People often think that bushes and other substantial greenery promote crime by providing hiding places. But a study focused on Philadelphia has found that abundant vegetation was associated with lower rates of assault, robbery and burglary.
To assess the relationship, researchers matched census-tract crime data to a vegetation index produced from satellite images. Statistically adjusting for socioeconomic factors such as poverty (to rule out the possibility that vegetation is just a proxy for affluence), the scientists found that greenery was still linked to significantly lower crime.
Though unmanaged vegetation may encourage crime, the authors speculate, well-kept greenery may signal a well-controlled area. Prior research also found a negative correlation between greenery and violence.
"Does Vegetation Encourage or Suppress Urban Crime? Evidence From Philadelphia, Pa.," Mary K. Wolfe and Jeremy Mennis, Landscape and Urban Planning
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