How Thoughtful Urban Forestry and CPTED Principles Can Reduce Crime and Foster Safer, More Connected Neighborhoods

May 20, 2025 |  Chris Peiffer

Urban forests play a vital role in shaping the safety, health, and livability of neighborhoods. However, when the topic of crime arises, perceptions about trees and their impact can be complex. Community members often wonder: Do more trees reduce crime, or could they actually conceal it?

This question frequently emerges in urban forestry projects, and the answer is rarely straightforward. There are mixed feelings and reports regarding the relationship between trees and crime. A well-cared-for urban forest often signals that a community and its residents care for their neighborhood and are more observant of outdoor activity. On the other hand, parks can sometimes harbor crime, and low-hanging branches may conceal criminal activity.

CPTED: A Framework for Safer Urban Design

To help communities achieve positive outcomes, urban forestry professionals often refer to guidelines known as Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED). The term “Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design” was coined by criminologist C. Ray Jeffery in 1971 and was further developed by architect Oscar Newman, whose work on “defensible space” shaped its foundational principles, along with contributions from urbanist Jane Jacobs. This culmination of design principles and practices has led to a framework that helps reduce crime by influencing how spaces are planned and maintained.

CPTED acknowledges that trees, green spaces, and public areas do not inherently cause or prevent crime; their integration into the urban environment can make all the difference. As more cities adopt ambitious tree canopy goals, concerns have emerged around green gentrification and the potential for trees to unintentionally conceal criminal activity. However, when trees are thoughtfully included in the early stages of planning and design, guided by CPTED principles, these issues can often be mitigated or avoided altogether. This highlights the importance of intentional, equity-focused urban forestry strategies prioritizing safety and community well-being.

Design Strategies: Visibility, Stewardship, and Safety

The CPTED guidebook considers this thoughtful design approach— maintaining clear sightlines, trimming low branches, and encouraging activity in public spaces—to reduce opportunities for criminal behavior while enhancing a sense of safety and ownership. This sense of care and attentiveness extends to managing the natural environment. Well-maintained urban forests are more than aesthetic assets; they signal that residents and city leaders care about their surroundings. This visible stewardship can deter crime by fostering a stronger community presence. When people feel safe and take pride in their public spaces, they use them more, creating natural surveillance and fostering community cohesion. For example, a U.S. Forest Service study in Baltimore found that a 10% increase in tree canopy was associated with a roughly 12% decrease in crime.

Collaboration and Community: Designing for Beauty and Function

At PlanIT Geo, we believe that urban forests should be designed for beauty and function. To do this, the team collaborates with city staff across various departments, including staff involved in neighborhood and community services, landscape architecture, planning and engineering, public works, and urban forestry, to ensure that tree design aligns with broader city objectives and priorities, such as public safety. Through integrating CPTED principles, engaging residents and stakeholders, and developing strategies for proactive maintenance, PlanIT Geo ensures that urban trees are not only healthy and well cared for, but also thoughtfully placed and strategically designed to support safer, more vibrant communities.

Reframing the Conversation: Intentional Investment in Urban Forests

When the question arises- do trees deter or enable crime?- the conversation is reframed. It is not just about whether trees are present but about how they are planned, cared for, and used. When communities invest in their urban forests with intention and equity, it becomes an investment in safer, healthier, and more connected neighborhoods.

For those involved in urban forestry, planning, public safety, or community engagement, now is the time to consider how green infrastructure can support climate and health goals and safety and social resilience. Starting the conversation with the community, revisiting urban forestry practices, and exploring how CPTED principles can be incorporated into a city’s future vision are essential steps. When designed with care and purpose, urban forests can become powerful tools for transformation.