The key lies in a process known as transpiration. Trees absorb water through their roots and transport it upward through vessels in the trunk and branches until it reaches the leaves. There, the water evaporates through tiny pores on the underside of the leaves. This process not only helps regulate the tree’s internal moisture and temperature but also cools the air around it. As the water turns to vapor, it draws in heat from the surroundings, making the shade beneath the tree refreshingly cool. On a hot summer day, a large tree can release up to 200 liters of water per hour through transpiration.
To release that much moisture, trees must constantly draw in water, keeping their leaves full and vibrant. Without yielding to the heat or seeking refuge from it, trees stand strong, overcoming the summer sun in their own steadfast way.
13