July / August 2024 Insights

A Shady Lifeline in the Scorching Heat of Summer

Extreme heat is becoming deadly. But trees in the right places stand strong to shield communities.

Sweltering. Oppressive. Unbearable. For people around the world, extreme summer heat is becoming a lasting part of summer break. In the U.S., all-time daily record highs are becoming commonplace as climate change redefines what summertime feels like.

But extreme heat isn’t just uncomfortable. It already kills more Americans every year than any other weather event, hurricanes included.

The heat doesn’t subside after sunset, either. According to the World Health Organization, extremely hot days are melting into extremely hot nights, stressing human physiology so seriously that it can be fatal. In heavy humidity, we can’t cool ourselves as easily through sweating, leading to heat exhaustion, stroke, or even death. The elderly, children, outdoor workers, and those with existing health issues are especially at risk.

Heat Hits Disadvantaged Communities the Hardest

Like nearly all effects of climate change, how people experience extreme heat is often tied to socioeconomic class. Low-income communities deal with extreme surface urban heat significantly more often than other communities.

Zoom out more, and extreme heat is roasting all urban areas. Concrete, asphalt, and city infrastructure absorb the sun’s heat and spike neighborhood temperatures by 10 degrees or more. Scientists call it the urban heat island effect. And as the entire world becomes increasingly urbanized, it will only worsen without new solutions.

But there’s good news for combatting these rising temperatures: trees.

All That Shade is a Good Thing

Trees can bring potentially lifesaving shade to urban spaces and offer relief to residents who need it most.

That shade can lower temperatures by about 10 degrees. Now imagine that kind of impact in the form of a treelined boulevard. Or an entire park when temperatures reach triple digits.

In our sweltering cities, trees offer relief from the sun, dramatically lowering street-level temperatures. They provide relief for our lungs by scrubbing dust, dirt, and other airborne particulates from the air. And they mean relief for our atmosphere, pulling in carbon and pumping out oxygen.

By focusing tree planting in communities that need it most, the Arbor Day Foundation can help to provide lifesaving relief in the form of trees — thanks to support from dedicated members and donors. To be clear, trees won’t singlehandedly solve our climate challenges. But they just might be the simplest, most powerful tool at our disposal if we consider what a tree can be.

What Could Be More Neighborly Than Sharing Mangoes?

Fruit trees and a tradition of sharing strengthen resilience in Hawaii.

Where is your next meal coming from?

For many, this question probably raises visions of all the restaurants they like or foods they’re craving. For others, it’s a reminder that they don’t know what or when their next wholesome meal will be.

Food insecurity is a reality throughout the United States, but this issue takes on a higher level of complexity in Hawaii. A study by the University of Hawaii revealed that 48% of households in the state with children experienced food insecurity in 2021. Think about that for a second — nearly half of families in Hawaii weren’t trying to decide what to eat for dinner but if there would be enough for a nutritious dinner.

of eggs, milk, and bread would shock many continental U.S. residents. In December of 2022, the price of a dozen eggs in Hawaii reached $9.73.

A study by the University of Hawaii revealed that 48% of households in the state with children experienced food insecurity in 2021.

This isn’t as simple as poverty. Low incomes play a role, especially as some parents work multiple jobs but are still not making a living wage. But so does the fact that nearly 90% of the state’s food is imported to the islands. This drives up the cost of groceries; the price

How do you address an issue as complicated and important as this? There is no one solution. But food-producing trees can help.

A regular source of nourishment, within arm’s reach

During different Arbor Day Foundation-funded tree giveaways throughout the islands, local partners noted that fruit trees were popular.

“Most families here have very limited space because of the high cost of land in urban areas. So if you’re going to have a tree, it better meet a lot of needs,” said Heather McMillen, Hawaii state urban forester. This is an opportunity to not only get a free tree to shade your yard but also have ready access to fresh produce.

People are growing ‘ulu (breadfruit), lemons, mangoes, lychee, and much more merely steps from their kitchens. They can pick produce off a tree rather than out of a grocery store bin, reducing their bill at the register. This produce can also provide support if shipping issues arise, which was a concern in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19.

Nurturing a longstanding culture of sharing

Beyond providing food, fruit trees naturally strengthen social networks. When all those mangoes ripen at once, what are you going to do? You’re going to share, of course. You’ll give them to neighbors and take them to work for coworkers. If it’s a bumper crop, you may even make some new acquaintances while trying to find homes for your good harvest. And though you don’t expect anything in return, that generosity may circle back around.

It’s a social value that has stood the test of time in Hawaii. Since ancient times, land here has been organized by moku, or regions. Within those regions are smaller land divisions called ahupua’a. People were expected to get their resources from within the boundaries of whichever ahupua’a they lived in. If anyone wanted to fish or gather food beyond those boundaries, they needed permission. There was a built-in expectation for self-sufficiency but also an opportunity to share.

“One area has a lot of fish, and another has a lot of fruit. So people exchanged. The roots of this reciprocal way of life run really deep,” said McMillen.

“When you give something to your neighbor or you take something to the office, there’s now a social obligation,” said Dan Dinell, president of Trees for Honolulu’s Future. “So your neighbor is going to reciprocate in some way. Of course, if they have a fruit tree, they’re probably going to give you fruit once it ripens. But maybe they’ll make you mango bread with some of the mangoes you shared. So unlike any other tree, I think the fruit tree creates this really high food value and social value.”

As more and more fruit trees are planted in yards (and schools and other public spaces) throughout Hawaii — and more of that fruit is shared among the community — access to fresh and healthy food increases without the added cost. Residents of Hawaii

are cooking up community care with sides of ‘ulu curry and fresh mango pie.

Planting a better tomorrow

Communities in the U.S. struggle with the need for sources of fresh, healthy food, and trees are coming to the rescue. Neighborhood food forests are becoming a common sight. In some communities, orchards are lining the walk to school, offering a tasty breakfast or afternoon snack. The Arbor Day Foundation and its local partners are helping to bring this work to life in Hawaii and across the country.

Fruit trees are always a popular choice at Arbor Day Foundation-funded tree distributions throughout the state.

Meet Our Team

Lex Milburn, Community Trees Project Coordinator

What do you love about your work at the Arbor Day Foundation?

As a big travel lover, I would have to say I really enjoy the opportunity to go on partner visits and city tours to see the legacy our planting partners are creating. In my role, I work with on-the-ground partners to coordinate projects, from one-day events to multi-year environmental justice grants. In the last year, I have visited partners and attended planting events all across the country.

How did you develop a connection with trees?

I grew up on a dead-end road on Wagner’s Lake in Columbus, Nebraska. We lived between the lake, a forested area, and the Loup River. I think being surrounded by all this nature instilled a deep appreciation for and connection to all the living things around me. More recently, in my previous role as a recruitment coordinator at Arbor Day Farm in Nebraska City, Nebraska, my connection to trees grew even stronger. Having the parking lot arboretum right outside the window at my desk was an incredible view, especially in the fall!

What is your favorite tree?

My favorite tree is the baldcypress. I appreciate its brain-like seeds, soft leaves, and ecosystem services like soaking up floodwaters and preventing erosion.

Community Trees in 2023 A record year in review

Last year was a record year for community tree planting at the Arbor Day Foundation. Together with partners and supporters, we planted and distributed more than 1.7 million trees in neighborhoods, towns, and cities around the world.

1M+ trees planted

458 projects

700,000+ trees distributed

160 planting partners

These trees were planted and distributed across all 50 states and another 28 countries spanning every continent except Antarctica. But they weren’t just planted anywhere. The Foundation worked with local planting partners to analyze the data and make sure tree planting efforts were focused on where they are needed most.

As these trees grow, they will have the power to reduce lifethreatening urban heat by up to 10 degrees Fahrenheit while also helping to reduce flooding, limit air pollution, and help homeowners save money on energy costs.

And this is only the beginning. Thanks to a growing network of onthe-ground planting partners, a historic investment in urban forestry through the Inflation Reduction Act, and the continued commitment from Foundation members and supporters, 2024 is shaping up to be yet another record-breaking year for community trees. Thank you for making this work possible!