Trees for Tomorrow Start Today
For the past several years, scientists from UC Agriculture and Natural Resources and the United States Department of Forestry have been collaborating on research projects at several California locations to identify underplanted species of drought, heat, and pest resistant trees.
Why is this research important? Because urban heat islands, coupled with climate change, have resulted in adverse conditions that many of our traditionally planted tree species can no longer withstand. Temperatures of impervious surfaces, such as asphalt parking lots, can be more than 60 degrees F hotter when unshaded than shaded. Trees not only cool urban areas by providing shade but also through transpiration. During transpiration water vapor is returned to the atmosphere through leaves serving as a very effective natural air conditioner.
We hope you enjoy learning more about trees in our study and upcoming events! Please feel free to contact me (Janet Hartin) at jshartin@ucanr.edu
