What do you think of when you hear the word “trees?” You may think of greenery, your favorite tree at the local park, or the sound they make when the wind blows through their leaves. These things are all pretty positive. You may even call trees soothing.
Now scientists are starting to measure the physiological impact that trees have on people. Not surprisingly, people’s heart rates have been shown to drop around trees. Even more intriguing are the studies that focused on patients with views of trees outside their hospital room and those without. Those with the views of trees required less pain medication and were able to leave the hospital quicker.
This University of Georgia article goes over all of this and discusses the relief that trees may provide in an urban setting.
There are many groups that are championing the cause of urban forestry. There is even one dedicated to improving and expanding urban forests in the north central Texas area. Texas Trees Foundation plants trees, ensures a healthy supply of plant-able trees, and provides education on the importance of trees in an urban environment.