Quantifying the Trade-off Between Landscape Vegetation Height, Surface Temperature and Water Consumption in Single-Family Homes in Tempe, AZ

The research shows that vegetation height differentially affects surface temperature at the residential parcel-level. Vegetation of 5m-10m height is correlated to mitigation of extreme temperatures, lowering daytime surface temperatures and raising nighttime surface temperatures. Vegetation of 1.5m-5m height lowered daytime surface temperatures to a lesser magnitude than vegetation of taller height. Results imply that planners and landscape designers should consider strategically arranging buildings and vegetation to maximize shading and cooling benefit.