Urban forestry plays a crucial role in enhancing urban residents' well-being and providing essential ecosystem services. This study integrated physical and social variables to comprehensively understand socio-cultural indicators related to urban forestry. Key indicators examined included visitation frequency, recreation satisfaction, scenic beauty, forest care and management, and the feeling of health. Data from Switzerland's 3rd socio-cultural forest monitoring survey were utilized. A public-participation GIS module allowed respondents to map their frequently visited forest recreation spot. They were then surveyed about visitation motives, infrastructure and forest preferences, and the meanings associated with their chosen location. Physical forest characteristics and relevant infrastructure aspects were considered as variables and intersected with mapped coordinates for regression models. Results revealed significant relationships between the implemented variables and "scenic beauty," "recreation satisfaction," and "forest care and management." Variables like "visitation frequency" and "feeling of health" were accurately predicted. These findings highlight the importance of incorporating non-ecosystem services, such as landscape and forest meanings, in future urban forest monitoring. These variables particularly demonstrated strong explanatory power for aesthetic attributes. Successful urban forest monitoring initiatives should consider ecological and socio-cultural aspects. Recognizing the meanings people attach to urban forests enables policymakers to align strategies with community preferences and enhance residents' experiences. Findings also inform forest management practices, promoting visually appealing and sustainable urban forests. Furthermore, these results have implications for ecosystem services provision. Prioritizing socio-cultural indicators like scenic beauty and recreation satisfaction leads to a holistic approach to urban forest management. Urban forest policies that consider socio-cultural dimensions better meet diverse needs and values, resulting in healthier and vibrant urban environments. In summary, this study emphasizes incorporating physical and social variables, including landscape and forest meanings, for a comprehensive understanding of urban forestry's socio-cultural indicators. Considering these factors in urban forest policy and management facilitates the creation of sustainable and inclusive urban forests that promote human well-being and ecosystem services.