Street Trees in Hot Cities
Trees can make city streets more pleasant, but their value is clearest during long spells of extreme heat, when roads and walls store warmth. Shade lowers surface temperatures and can give immediate (17) ________ to people on foot. Leaves also release water into the air, adding to local (18) ________ through evaporation. Choosing the right species is key. Some trees grow fast but are (19) ________ to drought, while others cope well with dry weather. Planners must also think about roots, as poor choices can cause costly (20) ________ problems for paths and pipes. Young trees need regular care during their (21) ________, and watering may be needed for several years. Despite these costs, the long-term (22) ________ can be large. Cooler streets make walking easier, and green areas are often seen as more (23) ________ places to live. As heat rises, tree planting is likely to become an increasingly (24) ________ part of city planning.