Trees Create Safer Communities

Tree-lined streets are associated with fewer traffic accidents, by calming drivers, improving focus, and acting as a protective barrier between vehicles and pedestrians. The organisation Trees for Streets encourages the planting of urban street trees to transform communities.

The abundance of trees is a sign of a well-maintained neighbourhood, suggesting good care and investment, which discourages vandalism and antisocial behaviour (often linked to the broken windows theory).

Access to trees is linked to better mental health, which indirectly reduces substance misuse and violent incidents – this may be a contributing factor to why drug-ridden neighbourhoods are often found within the "concrete jungles" of large cities, where there are fewer trees.

Trees can improve visibility and orientation, helping people feel safer and more confident navigating public spaces, which is beneficial to people with cognitive disorders. Town planners may include "dementia-friendly paths", which usually include trees as a crucial component.

Tree canopies improve night-time light diffusion, reducing harsh glare and increasing overall visibility – this may also improve the safety of vulnerable people walking alone. However, canopies must be maintained and not allowed to become overly dense or hang too low.

Communities involved in tree-planting schemes often feel that the activity fosters a sense of unity and collective action toward a common goal; reduces social isolation; and bridges gaps between social, cultural, and age groups.