Implications of Urban Land Management on the Cooling Properties of Urban Trees: Citizen Science and Laboratory Analysis

Trees participate in mitigating the urban heat island phenomenon thanks to their transpiration and shading. This cooling potential is highly dependent on leaf area. Nevertheless, traits potentially vary across different land management practices settings, thereby challenging models used estimate thermal budgets. The present study aims investigate variability of area linden (Tilia spp.) trees, effect simulated tree transpiration. Reconstruction was undertaken at scale three sites from cities: London Birmingham (UK) Chantilly (France). reconstruction combined allometric measurements shoot scales, a tree-scale 3D digitization with laboratory analysis using field data collected by citizen scientists. had significant impact area, relationships, which were propagated through process. Relative differences between ranged 12% 48% according city where variable considered (e.g., index, total or transpiration). managed (i.e., individualized crowns, frequent litter removal, standard thinning/pruning operations) develop higher thus promoting potential. shows that traits, responses management, can be studied comprehensive collection science lab-based modelling. It also highlights importance appropriate, well-designed planning, landscaping trees play an even better role climate proofing cities.