Have you ever considered a walk in a tree-shaded park to relieve stress? If you have, you’re hardly alone, according to new University of Florida research.

The study shows that spending time in tree-filled spaces — like parks or wooded areas — can be a powerful way to calm the mind.

“For the average stressed person, make time to spend in parks, tree-lined streets or natural areas — ideally daily — but at a minimum, several times a week,” said Suzie Suhendy, a doctoral student in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. “Just being able to see trees from your window or living in a neighborhood with tree canopy won’t necessarily help. You need to get out there and engage with those spaces.”

The study explored the relationships between stress levels of Floridians aged 45 and older, demographic factors and access to urban forests.

For the research, Suhendy surveyed 1,361 Floridians aged 45 and older. She wanted to know what stresses them out and how they can relieve that anxiety.

Survey respondents mentioned several areas that increase stress, including lack of financial security and poor health.

Because she researches urban trees, Suhendy tested a rule of thumb that being around trees can reduce stress. They call it the 3-30-300 rule.

It says you should have at least three trees visible from your home, that your neighborhood should be covered by 30% canopy and you should have a green space for recreation within 300 meters of your house.

While survey respondents said those nearby trees helped, nothing beat spending time daily on a tree-lined street or in a park.

By contrast, less access and fewer trips to green spaces translated to higher stress levels for survey participants.

Suhendy conducted her research under the supervision of Andrew Koeser, an associate professor and Ryan Klein, an assistant professor, both in the School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences. Koeser works at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, while Klein works in Gainesville.

Klein stressed the need for more trees in urban areas.

“Some of the benefits that trees provide are more obvious than others, such as shade and aesthetics, while other benefits related to human health are likely less on the radar of the general public,” Klein said. “That said, urban trees will be more important to future generations, especially due to increased development, urban sprawl and an emphasis to maximize building footprints, all of which limit the space available for trees and the benefits they provide.”