Trees are good for Mental Health and Performance – the 3-30-300 Rule

Konijnendijk reports that “Having trees and other vegetation in sight from one’s home, place of work, or school has important mental health and performance benefits. . . . With public green spaces in proximity to one’s home stimulates regular use of these areas and results in positive impacts on mental, physical, and social health. After analyzing existing guidelines and rules for urban green space planning and provision, a new, comprehensive guideline is presented, known as the ‘3–30–300 rule’ for urban forestry. This guideline aims to provide equitable access to trees and green spaces and their benefits by setting the thresholds of having at least 3 well-established trees in view from every home, school, and place of work, no less than a 30% tree canopy in every neighbourhood; and no more than 300 m to the nearest public green space from every residence.”

Cecil Konijnendijk. 2023. “Evidence-Based Guidelines for Greener, Healthier, More Resilient Neighbourhoods:  Introducing the 3-30-300 Rule.”  Journal of Forestry Research, vol. 34, pp. 821-830, https://doi.org/10.1007/s11676-022-01523-z