Trees Support Your Physical Health

Conifers (such as pine, cedar, and spruce) release aromatic compounds as a natural defence mechanism. When humans inhale these compounds, or physically touch trees, they significantly reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and increase the number and activity of natural killer (NK) cells, strengthening the immune system for up to 30 days. 

Trees improve air quality by filtering pollutants such as particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, and ozone, reducing respiratory and cardiovascular disease risk.

In healthcare settings, patients with views of trees often experience shorter recovery times, reduced pain, and lower anxiety (supported by research from Texas A&M University).

Living near trees is associated with lower rates of asthma and chronic lung conditions, especially in children, proven by various scientific studies.

Trees can help to increase local humidity, which indirectly reduces airway irritation and dry-skin conditions. We may not ever think about this function of trees, but it does help us!

In hot climates, the shade provided by trees is essential to reducing the risk of heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and dehydration (of humans and other animals). Studies in European cities have shown that increasing urban tree cover to 30% could reduce average urban temperatures by 0.4°C and prevent over a third of premature deaths linked to high temperatures, such as summer heatwaves.

Shade can also reduce UV radiation exposure by 50-95%, lowering the risk of skin cancer.