Play in the dirt

Kelli Rodda

“Go play outside.” I heard that command from my mother at least a dozen times a week. Now that I’m a mother of two, I know her true intentions – peace and quiet.

And now I say it to my own children. Sure, I’m after the same thing as my mom was all those years ago. But I also know that I’m helping improve the mental and physical health of my kids by sending them outside.

This month’s cover story (page 20) highlights a new study by the U.S. Forest Service that determined the presence of trees was associated with human health. Our cover story also presents other scientific research that has made the connection between trees and people’s well-being.

We talk a lot about the health benefits of trees and landscaped areas, but are we clearly getting that message across to the consumer (or anyone else buying plants)? What about those who are in charge of city or county budgets? Lawmakers? Developers? These folks need to not only hear the message, but understand it. Appreciate it.

Francis Kuo at the University of Illinois found that people living near green spaces:

• Boasted a stronger sense of community
• Coped better with everyday stress and hardship
• Were less aggressive and less violent
• Performed better on tests and concentration
• Managed problems more effectively

(Source: Susan Barton, University of Delaware, Cooperative Extension)

All of this research fascinates me. Not just because I want the green industry to capitalize on the results, but also because it’s beneficial for human kind. Trees and green spaces help heal hurt, decrease stress and boost happiness. Couldn’t all of our communities use a big dose of those benefits?

I’m also intrigued by all the data because I believe it. Long before I could even spell analysis, I knew that going outside just plain felt good. It wasn’t a banishment from my mom, it was a release. Climbing trees; standing behind a tree during a game of hide-and-seek; watching birds and squirrels dart around trees; listening to the wind blow through leaves; rolling down a grassy hill – all of these things made me happy.

All these years later, I don’t need a pharmacy to help me feel better. I just need a little time outside with the trees and flowers.