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Social, Psychological, and Community Benefits
Trees Root the Communities
Trees
have been shown to have noticeable and lasting effects on the sense of
community in
neighborhoods.
They play a key role in making meeting places attractive, engaging, and
comfortable, which increases use. Resident participation in tree planting
projects promotes a sense of ownership, stewardship, and a reason to meet
neighbors. Trees make neighborhoods more walkable by shading hot sidewalks,
providing scenery, and buffering pedestrians from traffic, noise, and
pollution. Tree lined streets also reduce traffic speeds.
Trees Reduce Violence and Stress
Multiple
studies suggest that tree-filled areas have relatively low rates of crime and
domestic violence because trees relieve stress, and promote a sense of safety and
interaction among residents. Communities that have a high level of resident
interaction are shown to have higher levels of safety, regardless of economic
conditions, because residents are willing to look out for one another. The
ability of urban trees to relieve extreme heat and reduce noise pollution has also
been linked to decreases in violent behavior. Trees have also been linked to faster
recovery from illness. Studies have found that patients with views of trees
from their hospital window have faster recovery times than those without.
Trees Increase Business and Property Values
Trees
have also been linked to improved local area business and increases in property
value. Shoppers are willing to make more frequent and longer shopping trips to
tree-lined commercial districts. They have also been shown to spend up to 12% when
shopping in these districts. The sales price of residential property has been
shown to increase 1% for each large front yard tree and up to 10% for large
specimen trees.
Studies Connecting Trees to Human Behavior
Resources