On warm summer days, the air in a city can be 6-8°F hotter than its surrounding areas. What causes this to happen? One reason is that there are fewer trees, shrubs, and other plants to shade buildings, intercept solar radiation, and cool the air by "evapotranspiration." Link to: Evapotranspiration

Planting trees and bushes can thus help reduce urban temperatures as well as make cities greener. By providing shade and reducing urban temperatures, vegetation can save energy. Link to: Energy > Ways to Save Energy

Planting trees haphazardly throughout a city isn't the best way to achieve their benefits. The Heat Island Group promotes the proper planting and maintenance of urban trees. Link to: Planting Trees Properly