Researchers have linked trees to human health benefits ranging from faster recovery from operations to safer pregnancies. The key factor may be that they reduce stress and therefore problems like high blood pressure.

Urban trees are under stress, too, for two primary reasons: (1) They are planted outside the natural environment in which they evolved, and (2) Tough growing conditions make them more vulnerable to insects and diseases. You can help by:

• Watering correctly
• Preventing compaction
• Carefully selecting the right trees to plant
• Planting at the correct depth
• Mulching
• Providing adequate growing space for roots
• And implementing other good arboricultural practices