Study: Green Space Makes Newborns Healthier

Researchers at Drexel University’s Dornsife School of Public Health in Philly have discovered that newborn babies living near green space are healthier. The study analyzed the link between proximity to green space (including trees and parks) and healthy birth newborns.

The scientists used data from Portland, Oregon, to evaluate the connection between the planting of new trees within 100 meters of a mother’s address and her child’s health for the first 10 years. The researchers discovered a link between the number of trees planted and three key measurements of newborn health: higher birth weight, lower risk of small-for-gestational-age birth, and a decreased risk of pre-term birth.

Senior author Professor Yvonne Michael said: “Although there is benefit from well-established trees, we’re finding that newly planted trees are also associated with healthy birth weight. This is another data point showing that planting trees is a relatively easy and low-cost way to improve public health from the earliest stages of a life.”

To learn more about the many benefits of green space for people of all ages, check out the TurfMutt Foundation’s International Backyarding Fact Book. Sign up for Mutt Mail, a monthly e-newsletter with backyarding tips and all the news from the TurfMutt Foundation here. Look for Mulligan the TurfMutt on the CBS Lucky Dog television show on Saturday mornings.