The Powers of Greenspace and Trees
I've been learning about trees
for a long time now---things like identification, planting techniques,
wood uses, and other information. The new research is astounding.
In fact, I find myself doubting what I read no matter how thorough
and repeated the studies are in current literature. But I guess
it really is true. Trees are powerful!
Like most of us, I never thought
about the power of trees when it comes to influencing human behavior.
But researchers tell us that not only do trees "bring people
together" in social relations, they also help to cure a
variety of societal ills. If you think about it in the context
of a big city like Chicago and a public housing complex, the
concept becomes clearer. People that live in these areas describe
them as barren, urban deserts of unrelenting stretches of concrete,
asphalt, brick, and glass. In these places trees are a luxury.
Scientists have performed many
research studies in urban areas to determine how and if greenspace
makes a difference. What are their findings? They found fewer
reports of physical violence in homes that had trees outside.
People had greater interaction with neighbors. During the past
30 years, for example, researchers have also found that plants
reduce stress and increase pain tolerance.
Research has shown that patients
require less pain medication and recover from surgery faster
when they have a view of trees from their room! Patients also
recover from things like depression from debilitating surgery
quicker, and function better mentally.
Researchers have studied stress,
crime, and purchasing and shopping in relation to streetscaping
and greenspace. No wonder malls and even strip malls are incorporating
trees and plants into these spaces.
The University of Illinois
now distributes color posters that encourage people to let their
children, especially girls grow up with greener views. They found
that children that are surrounded by greenspace are able to handle
peer pressure, challenging situations, and even sexual pressure
all because of a natural, green environment.
People have known for thousands
of years that plants and gardening are physically, mentally,
and socially good for people. Only recently has man been able
to prove it through scientific studies that allowed us to gain
greater insight as to how trees and plants do more than just
help us survive. Not only do they harvest sunlight and provide
food, clothes, homes, and medicine, they also improve our mental
and physical health, and make our communities safe. Help
spread the word and spread the green!
By Jerry
A. Chenault, Urban Regional Extension Agent