The cooling effect of robust urban tree canopies is more pronounced in hotter, drier cities like Phoenix and Las Vegas.
New research from the U.S. Geological Survey shows that tree canopies in hot, dry cities have a bigger impact on local air temperature than those in cooler areas.
“The multi-year study was conducted in Baltimore, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Portland, Miami, Tucson, Denver and Las Vegas. Scientists placed 80-100 sensors on trees in each city and measured hourly air temperatures for three months during the summers of 2016-2019.” The researchers found a stronger cooling effect in the hotter and drier regions, where the trees served to counteract the heating effect of buildings.
The study also notes that “Trees reduce heat in all studied cities, but their effectiveness was contingent on local water availability. Irrigation is crucial for maintaining trees’ cooling effects in all studied areas.” Surfaces such as grass (which helps with cooling) and pavement (which increases heating) showed more consistent impacts across cities.
FULL STORY: Trees in cities are beyond shady
Cities Prioritize Urban Reforestation to Combat Heat and Revitalize Communities
Cities like Phoenix, Chicago, and Boise are prioritizing urban reforestation as critical green infrastructure to combat extreme heat, address environmental inequities, and foster community revitalization.
Quantifying How Urban Trees Cool Cities
A new tool can help cities understand the benefits of tree planting efforts at the municipal scale.
Green Schoolyards Offer Respite From Urban Heat
More schools are transforming asphalt-covered playgrounds into shady oases that help reduce temperatures and absorb emissions.
National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.
Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50
A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.
Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes
Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.
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Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species
The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
EMC Planning Group, Inc.
Planetizen
Planetizen
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service