Abstract
Trees are a natural feature with a unique potential to reduce the consequences of climate change on the environment, such as urban heat islands (UHI). Tree canopies can help to alleviate these issues by providing shade that can change the microclimate, which is especially important in tropical climates. Shades that form tree canopies respond significantly to microclimate indicators such as solar radiation and air temperature because of their relationship with their canopy form and density. The shade intensity of the tree canopy, on the other hand, varies between tree species and even within the same species. Thus, this vital knowledge is enlightened on how the variation could modify urban microclimate and consequently mitigate the UHI effect. A guideline in promoting optimum cooling from the tree shading effect is also highlighted. The theoretical, process and application evidence are explained in general with the details to implement in real-world practice. Comprehensive interpretation of design recommendations is established for readers and designers who are concerned with the microclimate control, UHI mitigation and sustainable environment for guidance in designing landscapes such as parks, open spaces, residential areas, and parking spaces.
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Shahidan, M.F. (2022). Effects of Tree Shading in Modifying Tropical Microclimate and Urban Heat Island Effect. In: Maruthaveeran, S., Chen, W.Y., Morgenroth, J. (eds) Urban Forestry and Arboriculture in Malaysia. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-19-5418-4_13
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