justnorth posted on August 30, 2005 12:09 :: 1221 Views
GREEN BAY, Wis. – Have you ever stopped to think how trees affect us? Not economically or environmentally, but how they affect us socially and psychologically? Trees and greenspace have an influence on our emotional and physical health and even on our behavior. Trees affect our well-being in ways that are seldom understood, and often underestimated.
Would you like lower incidences of crime in your neighborhood? A study done by University of Illinois researchers Frances E. Kuo and William C. Sullivan show “the greener the surroundings, the fewer crimes occur against people and property.” Buildings with high levels of greenery had 52% fewer crimes than those without. Several factors combine to suggest why this is so. Green spaces bring people together outdoors, discouraging crime. It shows people care about their property, and are watching over it and each other. Quite possibly, people feel more relaxed and less aggressive in green spaces.
Trees help define a neighborhood and provide a sense of community. People are naturally drawn to the outdoors. Neighbors get together and form social bonds. This creates a strong community where people feel involved with, and supported by their neighbors. Can it be possible that all these social benefits accrue from trees?
Trees can make you healthier. The very presence of trees can relax you. Studies show that after exposure to trees, a person’s heart rate is lower and their blood pressure goes down. Another study by Roger Ulrich, a behavioral scientist, has shown that hospital patients need less pain medication and recover quicker when they have a view of greenery as opposed to those with a view of a brick wall.
Recreational opportunities abound on local trails which almost always feature trees along their routes. Joggers, bikers and walkers can all attest to the great exercise they receive from using the trail systems, and their use of tree-lined trails for recreation definitely results in personal relaxation and a sense of well-being.
More than 2 million children in the U.S. suffer from Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). Relief often comes in the form of medication, but a new study by University of Illinois researchers Andrea Faber Taylor, Frances E. Kuo and William C. Sullivan adds another alternative therapy to the mix. The study shows that the symptoms experienced by children with ADD are relieved after contact with nature. The greener the setting, the more the relief. These researchers claim that “maintaining trees and greenery near the home and encouraging ADD kids to go out and play may be a compelling approach to help ADD kids function better.”
The researchers also say that “maintaining trees and greenery at home may help support in girls the self-discipline they need to succeed.” In this particular study, girls scored higher on a test of self-discipline when they had views of nature from their home. The greater a girl's self-discipline, the more likely she is to do well in school, to avoid unhealthy or risky behaviors, and to behave in ways that foster life success. This is something we all want for our children. Anything to help us achieve this success is beneficial, especially something so simple as to plant a few trees.
Worker productivity is also correlated to trees. A survey conducted by Dr. Rachel Kaplan showed workers without a view of nature from their office window reported 23% more incidences of illness. Those with a view of nature from their window had better health, less sick time, greater enthusiasm for job, less frustration, and higher life satisfaction.
So, what does this all mean? There is something innate about being around trees. They make us feel good. How trees accomplish this we may never know. Maybe someday doctors will prescribe a walk in the park to help lower blood pressure or more offices will have a view of nature to help increase worker productivity.
Robert Louis Stevenson wrote, “It is not so much for its beauty that the forest makes a claim upon men's hearts, as for that subtle something, that quality of air that emanates from old trees, that so wonderfully changes and renews a weary spirit.” Remember, when life has you feeling a little stressed-out go visit your favorite tree, it will help “change and renew your weary spirit”.
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