Too often an afterthought in street design, urban trees make streets safer, longer-lasting, healthier and more pleasant.

Research

Transportation

Complete Streets

Walkability

Street trees increase the number of people walking on sidewalks by creating a more pleasant environment, causing drivers to reduce their speeds because more pedestrians are present. Prygoski, J. (2013). More than just a pretty trunk: How street trees enhance complete streets. Transportation for Michigan.

People often walk farther on tree-lined streets because distances seem shorter when walking along greenery. Prygoski, J. (2013). More than just a pretty trunk: How street trees enhance complete streets. Transportation for Michigan.

Walking down a tree-lined street has been proven to help alleviate ADHD symptoms in children. Kuo, F.E., and Faber Taylor, A. (2004). A potention natural treatment for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Evidence from a national study. Am J Public Health, 94(9), 1580-1586.

Protection

Street trees create a barrier between sidewalks and the road, which gives pedestrians a real and perceived boost in protection. 

Scale and Interest

Trees give scale to urban areas often built in conflict to human dimensions and lend interest to blank sides of buildings. Prygoski, J. (2013). More than just a pretty trunk: How street trees enhance complete streets. Transportation for Michigan.

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