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IMPROVED AIR QUALITY
Trees and woodland have a measureable impact on air quality, in particular by adsorbing pollutants such as sulphur dioxide and ozone, intercepting harmful particulates from smoke, pollen and dust and releasing oxygen through photosynthesis, thus reducing the incidence of diseases exacerbated by air borne pollutants. The negative effects of air pollutants are proportionately greater in urban areas, where trees are close to sources of pollution and nearer to people who might be affected – yet tree cover in urban areas is under threat.
The UK already has one of the world’s highest rates of childhood asthma, with about 15 per cent of children affected, and research by the British Lung Foundation suggests that one in every seven people in the UK is affected by lung disease – almost 8 million people. The predicted rise in air pollution will increase attributable deaths and hospital admissions, with as many as 1,500 additional deaths and hospital admissions each year (‘Future health - Sustainable places for health and well-being’, CABE 2009).
• Columbia University researchers found asthma rates among children aged four and five fell by a quarter for every additional 343 trees per square kilometre. Lovasi, G., Quinn, J., Neckerman, K., Perzanowski, M. & Rundle, A. (2008) ‘Children living in areas with more street trees have lower prevalence of asthma.’ Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health, 62(7), pp. 647-649.
• It has been estimated that doubling the tree cover in the West Midlands alone would reduce mortality as a result of poor air quality from particulates by 140 people per year.Stewart, H., Owen S., Donovan R., MacKenzie R., and Hewitt N. (2002). ‘Trees and Sustainable Urban Air Quality’. Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Lancaster University
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A Dutch study suggests every 10% increase in green space can postpone health complaints in communities by five years.
Earlier this year, the environment secretary at the time, Caroline Spelman, put a figure on it - in some inner city areas, each tree was worth as much as £78,000, she said.
She concedes some people have negative feelings about trees - because they worry about slipping on berries, bird droppings on cars or blocked light - and there can be a 'Not In My Back Yard' mentality.
Certainly the number of huge broad-leafed trees, so loved by Victorian planners that they became a permanent part of British urban landscape, have seen a sharp decline over recent years.
In 2007, a London Assembly referred to the loss of 40,000 full-grown trees in the capital over a five-year period as a "chainsaw massacre", suggesting a "risk-averse" culture among councils was partly to blame.
"These kinds of comparisons are important for policymakers when trying to decide how to invest scarce public resources, such as for park development or upkeep, and figuring out what bang they'll get for their buck," said Dr
"This research could be important for psychologists, public health officials and urban planners who are interested in learning about the effects that urbanisation and city planning can have on population health and wellbeing."
Beth Murphy, information manager at the mental health charity Mind, said: "For people living busy lifestyles in densely populated areas, being able to get outdoors and access green space is a great way to escape the stresses of day-to-day life.
"Our research has shown that 94% of people who took part in outdoors 'green exercise' said it benefited their mental health and can have huge impacts on physical health.
"We believe this is food for thought for any policymaker involved in urban planning, or local authority developing its public health strategy."
TREES IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENT
Air Quality/Pollution Reduction
Trees help to clean the air by “catching” airborne pollutants such as ozone, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxides, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and small particulates less than 10 microns in size.3
There is up to a 60% reduction in street level particulates with trees.1
Each year an average acre of mature trees absorb up to 26 pounds of carbon dioxide from the air, which is equal to the amount of Co2 produced by driving a car 26,000 miles.8
Water Quality/Erosion
Trees reduce topsoil erosion, prevent harmful land pollutants contained in the soil from getting into our waterways
Energy Savings
Homeowners that properly place trees in their landscape can realize savings up to 58% on daytime air conditioning.
A CANOPY FOR COMMUNITY AND SOCIETAL WELL-BEING
Trees Reduce Crime, Increase Public Safety and Build Community
A University of Illinois study finds that trees in urban areas are directly correlated with lower levels of fear, fewer incivilities, and less violent and aggressive behavior.4
In an inner-city neighborhood, the greener the residence, the lower the crime rate. Residents reported fewer violent crimes and property crimes in green neighborhoods as compared to those that were barren.4
Benefits of Urban Trees
Compiled by Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc.
The Healing Power of Trees
School children with ADHD show fewer symptoms and girls show more academic self-discipline if they have access to natural settings.19
Researchers found fewer reports of physical violence in homes that had trees outside the buildings.
Studies have shown that hospital patients with a view of trees out their windows recover much faster and with fewer complications and require fewer pain-killing medications than similar patients without such views.13
A Texas A & M study indicates that trees help create relaxation and well being.18
A U.S. Department of Energy study reports that trees reduce noise pollution by acting as a buffer and absorbing 50% of urban noise.18
Reduced air pollution from the presence of trees helps to ameliorate respiratory problems, such as asthma—the leading serious chronic illness among children.17
Trees can provide protection against skin cancer by reducing UV-B exposure (the most damaging type of solar radiation) by about half, according to a study by Richard Grant, Purdue University; and Gordon Heisler, USDA Forest Service.17
Time spent in nature reduces mental fatigue, restoring the ability to concentrate and pay attention.4
Exposure to even small amounts of trees and grass aids concentration, leading to greater effectiveness.4
MONEY DOES GROW ON TREES!
Large, mature street trees are found to be the most important indicator of attractiveness in a community.17
Property values increase 5-15% when compared to properties without trees (depends on species, maturity,quantity and location)18
Shoppers are willing to pay up to 11 percent more for products purchased in shops along tree-lined streets than they would pay for the same item in a barren setting.17
Appraised property values of homes that are adjacent to parks and open spaces are typically 8-20% higher than those of comparable properties elsewhere.17
Strategically placed trees can cut summer air conditioning costs for businesses by as much as 50 percent or more.17
Rental rates of commercial office properties were approximately 7% higher on sites having quality landscape, including trees.17
Office workers with a view of nature are more productive, report fewer illnesses, and have higher job satisfaction.17
Trees have the potential to reduce social service budgets, decrease police calls for domestic violence, strengthen urban communities, and decrease the incidence of child abuse according to the study. Chicago officials heard that message in 2005. The city government spent $10 million to plant 20,000 trees, a decision influenced by Kuo’s and Sullivan’s research,
Researcher Kuo suggests that “cities would do well having nature outside every doorstep.”4
Further Reading news on recent research:
http://www.nhs.uk/news/2013/07July/Pages/air-pollution-linked-to-lung-cancer-and-heart-failure.aspx
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/10169178/Tiny-increases-in-air-pollution-raise-risk-of-dying-from-heart-failure.html
http://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/green-science/air-pollution-heart-health.htm (something for the Edith Neville?)
nb: there are some precautions that can been taken on an individual level eg at home.
Let me know if you are interested and I can let you know what I found out (a while ago)
eg opening the windows that are away from the pollution/busy road,
plants eg Spider plants,
air purifiers and cleaning up the dust frequently presumably and if done carefully; special vacuums that keep in more dust (high hepa) as opposed to out the back again/ using dust masks when needed. There is also a costly air purifying paint that exists (but it does not deal with particles), consider ventilation because inside air pollutino can become worse than outside or letting breeze go through between windows (because inside air pollution can get worse than outside – also because of other possible sources eg painting/chemical - and so that is something to consider as well, especially where decorating happened however there is now Dulux Space & Light non-VCO paint to avoid paint chemical hazard).
(Let me know if you need any personal support regarding this issue : ) )
Trees and woodland have a measureable impact on air quality, in particular by adsorbing pollutants such as sulphur dioxide and ozone, intercepting harmful particulates from smoke, pollen and dust and releasing oxygen through photosynthesis, thus reducing the incidence of diseases exacerbated by air borne pollutants. The negative effects of air pollutants are proportionately greater in urban areas, where trees are close to sources of pollution and nearer to people who might be affected – yet tree cover in urban areas is under threat.
The UK already has one of the world’s highest rates of childhood asthma, with about 15 per cent of children affected, and research by the British Lung Foundation suggests that one in every seven people in the UK is affected by lung disease – almost 8 million people. The predicted rise in air pollution will increase attributable deaths and hospital admissions, with as many as 1,500 additional deaths and hospital admissions each year (‘Future health - Sustainable places for health and well-being’, CABE 2009).
• Columbia University researchers found asthma rates among children aged four and five fell by a quarter for every additional 343 trees per square kilometre. Lovasi, G., Quinn, J., Neckerman, K., Perzanowski, M. & Rundle, A. (2008) ‘Children living in areas with more street trees have lower prevalence of asthma.’ Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health, 62(7), pp. 647-649.
• It has been estimated that doubling the tree cover in the West Midlands alone would reduce mortality as a result of poor air quality from particulates by 140 people per year.Stewart, H., Owen S., Donovan R., MacKenzie R., and Hewitt N. (2002). ‘Trees and Sustainable Urban Air Quality’. Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Lancaster University
************************************************************************************
A Dutch study suggests every 10% increase in green space can postpone health complaints in communities by five years.
Earlier this year, the environment secretary at the time, Caroline Spelman, put a figure on it - in some inner city areas, each tree was worth as much as £78,000, she said.
She concedes some people have negative feelings about trees - because they worry about slipping on berries, bird droppings on cars or blocked light - and there can be a 'Not In My Back Yard' mentality.
Certainly the number of huge broad-leafed trees, so loved by Victorian planners that they became a permanent part of British urban landscape, have seen a sharp decline over recent years.
In 2007, a London Assembly referred to the loss of 40,000 full-grown trees in the capital over a five-year period as a "chainsaw massacre", suggesting a "risk-averse" culture among councils was partly to blame.
"These kinds of comparisons are important for policymakers when trying to decide how to invest scarce public resources, such as for park development or upkeep, and figuring out what bang they'll get for their buck," said Dr
"This research could be important for psychologists, public health officials and urban planners who are interested in learning about the effects that urbanisation and city planning can have on population health and wellbeing."
Beth Murphy, information manager at the mental health charity Mind, said: "For people living busy lifestyles in densely populated areas, being able to get outdoors and access green space is a great way to escape the stresses of day-to-day life.
"Our research has shown that 94% of people who took part in outdoors 'green exercise' said it benefited their mental health and can have huge impacts on physical health.
"We believe this is food for thought for any policymaker involved in urban planning, or local authority developing its public health strategy."
TREES IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENT
Air Quality/Pollution Reduction
Trees help to clean the air by “catching” airborne pollutants such as ozone, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxides, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and small particulates less than 10 microns in size.3
There is up to a 60% reduction in street level particulates with trees.1
Each year an average acre of mature trees absorb up to 26 pounds of carbon dioxide from the air, which is equal to the amount of Co2 produced by driving a car 26,000 miles.8
Water Quality/Erosion
Trees reduce topsoil erosion, prevent harmful land pollutants contained in the soil from getting into our waterways
Energy Savings
Homeowners that properly place trees in their landscape can realize savings up to 58% on daytime air conditioning.
A CANOPY FOR COMMUNITY AND SOCIETAL WELL-BEING
Trees Reduce Crime, Increase Public Safety and Build Community
A University of Illinois study finds that trees in urban areas are directly correlated with lower levels of fear, fewer incivilities, and less violent and aggressive behavior.4
In an inner-city neighborhood, the greener the residence, the lower the crime rate. Residents reported fewer violent crimes and property crimes in green neighborhoods as compared to those that were barren.4
Benefits of Urban Trees
Compiled by Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc.
The Healing Power of Trees
School children with ADHD show fewer symptoms and girls show more academic self-discipline if they have access to natural settings.19
Researchers found fewer reports of physical violence in homes that had trees outside the buildings.
Studies have shown that hospital patients with a view of trees out their windows recover much faster and with fewer complications and require fewer pain-killing medications than similar patients without such views.13
A Texas A & M study indicates that trees help create relaxation and well being.18
A U.S. Department of Energy study reports that trees reduce noise pollution by acting as a buffer and absorbing 50% of urban noise.18
Reduced air pollution from the presence of trees helps to ameliorate respiratory problems, such as asthma—the leading serious chronic illness among children.17
Trees can provide protection against skin cancer by reducing UV-B exposure (the most damaging type of solar radiation) by about half, according to a study by Richard Grant, Purdue University; and Gordon Heisler, USDA Forest Service.17
Time spent in nature reduces mental fatigue, restoring the ability to concentrate and pay attention.4
Exposure to even small amounts of trees and grass aids concentration, leading to greater effectiveness.4
MONEY DOES GROW ON TREES!
Large, mature street trees are found to be the most important indicator of attractiveness in a community.17
Property values increase 5-15% when compared to properties without trees (depends on species, maturity,quantity and location)18
Shoppers are willing to pay up to 11 percent more for products purchased in shops along tree-lined streets than they would pay for the same item in a barren setting.17
Appraised property values of homes that are adjacent to parks and open spaces are typically 8-20% higher than those of comparable properties elsewhere.17
Strategically placed trees can cut summer air conditioning costs for businesses by as much as 50 percent or more.17
Rental rates of commercial office properties were approximately 7% higher on sites having quality landscape, including trees.17
Office workers with a view of nature are more productive, report fewer illnesses, and have higher job satisfaction.17
Trees have the potential to reduce social service budgets, decrease police calls for domestic violence, strengthen urban communities, and decrease the incidence of child abuse according to the study. Chicago officials heard that message in 2005. The city government spent $10 million to plant 20,000 trees, a decision influenced by Kuo’s and Sullivan’s research,
Researcher Kuo suggests that “cities would do well having nature outside every doorstep.”4
Further Reading news on recent research:
http://www.nhs.uk/news/2013/07July/Pages/air-pollution-linked-to-lung-cancer-and-heart-failure.aspx
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/10169178/Tiny-increases-in-air-pollution-raise-risk-of-dying-from-heart-failure.html
http://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/green-science/air-pollution-heart-health.htm (something for the Edith Neville?)
nb: there are some precautions that can been taken on an individual level eg at home.
Let me know if you are interested and I can let you know what I found out (a while ago)
eg opening the windows that are away from the pollution/busy road,
plants eg Spider plants,
air purifiers and cleaning up the dust frequently presumably and if done carefully; special vacuums that keep in more dust (high hepa) as opposed to out the back again/ using dust masks when needed. There is also a costly air purifying paint that exists (but it does not deal with particles), consider ventilation because inside air pollutino can become worse than outside or letting breeze go through between windows (because inside air pollution can get worse than outside – also because of other possible sources eg painting/chemical - and so that is something to consider as well, especially where decorating happened however there is now Dulux Space & Light non-VCO paint to avoid paint chemical hazard).
(Let me know if you need any personal support regarding this issue : ) )
