One widely reported study shows that patients
viewing trees through a window during surgery recovery
cut their average recovery time by almost one whole day
compared to patients with a view of a blank wall.
People turn to the urban forest, preserved by humans
as parks, wilderness, or wildlife refuges, for something
they cannot get in a heavily developed environment. The
quality of human life depends on an ecologically
sustainable and aesthetically pleasing physical
environment. The surge of interest in conserving open
spaces is growing!
There is growing recognition that the key to
reducing health care costs lies in prevention of
illness. Trees contribute to this end by creating
positive emotional and social experiences.
Many who live or commute in urban or blighted areas
experience stress that can indeed impact their health.
Trees have a way of reducing tension – emotionally and
physically. In studies of the effects of environmental
stress on the mind and body, evidence of the therapeutic
value of trees has emerged. It is likely that the cost
of environmental stress in terms of work days lost and
medical care is much greater than the cost of
maintaining trees, parks, and urban forests.
