Unveiling a ‘3-30-300 rule’ for healthier neighbourhoods

Urban trees and green spaces bring a raft of benefits to local environments and communities. Green spaces are important for recreational use, while trees in sight of homes, schools and places of work have important mental health and performance benefits for residents. 

Tree canopies, meanwhile, are positively associated with cooling and other aspects of climate moderation.

Now for the first time, researchers have presented evidence that demonstrates just how much green space we need in order to feel its benefits. 

Published in the Journal of Forestry Research, the paper titled Evidence-based guidelines for greener, healthier, more resilient neighbourhoods, introduces what its author calls the ‘3-30-300’ rule.

According to the guidelines, equitable access to trees and green spaces and their benefits can be achieved through at least three 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 a 300-metre distance to the nearest public green space from every residence. 

There are inevitable challenges in meeting these thresholds, however, which the researchers explore at length.

Please let us know, typing ‘Greenspace’ in the Subject line, to getinvolved@ockisustainability.com: How many well-established trees can you see from your home? And how far away is the nearest public green space?