Social Benefits

Trees improve quality of life in many psychological and social ways.  Trees play an important role in reducing stress, promoting physical and mental well-being and in general contribute to healthier communities.

WELLNESS

Trees Help Reduce Stress and Improve Overall Well-being

Studies have found that nature viewing after stressful situations results in reduced physiological stress response and more positive emotional responses. In addition, walking in nature or viewing pictures of nature can improve directed-attention abilities.

Trees Reduce Driver Stress

Placing trees next to freeways and roads, and having roads pass through and by green areas, reduces driver stress as measured by blood pressure, heart rate and sympathetic nervous system changes. (8)

Trees Lead to Improved Health and Productivity

• Views of nature have led to 23% fewer sick days among workers and overall improved well-being. It also results in higher productivity and satisfaction for workers. (16, 17)

• Research has shown, exposure to nature and gardens speeds recovery of hospital patients and results in fewer complications and a more positive outlook among patients post-surgery. Most (80% as evaluated by a Johns Hopkins Medical School evaluation) rigorous studies found positive links between environmental characteristics and patient health outcomes. (18, 19, 20)

DEVELOPMENTAL

Trees Improve Learning & Concentration in Schools

Studies have shown that in addition to the cooling benefits, trees improve learning and concentration in schools. Children who played in more natural play areas displayed substantially fewer problems of attention and improved outcomes in many other areas.

In a separate 2002 study, girls with greener views from home were shown to have greater self- discipline, were less impulsive and had better concentration. This in turn led to better life decisions and better school performance. (These findings applied only to girls; boys are apparently farther ranging, spending more time farther from home than girls.) (11)

Children who played in more natural play areas displayed substantially fewer problems of attention. (12). It is thought that the presence of nature enables recovery from both mental fatigue and stress. According to the University of Washington “A study of 101 public high schools found consistent and systematically positive relationships between nature exposure and student performance and behavior. Views from cafeteria and classroom windows with greater quantities of trees and shrubs were associated with more positive standardized test scores, graduation rates, percentages of students planning to attend a four-year college, and fewer occurrences of criminal behavior. In addition, large expanses of landscape lacking natural features (such as lawns, athletic fields, parking lots, and large lawns) were negatively related to the scores and measures. All analyses accounted for student socio-economic status and racial/ethnic makeup, building age, and size of school enrollment. Nature-based performance benefits may translate into improved academic performance and interest in school. Nature views from the classroom are important, yet class sessions may not provide sufficient mental down time. Spending lunchtime or recess in an outdoors or natural environment can be important for reflection, relaxation, restoration, and social learning processes.” (21)

A study at the University of Hawaii showed:

• Students scored higher on standardized testing, and had less disciplinary problems when plants were present in classrooms.

• Students reported that they had lower levels of stress, felt more comfortable, felt the air was fresher, and were able to concentrate for longer periods. (9)

• Children who played in more natural play areas displayed substantially fewer problems of attention. (12)

COMMUNITY ACTIVITY

Trees Make Communities More Livable Trees encourage people to spend more time outside interacting with other people in their communities. Trees that provide shade are gathering places and increase the use of outdoor common spaces. (13)

Trees Lead to Reduced Crime All other factors being similar, areas with more landscaping and trees show less crime. It is thought this is due to the increased surveillance from people being drawn outside and the calming effects of trees.

Buildings with high levels of greenery had 52% fewer total crimes
48% fewer property crimes and 56% fewer violent crimes. (14, 15)

Economic Benefit

Trees Improve Property Values

People show a willingness to pay more for the benefits and costs associated with having trees on the property. National studies have shown properties along tree-lined streets may be up to 6% higher value than without. (1 – see numbered citations below) Developers in Hawaii claim to receive higher prices for property with trees. (2)

Total annual benefit of trees on property values in Honolulu: $3.16 Mil*

Trees Are Good for Business

People across the country have shown higher affinity towards retail locations with trees and they will spend more time and more money (9-12% more) while shopping there. (3)

Trees Save Electricity

Trees reduce ambient temperatures and transpiration uses solar energy that would otherwise heat the air.

Total annual energy savings in Honolulu: $621,760 (based on 2013 rates of $.32/kwh)*