Treesearch
For more livable cities, researchers study climate up close and personal on the Colorado Front Range
| Authors: | Travis Warziniack, Natalie A. Cooper, Melissa McHale |
| Year: | 2025 |
| Type: | Magazines or Trade Publications |
| Station: | Rocky Mountain Research Station |
| Source: | CityTREES. July/August 2025. p. 12-15. |
Download (PDF 765 KB): https://research.fs.usda.gov/download/treesearch/80797.pdf
Abstract
Imagine standing in a parking lot surrounded by parked cars and black pavement. Then imagine standing in a landscape lush with trees and other vegetation. Regardless of what your weather app says, the parking lot will likely feel warmer. These two microclimates feel different due to interactions between the built environment and the surrounding nature. Pavement and buildings absorb the sun’s energy and radiate heat throughout the day. Meanwhile, trees and other vegetation do the opposite; they block incoming radiation and act like natural air conditioners through transpiration.