The folks at Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc., know what’s going on…they’re the ones who compiled these (and a lot more) interesting items about the benefits of trees:

Studies have shown that hospital patients with a view of trees out their windows recover much faster and with fewer complications and require fewer pain-killing medications than similar patients without such views. American Forests, “How Trees Fight Climate Change”, 1999

A Texas A&M study indicates that trees help create relaxation and well being. Georgia Urban Forestry Publication, Shade-Healthy Trees, Healthy Cities, Healthy People, 2004

Time spent in nature reduces mental fatigue, restoring the ability to concentrate and pay attention. Kuo, F.E. 2001, “Environment and Crime in the Inner City: Does Vegetation Reduce Crime?” Environment and Behavior, Volume 33

Office workers with a view of nature are more productive, report fewer illnesses, and have higher job satisfaction. Georgia Urban Forestry Publication, Shade-Healthy Trees, Healthy Cities, Healthy People, 2004

School children with ADHD show fewer symptoms and girls show more academic self-discipline if they have access to natural settings. Coping with ADD: The Surprising Connection to Green Play Settings, Environment and Behavior. Vol. 33 No. 1 January 2001. 54-77, 2001 Sage Publications, Inc.

Appraised property values of homes that are adjacent to parks and open spaces are typically 8-20% higher than those of comparable properties elsewhere. Georgia Urban Forestry Publication, Shade-Healthy Trees, Healthy Cities, Healthy People, 2004

Trees reduce topsoil erosion, slow down water run-off, and ensure that our groundwater supplies are continually being replenished. For every 5% of tree cover added to a community, storm water runoff is reduced by approximately 2%. Coder, Dr. Kim D., “Identified Benefits of Community Trees and Forests”, University of Georgia, October, 1996