeness score (3.6–3.7). Significant reductions in vitality were observed for Cedrus atlantica (p=0.002), while Tilia cordata showed improvement (p=0.037). Platanus × acerifolia exhibited a significant increase in decorativeness (p=0.040), confirming its adaptability to urban conditions. Other species displayed minor or non-significant changes, indicating general stability in tree health and visual quality. The findings suggest that Akademski Park has maintained its ecological and aesthetic function despite environmental pressures. Long-term monitoring and species-specific management are essential for sustaining urban tree vitality and optimising the resilience of green infrastructure under changing climatic conditions.