Recent studies cited by the state of New York are demonstrating the trees do much more for us than we had ever thought.
There are eight primary ways, noted in these scientific studies, that time around trees heals our bodies.
1. Looking at Trees Lowers Our Blood Pressure
Whenever we are surrounded by trees, our blood pressure lowers. So does our adrenaline, and so does the stress-related hormone, cortisol. All of these lower when we are in wooded areas, whether we are getting exercise, walking, or simply sitting still. These studies compared the effects of these activities in unplanted urban areas vs. these activities in wooded areas. In the urban area, no reduction in stress hormones occurred, but in the forest, the cortisol, adrenaline, and blood pressure were all lower around trees.
2. Being in the Woods Helps Us Focus
Directed Attention Fatigue can happen when we try to focus on many activities at once. Spending time surrounded by trees lets our brain rest, and prevents the effects of Directed Attention Fatigue. Taking the break from focusing on the chaos and busyness of a city environment can let our senses relax and better focus on more important things.
3. Trees in Cities Have the Same Impact as Remote Forests
Studies have shown that parks in urban areas have the same positive effects on our mental health as remote, rural forests. As long as trees are there, we still receive the restful, recuperative benefits.
4. Hospital Patients Recover Faster When They Can See Trees
Research focusing on patients who had just undergone surgery found that those in hospital rooms with views of trees had fewer post-surgical complications, took fewer painkilling medications, and had shorter hospital stays than people without those woodsy windows.
5. Trees Produce Oxygen and Improve Air Quality
Scientifically, one of the biggest and most fundamental benefits of trees, in terms of the health of the planet and of human beings, is that trees are a major source of oxygen, which we need to breathe. Areas with densely planted trees have better air quality than areas devoid of trees.
6. Trees (and Green Areas in General) Reduce Summer Temperatures
In cities, urban areas mostly covered with concrete and asphalt hold onto summer heat, even after the sun goes down, radiating that heat into the surrounding area throughout the night. This nighttime heat radiation causes average nighttime temperatures to be higher in urban areas, while wooded areas retain less heat during the day, and are therefore cooler at night, allowing people who live in those areas to have some respite from high temperatures throughout their summer nights.
7. Trees Improve Our Sense of Well-Being
Studies have shown that being around trees, and even having views of green areas, increase people’s sense of well-being and self-reported state of mind. In other words, the symptoms of anxiety, depression, or even just day-to-day stress are measurably lower in people who are able to find themselves surrounded by trees, or even just looking at trees, on a regular basis.
8. Trees (and Green Areas) Encourage Time Spent Outdoors and in Movement
Green, tree-filled areas are an invitation to spend time outdoors. Whether that’s a walk, a bike ride, or just a stroll with the dog, having access to green, tree-filled areas encourages residents to get outside and enjoy these spaces, getting exercise in the meantime. This additional movement can compound the health benefits of being exposed to trees, improving the way that people feel and the quality of their lives.
If you’re lucky enough to have trees in your life, then you’re already reaping the health benefits of being around trees. If you have trees in your very own yard, and need to have your trees trimmed or want tips or help keeping them in top form from a top tree service company, give us a call here at Tree Images to find out what we can do to help your trees continue to help you.
