Tree Canopy Cover is Linked to Crime Prevention
Charlotte's trees help reduce crime.
The Challenge Charlotte is constantly striving to make its community safer, but the process is ongoing and presents it's fair share of challenges. The Solution Conventional wisdom has it that trees and vegetation have a negative impact on crime due to the cover provided for criminal activity. However, recent studies have shown that tree-lined streets have actually been linked to lower crime. A study in Baltimore found that a 10% increase in tree canopy was associated with a roughly 12% decrease in crime. While low, dense brush was associated with an increase in crime, tall broad canopies were associated with a decrease in crime (Troy 2012). Additionally, outdoor areas populated with trees tend to suffer less from graffiti, vandalism, and littering than their treeless neighbors (PHS 2015). Charlotte could potentially decrease crime rates, reduce vandalism, and increase neighborhood safety by planting trees. Conversely, Charlotte can protect current neighborhoods by maintaining current tree canopy cover. |
Recent studies have shown that tree-lined streets have been linked to lower crime. |