Trees and Vegetation



Tree planting cools the air and brings communities together


Planting trees and vegetation is a simple and effective way to reduce heat islands. Widespread planting in a city can decrease local surface and air temperatures. Strategic planting around homes and buildings directly cools the interior of homes and buildings, decreasing air conditioning costs and peak energy demand.

Besides heat island reduction and energy savings, trees and vegetation can improve air quality, reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, decrease storm water runoff, improve community livability, and provide other benefits. Planting and maintaining urban trees and vegetation requires planning and care. Choosing plants suitable for local climate conditions; selecting a location to minimize the potential for damage to buildings, electrical wires, and sidewalks; and watering, mulching, staking, and pruning are important factors to consider.

http://www.epa.gov/heatisland/strategies/vegetation.html


Other Benefits from Trees and Vegetation

Vegetating urban landscapes not only improves community livability and air quality by reducing summertime temperatures and air conditioning demand, it provides additional benefits:

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