Some city trees may discourage 'shady' behavior
Monday, November 1, 2010 - 17:00
in Earth & Climate
Along with energy conservation and storm-water reduction, scientists may soon be adding crime-fighting to the list of benefits that urban trees provide. Researchers with the U.S. Forest Service's Pacific Northwest (PNW) and Southern Research Stations have published a new study that suggests that certain types of city trees may help lower property and violent crime rates. Their studywhich is posted online in advance of its appearance in a forthcoming printed issue of the journal Environment and Behavioris the first to examine the effects of trees and other factors on crime occurrence in Portland, Ore.