2026 Theses Master's

Tree Canopy and Asthma in Neighborhoods With Different Socioeconomic Statuses in New York City

Shi, Fanshun (Steven)

This thesis examines whether and how the relationship between tree canopy coverage and adult asthma prevalence varies across neighborhoods with different levels of socioeconomic vulnerability in New York City. Using a mixed-methods design focusing on equity, I combine census–tract–level regression analyses with semi-structured resident interviews across SES quartiles.

Results show that the overall citywide association between tree canopy and asthma prevalence is weakly positive, but this association differs markedly by SES vulnerability, including a strong positive association in the most vulnerable neighborhoods and an absent or negative association in less vulnerable areas. Interview findings further contextualize these differing patterns across different–SES neighborhoods, revealing differences in residents’ interactions with and perceptions of local green spaces.

Together, the findings from this thesis caution against treating tree canopy expansion as a universal solution for improving respiratory health, including initiatives such as Local Law 1065 and greening-related mitigation measures tied to congestion pricing, and advocate for context-specific planning approaches to ensure that urban greening delivers its intended health benefits equitably.