Trees as Allies: Beyond the Environment

As cities around the world grow and urban populations rise, access to green spaces has become a pressing issue. But while parks and tree-lined streets are often seen as aesthetic luxuries, they play a much deeper role in fostering equity.

As we've launched Tree Equity Score UK and engaged in wider conversations about tree equity, I've heard so many comments that don't recognise the true worth of trees. For example, people often say things like "I love trees but..." and "If only they gave us Wi-Fi, we'd plant more of them" and "but what about parking spaces". These remarks reflect how some overlook the critical environmental, social, and health benefits trees provide, reducing their value to mere conveniences rather than recognising their essential role in sustaining life and wellbeing in our communities.

Because tree equity and nature isn't just about the environment, cleaner air and helping to mitigate climate change. In my opinion, tree equity is an essential aspect of the fight for health, environmental, social, and economic justice.

What is Tree Equity?

Tree equity refers to the fair distribution of trees and green spaces in both urban and rural communities. It recognises that everyone should have access to the benefits trees provide, regardless of their income, race, or postcode. Yet, the reality is that trees are often disproportionately distributed, with affluent areas enjoying more abundant greenery, while lower-income and marginalised communities remain underserved.

At its heart, tree equity is about more than planting trees; it's about ensuring that the people who need the benefits of trees the most have access to them.

To find out more about Tree Equity Score UK, visit uk.treeequityscore.org.

Tree Equity is Health Equity

Trees and green spaces aren't just visually pleasing—they have a measurable impact on public health. Studies have shown that access to trees can reduce stress, improve mental health, and lower the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases by filtering pollutants from the air. In hot urban environments, trees reduce the "urban heat island" effect, lowering temperatures and protecting vulnerable populations from heat-related illnesses. One recent study has shown that areas with low tree cover are associated with higher levels of need for non-urgent and urgent medical care. They play a vital role in saving lives and valuable NHS resources by enhancing population health. For example, it’s estimated that between 2017 and 2025, the total cost to the NHS and social care system for caring for individuals affected by air pollutants will reach ￡1.6 billion.

Communities with fewer trees are often more exposed to environmental stressors like poor air quality and extreme heat, which disproportionately affect low-income areas and communities of colour. By addressing tree equity, we can reduce these health disparities and promote greater health equity across all communities.

Environmental Equity Through Trees

Trees are one of the most effective tools for combating the effects of climate change. Poor air quality was described by Public Health England (now the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities) as "the largest environmental risk to public health in the UK.” They absorb carbon dioxide, improve water retention, reduce flooding, and contribute to biodiversity. However, not all areas benefit equally from these environmental advantages.

Low-income communities often lack tree cover, leaving them more vulnerable to climate risks like air pollution and extreme weather. Ensuring that tree planting efforts are focused on these areas can provide critical environmental protection and resilience, levelling the playing field in terms of access to clean air, shade, and overall environmental quality.

Trees and Social Equity

The presence of trees and green spaces also plays a critical role in social wellbeing. Urban areas with more trees tend to have lower crime rates and higher levels of community engagement. Green spaces offer places for recreation, social interaction, and community events, fostering stronger bonds between neighbours. A report in Nature highlighted that the benefits of trees can have an even greater impact on those living in higher levels of deprivation, directly addressing health inequalities.

“Successive lockdowns have emphasized the importance of access to green spaces for all of us. 12% of people in the UK faced the pandemic without any outdoor space of their own. This figure rose to 24% in Greater London and 41% among BAME Londoners,” says GP Dr. Richard Claxton. “Shinrin Yoku (Forest Bathing) trials in Japan demonstrate reductions in blood pressure, heart rate, and cortisol levels within one hour, and increased natural killer (cancer surveillance) cells in the bloodstream. These benefits can last for up to four weeks.”

For many marginalised communities, a lack of access to such spaces can exacerbate feelings of isolation and social inequality. By prioritising tree equity, we can create more inclusive environments where everyone has access to the social benefits that trees and green spaces offer.

Economic Equity: A Hidden Benefit

It’s not often we think of trees as economic drivers, but they can have a profound impact on local economies. Trees can raise property values, reduce energy costs by providing shade, and enhance business areas, attracting more visitors and investments. Access to green spaces can mitigate this issue. Recent research by Business in the Community revealed that employees with a view of nature take 23% less sick leave. Additionally, well-maintained green spaces can reduce municipal costs by mitigating stormwater and improving public health outcomes.

However, these economic benefits are not felt equally. Communities without sufficient tree cover miss out on these advantages, which can widen the economic divide. By ensuring tree equity, we help to distribute these economic benefits more fairly across all communities, creating a more balanced and just economic landscape.

Promoting Racial Equity Through Green Spaces

Tree equity is also a matter of racial equity. Historically, communities of colour have been systematically deprived of green spaces and have borne the brunt of environmental injustice. This has resulted in poorer health outcomes, reduced quality of life, and fewer economic opportunities for these communities.

Prioritising tree planting in racially and economically marginalised areas can help to address these historic inequities. By investing in tree equity, we are taking steps towards repairing the environmental and social damage done to these communities, promoting racial justice and creating fairer, more liveable environments for all.

The Path Forward

Tree equity is more than a slogan—it’s a vital framework for creating fairer, healthier, and more sustainable cities. As we look to the future, it's clear that the equitable distribution of trees and green spaces is essential for tackling the challenges of climate change, public health, and social inequality.

Organisations like the Woodland Trust have recognised this need, setting ambitious goals to increase urban tree cover and bring the benefits of trees to under-served communities. But addressing tree equity requires a collective effort. Governments, businesses, and communities must work together to ensure that all people—regardless of where they live—can reap the benefits of green spaces.

By prioritising tree equity, we can create healthier, happier, and more resilient communities for generations to come.

Will you join us in planting the seeds of a greener, more equitable future?

If you're a local authority looking to integrate tree equity into your plans or funding applications, a business eager to support our mission, or a community group ready to make a difference, we’re here to help. We can provide a demonstration of our Tree Equity Score tool, share our work and future plans, and explore how we can collaborate. Get in touch at [email protected] to learn more and join us in making tree equity a reality for all.