At the recent Where Shade Hits the Pavement conference held last month in Melbourne, industry experts gathered to discuss innovative strategies for creating greener, cooler, and more livable urban environments. Among the distinguished speakers was Simon Leake, Director of Science and Founder of SESL Australia, who delivered an insightful presentation on the best practices to offset urban heat island effect.
Simon emphasised the critical role of soil type, volume, tree biology, and evapotranspiration in mitigating the urban heat island effect. Drawing from his extensive experience in soil science and urban landscape projects, he provided practical steps to enhance urban cooling through strategic landscape design.
The Importance of Soil in Urban Cooling
Simon highlighted that the foundation of a healthy urban forest lies beneath the surface. Proper soil composition ensures adequate water retention and nutrient availability, which are essential for robust tree growth and effective evapotranspiration.
Optimal Soil Volume for Urban Trees
Adequate soil volume is crucial for root development and overall tree vitality. Simon pointed out that restricted root spaces in urban settings often lead to stunted growth and reduced cooling benefits. He advocated for designing urban landscapes that provide sufficient soil volume, allowing trees to reach their full potential in offsetting heat.
Understanding Tree Biology and Evapotranspiration
Delving into tree physiology, Simon explained the process of evapotranspiration—where trees absorb water through their roots and release it as vapor through their leaves. This natural mechanism cools the surrounding air, akin to the effect of air conditioning units. Simon elaborated on the point that there is plenty of water underneath cities that needs to be released into the atmosphere to achieve the required cooling effects, thus trees that require a lot of water should be planted, providing evapotranspiration, enhancing thermal comfort in cities.
Simon's insights underscore the necessity of a holistic approach to urban planning—one that considers the intricate relationships between soil, water, and vegetation. By prioritising these elements, cities can effectively combat the urban heat island effect and foster more sustainable, comfortable environments for their inhabitants.
It was an inspiring day filled with meaningful discussions and valuable insights into urban greening and cooling strategies. Connecting with other industry leaders, sharing expertise, and exploring innovative solutions made the event truly enriching. We appreciate Citygreen’s commitment to fostering collaboration and advancing sustainable urban design, and we look forward to continuing these important conversations in the future.
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