Open AccessA tree-planting decision support tool for urban heat mitigation
Author(s) -
Zoey R. Werbin,
Leila Heidari,
Sarabeth Buckley,
Paige Brochu,
Lindsey Butler,
Catherine Connolly,
Lucila Houttuijn Bloemendaal,
T. McCabe,
Tara K. Miller,
Lucy R. Hutyra
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
plos one
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.99
H-Index - 332
ISSN - 1932-6203
DOI - 10.1371/journal.pone.0224959
Subject(s) - urban heat island , tree planting , canopy , vulnerability (computing) , urban forestry , tree canopy , urban forest , environmental science , environmental resource management , geography , business , environmental planning , agroforestry , computer science , forestry , meteorology , computer security , archaeology
Heat poses an urgent threat to public health in cities, as the urban heat island (UHI) effect can amplify exposures, contributing to high heat-related mortality and morbidity. Urban trees have the potential to mitigate heat by providing substantial cooling, as well as co-benefits such as reductions in energy consumption. The City of Boston has attempted to expand its urban canopy, yet maintenance costs and high tree mortality have hindered successful canopy expansion. Here, we present an interactive web application called Right Place , Right Tree—Boston that aims to support informed decision-making for planting new trees. To highlight priority regions for canopy expansion, we developed a Boston-specific Heat Vulnerability Index (HVI) and present this alongside maps of summer daytime land surface temperatures. We also provide information about tree pests and diseases, suitability of species for various conditions, land ownership, maintenance tips, and alternatives to tree planting. This web application is designed to support decision-making at multiple spatial scales, to assist city officials as well as residents who are interested in expanding or maintaining Boston’s urban forest.