Vegetation can influence microclimate in a number of ways. One is when a sharp vertical border is created that exerts a shielding effect on the adjacent horizontal surface. In this case direction of exposure becomes a prime control of the microclimate.This study investigated the differences in energy balance microclimate in the vicinity of forest edges oriented in the four cardinal directions. The gradient outward from the southerly exposure was also examined. A clearing in a uniform forest stand was utilized as the study site.Exposure to direct beam solar radiation was the most important factor in determining climatic differences. Reflection from an exposed forest edge outweighed the depletion of diffuse sky radiation and gave stations nearer the edge higher totals of global solar radiation. This was counteracted by a higher surface albedo. A more favorable longwave radiation balance, therefore, was largely responsible for greater net radiation near the forest edge.Availability of surface moisture provided by dew and the turbulent wind field combined with net radiation to produce the patterns of latent and sensible heat flux. Diminished vertical humidity and temperature gradients accompanying reduced wind meant that latent and sensible heat fluxes were lower and ground storage higher in the vicinity of the forest edge. The warmest thermal environments were found on the north and east side of the clearing. The shaded south side remained cool and damp throughout the day. The microclimate of the western side of the clearing was intermediate in nature.