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Cooling Benefits of Urban Tree Canopy: A Systematic Review

Author

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  • Yihan Yin

    (College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China)

  • Song Li

    (College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China)

  • Xiaoyi Xing

    (College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China)

  • Xinyi Zhou

    (College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China)

  • Yujie Kang

    (College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China)

  • Qi Hu

    (College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China)

  • Yanjing Li

    (College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China)

Abstract

As an important part of urban ecosystems, trees can effectively alleviate the urban heat island effect. Tree canopies cool and humidify through shading and evapotranspiration, regulating the urban thermal environment. So far, many studies have analyzed the heat mitigation effect of urban green spaces; however, there are relatively few studies on the cooling effect of tree canopies. Specifically, relevant research focusing on different spatial scales has not been explored. Therefore, this review systematically summarizes the research on the benefits of tree canopy cooling carried out in recent years, analyzes the research content, and evaluates the indicators and key influencing factors of the benefits of tree canopy cooling from four different spatial scales: urban, block, community, and individual. It was found that canopy factors, other vegetation factors, and environmental factors jointly affect the benefits of canopy cooling. This research focuses on the benefits of canopy cooling at different spatial scales. The smaller the research scale, the more discussion and attention will be paid to vegetation factors. This paper puts forward major directions for future research and development, providing optimization strategies for urban planning or plant design at different scales in the context of climate change.

Suggested Citation

  • Yihan Yin & Song Li & Xiaoyi Xing & Xinyi Zhou & Yujie Kang & Qi Hu & Yanjing Li, 2024. "Cooling Benefits of Urban Tree Canopy: A Systematic Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(12), pages 1-21, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:12:p:4955-:d:1411944
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Wang, Zhi-Hua & Zhao, Xiaoxi & Yang, Jiachuan & Song, Jiyun, 2016. "Cooling and energy saving potentials of shade trees and urban lawns in a desert city," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 161(C), pages 437-444.
    2. Xiaoxiao Zhang & Lujie Ni & Tailong Zhang & Feng Qi, 2023. "Influence of Arbor on the Cooling Load Characteristics of Rural Houses—A Case Study in the Region of Hangzhou," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(8), pages 1-20, April.
    3. Jamei, Elmira & Rajagopalan, Priyadarsini & Seyedmahmoudian, Mohammadmehdi & Jamei, Yashar, 2016. "Review on the impact of urban geometry and pedestrian level greening on outdoor thermal comfort," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 54(C), pages 1002-1017.
    4. Andreou, E., 2013. "Thermal comfort in outdoor spaces and urban canyon microclimate," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 55(C), pages 182-188.
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    Cited by:

    1. Qing Chang & Xiangbo Fan & Shaohui Zou, 2025. "Threshold Effects of Renewable Energy Investment on the Energy Efficiency–Fossil Fuel Consumption Nexus: Evidence from 71 Countries," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(8), pages 1-20, April.
    2. Saugirdas Pukalskas & Dominik Adamaitis & Dainius Paliulis & Šarūnas Mikaliūnas, 2025. "Sustainability-Oriented Assessment of Passenger Car Emissions in Relation to Euro Standards Using the ECE-15 Driving Cycle," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(13), pages 1-18, June.
    3. Yingying Jiang & Sacha Menz, 2025. "Urban Densification and Outdoor Thermal Comfort: Scenario-Based Analysis in Zurich’s Altstetten–Albisrieden District," Land, MDPI, vol. 14(8), pages 1-34, July.
    4. Jiayu Wang & Yixuan Wang & Tian Chen, 2025. "Spatiotemporal Impacts and Mechanisms of Multi-Dimensional Urban Morphological Characteristics on Regional Heat Effects in the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area," Land, MDPI, vol. 14(4), pages 1-29, March.
    5. Liu, Yiwen & Jiang, Meng & Hertwich, Edgar G., 2025. "Environmental impact of machinery and equipment: a comparison between EXIOBASE, national environmentally extended input-output models, and ecoinvent," MPRA Paper 126712, University Library of Munich, Germany.

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