Report: Urban Trees and Birth Outcomes

Drexel University School of Public Health’s Dr. Yvonne Michael, ScD, SM was the lead co-author of a short report “Urban Trees and the Risk of Poor Birth Outcomes.” The paper examines whether greater tree-canopy cover is associated with a reduced risk of poor birth outcomes in Portland, Oregon.  The results suggested that natural environment may affect pregnancy outcomes and more evaluation is needed in further research.

Researchers used satellite images to compare tree cover around the houses of 5,696 women who gave birth in Portland in 2006 and 2007. Those living around more trees were significantly less likely to deliver undersized babies.  The study found that women located near urban trees were more like to be younger, white and non-Hispanic, have fewer previous births, and live in newer and more expensive houses.

"The results highlight the need for more research on the effect of the natural environment on reproductive health and other health outcomes.  The City of Philadelphia has a goal of planting 300,000 trees by 2015 (Greenworks Philadelphia, http://www.phila.gov/green/greenworks/index.html).  Philadelphia's planned investment to green the city makes Philadelphia an exciting place in which to study the influence of urban trees on health." - Dr. Yvonne Michael.