Phenological dynamics shape the visual appearance of trees across seasons, serving as recurrent stimuli that influence the symbolic and emotional value of urban landscapes. This study examined how stages of the phenological cycle affect the aesthetic perception of trees, aiming to integrate temporal dynamics into landscape planning. Research was conducted on the main campus of the Federal University of Viçosa (MG, Brazil), where 12 tree species were monitored biweekly for one year. Phenophases of flowering, fruiting, and leafing were recorded along with standardized photographs. These images were evaluated in an online questionnaire (January–April 2025) completed by 306 participants, who assessed visual attributes such as flower color, crown shape, foliage density, and tree size. The Scenic Beauty Estimation (SBE) method was applied, with scores standardized using z-scores and aggregated to estimate monthly variation in aesthetic perception. The validity of this approach was tested by comparing estimated scores with SBE results from real images of Handroanthus serratifolius at distinct phenological stages. Results revealed clear patterns of aesthetic fluctuation. Species such as Ceiba speciosa, Handroanthus spp., and Erythrina mulungu displayed aesthetic peaks associated with intense flowering and partial leaf loss, resulting in strong chromatic contrasts. In contrast, Lagerstroemia indica and Spathodea campanulata maintained stable attractiveness due to prolonged blooming, while Moquilea tomentosa and Filicium decipiens remained visually consistent with dense evergreen crowns. Fruiting also contributed to variation, particularly in species with conspicuous or persistent fruits. The strong correspondence between estimated and observed SBE scores supports methodological reliability. Overall, perceived aesthetics in urban landscapes are closely modulated by tree phenology. Considering these dynamics in planning may enhance visual diversity and strengthen cities' ecological identity.
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PHENOLOGICAL AND AESTHETIC DYNAMICS OF URBAN TREES: IMPLICATIONS FOR LANDSCAPE PLANNING
Published:
27 February 2026
by MDPI
in The 1st International Online Conference on Environments
session Urban Systems and Ecosystems: Dynamics and Functioning
Abstract:
Keywords: Phenology; Landscape aesthetics; SBE; Environmental perception; Urban tree planting.
