We already know that having more trees around protects our health. Turns out those trees might also protect our wealth and safety, according to a new study from researchers at Temple University, published in the journal Landscape and Urban Planning.
Controlling for some socioeconomic factors such as poverty, education, and density, the researchers examined crime and tree data and found that "the presence of grass, trees and shrubs is associated with lower crime rates in Philadelphia, particularly for robberies and assaults."
Here's where things get a little presumptuous. The authors "surmise this deterrent effect is rooted in the fact that maintained greenery encourages social interaction and community supervision of public spaces, as well the calming effect that vegetated landscapes may impart, thus reducing psychological precursors to violent acts," according to a Temple University press release.
A study published in the same journal last year backs up the connection: A 10 percent increase in trees in Baltimore correlated to about a 12 percent decrease in crime. “It’s really pretty striking how strong this relationship is,” said Austin Troy, lead author of that study.
But is it truly a causal relationship?