Tree canopy is a critical component of community health infrastructure — but urban tree cover is shrinking, and its health benefits are not often equitably distributed. The Tree Campus Healthcare program recognizes health institutions that make a mission-aligned impact on community wellness through tree education, investment, and community engagement.

Health Challenges, Green Solutions

Flip each health challenge’s card to see how trees offer a solution.

Challenge Flip People are less active.
Only 23 percent of adults get enough exercise.
Source
Solution Flip Trees promote physical activity.
People living in neighborhoods with high levels of greenery are three times as active.
Source
Challenge Flip Mental health is at risk.
One in 5 adults has a mental health condition.
Source
Solution Flip Trees create calming spaces.
Viewing community trees can significantly aid stress recovery.
Source
Challenge Flip Urban temperatures are rising.
Heat-related ED visits are projected to rise.
Source
Solution Flip Trees cool urban spaces.
Trees reduce the size and effect of urban heat islands.
Source
Challenge Flip Increasing pollution threatens health.
Air pollution causes 1 in 9 premature deaths per year.
Source
Solution Flip Trees clean the air.
Trees remove over 17 million tonnes of air pollution per year in the US.
Source
Challenge Flip Safe outdoor spaces are critical to health.
Presence of crime limits youth physical activity.
Source
Solution Flip Trees reduce crime in public spaces.
A 10% increase in tree canopy has been associated with a 12% decrease in crime.
Source

Program Framework

To receive recognition each year, a healthcare facility must fulfill five standards:

Unite

a mission-focused team

Plan

for trees on your campus

Lead

a community tree project

Educate

about trees and health

Invest

in campus and community trees

A Commitment Throughout the Industry

Healthcare facilities across the country are stepping up to improve the tree canopy — and overall wellness of residents — on their campus and in the communities they serve.

It is our business to be talking trees and health. As leaders in healthcare in East Texas, we need to be responsible for everything we take care of — it falls within our mission.

Aaron Martinez, Certified Grounds Manager, CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System

We ultimately are trying to impact the health of the population that we serve. We also want to inspire others to follow us since improving air quality, reducing carbon pollution, and improving water quality benefits everyone and can be accomplished through tree planting.

Jon Utech, Senior Director, Office for a Healthy Environment, Cleveland Clinic

Everything we do is for our residents and our community. Trees impact safety, beauty, quality of life … our residents, employees, and the public benefit when we invest in community trees.

Donna Hibbs, Vice President of Grounds and Landscaping, Masonic Homes of Kentucky

Take the Next Step

Learn More

View the eligibility requirements and program standards.

Get Involved

Begin your path to recognition.

Apply for Recognition

Start your application today.

Resources

The following networks and resources provide opportunities to collaborate with other community stakeholders and learn more about the case for community trees and their impact on health.


Networks

Research

Program Materials

Access materials and social media content to help you share information about Tree Campus Healthcare or support a celebration event or awareness campaign.

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Keep Me Updated

Tree Campus Healthcare is an Arbor Day Foundation program in partnership with:

Professional Partner


Collaborators