Trees improve life in many ways. They fight climate change by reducing greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. They dampen noise pollution and reduce air pollution by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. When rain pours from the sky, trees reduce stormwater runoff, preventing flooding and soil erosion. They also provide valuable habitats to support biodiversity in insects, birds and other animals, as well as microorganisms. The list is endless.
Equally important, evidence is gathering that simply spending time near trees and green spaces improves our health and mood. Below are some of the biggest benefits we get.
Staying Cool: Trees Help Prevent Heat-Related Illnesses
Climate change is causing rising temperatures and more heat waves in the U.S. These effects are worse for those who live in areas known as urban heat islands, where asphalt and concrete absorb heat during the day and radiate it further at night. Temperatures can be as much as 7°F higher than in suburban, rural, or simply wealthier and greener areas.
Trees and their canopies provide shade, helping to prevent urban heat islands. What does this mean for individuals? It means fewer heat-related illnesses, which are more common among those who work outdoors and among younger, older, and medically vulnerable people. A study published in The Lancet calculated that increasing tree canopy cover to 30% in 93 European cities could prevent an estimated four in 10 premature heat-related deaths among adults in those cities.
How Trees Help Children: Better Mood, Behavior, Attention, and More
Spending more time in nature is associated with better health outcomes, such as lower blood pressure, better sleep, and improvements in many chronic conditions in adults. These findings are fueling growing interest in forest therapy, a guided outdoor healing practice that leads to improved overall well-being. But it’s also worth noting the multiple benefits of trees and nature for children.
A study of children ages 4 to 6 found that those who lived near green spaces exhibited less hyperactive behavior and performed better on attention and visual memory tests than children who did not.
Simply seeing trees can have a positive impact on mental health. In Michigan, a study of children ages 7 to 9 showed that students who could see trees from their school windows had fewer behavioral problems than students with limited views.
In Finland, researchers modified the outdoor play environments of daycare centers to mimic forest understory. These daycare centers were compared to control daycare centers and nature-focused daycare centers where children visited nearby forests daily. After 28 days, children in the daycare centers with modified play environments with forest understory harbored a healthier microbiome and had better markers of their immune system compared to their peers.
How Green Spaces Help Communities
Green spaces in neighborhoods also contribute a lot to the well-being of communities. A randomized trial in a U.S. city planted and maintained grass and trees on previously undeveloped lots. Researchers then compared these green spaces to lots that were left alone.
In neighborhoods below the poverty line, areas with green lots saw a decrease in crime compared to untouched vacant lots. Meanwhile, residents living near green lots reported feeling safer and increased use of the outdoor space for relaxation and socializing.
How can you help?
Unfortunately, tree canopy cover in cities has declined over the years. To counteract this decline, many cities and nonprofits have programs that provide trees for planting.
Some examples in Massachusetts include Canopy Crew in Cambridge and Speak for the Trees in Boston. (Speak for the Trees also provides helpful information on choosing and caring for trees). Neighborhood Forest provides trees to schools and other youth organizations across the U.S. Find a program near you!
Planting trees that are native to your area is better suited to local conditions, wildlife and ecosystem. Contact your local Native Plant Society for more information and advice. If you’re concerned about seasonal allergies caused by tree pollen, many tree organizations or certified arborists can help you choose the best native trees.
If tree planting isn’t for you but you’d like to contribute to this mission, consider donating to organizations that support reforestation, such as The Canopy Project and the Arbor Day Foundation.
