Urban forests are increasingly recognized for their potential to improve public health. However, the specific relationships between green views, canopy cover, physical activity, and high blood pressure remain underexplored. This study aims to fill these gaps by investigating how the number of trees in view from a home, neighborhood tree canopy coverage, and proximity to walkable green spaces are associated with the likelihood of developing high blood pressure controlling for other key demographic, environmental, and behavioral factors. The results highlight the significant roles of age, gender, family history, and socioeconomic factors on high blood pressure. We examined our findings in relation to the 3-30-300 rule, an urban forestry guideline that proposes residents should be able to see at least three trees from their home, have at least 30% tree canopy cover in their neighborhoods, and have access to a park or green space within 300 meters. We found that key metrics of the 3-30-300 rule, which propose that residents should be able to see at least three trees from their home, have at least 30% tree canopy cover in their neighborhoods, and have access to a park or green space within 300 meters, did not statistically influence high blood pressure in our study population. This noted, more research is needed to determine the impacts of urban greening on human health and well-being.

Mental health benefits associated with urban nature exposure have gained significant research attention. This study explored the relationships between self-reported stress levels and sociodemographic, behavioral, and environmental predictors related to urban forest access, using the 3-30-300 rule as a contextual framework (three trees visible from home, 30% neighborhood canopy cover, and 300 meters to the nearest green space). Sociodemographic factors such as age and income significantly influenced stress, with older individuals and those who are financially comfortable reporting lower stress levels. Environmental variables, such as tree canopy cover and the number of trees near residences were not significantly associated with stress. However, the frequency of green space visits demonstrated a significant impact. Daily time spent in natural areas significantly reduced stress, with weekly visits also linked to lower stress levels, whereas infrequent visits, such as only some times a year, were associated with higher stress, underscoring the importance of regular interaction with nature. These findings suggest that the frequency of green space visits may play a more critical role in stress reduction than the mere presence of urban greenery, at least in the context of this study. Policymakers and urban planners should prioritize enhancing access to high-quality, safe, and engaging green spaces to promote mental health. Future research should investigate the mechanisms driving these relationships and evaluate the long-term impacts of green space engagement on well-being.

Urban parks are widely recognized for their mental health benefits, especially among frequent visitors. However, the factors underlying regular park use among older urban residents remain poorly understood. This study examined park features, motivations, and barriers associated with park visitation frequency among Florida residents aged 45 and older. Using an online survey panel, data were collected from 1,237 participants across Florida's urban areas. Respondents were classified as frequent visitors (≥ once per week; 33.0%) or infrequent visitors (< once per week; 67.0%). Logistic regression was used to examine associations between perceived features, barriers, motivations, and visitation frequency. Among all barriers tested, only perceived distance significantly predicted infrequent visitation (OR = 1.99, p = .002), while commonly cited obstacles such as lack of time and weather did not reach significance. Among individual motivations, exercise (OR = 2.31, p < .001) and walking dog (OR = 2.10, p < .001) were significant predictors of frequent visitation. Connection with nature (60.9%), stress relief (56.3%), and exercise (48.3%) were the most commonly reported motivations overall. Frequent visitors were more likely to prioritize active features such as walking and biking paths and open spaces, while infrequent visitors favored quiet environments, safety and visibility, and seating areas. Older age and being male were significant sociodemographic predictors of frequent visitation. Natural vegetation and tree cover did not significantly predict visitation frequency. These findings suggest that park programming and design strategies aimed at building motivational pull, particularly by supporting structured physical activity, may be more effective at promoting regular engagement with urban green spaces than focusing primarily on barrier removal.