As cities continue to grow and urbanize, it’s becoming increasingly important to focus on ways to create livable and healthy environments for people. One way to achieve this goal is by planting city trees, and a new study published in the journal Landscape and Urban Planning highlights just how impactful these trees can be for our health and longevity.

The research found that in areas with higher tree density, people had lower mortality rates and lived longer. In particular, it was found that increasing tree coverage in urban areas by 10% was associated with a 12% decrease in mortality.

This is not only good news for individuals, but also for communities as a whole. Trees provide numerous benefits, such as improving air quality, reducing heat island effects, and providing shade and aesthetic value. Additionally, the presence of trees can increase physical activity, leading to improved health outcomes.

The study’s lead author, Takashi Tsukamoto, said in an interview with The Washington Post, “Our findings suggest that urban greening, such as planting trees in cities, could have a substantial impact on public health and longevity, particularly in the context of aging societies and the increasing burden of non-communicable diseases.”

It’s clear that planting city trees should be a priority for cities around the world. As the study’s co-author, Hiroyuki Nakamura, stated, “Urban greening has long been considered as a tool for mitigating environmental problems and promoting environmental conservation. Our study suggests that it could also be an effective strategy for promoting public health and longevity.”

Join the Movement

Planting city trees should be a priority for cities worldwide. You can be a part of this movement by participating in upcoming city tree events in your area. Join us in our upcoming tree planting events to improve the health and longevity of your city.

As The Washington Post states, “Planting a tree might just be the next step in improving your health and extending your life.” So, why not take that step today?