Urban Forest
Research
New Research Findings
Green Plants or Power Plants?
A case for planting more trees
A new study at the Center for
Urban Forest Research examined
the shading effect California’s
community forests have on the
state’s energy consumption. The
results show that energy savings
would be substantial and fewer
power plants would have to be built
if citizens planted 50 million shade
trees in strategic energy-saving
locations (see map).
If you live in another state, your
savings will depend on the number
of planting sites available and your
climate. Despite these differences
between states, the findings have
implications for all of us as we
struggle to cope with increasing
demand and higher energy prices.
Are trees really the
answer?
The response to the recent
energy crisis in California by most
utilities and the state has been to
focus on immediate solutions to
peak load demand, such as power
plants, and discontinue investments
in shade tree programs, a somewhat
surprising move.
Dr. Greg McPherson and Dr. Jim
Simpson, Center for Urban Forest
Research, conducted the new energy
research. They understand the
October 2001
Center for Urban Forest Research • Pacific Southwest Research Station • USDA Forest Service
Climate Zones and County Boundaries
dilemma facing utilities and the
state, and agree that more new trees
will not affect the peak load demand
in the near future.
“It will take about 5–15 years for
trees to fully contribute to the ener-
gy conservation process. However, if
we don’t continue investing in
energy conserving trees, they will
not be available in 15 years when
the demand for energy will be even
Energy savings could be substantial if
greater,” says Dr. McPherson. citizens planted 50 million shade trees in
strategic energy-saving locations.
Can shade trees replace
power plants? is a blend of conservation measures
“If we look at the solutions to the and more power plants, especially as
energy crisis, power plants are not California’s population continues to
the total answer,” says Dr. grow.”
McPherson. “Somewhere in between (continued on next page)
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University of California Hayward, CA
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Davis, CA 95616-8587
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2

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

Urban Forest Research October 2001

 Fact Sheet #2: Save Dollars With Shade

Just Plant Trees

Imagine a solution to rising energy bills as simple as planting a tree. We’ve all
grown up with trees, climbed in them, and probably even planted a few. But
how many of us know that they significantly contribute to cooling our homes,
businesses, and communities?

General Tree Planting Recommendations:

Plant shade trees on the west and northwest sides of homes (west and south- Locate trees to shade west and east
windows and walls.
west sides in northern climates) to provide the greatest energy benefit. Plant
deciduous trees on the east side of homes to provide the next greatest energy
benefit.

Avoid planting trees in front of south windows.

More than half of a

Locate trees so, when mature, they will not shade solar collectors.
building’s heat gain

Plant evergreen trees as windbreaks. Check with your state urban forester or
local tree professional for site-specific information. in summer/winter

Use shade trees to make paved driveways and patios cooler and more comes from sunlight
comfortable.
shining through

Shade your air conditioner to reduce its energy use, but do not plant vegetation
so close that it will obstruct air flow around the unit.
windows.

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.

 Envision your communities future with trees

 Create a tree advocacy group
 Develop a tree planting plan
 Set goals and priorities
 Recruit, mobilize and recognize volunteers
 Provide timely, hands-on training and technical assistance
 Develop list of recommended trees
 Obtain high quality nursery stock
 Commit to long term care and maintenance
Visit our
 Educate the public website at
 Continually evaluate your progress
http://cufr.ucdavis.edu

Urban Forest Research October 2001


Trees for a Green LA
Program Provides Energy Savings Plus…
Shade trees lower energy costs by
up to 20%—great news to everyone
in these times of energy crisis and
especially good news to utility
companies. Now the LA Department
of Water and Power (DWP) is taking
the tree/savings connection to the
streets with its new program, Trees
for a Green LA.
Over the next 30 months, Trees
for a Green LA plans to plant
200,000 new trees throughout the
city of Los Angeles. The program will
provide 198,000+ trees for residen-
tial and new construction, 2,000+
trees for public spaces and special
projects, and up to 1,500 trees to
replace high-risk trees under power
lines. And this will all be accom-
plished at a surprisingly low cost of
$37.50 per tree (excluding removal/
replacement of trees under power
lines).
The Trees for a Green LA plan
involves partnerships with other
local organizations. The Los Angeles
Conservation Corps will be the con-
tractor for the program. Corps mem-
bers will work with local nurseries to
grow quality trees and will manage
three staging areas to distribute trees
to community members. Most of the
trees to be planted are five-gallon
trees, which are less expensive and
easier to transport, handle, and plant
than larger trees.
Local community-based organi-
zations and schools will subcontract
to deliver workshops to educate
community members about proper
tree placement and energy savings
potential. These organizations will
earn money for their participation.
Program developers did quite a
bit of homework before designing
this program. They studied other
successful tree planting programs,
such as Sacramento Municipal
October 2001
Utility District’s Shade Tree Program
and Anaheim’s TreePower Program,
aspects of which were modified and
integrated into the final Green LA
plan.
Organizers also went to the
Center for Urban Forest Research to
get some hard numbers on the
benefits of their proposed program.
The benefit-cost analysis, based on
DWP’s operations, found a benefit-
cost ratio of 1.40 (which means a
$1.40 return on every $1.00
invested) for energy conservation
benefits alone. The trees planted
under Trees for a Green LA are
expected to reduce energy use by
485 GWh over 30 years. The average
annual savings is 16,172 MWh/year
or 81 KWh/tree.
While it is obvious that energy
benefits alone would completely
justify this program, when other
environmental and social benefits
are taken into account, the benefit-
cost ratio goes way up, increasing to
17.5 ($17.50 per $1.00 spent)!
These additional benefits include:

Air Quality—Trees for a Green LA
is estimated to reduce nitrogen
dioxide (NO2) by 5,204 tons, ozone
by 1,906 tons, particulate matter
(PM10) by 1,869 tons, sulfur dioxide
3
(SO2) by 460 tons, and carbon
monoxide (CO) by 101 tons.

Carbon dioxide sequestration—
By sequestering carbon dioxide,
trees help lower the rate of global
warming. Atmospheric carbon
dioxide reduction is expected to
total 870,282 tons.

Stormwater management—By
trapping and holding up to 50
gallons of water each, trees reduce
the stormwater runoff that causes
flooding and pollution during the
rainy season.

Aesthetic beauty

Increased property values
In addition, there are other less
tangible benefits of this program,
including employment and job
training for approximately 100
young people from the Los Angeles
Conservation Corps, cost savings to
DWP related to tree replacement,
improved reliability of electric
service, reduced power outages, and
goodwill.
For more information about
Trees for a Green LA, call the DWP
Customer Call Center at 1-800-
GreenLA. For more on benefit-cost
analysis, contact the Center for
Urban Forest Research.
Urban Forest Research
4

New Research Project NOTE: We’ve changed our name!

We are pleased to
announce a new research
project: For the first time we
will be conducting our
research in the wildland/
urban interface.
We’ve known for years
that the landscapes people
create and manage around
their homes influence the
susceptibility of their
residences to wildfire.
However, little research on
“firewise” landscapes has
taken into consideration the
vegetation characteristics that
homeowners may consider most
important—such as beauty, shade,
privacy, and wildlife habitat.
Dr. Lisa Mabli of our Center is
developing a set of alternative
landscape designs that will enable
homeowners to meet their personal
needs at the same time that they
increase fire safety. The focus of this
research is the identification of
optimum forest structure for
wildland/urban interface areas. One
of the end products of this study will
be a web-based computerized
decision tool that can evaluate costs
and risks associated with alternative
landscape prescriptions.
Welcome aboard
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Name ___________________________________________________________________
The tool will:

Help to objectively evaluate the
fire risk associated with landscapes
of single-family homes.

Enable a quick assessment of the
positive and negative impacts of
landscape maintenance practices.

Allow homeowners to customize
alternative landscape prescriptions
to reflect preferences for vegetation
species and placement.
Research partners include: the
Natural Resource Conservation
Service, National Institute for
Standards and Technology,
Earthview Computing, and
University of California at Berkeley
Forest Products Laboratory.
We are no longer the Western
Center…we are now the
Center for Urban Forest Research.
Schedule of Upcoming
Presentations
OCTOBER 21-24
“Strategies to Reduce
Infrastructure Damage by Tree
Roots” by Greg McPherson. Urban
Forestry on the Prairie—A Part of
the City’s Infrastructure
Conference in Fargo, ND.
NOVEMBER 15
“Urban Forest Research and
Development: A West-wide
Perspective” by Greg McPherson.
Oregon Urban and Community
Forestry Research and Development
Forum in Corvallis, OR.
“Urban Forestry—Forestry's Final
Frontier” by Greg McPherson.
Starker Lecture Series, College of
Forestry, Oregon State University in
Corvallis, OR.
DECEMBER 5
“The Role of Research in Urban and
Community Forestry” by Greg
McPherson. UC Davis, Geography
200, Research Trends.

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information and
Comments or suggestions? __________________________________________________ articles can be found
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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/

Urban Forest Research October 2001