Tree-lined streets boost a community's overall health, new research suggests
- Martin Ford
- Jul 5
- 1 min read
2019-08-09
Keywords: Urban greening, mental health, tree canopy cover, urban reforestation, community wellbeing, biodiversity, urban environments, green spaces, psychological distress, social activities
The research suggests that urban residents’ mental health correlated more positively when they lived near tree-lined streets or higher density vegetative spaces.
The article discusses the findings that suggest a positive correlation between tree-lined streets and the overall health of a community, particularly in terms of mental wellbeing. Researchers from the University of Wollongong in New South Wales conducted a large-scale study involving 46,786 residents from three Australian urban regions, examining the impact of different types of green spaces on mental health. The study, which included interviews and follow-ups over several years, found that tree canopy cover in particular was associated with lower odds of developing poor general health and psychological distress.
The researchers concluded that urban greening strategies should prioritize protecting and restoring urban tree canopies to support community mental health. The study also noted that low-lying grasslands did not provide the same mental health benefits as trees, possibly due to their lack of attractiveness for walking and social activities. The article emphasizes the importance of urban reforestation projects and mentions Paris's initiative to cover half of the city's acreage with trees as an example of the growing momentum for greening cities. The presence of trees in urban environments can provide relief from stress and contribute to a more biodiverse ecosystem.
Tags: Urban Greening, Mental Health, Reforestation, Public health, Urban Ecosystems, Paris Greening Initiative
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