# Trees and American Norms By:: [[Brian Heath]] 2024-06-09 Trees have a profound impact on scenery and one's mood. There are many to who the positive benefits of being with nature and surrounded by trees. Some even use tree count as an indicator of wealth and health. Indeed, the wealthiest and healthiest communities typically have vast amounts of trees and plant life surrounding them. This is especially true for the older communities where the trees have had a chance to grow large while the community expended resources to keep them healthy. However, the ideal home in America is often lacking trees as an integral part of the narrative. Instead, emphasis is placed on a perfectly green grass, the white picket fence, the two story house, and the dog running around with the family in the front yard. The lack of trees in vision may be in part attributed to the growth of suburbs that largely demolished any trees to make way for houses. But also a few ultrawealthy of the time (mostly Andrew Carnegie) preferred the green lawns and fields of Scotland, so many emulated this fashionable choice. While there is certainly beauty to found in many different landscapes and environments, the choice by many Americans to not appreciate the shade and serenity of leaves blowing in the wind of trees perhaps provides a deeper insight into the American psyche and societal norms. Class distinctions have clearly evolved down a different path and many within the suburbs who can afford planting trees that will take years to grow have decided to keep their yards sunbaked and no more than 4 inches off the ground. In neglecting the inclusion of trees in their landscapes, these communities may be missing out on the myriad benefits that trees provide, from enhancing mental well-being to improving air quality. Furthermore, the absence of trees can be seen as a metaphor for a broader societal trend: a preference for immediate gratification and aesthetic uniformity over long-term investment and natural diversity. As we continue to evolve our urban and suburban environments, it might be worthwhile to reconsider the value of trees—not just as decorative elements, but as essential components of a healthy, vibrant community. Embracing the growth and presence of trees could signify a shift towards a more sustainable and enriched way of living, one that harmonizes with nature rather than erases it. #### Related Items [[Nature]] [[American]] [[Preferences]] [[Norms]] [[Society]] [[Class]] [[Health]] [[Wealth]] [[Trees]]