Trees Planted at Patrick Henry Help Cool Parking Lot and Combat Heat Islands

By The Alexandria Beautification Commission

Alexandria, VA – At Patrick Henry Elementary School and Recreation Center, sustainability efforts are taking root in a very real way. A series of newly planted trees around the school’s parking lot are already making a difference by reducing the heat island effect that often comes with large paved areas.

Heat islands occur when concrete and asphalt surfaces absorb and hold heat, making nearby areas 10 to 20 degrees hotter than their surroundings. This can lead to more energy use, lower air quality, and uncomfortable conditions for students, staff, and visitors.

To address this, Patrick Henry implemented a greening initiative that included planting a variety of native trees along the parking lot perimeter and in medians between rows of parked c