It has long been suggested that spending time in natural outdoor environments may enhance human health, but researchers from the University of Chicago took this notion a step further by quantifying just how beneficial it is.

After reviewing a database of public trees and health records in Toronto, they revealed that living around an extra 11 trees per street lowers the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.¹

The health benefits were equated to receiving an annual salary increase of $20,000, and those living near a greater density of public trees also reported significantly improved self-perception of health (how healthy a person perceives himself to be).2 According to the study:³

“We find that having 10 more trees in a city block, on average, improves health perception in ways comparable to an increase in annual personal income of $10,000 and moving to a neighborhood with $10,000 higher median income or being 7 years younger.

We also find that having 11 more trees in a city block, on average, decreases cardio-metabolic conditions in ways comparable to an increase in annual personal income of $20,000 and moving to a neighborhood with $20,000 higher median income or being 1.4 years younger.”

Why Is Living Near Trees Healthy?

Spending time in green spaces has psychological and physical benefits. Simply taking a walk in a natural area has been shown to decrease the pattern of negative thinking known as rumination, which is linked to an increased risk of depression.⁴ Those researchers noted:

“This study reveals a pathway by which nature experience may improve mental well-being and suggests that accessible natural areas within urban contexts may be a critical resource for mental health in our rapidly urbanizing world.”

Indeed, more than 80 percent of Americans live in urban areas,⁵ which can limit access to green spaces and potentially worsen public health. In addition to improving well-being, those living in a greener environment report fewer health complaints and better mental health.⁶

All types of green space – city parks, agricultural areas, forest, etc. – were equally beneficial. Cognitive function may also improve. In a study of 2,600 children between the ages of 7 and 10, those with greater exposure to green spaces, particularly while at school, had improved working memory and decreased inattentiveness.⁷

A 2014 study similarly found that children attending schools with greater amounts of vegetation scored higher on academic tests in both English and math.⁸ Not to mention, older adults who spend more time outdoors have less pain, sleep better, and have less functional decline in their ability to carry out their daily activities.⁹