Respondents to a Canadian survey who lived in leafy streets said they felt better and had fewer health problems than respondents whose neighbourhoods were less green.

The results of the online health survey of 31,109 Toronto residents was combined with high-resolution satellite imagery and tree data, and were published in Nature magazine.

The survey showed that having 10 more trees on your block can improve how well you feel to the same degree as an increase in personal income of $10,000, or being seven years younger.

The report said having trees in an urban environment improves air quality, reduces the need for heating and cooling in our homes, and makes our streets more aesthetically pleasing.

Scientific studies have already shown that exposure to greenery promotes good mental health, reduces the amount we get sick, reduces blood pressure and stress levels, and promotes physical activity.

The paper's lead author, Omid Kardan of the University of Chicago, said that despite the assumption that more affluent families are healthier, he said, "it seems living in a greener area can compensate."