Effects of High Temperatures on Trees and Cities - How Do Plants Improve Urban Climate?

Abstract

Heat stress affects the metabolism and vitality of plants. High temperatures in plants are caused by direct solar radiation or the high temperature of the surrounding air. Factors such as the leaf shape of the plant, the sunny or shaded environment in which it grows, the age of the tree, the vegetation period, and the reason and duration of the tree's exposure to heat stress affect the tree’s resistance to heat stress. At the same time, plants play an important role in reducing the effects of the urban heat island. In this review, information is given about the effects of plants that are widely used in cities and their role in reducing the urban heat island effect.