City of Phoenix looks to plant more trees to create more shade
Jul 30, 2016, 1:36 PM
According to the Los Angeles Times and the Phoenix Business Journal, the city of Phoenix is looking into planting more trees in order to create a canopy over the city.
The LA Times spoke to Richard Adkins, a forestry supervisor for the city of Phoenix, and Adkins is leading the efforts to provide more trees and shade.
The type of tree mentioned is called a Chinese Pistache. These trees typically perform well in the heat, and have been offered as options for creating more shade in Texas, among other states and regions.
Although the trees could help create more shade, and possibly cool down areas in Phoenix, this could also increase water usage in order to help the trees grow in the Arizona climate.
The canopy is projected to shade nearly 25% of the city of Phoenix.
Another side effect of the trees would be on the real estate sector. Additional trees might require planting and zoning approvals, which could impact land-use rules.