Urban Forests: Mental, Physical, and Social Health Benefits

Urban Forests: Mental, Physical, and Social Health Benefits

Urban trees provide numerous environmental benefits such as mitigating air pollution and greenhouse gases, reducing stormwater runoff and improving water quality, and decreasing the urban heat island effect.  Research has shown that trees and greenspace also have mental, physical, and social benefits.  For example, trees, grass cover, and greenspace has been shown to create stronger bonds amongst neighbors, reduce violent and property crime, enhance the sense of safety, and promote more adult supervision of children in public spaces.  Studies that have examined children from a range of groups suggest that  greenspace plays an import role in helping children develop.  For example, one study has shown that interaction with nature reduces Attention Deficit Disorder symptoms.  

Sustainability Officers interested in understanding the links between urban forests and community health can review the scientific articles posted on the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Landscape and Human Health Laboratory website.  The website contains scientific articles that provide details on: 

  • The human health benefits of natural landscapes
  • Children and nature
  • Crime, aggression, and nature
  • Inner city and nature
  • Sense of community and nature
  • Communicating environmental issues effectively
  • Personal benefits of ecological restoration volunteering
The process of recovering and managing natural systems in order to regain and to preserve ecological integrity including biodiversity, ecological processes and structures.Water from precipitation that flows over nonporous surfaces into sewer systems or receiving water bodies.The absorption of heat by dark, non-reflective hardscapes (including pavement and buildings) and its radiation to surrounding areas. A problem in urban areas, the effect is exacerbated by vehicle exhaust, air-conditioners, and street equipment.Greenhouse gases are a part of the Earth's atmosphere and are both naturally occurring and the result of human chemical processes. The most common greenhouse gases are carbon dioxide, water vapor, methane, nitrous oxide, ozone, and chlorofluourocarbons. These gases trap heat and thus contribute to the warming of the planet. See also CFCS and GREENHOUSE EFFECT.

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