Pataki, D.E., & Fung, A. S. Global Change Biology: Urban ecosystems and the North American Carbon Cycle. Volume 12, Issue 11.
Loss of trees and vegetation leads to energy and carbon loss. Urbanization which leads to deforestation has been defined as among the major leading causes of energy loss in form of carbon. Trees save energy since they act as coolants and at the same time a form of carbon storage. Urban areas ecosystem needs balancing in terms of carbon balance and cycling in plants and soils.
Nowak, D. J., & Civerelo, K. L. A modeling study of the impact of urban trees on ozone: Atmospheric Environment. Volume 34, Issue, 10
It is evident that urban trees reduce the effects of ozone concentration resulting to a cooling or shading effect. It is however worth noting that they tend to increase average ozone concentrations in the overall modeling domain. Research has shown that during the day, the average ozone reduction in urban areas is greater that the average ozone increase for the model domain. Hence, increase in urban tree cover leads to an average hourly decrease in ozone concentrations.
Heisler, G. M. Effects of individual trees on the solar radiation climate of small buildings: Urban Ecology. Volume 9, Issues 3-4
Trees provide shading and cooling effect especially when leaved. A leafless tree on the other hand provides minimal shading effect. Tall trees with large crown have been shown to have a great amount of cooling effect. This is due to substantial reduction in the amount of radiation. Hence, tall trees are more favorable as coolants and modes of energy saving.
