Trees and Plants Deter Crime, Make Us Happy
So it seems time to give trees some credit. They don't mean to create neighborhood strife. Assuming they are right sized and appropriate for their locations, trees offer shade, oxygen, beauty and habitat. There is evidence that trees can reduce crime, as well as increase property values, keep our children healthy, and generally contribute to a great feeling neighborhood.
"Defensible space" refers to space around homes for protection from wildfire or from crime. The latter definition came from Oscar Newmans work beginning with the publication in 1972 of Defensible Space. Trees and/or other appropriate plants can be a key part of crime deterrance through environmental design.
Just before I had a chance to publish this post, I was blessed with an invitation to this event (my photo from the mezzanine below). This project is one of so many inspirational ways people are improving their homes and neighborhoods with strategic plant life (which I shall continue to highlight and rave about in further posts!)
It was great to hear Willie Brown in wax poetic about plants improving the neighborhood, and how great they are for people and butterflies in the city. In the country, well, trees/plants are one of the main reasons people like to live in the country, though they may not realize it. Plants plus people in community equals high quality of life!
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