In this Sun Post article, Ryan Gustafson from Davey's South Minneapolis office talks about how trees are a sustainable solution to cool our environment.
Summer in the Twin Cities can be glorious, but as we've seen with recent heat waves at home and across the country, rising temperatures are a growing concern. Our urban and suburban areas are susceptible to becoming "heat islands," where temperatures can rise up to 12 degrees higher than those in surrounding rural areas. That's not just uncomfortable; it can pose real health risks.
But what if I told you that one of the most effective, beautiful and sustainable solutions is already growing all around us, or could be? Trees are our natural air conditioners, offering a wealth of benefits beyond their aesthetic appeal.
Trees cool our environment in two significant ways. Their leaves provide necessary shade, blocking scorching sun from hitting asphalt, rooftops and sidewalks, which tend to absorb and radiate heat. Maybe more fascinatingly, they have a process called transpiration. This process is when trees release moisture into the air, creating a natural cooling effect. With these two factors combined, the air directly under a tree can feel more than 20 degrees cooler than surrounding areas! Sounds good to me on a sweltering August afternoon!
Beyond personal comfort, these natural cooling effects translate directly to your wallet. The American Power Association estimates that strategically planted shade trees can slash your home's cooling bill by as much as 50% annually. To take full advantage of these savings, consider planting deciduous trees on the south or southwest side of your home. They'll provide dense shade in the summer, and in winter, once their leaves fall, they'll allow sunlight to warm your home.
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For more information, contact the South Minneapolis office.
The Davey Tree Expert Company, headquartered in Kent, Ohio, provides research-driven tree services, grounds maintenance and environmental and utility infrastructure consulting for residential, utility, commercial and environmental partners in the U.S. and Canada. As one of the top ten largest employee-owned companies in the U.S., Davey's 12,000 employees have been dedicated to creating and delivering sustainable solutions since 1880. Apply today to join the Davey legacy, and learn about how we're growing with our new SEED Campus.
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