The Mental Health Benefits of Urban Trees: A Deep Dive into Recent Research

Mental Health Week (May 5–11, 2025) is an opportunity to reflect on how our environment impacts mental well-being. Urban green spaces, particularly those surrounded by trees, have proven to reduce psychological distress. Research highlights the importance of trees in alleviating stress, anxiety, and enhancing cognitive function, making them key players in mental health promotion.

Trees Help Reduce Stress and Anxiety

Urban trees play a significant role in reducing psychological distress. A 2019 study by Browning et al. found that higher tree cover around nursing homes was linked to fewer depressive symptoms in elderly residents. Other studies show that walking along tree-lined roads reduces negative psychological states like tension, fatigue, and confusion.

Enhancing Cognitive Function and Memory

Beyond stress relief, trees improve cognitive function. A 2020 study found that increased tree canopy around schools was positively linked to better academic performance. Higher tree density within a 2 km radius of high schools led to better test scores and college readiness. Urban tree cover has also been shown to improve memory and reduce dementia risk in older adults. Astell-Burt and Feng’s 2020 study found that people in tree-rich neighbourhoods had fewer memory complaints and lower dementia risk.

Psychological Restoration and Well-Being

Exposure to trees promotes broader psychological restoration. A 2019 study by Elsadek et al. found that walking along tree-lined roads improved vitality and restorative outcomes. Viewing tree-dense landscapes also led to reductions in negative feelings like tension, depression, and confusion. In cities where stress is common, this emotional recovery is essential. Maurer et al. (2021) also found that trees were key in fostering a connection to nature and well-being, especially in urban parks.

Supporting Public Health and Mitigating Stressful Events

The benefits of trees extend to more critical situations, such as public health crises. A 2022 study by Zhang et al. showed that residential tree canopies reduced psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic. Trees can thus be an accessible tool for mitigating the mental health impacts of stressful events.

Conclusion: The Role of Trees in Mental Health Promotion

Studies confirm that urban trees provide substantial mental health benefits. From reducing stress and anxiety to enhancing cognitive function and offering emotional restoration, trees play an integral role in promoting well-being. As cities expand, prioritizing green spaces and abundant tree cover is crucial for building healthier, more resilient communities. The growing body of research shows that trees are not just a luxury, but a vital part of urban environments, helping to prevent mental health issues and improve quality of life.

Source: Human Health Benefits of City Trees & Forests: Rapid Review of Research Publications with Practical Application. Published in October 2024. Developed with support from the Climate Change and Health Office at Health Canada. Author: Kathleen L. Wolf, Ph.D. Research Social Scientist, University of Washington, Seattle, USA