Rooted In Equity: How Trees Can Transform Black And Brown Neighborhoods

In a perfect world, no matter where you lived in America, we'd all have access to open greenspaces that offer a breath of fresh air, relaxation, and a break from the concrete jungles. The reality is, however, lush nature escapes and tree-lined streets are still a luxury that only some are afforded. 

Planting Trees For A More Equitable Community

To put it simply, to be Black and Brown in America means facing a legacy of discriminatory housing policies that many of us feel to this day. The long history of systematic segregation, such as redlining, has left a profound mark on our cities, perpetuating disparities in greenspaces that continue to negatively affect people of color. 

Without trees and green space, there's more air pollution, hotter air, and a lesser quality of life for communities. Countless research studies continue to prove that a solution rooted in nature is required to improve the well-being of people and their surrounding communities—which brings us to tree-lining.

Tree lining is the practice of planting trees along the edges of a road, pathway, property boundary, or any other area in a community to create a visual barrier, provide shade, enhance aesthetics, or serve functional purposes such as windbreaks or improving air quality. Explore the benefits greenspaces can provide Black and Brown communities and get inspired to advocate for change in your own city.

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1. Trees Create Better Health Outcomes And Social Well-being 

Imagine strolling through a neighborhood where every street is decorated with a vibrant canopy of greenery, offering shade from the burning hot sun and a change of scenery from the four walls inside your home. Just the sight of trees in your direct vicinity promotes well-being. 

Green environments are associated with reduced negative thoughts, fewer symptoms of depression, better moods, and increased satisfaction in life. So, not only do trees make communities more appealing to the naked eye, but they actually make people happier and healthier. 

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2. Trees Increase Cognitive Development And Education

Did you know that an abundance of trees is strongly linked to student academic performance? One 2016 study even discovered that students who had views of trees compared to those without a view of nature scored substantially higher on tests measuring attention, and they coped better with stress. 

As we all know, being a student requires high levels of motivation, emotional regulation, and concentration. Just by having a view of nature in students' classrooms alone, there's an opportunity to improve the quality of education for Black and Brown students. 

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3. Trees Provide Resources To Improve The Economy And Community 

Trees aren't just good for education and well-being — they can also help us financially. Green spaces increase property values, reduce the aging of roads and pavement surfaces, and can help reduce the cost of energy bills. 

Not to mention, trees promote food sustainability and nutritional security too. Initiatives like urban orchards and urban farms are effective and cost-effective ways to provide free or low-cost, nutrient-dense food to those who need it. Additionally, urban foraging gives every individual the power to find their own food and increase their food security. 

From Disparity To Harmony: How To Use Trees To Bridge the Urban Divide

We must invest in trees to create an equal and equitable path to sustainable communities with happier and healthier individuals.

Fortunately, there are initiatives underway that recognize the importance of equitable access to nature. Organizations such as One Tree Planted and Neighborhood Forest are spearheading efforts to plant trees and create greenspaces in underserved communities, bridging the gap in environmental equity. 

You can get involved by donating your time or money to these organizations or, perhaps, considering starting an initiative in your own community. Ultimately, adding more trees represents a tangible step towards addressing the longstanding inequalities in our country. By acknowledging the historical injustices that have shaped our cities and investing in greening initiatives, we can create more equitable and sustainable communities for all. 

It's time to branch out, quite literally, and ensure that the benefits of nature are accessible to everyone, regardless of the color of their skin or the neighborhood they call home. We each are responsible for cultivating a future where everyone can thrive, and what better day to start than today?