We’ve
now discussed many of the more well-known benefits of trees: better air and
water quality, energy conservation, habitat for wildlife, and aesthetic value. We’ve
also mentioned the human health benefits that are linked to each of these
services provided by our urban forests. But plenty of research suggests that
trees affect our health in an often overlooked way. It seems that those of us
with healthy urban forests enjoy numerous psychological benefits, courtesy of
our beautiful trees.
Good
psychological health translates into better physical health and healthier
habits and behaviours. Research on this link between nature and health began as
early as 1972, when Dr. Ulrich did a study that found that hospital patients
that had a window looking out on nature required less pain medication and spent
less time in the hospital than patients that didn’t have a view of nature. This
correlation between a natural-looking environment and speedier rehabilitation
has been supported by further research in clinics, nursing homes and prisons.
In addition to faster recovery, lower stress levels have been measured in
people viewing images of nature.
The
psychological benefits of urban forests extend to the workplace as well. In a
study conducted by Dr. Rachel Kaplan, employees that were able to see glimpses
of the urban forest while working reported higher job satisfaction than those
that weren’t. In this case, psychological benefits can translate into financial
benefits for both the employees and their employers.
It
seems common sense that happier people will be less likely to be involved with
violence and crime. This has been investigated by researchers who surveyed
residents living within the same housing project in Chicago. They found that
residents living in close proximity to treed areas experienced less fear and
less violence than those that were farther away from trees.
Kids
can feel the difference the urban forest makes too! Contact with nature has
been correlated with reduced symptoms in kids with ADHD, helping them to focus
more easily. More self-discipline and less impulsive behaviour were other
benefits observed in a study on girls aged 7-12 after increased exposure to a
more natural environment. A current study is investigating the effects of
different playground environments on children’s test scores.
The
research is clear: a healthy urban forest makes for happier, healthier people. A
nice natural environment just makes us feel good inside. And I think that
counts for something, don’t you?
Information
provided by http://www.forestry.utoronto.ca/neighbourwoods/web/ and http://nfs.unl.edu/CommunityForestry/urbanforestryintro.asp. All photos are courtesy of Giuliana Casimirri.
--Mara
