Keep Cool under Trees

Who hasn’t sought the cooling shelter of a shade tree on a hot summer day? At my son’s soccer games, whenever there’s a shady tree on the sidelines, parents and other fans find valuable relief and protection from the sweltering heat under its broad branches.

Lower your Energy Costs

In addition to shade, trees have an enormous positive effect on our environment. They keep us cool in summer and can significantly lower energy consumption. According to the Sacramento Municipal Utility District, “Fully grown, properly placed trees can cut your home cooling costs by up to 40 percent.” The Arbor Day Foundation agrees:  “The net cooling effect of a young, healthy tree is equivalent to ten room-sized air conditioners operating twenty hours a day.” —US Department of Agriculture “If you plant a tree today on the west side of your home, in five years your energy bills should be 3 percent less. In 15 years, the savings will be nearly 12 percent.” —Dr. E. Greg McPherson, Center for Urban Forest Research

Trees Cool the Environment

Did you know that shade is not the only way trees cool you on a hot summer’s day? They also give off moisture through a process called transpiration. The process of transpiration pulls water out of the soil, up the trunk, and out to the branches where it is released through small openings in the leaves called stomata. This moisture cools the surrounding air. A group of trees exponentially increases the cooling effect. Through transpiration, a tree moves nutrients and other necessary elements up its trunk to where they are needed. Additionally, trees reduce the effects of heat reflection from buildings, parking lots, and roads. Buildings and parking areas that are not shaded by trees are always substantially warmer than those that are. Heat reflection also magnifies temperatures in the local environment, raising the amount of energy needed to cool buildings. Air conditioners have to run longer, which in turn further heats the outside air. To get the natural benefits of cooler temperatures and lower energy costs, plant a tree. And make sure, you care for the trees you have with a Certified Arborist from Growing Tree Earth Care.