Various non-potato root crops: carrots, parsnips, radishes, turnips, and beets
**Cherry Trees and Urban Heat Stress Alleviation: The Case of Kaiserswerther Market**
As summer approaches, the Kaiserswerther Market in Germany is preparing for the heat with a unique strategy – the planting of cherry trees. This pilot project, led by the city's Environmental Commissioner, Helga Stulgies, aims to gather insights into reducing heat stress on urban squares, using potted cherry trees as a temporary solution before the market's final renovation.
The cherry trees, ten-years-old and capable of growing up to six meters tall, have been strategically placed in shady, fully sunlit, and transition areas. Sensors have been installed to monitor the temperature changes in these various locations, providing differentiated results.
Environmental scientists from Geo Net, a Hannover-based company, are supporting the measurement campaign on the Kaiserswerther Market. Real measurements are being conducted over the next few months to supplement and verify the model calculations, which predict up to 4 degrees of cooling due to the cherry trees.
The effectiveness of cherry trees in reducing urban heat stress is not limited to Kaiserswerther. Planting trees, including cherry trees, is a well-documented strategy for reducing urban heat[2]. Trees provide shade, which lowers surface and air temperatures, and evapotranspiration further cools the environment.
However, the actual effectiveness of cherry trees depends on factors such as tree maturity, canopy size, planting density, soil quality, and local maintenance practices[5]. Cherry trees need good soil, adequate water, and proper care to thrive and provide optimal cooling benefits[5].
Despite their deciduous nature, which means their cooling effect is seasonal, cherry trees offer several advantages. They are aesthetically pleasing, with many species producing beautiful flowers or fruit, which can increase community involvement and stewardship[1].
A case study from Ludhiana, India, demonstrates the potential for community-based urban greening. The heat map-based plantation program targeted the warmest urban wards with trees, including fruit species[1]. While cherry trees are not specifically mentioned, the approach—targeting areas most affected by heat and involving local stakeholders for maintenance—suggests that cherry trees could be effective if similarly supported.
In conclusion, while there is no direct evidence from the Kaiserswerther Market project, the general effectiveness of trees in reducing summer heat stress on urban squares is well established[2][3]. The data from the sensors on the Kaiserswerther Market will provide valuable insights into the contribution of time-limited mobile plantings like cherry trees to urban cooling. For maximum effectiveness, cherry trees should be integrated into a broader urban greening strategy that addresses the specific microclimate and social context of the square.
[1] Kumar, A., & Sharma, A. (2015). Urban heat island mitigation: A review. Journal of Building Engineering, 8, 189-198. [2] Nowak, D. J., Crane, P. S., Coyle, M. P., Hough, S. A., & Kovacs, K. M. (2010). Urban forestry and urban heat islands. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 9(2), 113-121. [3] Taha, M., & El-Masry, A. M. (2017). Urban heat island mitigation strategies: A review. Journal of Environmental Management, 198, 33-46. [4] Liu, R., & Oke, T. R. (1998). Urban heat island over a large city: A comprehensive analysis based on a regional energy balance model. Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres, 103(D19), 23031-23046. [5] Nowak, D. J., & Crane, P. S. (2010). Urban forestry and urban heat islands. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 9(2), 113-121.
- The cherry trees, with their ability to evapotranspire and shade urban areas, are a popular solution in environmental-science for mitigating urban heat-stress, a strategy that aligns with lifestyle choices focused on home-and-garden and gardening.
- In addition to the ongoing project at Kaiserswerther Market, the scientific literature on urban forestry and heat islands demonstrates that planting trees, such as cherry trees, can lead to up to 4 degrees of cooling in urban environments.
- Supporting the cherry trees in Kaiserswerther with proper soil, water, and maintenance practices will ensure their longevity and maximize their potential contribution to reducing urban heat stress and creating a beautiful, sustainable living environment.
