Trees and Crime?

Question

A not so recent report on the news stated that there is less crime in neighborhoods with lots of trees. Can anybody explain why?

Answer 1

Maybe it's the fresh air circulation? I really haven't a clue, but I do know that I live on 44 acres with trees surrounding me, it is peaceful, but there actually is crime.

I don't hunt, but I do allow hunters on my property during deer season, and in the middle of the woods, an expensive tree stand was stolen. Nevermind that you hear about Meth addicts and Pot growers that are in heavily timbered communities to hide their activities.

I personally think the less amount of crime may contribute to a lesser amount of occupants to any general area.

Like I said, I am surrounded by trees, I don't have neighbors so close that we fuss and fight with over anything. I know my neighbors, and we respect each others space. It's peaceful out here, and I enjoy the silence and serenity of it all.... why would I go to town and cause havock?..

Excellent question.. wish I had the link to that news report!

Answer 2

Just a guess, but I'd say the two things are indirectly related. It is probably something like the "broken window" phenomenon that states if a window in a building stays broken for long, the rest of the windows are likely to get broken, the neighborhood is more likely to be littered, have graffitti, etc. It's a reversible thing. If you clean things up, people start taking more pride and help keep it clean. I've seen it happen in the suburbs - the neighbor has good landscaping, so you spend a little more to try to match it. This is also reversible - if a neighbor moves in that trashes the place, others are likely to sell to people willing to live there, probably because they're slobs too.

Trees add property value, increasing the likliehood of homeowners who are less tolerant of thugs hanging around.

Answer 3

take a good hard look at poor neighborhoods. no trees, very little green space and small or no parks. what you do have are burnt down vacant lots filled with garbage, liquor stores on every other corner, no big grocery stores and low self esteem expressed via unmanicured dirt patches in front of the section 8 housing. is latter a pyrex dish for creativity or the beginning of a recipe for success?

Answer 4

It'd be my guess that the study actually proves there's more crime in areas with less trees...as in very urban areas like big cities that are full of sidewalks, paved streets and brick buildings. More people. More people living in concentrated areas stands to reason there's going to be more crime.

Answer 5

trees produce negative ions which in turn create the opposite effect on humans....meaning trees...wind blowing... creates a positive feeling for us, unless perhaps you have allergies... other than this I don't know how it could be.