The study also found that people who are exposed to nature after periods of heavy stress exhibit fewer signs of physiological stress. 10 Studies on driving and road-related stress have shown that drivers exposed to nature are less likely to have a negative response to stressful situations then those that were not exposed to nature. A survey conducted by Dr. Rachel Kaplan found that office workers who could see trees from their desks report higher levels of satisfaction with their jobs and better overall health than those workers that could not see trees. 12 Trees play a vital role in defining a community s character and sense of place. The importance of trees to our quality of life requires that we protect them.
Property owners have a major responsibility to care for and maintain their trees.
Citizens and communities must adopt and enforce sound policies and regulations that will protect the scenic, environmental, and economic benefits of trees. Below are some strategies that your community can adopt to save its trees. Education Educate property owners about how to care for and maintain their trees. Obtain good information about tree protection from professional foresters, horticulturists, landscape architects, and planners. Involve citizens in preserving your community s trees.