Guest Blog by Austin Mackrill, Vice President at Arbor Day Farm
Trees are simply amazing. They give us the much needed EDGE in life as they clean our air and water, improve our health, enhance our communities, and beautify our world. There is a compelling and ever growing body of evidence supporting the critical need for trees as it relates to our wellbeing. Whether planted in a backyard, city park, or National Forest, every tree on this planet is working hard to provide the necessities of life.
Of course planting trees is important, but let us not forget to also enjoy the trees, live amongst them, play in them and spend time reaping the rewards they provide. Our stress levels have increased and the care for our mental and physical health has never been more critical. Research shows that trees provide the respite we all desperately need.
Trees and Health Care
Incredible strides have been made in health care in recent times. Yet, while modern medicine can treat more health issues in better ways, modern lifestyles are contributing to a rise in poor overall health. People are becoming more sedentary, experiencing more unhealthy stress, and being exposed to harmful pollution. Research has found that time spent in the forest environment is good for people’s physical and mental health. Whether it is a community park or secluded walk in the woods, spending time amongst trees is highly beneficial.
Trees and Stress
Human stress is normal, sometimes even beneficial. But if stress becomes chronic, then an individual’s health suffers. More than 100 studies have shown that spending time in green areas can help urban residents relax and lower their stress levels. Greener communities offer a natural calming to help people living in a stressed-out world. Research shows how urban forests, trees, and green spaces offer an escape from the stressors of urban life that cause mental health issues, such as neighbor noise, a sense of overcrowding in the home, and a fear of crime. Planting trees in communities and spending time amongst those trees can help improve the mental health of the people who live there.
Trees and our Children
Our children are our future — the generation that will carry on our legacy. Their health and welfare need to be a top priority, particularly as many resolvable issues continue to plague our youth. A shift toward a sedentary lifestyle has contributed to a decline in children’s health. 12.7 million American children and adolescents aged 2–19 are classified as obese. In the U.S., an estimated 4.4 million children suffer from attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). And cases of childhood asthma are on the rise. Growing evidence supports the theory that time spent in nature improves a child’s health and development. By increasing urban green space that is safe and easily accessible, tangible results will be seen. This simple act can improve the health and development of our children — changing the trajectory of their future.
Continued commitment is needed to improve public access to natural green spaces. By strategically planting trees to renew and expand natural and urban forests, people’s health and well-being can only improve. That’s why the Arbor Day Foundation strives to work with national, state, and local partners to ensure tree plantings are well-planned and effective. It takes a village to raise a child, and that village that also plants a tree raises the next generation.