Environment Matters Spring - Summer 2023

A SOLUTION IN URBAN GREENING

COOL WAYS TO START AT HOME

WHAT IS IT? Urban greening through tree planting is a simple and effective natural solution for cooling cities. Trees draw soil moisture into their leaves, which evaporates from the surface and cools the air. Trees also reduce heat, glare and UV radiation by absorbing sunlight and shading hard surfaces. Planting native trees also increases wildlife food resources, improves stormwater quality, stores carbon and provides attractive recreation areas and active travel routes in neighbourhoods. Did you know: Every 10 per cent of tree canopy cover increase can result in a decrease of more than 1 degree in summer. WHAT ARE WE DOING IN IPSWICH?

Ipswich backyards can make an immense difference to urban cooling.

intensity and UV levels, increasing tree canopy and shading is considered the best cooling strategy. However, the trees must be mature and form a continuous shading canopy to provide optimal cooling. Council has adopted an Urban Greening Plan to increase urban tree planting, setting goals of 90 per cent of trees to reach healthy maturity and at least 50 per cent to be local species. Data has been used to determine priority areas for street tree plantings, with factors including day and night temperature, existing canopy cover, footpath infrastructure and social vulnerability. A series of community tree plantings launched on-ground action across Ipswich in 2023. The work to increase canopy cover continues through community efforts and council’s urban greening program.

Our homes create a lot of heat that contributes to urban heat issues. Thankfully, there’s something you can do about it! Planting native trees and shrubs lowers surface and air temperatures around your home. And if your whole neighbourhood gets involved – the benefits are enormous. Join council’s free Habitat Gardens program funded through Enviroplan. You have access to workshops, experts and additional free plants. See Ipswich.qld.gov.au/lcpp If you live in Ipswich you can claim 6 free plants through council’s nursery each year, either at Queens Park Nursery or through the Mobile Nursery. See Ipswich.qld.gov.au/freeplants

Given Ipswich’s humid subtropical summers and high solar radiation

Greening Your Suburb plantings.

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