In urban areas exposed surfaces like roofs, sidewalks and especially roads absorb energy from the sun throughout the day and then hold it so efficiently that it isn�t able to fully dissipate overnight.  So the following morning it is able to absorb even more energy which, again it isn�t able to dissipate, etc..  The result is that urban areas average much warmer in the summer than surrounding countryside.  This is known as the Heat Island Effect.  It results in higher water usage, compromised human health and comfort due to heat stress and much higher energy use.  Since most of our energy comes from burning fossil fuels (which create pollution and greenhouse gases) the extra air conditioning actually creates more heat due to the greenhouse effect.

The picture above on the left is a street with no trees. The picture on the right is the same section of the same street with street trees. Which version of that street would you rather live on? Which one looks cooler? Which one looks higher in value?

Placing trees in positions so that they will grow to shade pavement is one of the easiest, least expensive and most effective ways to combat the Heat Island Effect and otherwise enhance the beauty and value of a neighborhood. The NeighborWoods program is designed to do that.

NeighborWoods, sponsored by Austin Energy, sends TreeFolks staff throughout entire neighborhoods with a set of criteria for placing trees for the maximum benefit but without interfering with utilities.  When an opportunity to place a tree is spotted a flag is placed in the spot identified and an order form is left with the adjacent property owner.  The order form explains the program and offers the potential participant a menu of trees to choose from.  The participant fills out an attached, postage-paid card ordering the trees and agreeing to plant and water them until they are established.  TreeFolks then delivers the trees to participants� doors with detailed planting and care instructions.  Over four thousand of these trees are delivered every year.  The program is completely free to participants.

In addition to fighting the Heat Island Effect these trees grow to enhance property values, clean the air and stormwater runoff, provide wildlife habitat and reduce traffic noise.

For an over view of areas recently covered by the NeighborWoods program go to our Recent Plantings page.  Green fields represent areas covered by NeighborWoods in the past three planting seasons.  Or read some letters from former Austin Mayor Will Wynn and other partners and participants in the NeighborWoods Program. 

If you'd like to have your yard assessed, e-mail your street address to scott@treefolks.org and our field person will have a look.  If you ask for your yard to be looked at, watch for a yellow or blue order form on the door.  If you've been offered trees and would like more information about your choices click on the species name below.  This year's large-stature tree selections will be Live Oak, Chinquapin Oak and Elm.  The small-stature selections will be Mexican Plum and Texas Mountain Laurel.

To keep up with the latest NeighborWoods, tree and TreeFolks news, register to receive our e-newsletter and/or to receive notice of volunteer opportunities.

The NeighborWoods Project is sponsored by: