A new study by in Landscape and Urban Planning suggests that tree canopy cover is inversely correlated with crime rates. The study, conducted in New Haven, Connecticut, regresses property crime and violent crime as a function of tree canopy cover in addition to demographic control characteristics, and finds a substantive and significant negative relationship with each. The authors suggest that this may be due to green spaces attracting recreation and other activities which promote “eyes on the street.”
Such a study could be important for cities such as Chicago, with a policy focus on both crime and urban forestry. It would be interesting to extend the authors’ work to more cities and a larger geographic area to test its external validity. If the relationship continues to hold, it could form an important part of city planning going forward.
