Granada and Hermosillo studies show trees can cut urban heat by up to 5 °C

Researchers from the University of Granada measured the cooling effect of five tree species – olive, ash, loquat, shade‑banana and bitter orange – in the city of Granada. Sensors placed from July 2024 to early 2026 recorded an average temperature drop of about 2 °C and peaks of up to 3.5 °C, especially in dense, mosaic‑style green patches in vulnerable neighbourhoods such as Zaidín and La Chana.

Environmental specialist Pamela Ibarra Dávila of Cultura Verde explained that a 30 % tree canopy in Mexican colonies can lower summer temperatures by one to five degrees. Her “3‑30‑300” guideline calls for residents to see at least three trees from home, achieve 30 % canopy cover, and have a park within 300 m. She highlighted native species suited to Hermosillo – mimbre, palo verde, mesquite and guayacán – and noted that streets lined with trees on both sides provide the greatest cooling, while extensive pavement limits the effect to around one degree.

Both studies underscore the importance of strategic urban planting to mitigate heat‑island effects, improve biodiversity and enhance residents’ wellbeing.