By Marilyn Levand, Wildlife Education Manager

Not only are trees beautiful to look at, but it turns out that they are truly important to humans. Trees offer tremendous mental and physical health benefits including helping to lower blood pressure and stress.

A study by the Center for Research in Environmental Epidemiology in Spain found that children exposed to more greenery demonstrated better attention skills and memory development. One of the most convincing studies published in the journal Nature studied tree canopy in an urban setting in Toronto, Canada. The study found that people who lived in neighborhoods with a higher density of trees on their street had perceived better health and lower incidents of cardio-metabolic conditions. 

There are many reasons that trees are essential for us to live our best life. They help regulate the temperatures in our homes, act as a windbreak on windy days, help manage stormwater runoff, and increase property values. Trees also release oxygen into the air we breathe and capture air pollutants and toxic gasses. There is even evidence that planting more trees may help mitigate climate change.

Remember to be kind to trees and keep them healthy because they’re good for our health.