Hands in the ground, mind calm: planting trees against emotional distress

A study by ibs.GRANADA and the University of Granada shows that a single 90-minute tree planting session reduces stress and anxiety and improves mood.

Participating in an activity as simple as planting trees can have beneficial effects on people's emotional state. This is demonstrated by a study led by the Granada Biosanitary Research Institute (ibs.GRANADA) and the University of Granada, recently published in the journal EcopsychologyThe research concludes that a single 90-minute tree planting session can significantly improve mood, reduce perceived stress, and alleviate state anxiety in healthy adults.

The study is part of a context of growing concern about mental health in urban environments, where disconnection from nature is associated with an increase in disorders such as chronic stress and anxiety. In this sense, the authors propose that urban revegetation activities can become complementary tools for improving emotional well-being.

The study involved 154 young people, over 80% of whom were women and with an average age of 20, in a group session held on the campus of the Health Technology Park (PTS) in Granada. During the activity, led by a therapist and two specialized biologists, each person planted two trees of native species resistant to climate change, such as carob trees, holm oaks, gall oaks, and wild cherry trees, fostering a conscious connection with the natural environment. The seedlings were provided in collaboration with the association Trees Against Climate Change in Granada (ACCC Granada).

Pre- and post-activity assessments showed significant reductions in indicators such as tension, anger, fatigue, and depressed mood, as well as an increase in vigor. Perceived stress and anxiety also decreased statistically significantly, especially in people with a greater prior connection to nature.

According to the authors, these benefits could be related to several mechanisms: the sense of purpose that action provides, sensory activation through interaction with nature, moderate physical activity, and exposure to soil, which recent studies link to the regulation of the gut-brain axis.

"While people improve their emotional well-being, they are also contributing to creating green spaces that benefit the entire community," emphasize researchers Dr. José Manuel Pérez Mármol and Doğukan Baran Güngörmüş, from ibs.GRANADA and the University of Granada, authors of this study.

About the group

The research group EE12‑HYGIA: Care and health-related factors of the IBS. GRANADA, is made up of nursing and teaching professionals from Granada, as well as primary care staff. Its research focuses on healthcare interventions and outcomes, health promotion, biopsychosocial factors in well-being, healthcare management, and the translation of knowledge into clinical practice. The group participates in European networks such as RISEUP-PPD and TREASURE, which focus on the study of perinatal stress and its impact on maternal and child health. Its key areas include patient-centered care, innovation in clinical practice, and health prevention.

Further information: https://www.ibsgranada.es/grupos-de-investigacion/ee12-hygia/

Bibliographic reference:

Gungormus, DB, & Pérez-Mármol, JM (2025). Participating in Tree Planting Improves Mood, Reduces Stress, and Alleviates Anxiety. Ecopsychology, 17 (2), 94–107.