Trees on the Strip: How Planted Street Buffers Could Make Suburbs Feel Far

A new study from Michigan State University suggests that the narrow strip of planted land between the sidewalk and curb can strongly shape how welcoming a street feels on foot. Using nearly nine thousand ratings of simulated streetscapes, researchers found that adding street trees to a landscaped buffer produced the most positive perceptions of walkability across both urban and suburban settings. Published in Frontiers in Built Environment, the work tested seven buffer typologies—ranging from bare concrete to lawn, manicured shrubs, and biodiverse plantings—each shown with and without street trees. Participants scored each scene on satisfaction, perceived safety from crime and cars, aesthetic appeal, and comfort.