Nature & city life · 5-minute lesson

Can trees cool a city?

Find out why a tree can be more than a pretty part of a street.

Beginner · A1–A2

📅 September 05, 2026 [1 day, 0 hours old] - Can trees cool a city?

Find out why a tree can be more than a pretty part of a street.

A lush, tree-filled urban park surrounded by city buildings. — An urban park illustrates the green space discussed in this lesson. Photo: Leo_Visions / Unsplash.

Read the story

Trees can help cool a city. Their leaves give people shade on hot days. Trees also release water into the air, and this helps cool it. A tree near a building can reduce the need for air conditioning. People need to choose trees that suit the local climate. Young trees need care after people plant them.

Words and grammar

1. shade (noun): a place where something blocks direct sunlight
2. reduce (verb): to make something smaller or less
3. climate (noun): the usual weather in a place over many years

Grammar Focus: Can + verb
Use can with the basic form of a verb to describe what is possible.
Example from the text: "Trees can help cool a city."

Source: US Environmental Protection Agency: trees and city heat ↗

0 of 5 questions answered

Check your understanding

Click on an option to check your answer.

1. How can leaves help people on hot days?

2. What do trees release into the air?

3. What does reduce mean?

4. Which tree should people choose?

5. Which sentence uses can correctly?

Share your ideas

Describe a place with trees near your home.
Where could your town use more shade? Explain your choice.

Try using two words from the story. You can speak to a partner or practice on your own.

Your ideas (optional)