You don’t cut down an old tree: KU Leuven study demonstrates connection between large urban trees and human health

Not every type of greenery in an urban environment has the same positive effect on people. One large tree with a robust crown has more impact than ten young trees. That is the conclusion of a large-scale study by KU Leuven that was published today in the influential journal Environmental Health Perspectives. The study mapped the trees in the Brussels-Capital Region in detail and, for the first time, uncovered links between 3D measures of exposure to urban green and the use of medicines for cardiovascular diseases and mood disorders. A major step forward for epidemiological research. A green environment is spontaneously associated with positive health effects. Scientific research has already linked the presence of trees in the living environment to positive effects on respiration, cardiovascular health, sleep.