Most Americans Believe Trees Benefit Mental Wellbeing, Survey Finds

The canopy created by tall trees as seen from below at Muir Woods National Monument, Mill Valley, California, September 5, 2016. (Photo via Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images).

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Nearly nine out of 10 Americans believe trees and green spaces have a positive impact on their mental wellbeing, according to a new poll.

The survey of more than 2,000 Americans by the Harris Poll on behalf of the Arbor Day Foundation 2025 Canopy Report, found 87% of people agreeing trees and green spaces have a noticeable, positive impact on their mental well-being.

It also found the overwhelming majority (95%) respondents see the value of trees in their communities for their ability to clean air, provide shade, and provide privacy.

And nine in 10 of those surveyed agreed cities and urban areas should be built with trees and green spaces in mind.

When asked why they want to be around trees, many people circled back to how green space makes them feel, with 84% saying spending time in nature brings them hope and optimism about the future.

But the survey also found fewer than one in five (19%) of Americans said they have planted a tree in the last year, with a lack of knowledge about how to correctly plant them holding people back.

It also revealed 85% of people surveyed said businesses should be planting trees or engaging in reforestation.

The Arbor Day Foundation’s chief executive officer Dan Lambe said trees are “the one thing that everybody recognizes can add so much value to their lives” in an interview.

Lambe added many people, especially since the pandemic now under understand how time spent outside and amongst nature can help them become more resilient, just as trees can help communities and forests also become more resilient.

“A lot of people move to a specific community because it has the tree canopy, is ripe with hiking trails or green spaces,” said Lambe.

“We’ve grown to understand that trees just make our communities more livable and more enjoyable,” he added.

“This new survey shows how 90% of Americans recognize the value of trees in to provide shade, create cooler and safer neighbourhoods. They understand the role trees play in protecting physical health and wellbeing.”

Lambe added sometimes it is easy to take trees for granted, but the survey shows this is not necessarily the case, which he said is a positive thing to reflect upon around Arbor Day.

“We are also seeing a lot of momentum around tree planting across the country,” added Lambe.

“We see it from our corporate partners, individual members and from our cities. This momentum is not just because trees are beautiful. It is because they are a renewable resource and a critical part of the economy.”

In February, the Woodland Trust in the U.K. published research which also highlighted how woodland wildlife does wonders for a person’s wellbeing.

The research found 90% of more than 10,000 people surveyed said their mood and general wellbeing were boosted by the wildlife in woodland.

According to the survey, woodland sounds, such as birds singing, the scrunch of fallen leaves or trees rustling in the breeze, were found to stimulate the most wellbeing responses.

And natural processes and behaviours, like spring flowers emerging, triggered the second most wellbeing responses, followed by colours, textures and smells.

Woodland Trust chief executive Dr. Darren Moorcroft said it has never been more critical to improve the health of people and the planet in a statement.

“Proving that it’s good for us to get out among trees and nature means the next step must be ensuring that everyone in the UK has access to vibrant, nature-rich woodland where wildlife – and people and communities – can thrive,” added Dr. Moorcroft.