Tree cover shows an inverse relationship with depressive symptoms in elderly residents living in U.S. nursing homes

•Research has not yet examined greenspace cover for elders living in care facilities, such as nursing homes.•In 9186 U.S. nursing homes, tree canopy cover was associated with fewer depressive symptoms.•The relationship between depressive symptoms and greenspace cover did not vary by race or socioeconomic status.•This relationship was stronger at smaller buffer sizes than more distant buffer sizes.•Tree-covered greenspace may be important for the mental health of elderly residents living in care facilities.