Association between tree cover and academic performance in New York City schools

Abstract

Background: Exposure to nature is linked with increased attentional capacity and reduced stress levels. Emerging evidence links greenspace exposure with improved academic performance in children and reduced crime. We conducted an ecological cross-sectional study to examine the association between school-level tree cover and metrics of academic performance in New York City public schools. We also evaluated high school graduation rates and crime as secondary outcomes of interest. Methods: School-level tree cover estimates based on Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data with 8-in resolution were developed at multiple radiuses (100m, 250m, and 500m) around NYC (N=1,822) schools. School-level estimates for multiple air pollutants and noise were derived from published spatial models. We evaluated math and ELA test scores among students in grades 3-8; graduation rates for students in grades 9-12; and frequency of major and non-major crimes. Generalized linear mixed models were applied to study the association between school-level tree cover and the outcomes, adjusting for school-level demographics, air pollution, and noise; census-tract level median income; and borough and geographical area as random effects. Results: School-level tree cover at 500m radius was significantly associated with higher math scores among students in grades 3-5. Tree cover was also positively associated (p-value<0.10) with higher ELA scores among students in grades 3-5. Road noise was significantly associated with lower graduation rates among high school students. Higher school-level tree cover was also significantly associated with lower major crime rates. Conclusions: The findings from this study suggest that higher school-level tree cover is associated with improved test scores in elementary school students, while noise from traffic is negatively associated with academic performance amongst high school students. Additional studies are needed to examine the potentially causal relationship between greenspace exposures and academic performance.