Estimating Radiation Received by a Person Under Different Species of Shade Trees

Abstract

A micrometeorological computer model was used to estimate the radiation that would be received by a person under a range of shade trees. The results provide a relative comparison of tree species in terms of their radiation characteristics for conditions on sunny spring, summer, and winter days. All trees tested provide a significant reduction in the radiation load of a person compared to open conditions. The relative comfort level of the environment under test trees was also determined, using an energy budget 'human thermal comfort1 model. These results demonstrate the general value of shade trees in the landscape, and provide a relative measure of the value of different species.