When determining the "Area shaded by plant canopy", do you count the entire tree canopy area, or only the area of hardscape that overlaps with the 10-yr tree canopy? I've received conflicting info and the RG is not helpful.

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Summer Minchew

Managing Partner

Ecoimpact Consulting

LEEDuser Expert

171 thumbs up

Tue, 05/13/2025 - 14:23

For heat island reduction, you count only the area of hardscape that the 10-year tree canopy covers (within the LEED project boundary). The Reference Guide states, "Use the existing plant material or install plants that provide shade over paving areas (including playgrounds) on the site within 10 years of planting."

Erica Downs

Sustainability Consultant

The Green Engineer

LEEDuser Premium Member

7 thumbs up

Wed, 05/14/2025 - 14:58

Ok, that is how I interpreted it as well. Thank you for confirming!

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Determining area of tree canopy shading for calculations

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