Tree Benefits    Trees Foster Positive Child Development Naturescapes serve positive child development. Younger children, in particular, profit by green environments. Studies reveal that mature trees and green views may reduce cognitive difficulties in students, and girls exercise greater concentration and discipline. Among minors, social scientists have discovered that urban forests have a therapeutic affect on personal and social development, life skills and employability, community dynamics and ecological literacy. Many benefits for children are grounded in the favorable influence urban landscapes have on adults. High-density neighborhoods with cultivated greenery have 58% less total crime (56% less violent crime) than their deforested counterparts. This positive environmental psychology fosters civic relationships and lowers fear and aggression. Cityscapes and green spaces encourage physical activity in children and adults and thereby reduce the occurrence of chronic diseases associated with a sedentary lifestyle, such as diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure.