August 11th

By Mutt Mulligan

The “Heat Island” Effect

Turfgrass lessens the “heat island” effect, especially in urban areas.

Urban areas generally have higher temperatures than surrounding rural areas, well known as the urban “heat island” effect.  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that “the annual mean air temperature of a city with 1 million people or more can be 1.8–5.4°F (1–3°C) warmer than its surroundings. In the evening, the difference can be as high as 22°F (12°C).”