Roofs, streets, and sidewalks absorb and re-release the sun’s heat more than grass, plants, and trees. This leads to the Urban Heat Island Effect: areas with lots of infrastructure and limited natural spaces become “pockets” of higher temperatures compared to larger, greener areas. Heat Islands can form during the day or night, in small or large cities, in suburban areas, and in any season (EPA).

Higher temperatures from this effect leads to an increased use of energy to cool homes and businesses. Planting native trees and shrubs, and using cooling surfaces on sidewalks and roofs that do not absorb and reflect as much heat as typical building materials, can help reduce the need use more energy.

Get Involved!

• Improve the overall health of your lawn or garden. The local Pure Water Project has information on native species planting (including oaks!), replacing “thirsty” lawns, and other sustainable gardening practices.
• Learn about using trees and plants as partial shade. Strategically planting trees and taller vegetation can help reduce Urban Heat Island effects. The Pure Water Project has more information on the cooling benefits of trees and how to care for plants that grow in the shade.
• Have questions about your oak tree? Working on a project near oaks? The City's Oak Tree Consultant is available to help you with any questions you may have about the health of your oak trees or any project you are considering undertaking near your trees. For more information, send an email to OakTree@AgouraHillsCity.org or call (818) 597-7384.
• Time for a new roof? Learn about the benefits of a cool roof and find out about financing options from GoGreen Home Energy Financing.