The impact of infrastructure and tourist trails on tree vandalism in urban forests

Abstract Although it is known that artificial infrastructure can increase tree vandalism in public parks and playgrounds, this phenomenon is poorly understood about tourist trails in urban forests. We aimed to check whether the presence of artificial infrastructure, trail width, trunk circumference and the presence of trees with special markings (typically used in forestry) affect the number of vandalized trees and the share of types of tree vandalism in urban forests. The study was conducted in Kraków, southern Poland, in 2023 and 2024, establishing 400 square plots (5 m × 5 m) along tourist trails with and without infrastructure, near the trail and 10 m away from the trail. We recorded 389 trees, of which 53 (13.6%) were vandalized. The number of vandalized trees was significantly higher in trails with infrastructure than those without infrastructure. The number of infrastructure elements, distance to the nearest infrastructure element, the width of the trail, and the presence of trees with special markings had no significant effect on tree vandalism, in contrast to trunk circumference. Plots located near trails were characterized by more intense tree vandalism than plots far from trails, with a higher share of carving and a lower share of littering. Since the presence of infrastructure and the proximity of a tourist trail promote tree vandalism in urban forests, we recommend increasing monitoring and social education, as well as better adjusting waste bins along trails to reduce littering.