Landscape Design for Improved Thermal Environment: An Optimized Tree Arrangement Design for Climate-Responsive Outdoor Spaces in Residential Buildings Complexes

•Decomposing radiation method is used to evaluate the spatial distribution of MRT.•Climate-responsive tree layout for residential buildings complexes is optimized.•Multi-objective evolutionary algorithm generates cost-effective design plans.•The optimized plans could reduce the mean MRT by 1.24°C at 1 PM.•Landscape designers can create customized planting designs for heat reduction.