The impact of permitted tree removal on land surface temperature change in Austin, Texas
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2025-04-28
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In the United States, instances of heat-related illnesses are increasing in urban areas. Trees help mitigate urban heat and reduce heat-related illnesses by providing cooling effects through evapotranspiration and shade. Urban development is a primary driver of urban forest loss. The city of Austin, Texas, adopted a tree preservation ordinance in 1984 to protect trees on private and public property. The amount of approved tree removals, however, has increased as Austin remains one of the fastest growing cities in the United States. We created a geographic information system to analyze the impact of over 58,000 tree removals on land surface temperature (LST) across Austin’s city limits. Our results indicate that both total and development-related removals significantly impact the cities changing LST. This research contributes to the growing body of literature on urban forests and microclimates, providing information to support the conservation of urban trees and healthy environments for urban residents.
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Environmental and Sustainability Sciences