ABSTRACT
Urban forests are important community assets. Beyond the visual appeal of tree-lined streets, many communities are recognizing that street trees contribute to managing storm water runoff, an especially important value in areas measuring an increase in precipitation due to climate change. Other benefits include providing shade that reduces urban cooling costs and counteracting problems associated with the urban heat island effect. Most homeowners and renters know that large mature trees help to shield their homes from excess heat in the hot seasons of the year. The interior of the residence is more pleasant; fresh air from the outside is picked up by breezes and moved inside. The Health Impact Assessments (HIAs) examined the potential health and psychosocial benefits associated with targeting tree planting in residential areas of Ann Arbor with lower tree canopy (less than 30%) and populations likely to be more vulnerable to extreme heat events based on an inferred increase in health vulnerability.
