Impact of small-scale tree planting patterns on outdoor cooling and thermal comfort

The issues of local climate change, urban heat islands and improving outdoor thermal comfort in cities demand special attention in urban planning. This paper examines the effect of various plant arrangements, plant type, and the direction of the rows of trees against the prevailing wind on micrometeorological conditions and thermal comfort. The study area was simulated using the ENVI-met model. It was validated by comparing the values of the output parameters of the model with field measurements. Finally, the proposed scenarios were simulated in the model and identified after analyzing scenarios that displayed better performance in improving outdoor thermal comfort. The results indicated that the rectangular planting of evergreen trees in the outer rows and deciduous trees in the inner rows in a direction perpendicular to the prevailing wind produced the most optimal condition in improving outdoor thermal comfort (1.3 Predicted Mean Vote (PMV) reduction). Also, triangular patterns perpendicular to wind direction with evergreen trees brought out the weakest performance in improving thermal comfort (0.2 PMV reduction). The findings of the research can be used by landscape designers and urban planners to enhance green space designs, develop sustainable cities, and improve thermal comfort in residential areas.