New Study Finds Link Between Tree Access & Antidepressant Use

For the research, the team looked for correlations between the number of trees in a given area and the number of antidepressants prescribed, to find out whether "everyday" green space can positively affect mental health.

They looked at data from nearly 10,000 residents in one German city to get numbers on antidepressant scripts and then compared those numbers with the number (and species) of trees on streets throughout the city. And sure enough, those who had more trees within a 100-meter radius of their homes were less likely to be prescribed an antidepressant.

According to environmental psychologist and lead author of the study Melissa Marselle, Ph.D., the specific mechanisms behind why trees in urban areas are beneficial aren't fully understood—but there are theories. "There are two explanations based on theory and previous research: physical activity and psychological restoration," she tells mbg.

Simply put: Planting more trees in urban areas appears to be a simple and cost-effective way to reduce the stress of its residents—and "help close the gap in health inequalities between economically different social groups," Marselle notes in a news release.

Not for nothing, planting trees is, of course, good for the planet, too. And with much of the globe still dealing with the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic, having a view of nature from the comfort of your own home has never been more important.