Feeling Stressed? Spending Time Under Trees Could Be One of the Simplest Ways to Feel Better

Feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or mentally drained has become a familiar experience for many people, especially as daily life grows more demanding. A recent research study from the University of Florida adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting that one surprisingly simple habit can help reduce stress: spending time in places with trees. Not just seeing them from afar, but actually being out among them.

The study, published in the journal Trees, Forests and People, focuses on how access to urban forests and tree-filled environments affects stress levels, particularly among adults aged 45 and older. Its findings reinforce the idea that green spaces are more than just visually pleasing—they play a meaningful role in mental well-being.

What the Research Looked At

The study was led by Suzie Suhendy, a doctoral student in the University of Florida’s College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. Her research explored the relationship between stress levels, demographic factors, and access to urban trees among Floridians.

To gather meaningful data, Suhendy surveyed 1,361 Florida residents aged 45 and older. Participants were asked about what causes them stress, how often they spend time in green spaces, and how easily they can access areas with trees such as parks, wooded trails, and tree-lined streets.

This age group was intentionally chosen, as adults in midlife and older often experience stress linked to health concerns, financial security, and changing lifestyles, making stress-reduction strategies especially important.

Why Trees Matter More Than You Might Think

Many people assume that simply living in a leafy neighborhood or having trees visible from a window is enough to reap mental health benefits. However, this study found that passive exposure isn’t enough.

While nearby trees were helpful to some extent, the strongest stress-reducing effects came from actively spending time in tree-filled environments. People who regularly walked along tree-lined streets or visited parks reported noticeably lower stress levels than those who rarely did.

In contrast, participants with limited access to green spaces or who made fewer visits to them tended to report higher stress levels overall.

The takeaway is clear: engagement matters. Trees help most when people make the effort to step outside and experience them directly.

The 3-30-300 Rule Explained

As part of the study, the researchers examined a commonly discussed urban planning guideline known as the 3-30-300 rule. This rule offers a simple framework for evaluating access to trees and green spaces in cities:

3: You should be able to see at least three trees from your home
30: Your neighborhood should have at least 30% tree canopy coverage
300: A public green space should be within 300 meters (about a five-minute walk) of your residence

Survey respondents generally agreed that these conditions were helpful. However, the study revealed that no guideline could replace regular, real-world exposure. Even when people met parts of the 3-30-300 rule, those who actually spent time walking or relaxing among trees experienced the greatest stress relief.

What Causes Stress for Participants

When asked about sources of stress, respondents commonly pointed to financial insecurity and poor health as major contributors. These findings align with broader public health research, which consistently shows that money worries and health concerns are leading stressors among older adults.

The presence of accessible green spaces didn’t eliminate these problems, but it appeared to soften their impact. Time spent in nature seemed to provide a mental break, helping participants manage stress more effectively.

Why Urban Trees Are Becoming More Important

The study was conducted under the supervision of Andrew Koeser, an associate professor, and Ryan Klein, an assistant professor, both from the University of Florida’s School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences. Their work highlights the growing importance of trees in urban environments.

As cities continue to expand, green spaces often shrink. Increased development, urban sprawl, and the push to maximize building footprints all reduce the space available for trees. While the benefits of trees—such as shade and aesthetic appeal—are widely recognized, their role in human health, especially mental health, is often overlooked.

The researchers stress that urban trees will become even more valuable for future generations, particularly as climate pressures and population density increase.

How Trees Help Reduce Stress

Trees and green spaces support mental health in several well-documented ways. Spending time among trees has been linked to lower cortisol levels, improved mood, reduced anxiety, and better attention. Natural environments encourage physical movement, slow the pace of daily life, and reduce exposure to urban noise and visual clutter.

Tree-covered areas also tend to be cooler, which can improve comfort and encourage people to stay outside longer. This combination of physical comfort, movement, and mental calm creates an environment that naturally supports stress reduction.

Why Just Seeing Trees Isn’t Enough

One of the more interesting findings from the study is that visual access alone—such as seeing trees from a window—did not consistently reduce stress. While pleasant views are beneficial, they don’t fully replicate the effects of being outdoors.

Walking through a park, feeling shade overhead, hearing leaves move, and breathing fresher air appear to engage the senses in a way that passive viewing cannot. This sensory engagement may be key to why time spent in nature has stronger mental health benefits.

What This Means for Daily Life

The study offers a practical recommendation: try to spend time in tree-filled environments daily, or at least several times a week. This doesn’t require long hikes or remote forests. Even short walks along tree-lined streets or visits to neighborhood parks can make a difference.

For individuals, this might mean choosing greener walking routes or scheduling regular park visits. For communities and policymakers, the findings emphasize the need to protect existing trees and invest in urban forestry as part of public health planning.

Trees as a Public Health Tool

This research adds to a growing understanding of trees as more than landscaping features. They are increasingly seen as infrastructure for health, supporting mental well-being alongside physical benefits like air quality improvement and temperature regulation.

Ensuring equitable access to trees and green spaces could play a role in addressing stress-related health disparities, particularly in urban areas where green space is unevenly distributed.