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.
‘Smart Surfaces’ Policy Guide Offers Advice for Building and Maintaining Urban Tree Canopies
Healthy, robust tree canopies can reduce the impacts of extreme heat and improve air quality.
Montreal Mall to Become 6,000 Housing Units
Place Versailles will be transformed into a mixed-use complex over the next 25 years.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
California High-Speed Rail's Plan to Right Itself
The railroad's new CEO thinks he can get the project back on track. The stars will need to align this summer.
Time Running Out for Illinois Transit Bill
Chicago-area transit agencies face a daunting budget gap if lawmakers fail to agree on a funding bill by the end of the current legislative session.
Jacksonville Adding New Bike Racks
The city will add dozens of new bike racks over the coming months to prevent bike theft and reduce sidewalk clutter.
In Dense NYC, What Does ‘Human Scale’ Mean?
Advocates reject the NIMBY label, arguing that they seek a more sustainable, incremental pace of growth modeled on mid-rise neighborhoods.
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.
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada