A study by Macquarie University shows the humble home garden more than pulls its weight when it comes to reducing extreme urban heat and its harmful effects. The research into a summer heatwave in Adelaide suggests that a simple solution to extreme heat is literally at everyone’s doorstep. It relies on the trees, the grasses and the vegetation in our own backyards.

Analysis of data collected during a three day heatwave suggests urban trees and grasses can lower daytime land temperatures by up to 5-6℃ during extreme heat.

In fact, private tree canopy cover is considerably greater than that of typical urban parks or public green areas. This means these private green spaces are a vital yet often overlooked resource for fighting extreme heat.

Read the research report