Root-zone Temperature Monitored at Urban Sites

Abstract

Root-zone temperature (RZT) of 15 landscape planting sites in a metropolitan area was monitored from 13 June to 5 Sept. 1985. RZT was highest at urban sites associated with city surface materials, such as asphalt and concrete. The RZT was significantly lower at suburban and woodland sites. Temperature was uniform throughout the root zone at sites along urban streets; it decreased with increasing depth at all other sites. High temperature extremes may contribute to the decline of landscape plants at urban sites.