The Impact of Different Tree Species on Enhancing Thermal Comfort

Abstract

The growth of urbanization in emerging nations has changed land use patterns, created surface energy imbalances, and resulted in densely populated areas, all of which raise the danger of heat stress. Appropriate planting design and its impact on thermal islands are important considerations in planning and design. This study examined the effects of planting grasses, evergreens, and deciduous trees, as well as combining all three patterns in terms of height and canopy diameter, on reducing urban heat islands and enhancing microclimate conditions. Simulations were prepared with ENVI-met and RayMan software, and the accuracy of the simulation results was verified by comparing them to actual field data. The findings revealed that deciduous trees (Fraxinus excelsior) performed better than evergreen trees and grasses in improving microclimate and reducing the temperature of the urban environment, and grasses performed worse. Therefore, using the results of this type of research in planning and designing green spaces to select the type of plant species and their combination can play an essential role in improving the climatic quality of urban spaces, urban sustainable development, and thus thermal comfort for cities.