Research | Landscape Performance Series
Fast Fact Library
The Landscape Performance Series Fast Fact Library is a searchable collection of landscape benefits derived from published research. Each includes a citation and links to the full article when available.
This resource is intended to showcase landscape’s multiple and sometimes surprising environmental, economic and social benefits and to help you make the case for sustainable landscape solutions in your community, with your clients, or on Capitol Hill.
Know of additional research that would make a compelling Fast Fact? Help build the database by sending your suggestions to lps@lafoundation.org.
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Showing 43 Results for Social
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2013
Benefits
Public health & safetyData collected from 1990 to 2007 suggests that loss of trees to the emerald ash borer increased human mortality related to cardiovascular and lower-respiratory-tract illness. Across the 15 states in the study area, the borer was associated with an additional 6113 deaths related to illness of the lower respiratory system, and 15,080 cardiovascular-related deaths. This finding adds to the growing evidence that the natural environment provides major public health benefits.
Butry, David T., Donovan, Geoffrey H., Gatziolis, Demetrios, Liebhold, Andrew M., Mao, Megan Y., Michael, Yvonne L., Prestemon, Jeffrey P., (2013) The relationship between trees and human health: Evidence from the spread of the Emerald Ash Borer. American Journal of Public Health 44(2), 139-145.
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Benefits
Public health & safetyAn analysis of the impact of a vacant lot greening program in Philadelphia found that neighborhoods where vacant lots were converted into small parks and community green spaces are associated with reduced crime when compared to neighborhoods with unimproved vacant lots. The greening of 4,436 vacant lots from 1999 to 2008 was associated with consistent reductions in gun assaults across all four sections of Philadelphia studied and with consistent reductions in vandalism in one section.
Branas, Charles C., Cheney, Rose A., Jackson, Tara D., MacDonald, John M., Tam, Vicky W., Ten Have, Thomas R., (2011). A Difference-in-Differences Analysis of Health, Safety, and Greening Vacant Urban Space. American Journal of Epidemiology, 174(11), 1296–1306.
Benefits
Public health & safetyAn analysis of the impact of greening 4,436 vacant lots in Philadelphia from 1999 to 2008 found that vacant lot greening was associated with residents’ reporting significantly less stress and more exercise in select sections of the city. Because newly greened vacant lots may serve as safe havens, residents may have felt less stress or may have seen greater outdoor opportunities for exercise in a cleaner, more attractive, and safer environment.
Branas, Charles C., Cheney, Rose A., Jackson, Tara D., MacDonald, John M., Tam, Vicky W., Ten Have, Thomas R., (2011). A Difference-in-Differences Analysis of Health, Safety, and Greening Vacant Urban Space. American Journal of Epidemiology, 174(11), 1296–1306.
Parks containing a paved or unpaved trail and parks with wooded areas were 7 times more likely to be used for physical activity than parks without such features. The size of the park and its distance from users’ homes were not significant predictors of physical activity.
Kaczynski, Andrew T., Potwarka, Luke, Saelens, Brian E., (2008) Association of park size, distance, and features with physical activity in neighborhood parks. American Journal of Public Health 98(8), 1451-1457.
Benefits
Noise mitigationGreen roofs can provide significant noise reduction. A Belgian study tested the effects of green roofs in mitigating undesired noise. Singly diffracted sound waves were reduced by more than 10 dB, and doubly diffracted sound waves by up to 10 dB over a large frequency range.
Botteldooren, Dick, Van Renterghem, Timothy, (2011) In-situ measurements of sound propagating over extensive green roofs. Building and Environment 46(3), 729-738.
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