Lush

Deep within a temperate rainforest lies an idyllic waterfall bordered by dense ferns, mosses and eucalypts providing a cooler refuge on a hot summers day. But why does it always feel cooler around trees. Trees and vegetation cool the surrounding air by 2 methods: 1) intercepting sunlight (providing shade) and 2) transpiration cooling. Trees will absorb water through their roots and transport it to their leaves for photosynthesis to take place. A large portion of the water which reaches the leaves is lost as water vapour when the stomata open and close to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide. This release of water vapour lowers the surrounding air temperature producing the cooling effect.