In the fight against crime, should US cities employ more trees?
A study conducted by the US Forest Service concluded that in some urban areas, like Portland, Oregon, trees may actually reduce incidences of crime and violence.
Researcher Geoffrey Donovan and his team came to this conclusion after reviewing two years worth of police reports detailing property and violent crime and noting neighborhood characteristics like tree-coverage where crime occurred. The data suggested that areas with large trees and more tree-coverage had fewer incidents of crime. But what is it exactly about the trees that prevent crime?
Donovan and his team believe that established tree systems tend to show that the neighborhood is well cared for which leads criminals to believe their chance of getting caught is higher.
The theory, however, is not foolproof. In one neighborhood, trees actually aided criminals by obstructing views and providing coverage under which to commit crime.
While an alarm system and diligence are still the best ways to secure your home, the report does seem to indicate yet another benefit humans can derive from trees.
