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The research findings show Cost Effectiveness of Tree Planting by Region the mid-central valley and
that existing trees in California inland empire regions,
already play a significant role indicating that these regions
in conserving energy. There have the greatest opportunity
are approximately 177 million for new trees.
trees in energy conserving The present value of benefits
locations. Most of them are per new tree ranges from $5 in
around homes where the mountains to $146 in the
substantial energy savings are south-central valley (see figure
the greatest. As a result: to left). Therefore, to be cost-
California utilities already effective, shade tree program
save $500 million annually in costs must be less than these
wholesale electricity purchases amounts. Assuming program
or generation costs. costs of $50/tree planted,
Maximum amount that can be spent per tree planted for
Customers already save programs to be cost effective. potentially cost-effective
about $1 billion in retail programs are in the inland
expenses for air conditioning. plants that are not needed— empire, central valley, and desert
Peak load demand is reduced by equivalent to power for 1.4 million zones.
about 10%. homes and 3.5 million people.
The energy savings from these California utilities will save an It’s a long term solution
177 million trees are equivalent to additional $462 million annually in “We’ll still need power plants, but
7.3 100 MW power plants. wholesale electricity purchases or we won’t need as many” says Dr.
Plus, these trees provide a host of generation costs. McPherson. “Shade tree programs
other benefits that make them an Residents will save an additional can be a very cost-effective measure
invaluable component of every $1 billion annually in retail energy for conserving energy, especially
communities’ green infrastructure. costs for air conditioning over what peak load demand. Strategically
Dr. McPherson points out that “since they currently save from existing locating trees to shade west walls
up-front costs to establish these trees. and windows in climate regions
trees have already been made, keep- Peak load demand will be reduced where the benefits are highest will
ing these trees healthy and function- by another 9% over the reductions save energy dollars and postpone, if
al is one of the best investments already provided by existing trees, not eliminate, the need for some
communities can make.” for a total of 19%. power plants. Although shade trees
do not curtail peak loads immedi-
What more trees can do It’s not as simple as just ately, they do promise reductions
There are approximately 242 planting trees that will increase as trees grow
million empty planting sites in Since the 50 million trees repre- larger. Planting trees now for future
California. All of these sites have sent only 21% of the potential plant- peak load reduction and improved
energy saving potential. If ing sites, it is critical for Californians air quality and climate is a sensible
Californians establish 50 million to select sites with the greatest way to lessen the impact of a
more trees in strategic locations on potential of conserving energy. growing population on limited
the east and west side of residential Energy saving potential from tree energy resources and quality of life.”
buildings, in 15 years the annual planting is greatest in climate
energy savings will be 6,100 GW. regions with the hottest summers
What does this mean to us: and the greatest need to use air Urban Forest Research
At least 7.0 100 MW power plants conditioners: deserts, inland empire,
is a publication of the Center
for Urban Forest Research,
will not have to be built, almost central valley, and south valleys. Pacific Southwest Research
doubling (14.3) the number of power Climate regions with the greatest Station, USDA Forest Service. For more
number of empty planting sites are information, contact the Center at the
Department of Environmental
the south valleys, mid-central valley, Horticulture, University of California,
A complete copy of this report can central coast, and inland empire. 1 Shields Ave, Suite 1103, Davis, CA
be downloaded from our website Together, these four regions account 95616-8587. (530) 752-7636
at http://cufr.ucdavis.edu. for two-thirds of all empty sites. Editor: Laurie Litman, InfoWright
Plus, saturation of sites is lowest in
Plant appropriate trees near overhead power lines, and do not plant directly
above underground water and sewer lines.
Be sure to pick the right tree and right location. Check with your local tree
professional for advice on selecting appropriate species and properly locating,
planting, and maintaining them. Trees Conserve
Energy By:
Shading, which reduces the
amount of radiant energy
absorbed and stored by built
surfaces.
Evapotranspiration, which
converts liquid water in leaves to
vapor, thereby cooling the air.
Reducing the velocity of wind,
which slows the infiltration of
outside air into inside spaces.
Different trees have different planting locations.
October 2001 Urban Forest Research
References: Save Dollars With Shade
For more information on the benefit/cost of the urban forest, refer to the following
publications, written by Center researchers and associates:
McPherson, E. Gregory; Simpson, Benefit-cost analysis of Modesto’s Simpson, James R.; McPherson, E.
James R. 1995. Shade trees as a municipal urban forest. Journal of Gregory 1998. Simulation of tree
demand side resource. Home Arboriculture 25(5): 235–248. shade impacts on residential
Energy 12: 11–17. energy use for space conditioning
McPherson, E. Gregory. 1993. in Sacramento. Atmospheric
McPherson, E. Gregory. 1996. Evaluating the cost effectiveness Environment: Urban Atmospheres
Urban forest landscapes, how of shade trees for demand side 32: 69–74.
greenery saves greenbacks. In: management. The Electricity
Wagner, C., ed. Annual Meeting Journal 6(9): 57–65. Simpson, James R.; McPherson, E.
Proceedings, American Society of Gregory. 1996. Potential of tree
Landscape Architects. Washington, Scott, Klaus; Simpson, James R.; shade for reducing residential
DC.: 27–29. McPherson, E. Gregory. 1999. energy use in California. Journal
Effects of tree cover on parking Arboriculture 22: 10–18.
McPherson, E. Gregory; Simpson, lot microclimate and vehicle
James R.; Peper, P.J.; Xiao, Q.; emissions. Journal Arboriculture McPherson, E. Gregory; Simpson,
Pettinger, D.R.; Hodel, D.R. 2001. 25: 129–141. James R. 1995. Technical
Tree guidelines for Inland Empire potential for shade tree planting
communities. Local Government Simpson, James R. 1998. Urban in Sacramento County. Davis, CA:
Commission: Sacramento, CA.; forest impacts on regional Western Center for Urban Forest
92 p. cooling and heating energy use: Research; 79 p.
Sacramento County case study.
McPherson, E. Gregory; Simpson, Journal Arboriculture 24: 201–214. McPherson, E. Gregory; Simpson,
James R.; Peper, P.J.; Xiao, Q. 1999. James R. 1999. Carbon dioxide
reduction through urban forestry:
Guidelines for professional and
volunteer tree planters. Gen.
Checklist for designing a tree planting program Tech. Rep. PSW-GTR-171. Albany,
CA: Pacific Southwest Research
Your whole community needs energy-conserving trees. If you would like Station, Forest Service, U.S.
Department of Agriculture; 237 p.
to organize a community-wide tree planting program, use this checklist.
Organization _____________________________________________________________
Urban forestry
Address _________________________________________________________________ resources,
City _______________________________ State ____________ Zip ________________
Send to Center for Urban Forest Research, Pacific Southwest Research Station, USDA
at our website
Forest Service, c/o Department of Environmental Horticulture, University of California,
1 Shields Avenue, Suite 1103, Davis, CA 95616-8587. http://cufr.ucdavis.edu/