Study of the Effect of Vegetation on Micro-Climates and Residential Energy Use in Ann Arbor, Michigan

Energy conservation attributable to trees through direct shading, evapotranspiration, and wind shielding is experienced locally in lower utility bills and reduced peak energy demand. On the larger scale, a reduction in energy use implies lower emissions of greenhouse gases (including carbon dioxide) from the burning of fossil fuels.

Building on previous work in Ann Arbor, Michigan funded by NUCFAC, this study seeks to quantify the effect of vegetation on microclimate and residential energy use. The first phase of the study monitors air temperature, wind direction and speed, and solar radiation in three neighborhoods with distinctly different tree canopies. Differences in microclimate variables attributable to vegetation would imply differences in energy used for heating and cooling. The second phase studies changes in energy use related to the removal of large healthy trees. Electricity and gas use for one year before tree removal will be compared with data for one year after removal, with any significant weather-corrected difference signaling an effect due to the presence of the tree. On the recommendation of the national Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council, the USDA Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Program awarded a $55,000 grant to the $115,250 project.

1995 Costs & Benefits of Urban Forests

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