Trees can be used to filter or block unwanted light. Trees Reduce Water Requirements . Based on rough estimates, on a hot, sunny day using low water-use species, tree shade can reduce lawn water requirements by as much as 95 percent. Trees can be added to most urban landscapes without increasing water use, if trees or some combination of trees, shrubs, and ground cover replace lawn. Trees Affect Air Movement .
Trees can help direct air movement.
They can block undesirable winds, serve as windbreaks to slow the rate of the wind, deflect wind away from specific areas, and guide winds to help with cooling in summer months. Trees Reduce Air Temperatures . Trees help moderate air temperature extremes. Buildings and pavement absorb 90-95 percent of incoming radiation. Most of it is dispersed as heat, but the remainder is held in concrete and buildings and then is radiated back to the air at night.