20140703

Author : Armson, D. Stringer, P. Ennos, A. R.

Year : 2012

Title : The effect of tree shade and grass on surface and globe temperatures in an urban area

Journal : Urban Forestry & Urban Greening

Comment : Both surface and shade greatly affected surface temperatures. Grass reduced maximum surface temperatures by up to 24 °C, similar to model predictions, while tree shade reduced them by up to 19 °C. In contrast, surface composition had little effect upon globe temperatures, whereas shading reduced them by up to 5–7 °C. These results show that both grass and trees can effectively cool surfaces and so can provide regional cooling, helping reduce the urban heat island in hot weather. In contrast grass has little effect upon local air or globe temperatures, so should have little effect on human comfort, whereas tree shade can provide effective local cooling.