I've been on the Board of the Sacramento Tree Foundation for 4 years, two of them as President, and I've learned a tremendous amount about the value of trees. ( http://www.sactree.com/)
Everybody has their own personal list of the value of trees based upon their personal experience. I do as well. But I've learned much more about the health value of trees.
Just two examples:
· Hospital patients with a window view of trees need less pain medication and are discharged sooner than patients with treeless views.
· Residents living in apartments with a window view of tress are significantly less aggression toward family members than those whose windows look onto concrete, asphalt or barren earth. This includes their making fewer insults and threats and other psychologically aggressive behavior.
(A more complete list is at: http://www.justaskatree.com/benefits_of_trees.htm)
But here is another interesting phenomenon which began in Japan -- shinrinyoku or forest bathing. As with anything there are guidelines (http://www.hphpcentral.com/article/forest-bathing) but basically the science bears out that spending time immersing yourself in the company of trees reduces stress, improves the immune system, and reduces depression and anger.
If this makes sense to you, here is the shameless plug. Even though the Sacramento Community rose to the challenge of planting 30,000 trees in 30 days to celebrate the Tree Foundation's 30 anniversary, we can always use the energy of more enthusiasts -- join us!
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