Finding relief in the shade

Expanding urban tree canopy for a cooler future

Regan Hopper

Urban and Community Forestry Program

July 24, 2023

As temperatures continue to rise, the burning need to address harmful and often deadly heat waves is undeniable. One powerful and simple solution is to plant more trees.

Trees offer a natural respite from scorching temperatures and a range of environmental, social and economic benefits. With $1 billion from the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA), cities, towns and suburbs will soon be able to plant and maintain more trees, offering hope for a cooler and more sustainable future.

The USDA Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Program (UCF) will award grants for tree planting and maintenance programs in August, to expand nature’s presence in communities most in need.

Growing threat of extreme heat

A man shields his head from the sun as he walks across the Brooklyn Bridge on a hot summer day in New York City. (*Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images*)

These grants arrive as American cities experience record-breaking heatwaves with detrimental impacts on public health, energy consumption and overall well-being.

Urban areas, with their abundance of heat-absorbing surfaces, such as concrete and asphalt, often bear the brunt of these temperature spikes. Extreme heat disproportionately impacts people of color and low-income communities across the nation.

That can change. Research has shown tree canopy cover reduces temperatures 11 – 19 degrees Fahrenheit compared to communities with no tree cover.

“Planting more trees in our communities is becoming more of a health imperative,” said Beattra Wilson, assistant director of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Program (UCF). “The UCF Program currently works with 7,500 communities across the country and we understand that residents and front-line organizations have the best understanding of their community’s needs. They have the vision for its future and knowledge to get the work done and make it sustainable.”

Vital role of urban tree canopy

The Forward Looking InfraRed (FLIR) image illustrates the distribution of heat in a block on Grand Central Parkway located in downtown Las Vegas, Nevada. The lighter or brighter colors indicate warmer areas, while darker areas are cooler. (*Photo courtesy of Urban Heat Mapping Campaign, The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada*)

Trees provide a natural cooling effect through shade, reducing surface temperatures and creating more comfortable microclimates. They act as nature's air conditioners, intercepting sunlight and reducing the heat island effect in urban areas.

“The science is clear about the importance of trees in improving the nation’s public health, economy and community resilience to hotter summers,” said Vivek Shandas, a professor of Climate Adaptation at Portland State University. “A massive increase in the number of trees in our cities is a first step to turning down the temperatures especially for those facing a disproportionate burden from extreme heat.”

Environmental, social and economic benefits

People walking in the shade provided by trees at Brooklyn Bridge Park, Brooklyn, New York, July 3, 2023. — New Yorkers and tourists take advantage of the shade provided by the trees to get relief from the heat and sun at Brooklyn Bridge Park in Brooklyn, New York, July 3, 2023. (*USDA Forest Service photo by Preston Keres*)

Beyond their cooling properties, urban trees offer a multitude of benefits. Trees are giant, green air purifiers that clean the air we breathe. They improve air quality by filtering pollutants and absorbing carbon dioxide. Trees also mitigate stormwater runoff, reducing the risk of flooding. Studies have also shown that access to green spaces and trees can also improve our mental health, boost community cohesion, and enhance a person’s overall quality of life.

“It’s a no-brainer to invest in something that only appreciates in value over time, improves our health, and provides countless opportunities for building social bonds,” said Shandas. “An essential part of any such program is empowering communities with the necessary resources to care for and maintain the country’s urban forests so that they will continue to thrive.”

Taking action, one tree at a time

Two people digging a hole in the ground with shovels to plant a tree in South Tucson, Arizona. — Two people plant trees as part of a project in the City of South Tucson, Arizona. This area is a part of the Justice 40 disadvantaged community project that aims to add urban forests in the areas with the most need. The tree-lined pathway now offers a reprieve from the harsh desert temperatures. (*Photo courtesy of Courtesy of Tucson Clean and Beautiful*)

Through the collaborative efforts of local governments, nonprofits, and community organizations, urban and suburban neighborhoods are embracing the potential of expanding tree canopy.

“The funds will not just purchase trees, they will help with planning, training and developing workforce skills within the community that will pay dividends as these new trees grow,” said Wilson.

By fostering a sense of ownership and pride, communities are empowered to create greener, cooler, and more vibrant urban landscapes.

The growing threat of extreme heat demands immediate action, and the importance of expanding urban tree canopy cannot be overstated.

“Our grants can build a future where shaded streets, revitalized green spaces, and resilient communities thrive, offering much-needed relief from the heat and a more sustainable world for generations to come,” said Wilson.