Research on a housing estate in London showed that the presence of gardens is one of the most powerful factors in curbing crime and vandalism. Plants help reduce stress. Research has shown that people who live in cities where there is more 'nature' are less stressed. Plants increase property values. The presence of mature trees and well tended gardens can increase the value of a property by as much as 20 per cent.
Plants help reduce noise pollution.
Plants and trees make excellent sound barriers, effectively absorbing, reflecting and scattering sound waves. They are far cheaper and more attractive than solid barriers. Plants help control air pollution. Roadside windbreak plantings in town help reduce the amount of lead inhaled and in the countryside reduce the amount of lead reaching arable land. Other pollutants are also filtered out of the air as the plant 'breathes'.