Abstract: The increasing introduction of diverse exotic trees imposes an urgent need to comprehensively assess their ecological, economic, and cultural values, while establishing a scientific assessment index system is the key to achieve this goal. In this paper, a 4-level hierarchical structure design was adopted to determine the assessment indices about the adaptability, reproduction and spread, damage potential, and ornamental, economic, ecological, and cultural values of exotic tree species. Each of the indices at each level was scored, and a weight was given based on expert consultation to calculate its final score. The final score was then classified into three levels, and corresponding management measures were proposed. The assessment system was used to evaluate 14 exotic tree species in Beijing City and surrounding areas. It was indicated that Fraxinus velutina, Faxinus americana, Robinia pseudoacacia, and Rhus typhina were more suitable for urban and ecological plantings, while Fraxinus velutina, Populus × euramericana, Juniperus virginiana, and Carya illinoensis were more fitted for nature conservation plantings.

Key words: Landscape pattern, Vegetation dynamics, Sangong River Basin