Pacific Southwest Research Station

Pacific Southwest Research Station
800 Buchanan Street
West Annex Building
Albany, CA 94710-0011

(510) 559-6300

Urban Ecosystems and Social Dynamics

Urban Ecosystems and Processes

Impacts of Shade Trees in Parking Lots in Davis, CA

Summary

Color infrared photographs were analyzed using ERDAS image-processing software to measure the extent of shade produced by trees in five commercial parking lots in Davis, California. ARC-Info GIS was used to create an overlay showing the locations and sizes of mature trees as designed. Field surveys provided additional information on tree numbers, species, size, and health, as well as management practices.

Years of Research:  1995-1996

Funded by:  USDA Forest Service

Cooperators:  UC Davis Department of Landscape Architecture

Products / Publications:

1. McPherson, E.G., J.R. Simpson and K.I. Scott. 2001. Actualizing microclimate and air quality benefits with parking lot tree shade ordinances. Wetter und Leben. 4(98) :353-369 - View Document [133.13 KB]

2. Wong, T.W. 1996. Parking lot shade study: a critical examination of Davis parking lot tree shade. Senior thesis project. Davis, CA. University of California and USDA Forest Service, Western Center for Urban Forest Research :75 - View Document [8.36 MB]