Urban tree research identifies key species for heat reduction

Recent scientific studies in Santo Domingo and Granada are highlighting the critical role of specific tree species and urban planning in mitigating rising city temperatures.

In Santo Domingo, researchers from the Universidad Nacional Pedro Henríquez Ureña (UNPHU) found that mahogany trees provide superior thermal comfort compared to royal palms. The study, conducted on Winston Churchill Avenue, revealed that mahogany's higher foliage density and larger canopy allow it to reduce radiant temperatures by up to 5.5 degrees Celsius in winter and between 2 and 6 degrees Celsius in summer.

In Granada, a two-year study by the University of Granada identified olive, ash, plane, loquat, and bitter orange trees as effective species for cooling urban environments, with temperature reductions averaging two degrees. Beyond species selection, researchers emphasized that the connectivity of green spaces is as vital as the number of trees planted. The project also mapped the intersection of high temperatures and socioeconomic vulnerability to identify areas most at risk during heatwaves.