Trees and Temperature
Besides being beautiful, the right tree, in the right place, can bring energy savings, too.
By Bruce Saller
COLUMNIST
A July 2022 study by Friends of the Rappahannock measured air temperatures in Fredericksburg, Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George and Caroline counties and found there was a 16 degree temperature difference between the hottest areas (generally sunny parking lots) and the coolest areas (generally wooded areas) in our region.
High temperatures can have detrimental effects on individuals and the community. Heat can exacerbate medical conditions such as cardiovascular disease and asthma, and potentially result in death.
Rainfall on hot surfaces causes warmer water to enter our streams and rivers, introducing thermal pollution which can reduce biodiversity and impact the nutrients in the water. Besides reducing temperatures, mature trees help reduce global warming by removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and storing it in the ground.
It is important to plant the right trees around your house. Fredericksburg maintains a recommended list of trees to plant based on the available area and height. Native trees are preferred because they offer several benefits:
They provide food and shelter for native birds and insects.
They have adapted to survive in the local climate.
They need less water and fertilizer since they are used to the local soil and rainfall.
Being non-invasive, they won’t spread uncontrollably.
Planting the right trees in the right location can also reduce the energy needed to heat and cool your house. You should plant evergreen trees on the north, north-west and north-east sides of your house to block the cold winter winds. Deciduous trees should be planted on the remaining sides to block solar heat from reaching the house during the summer months and allow it during the winter months. Deciduous trees should also be planted to shade your air conditioner or heat pump in the summer.
Besides helping the environment, trees are a beautiful addition to your home and community.
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