Data source: Speak for the Trees Boston. 2016. “Exploring Tree Equity in Boston.”
Heat Islands are pockets of high temperatures created by infrastructure, such as roads and buildings, that absorbs and re-emits the sun’s heat. Heat islands are typically found in urban areas, where less greenery is available to deflect sun rays. The Applied Economics Clinic’s recent report, Boston Tree Equity Analysis, indicated that the average summer temperature is higher in the City of Boston, Massachusetts, where there is a lower percent of area covered by trees, known as a “tree canopy”. Trees, and other greenery, can help to reduce heat islands and energy use, by providing shade in warmer climates and acting as windbreakers from cold winter winds. Trees and vegetation also provide other benefits for communities, such as reducing air pollution, sequestering carbon, and reducing road maintenance costs.
Boston’s Open Space and Recreation Plan has goals for investing and improving Boston’s open spaces over the next seven years. One of the goals of this Plan is to increase the number of trees in the City to reduce the heat island effect. Requests can be made for trees to be planted by calling Parks and Recreation services, or by using the Boston 311 app, but the City recommends reviewing the requirements for tree locations before doing so.
