Abstract
This study measured transpiration rate of urban trees and albedos of urban surfaces, and examined the function of microclimate amelioration by urban greenspace. Transpiration rates of trees were highest in July and August of growing months. Transpiration per unit leaf area for the two months was 300-350 g/$m^2$/h for Platanus occidentalis, 210-270 g/$m^2$/h for Ginkgo biloba and Zelkova serrata, and 130-140 g/$m^2$/h for Acer palmatum. Surface albedos were 0.09 for asphalt paving and 0.68 for white wall, which reveals that light-colored surfaces are better than dark-colored ones to lower the heat build-up. Due to lack of evapotranspiration, concrete surfaces were, at t midafternoon maximum, 8$^{\circ}C$ hotter than grass ones, though the albedo of concrete paving was higher thant that of grass and trees. Summer air temperatures at places with 12% and 22% cover of woody plants were, respectively, 0.6$^{\circ}C$ and 1.4$^{\circ}C$ cooler than a place with no vegetation. To mitigate the impacts of urban heat islands, required are minimization of hard surfaces, light-coloring for building surfaces, and greenspace enlargement including more plantings.
