Pacific Southwest Research Station

	Home
	About Us
	Contact Us
	Employment
	Newsroom
	Publications & Products

Pacific Southwest
Research Station
800 Buchanan Street
Albany, CA 94710-0011
(510) 883-8830

Research Topics Urban Forestry

PSW Home > Research Topics > Urban Forestry > Value of Urban Forests > Water

Urban Forestry

Urban Tree Monitoring

Products and Publications

Trees play an important role in the water cycle by intercepting rainfall. (Image courtesy of the Arbor Day Foundation)

Water

Urban forests reduce stormwater runoff, thereby slowing the flow of pollutants into streams, lakes and oceans. As a result, water runoff from storms can be more readily absorbed by soil. In most cases, models of hydrological processes in forests cannot be applied to cities.

Forest stands typically consist of fewer species than found in urban forests and trees in cities rarely occur in large groups of trees like those in large tracts of forested land. For this reason, scientists have developed rainfall interception models for single open-grown trees and for trees in urban watersheds.

Study evaluates the performance of two bioswales on urban runoff management

Studies quantify urban trees' ability to intercept rainfall across 40 years

Kendall, Alissa; McPherson, E. Gregory. 2012. A life cycle greenhouse gas inventory of a tree production system. International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment. 17(4): 444-452.
Wua, Chunxia; Xiaoa, Qingfu; McPherson, Gregory E. 2008. A method for locating potential tree-planting sites in urban areas: a case study of Los Angeles, USA. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening. 7(2008): 65–76.
McPherson, E.G. 2008. Trees and the clean air act: Strategic tree planting in Sacramento. Western Arborist. 34(4): 46-47.
Center for Urban Forest Research. 2007. Trees and the Clean Air Act: Strategic tree planting in Sacramento. Davis, CA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station. 2 p.
Pataki, D.E.; Alig, R.J.; Fung, A.S.; Golubiewski, N.E.; Kennedy, A.; McPherson, E.G.; Nowak, D.J.; Pouyat, R.V.; Lankao, P. Romero. 2006. Urban ecosystems and the North American carbon cycle. Global Change Biology. 12: 1-11.
Geiger, J.R. 2006. Trees - The Air Pollution Solution. Davis, CA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station. 4 p.
Geiger, J.R. 2005. Air Pollution Control - The Tree Factor. Davis, CA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station. 8 p.
McPherson, E.G. 2004. Parking lots and ordinance compliance. Western Arborist. 30(4): 30-32.
City of Sacramento Planning Department. 2003. City of Sacramento parking lot tree shading design and maintenance guidelines. Sacramento, CA: City of Sacramento Planning Department. 23 p.
Geiger, J.R. 2002. Where are all the cool parking lots? Davis, CA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station. 4 p.
Simpson, J.R.; McPherson, E.G. 2001. Tree planting to optimize energy and CO₂ benefits. In: Kollin, C. (ed). Investing in natural capital: proceedings of the 2001 national urban forest conference; 2001 September 5-8; Washington, D.C. Washington, D.C.: American Forests: 81-84.
McPherson, E.G.; Simpson, J.R.; Scott, K.I. 2002. Actualizing microclimate and air quality benefits with parking lot tree shade ordinances. Wetter und Leben. 4(98): 353-369.
McPherson, E.G. 2001. Sacramento's parking lot shading ordinance: environmental and economic costs of compliance. Landscape and Urban Planning. 57: 105-123.
Jo, H.-K.; McPherson, E.G. 2001. Indirect carbon reduction by residential vegetation and planting strategies in Chicago, USA. Journal of Environmental Management. 61: 165-177.
Simpson, J.R.; McPherson, E.G. 2000. Effects of urban trees on regional energy use and avoided carbon. In: Preprints, 3rd urban environment symposium; 2000 August 14-18; Davis, CA. Washington, DC: American Meteorological Society: 143-144.
McPherson, E. Gregory; Simpson, James R. 1999. Carbon dioxide reduction through urban forestry: guidelines for professional and volunteer tree planters. Gen. Tech. Rep. PSW-GTR-171. Albany, CA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station. 237 p.
Simpson, J.R.; McPherson E.G. 2000. Energy and air quality improvements through urban tree planting. In: Kollin, C., (ed). Building cities of green: proceedings of the 1999 national urban forest conference; Seattle. Washington, D.C.: American Forests: 110-112.
McPherson, E.G.; Simpson, J.R. 2000. Reducing air pollution through urban forestry. In: Adams, D., (ed). Proceedings of the 48th annual meeting of the California Forest Pest Council; 1999 November 18-19; Sacramento. Sacramento: California Forest Pest Council: 18-21.
Simpson, J.; McPherson, E.G. 1999. Guidelines for evaluating atmospheric carbon dioxide reductions by urban forestry programs. In: Kinsman, J., C. Mathai, M. Baer, E. Holt and M. Trexler, (eds). Global climate change: science, policy, and mitigation/adaptation strategies. VIP-89. Vol II. Sewickley, PA: Air and Waste Management Association: 789-790.
Scott, K.I.; Simpson, J.R.; McPherson, E.G. 1999. Effects of tree cover on parking lot microclimate and vehicle emissions. Journal of Arboriculture. 25(3): 129-142.
Simpson, J.R.; McPherson E.G. 1998. Simulation of tree shade impacts on residential energy use for space conditioning in Sacramento. Atmospheric Environment. 32(1): 69-74.
McPherson, E.G.; Simpson, J.R.; Scott, K.I. 1998. Estimating cost effectiveness of residential yard trees for improving air quality in Sacramento, California, using existing models. Atmospheric Environment. 32(1): 75-84.
Simpson, J.; McPherson, E.G. 1998. A tool for evaluating atmospheric carbon reduction by urban forestry programs. In: Kollin, C. (ed). Cities by nature's design: Proceedings of the 8th national urban forest conference; 1999; Atlanta. Washington, D.C.: American Forests: 58-61.
Scott, K.; Simpson, J.; McPherson, E.G. 1999. Green parking lots: can trees improve air quality? In: McPherson, E.G. and S. Mathis, (eds). Proceedings of the best of the West summit; 1998; San Francisco. Davis, CA: UC Davis College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences: 86-87.
McPherson, E.G.; Simpson, J.R. 1998. Guidelines for tree planting to reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide in Chula Vista, CA. Davis, CA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station. 15 p.
McPherson, E.G. 1998. The impact of shade trees on reducing heat island effect in parking lots. Arid Zone Times. February: 1-2.
Scott, K.I.; Simpson, J.R.; McPherson, E.G. 1998. Green parking lots: can trees improve air quality? California Urban Forests Council Newsletter: CUF Link. Spring: 1-2.
McPherson, E.G.; Simpson, J.R.; Scott, K.I. 1996. BACT analysis: are there cost effective air quality benefits from trees? In: Proceedings of the 9th joint conference on the applications of air pollution meteorology with the Air and Waste Management Association. Boston: American Meteorological Society: 355-359.
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 p.
Jo, H.-K.; McPherson, E.G. 1995. Carbon storage and flux in urban residential greenspace. Journal of Environmental Management. 45: 109-133.
Levitt, D.G.; Simpson, J.R.; Grimmond, C.S.; McPherson, E.G.; Rowntree, R. 1994. Neighborhood-scale temperature variation related to canopy cover differences in Southern California. 11th Conference on Biometeorology and Aerobiology. 7-10 March, 1994, San Diego, California, American Meteorological Society: 349-352.

Young, Robert F.; McPherson, E. Gregory. 2013. Governing metropolitan green infrastructure in the United States. Landscape and Urban Planning. 109(1): 67-75.
Soares, A.L.; Rego, F.C.; McPherson, E.G.; Simpson, J.R.; Peper, P.J.; Xiao, Q. 2011. Benefits and costs of street trees in Lisbon. Urban Forestry and Urban Greening. 10: 69-78.
Fazio, James R., (ed.). 2010. How trees can retain stormwater runoff. Tree City U.S.A. Bulletin No. 55. Nebraska City, NE: Arbor Day Foundation. 8 p.
McPherson, E.G. 2011. Propelling arboriculture into the future. Arborist News. 20(4):40-41.
McPherson, E.G. 2010. Tools for valuing tree and park services. Western Arborist. 36(4): 58-63.
McPherson, E.G.; Simpson, J.R.; Xiao, Q.; Wu, C. 2011. Million trees Los Angeles canopy cover and benefit assessment. Landscape and Urban Planning. 99: 40-50.
McPherson, E.G. 2010. Selecting reference cities for i-Tree Streets. Arboriculture and Urban Forestry. 36(5): 230-240.
Peper, P.J.; McPherson, E.G.; Simpson, J.R.; Xiao, Q. 2009. City of Orlando, Florida municipal forest resource analysis. Davis, CA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station. 65 p.
McPherson, E.G. 2009. Observing urban forests in Australia. Arborist News. 18(4): 18-19.
McPherson, E.G. 2009. Value for Money. Chartered Forester. Winter: 14-15.
McPherson, E.G. 2008. Capturing carbon in your community: New reporting protocol for tree planting projects. Western Arborist. Winter: 1-2.
McPherson, E.G. 2008. Urban forestry and carbon: what the reporting protocol means to you. Arborist News. 17(6): 31-33.
McPherson, E.G. 2008. Urban forests and climate change: Project reporting protocol. Davis, CA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station. 2 p.
McHale, M.R.; McPherson, E.G.; Burke, I.C. 2007. The potential of urban tree plantings to be cost effective in carbon credit markets. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening. 6: 49-60.
Simpson, J.R.; McPherson, E.G. 2007. San Francisco Bay Area State of the Urban Forest final report. Davis, CA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station. 92 p.
Center for Urban Forest Research. 2007. Past, present and future: the urban forest of the San Francisco Bay area. Davis, CA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station. 4 p.
Geiger, J.R.; Gardner, S.L. 2006. Why shade streets? The unexpected benefit. Davis, CA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station. 4 p.
Bloniarz, D.; Maco, S.E.; McPherson, E.G. 2005. iTree: urban forest inventory and analysis. Davis, CA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station.
McPherson, E.G.; Simpson, J.R.; Peper, P.J.; Maco, S.E.; Xiao, Q. 2005. Municipal forest benefits and costs in five U.S. cities. Journal of Forestry. 103(8): 411-416.
Linsen, L.; Karis, B.J.; McPherson, E.G.; Hammann, B. 2005. Tree growth visualization. Davis, CA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station.
McPherson, E.G. 2005. Trees with benefits. American Nurseryman. 201(7): 34-40.
Geiger, J.R. 2004. The large tree argument: the case for large trees vs. small trees. Western Arborist. 30(1): 14-15.
McPherson E.G.; Gonzalez, G.; Monfette, G.; Lorenzen, R. 2004. Street trees of Los Angeles. City Trees. 90(1): 6-12.
Geiger, J.R. 2004. San Francisco trees poised to provide big benefits. Western Arborist. 30(2): 30-31.
Geiger, J.R.; King, C.; Hartel, D. 2004. The large tree argument: the case for large-stature trees vs. small-stature trees. Davis, CA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station. 8 p.
McPherson, E.G. 2004. Benefits of trees: watershed, energy, and air. Arborist News. 13(6): 29-35.
Maco, S.E.; McPherson, E.G. 2003. A practical approach to assessing structure, function, and value of street tree populations in small communities. Journal of Arboriculture. 29(2): 84-97.
McPherson, E.G. 2003. A benefit-cost analysis of ten street tree species in Modesto, California. U.S. Journal of Arboriculture. 29(1): 1-8.
McPherson, E.G. 2003. Urban forestry: benefits and drawbacks of city trees. APWA Reporter: 29-30.
Randrup, T.B.; McPherson, E.G.; Costello, L.R. 2003. A review of tree root conflicts with sidewalks, curbs, and roads. Urban Ecosystems. 5: 209-225.
Geiger, J.R. 2003. Is all your rain going down the drain? Davis, CA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station. 4 p.
McPherson, E.G.; Simpson, J.R. 2003. Potenial energy savings in buildings by an urban tree planting programme in California. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening. 2: 73-86.
McPherson, E.G.; Gonzalez, G.; Monfette, G.; Lorenzen, R. 2003. Expanding street tree canopy cover and repairing sidewalks in the city of Los Angeles. Western Arborist. 29(3): 22-25.
McPherson, E.G. 2003. Urban forestry issues in North America: global implications. Engineering Green, National Urban Forest Conference San Antonio.
Maco S.E.; McPherson, E.G.; Simpson, J.R.; Peper, P.J.; Xiao, Q. 2004. City of San Francisco, California street tree resource analysis. Davis, CA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station. 71 p.
Maco, S.E. 2002. A practical approach to assessing structure, function, and value of street tree populations in small communities. Davis, CA: University of California. M.S. Thesis.
McPherson, E.G.; Simpson, J.R. 2002. A comparison of municipal forest benefits and costs in Modesto and Santa Monica, California, USA. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening. 1(2): 161-74.
Maco, S.E.; McPherson, E.G. 2002. Assessing canopy cover over streets and sidewalks in street tree populations. Journal of Arboriculture. 28(6): 270-276.
McPherson, E.G.; Simpson, J.R.; Peper, P.J.; Xiao, Q. 2001. Benefit-cost analysis of Santa Monica's municipal forest. Davis, CA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station. 44 p.
McPherson, E.G.; Simpson, J.R. 2001. Benefit-cost analysis for LADWP's "Trees for a Green LA" shade tree program. Davis, CA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station. 15 p.
McPherson, E.G. 2001. New advances in quantifying the environmental benefits of trees. In: Kollin, C., (ed). Investing in natural capital: proceedings of the 2001 national urban forest conference; 2001 September 5-8; Washington, D.C. Washington, D.C.: American Forests: 20-22.
McPherson, E.G. 2000. Street tree growth rates and benefit-cost quantification. In: Kollin, C., (ed). Building cities of green: proceedings of the 1999 national urban forest conference; Seattle, Washington. Washington, D.C.: American Forests: 139-142.
McPherson, E.G.; Simpson, J.R.; Peper, P.J.; Xiao Q. 1999. Benefits-cost analysis of Modesto's municipal urban forest. Journal of Arboriculture. 25(5): 235-248.
Salwasser, H.; McPherson, E.G. 1999. Perspectives on research and development needs in urban and community forestry. In: McPherson, E.G.; Mathis, S., (eds). Proceedings of the best of the West summit; 1998; San Francisco. Davis, CA: UC Davis College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences: 66-71.
McPherson, E.G.; Ozonoff, M.; Tamez, S.; Ford, S.; Mathis, S. 1999. Best of the West Summit - Proceedings. Western Arborist. 24(2&3): 31-35.
Rowntree, R.A. 1998. Urban forest ecology: conceptual points of departure. Journal of Arboriculture. 24(2): 61-71.
McPherson, E.G.; Luttinger, N. 1998. From nature to nurture: the history of Sacramento's urban forest. Journal of Arboriculture. 24(2): 72-88.
Summit, J.; McPherson, E.G. 1998. Residential tree planting and care: a study of attitudes and behavior in Sacramento, California. Journal of Arboriculture. 24(2): 89-97.
McPherson, E.G. 1998. Structure and sustainability of Sacramento's urban forest. Journal of Arboriculture. 24(4): 174-190.
McPherson, E.G. 1998. Atmospheric carbon dioxide reduction by Sacramento's urban forest. Journal of Arboriculture. 24(4): 215-223.
Scott, K.I.; McPherson, E.G.; Simpson, J.R. 1998. Air pollutant uptake by Sacramento's urban forest. Journal of Arboriculture. 24(4): 224-234.
Xiao, Q.; McPherson, E.G.; Simpson, J.R.; Ustin, S.L. 1998. Rainfall interception by Sacramento's urban forest. Journal of Arboriculture. 24(4): 235-244.
McPherson, E.G.; Nowak, D.; Heisler, G.; Grimmond, S.; Souch, C.; Grant, R.; Rowntree, R.A. 1997. Quantifying urban forest structure, function, and value: the Chicago urban forest climate project. Urban Ecosystems. 1: 49-61.
Simpson, J.R.; McPherson, E.G. 1996. Estimating urban forest impacts on climate-mediated residential energy use. In: Proceedings of the 12th conference on biometeorology and aerobiology. Boston: American Meteorological Society. 462-465.
McPherson, E.G. 1996. Urban forest landscapes: how greenery saves greenbacks. In: Wagner, C., (ed). 1996. Annual meeting proceedings. Washington, D.C.: American Society of Landscape Architects: 27-29.
McPherson, E.G.; Nowak, D.; Heisler, G.; Grimmond, S.; Souch, C.; Grant, R.; Rowntree, R. 1995. Results of the Chicago urban forest climate project. In: Kollin, C. (ed). Proceedings of the 7th national urban forest conference; 1995 September 12-16; New York. Washington, D.C.: American Forests: 85-88.
McPherson, E.G. 1995. Net benefits of healthy and productive urban forests. In: Bradley, G.A., (ed). Urban forest landscapes: integrating multidisciplinary perspectives. Seattle, WA: University of Washington Press: 180-194.
McPherson, E.G.; Nowak, D.J.; Rowntree, R.A. 1994. Chicago's urban forest ecosystem: results of the Chicago urban forest climate project. Gen. Tech. Rep. NE-186. Radnor, PA: U. S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northeastern Forest Experiment Station. 201 p.
Rowntree, R.A. 1994. Toward ecosystem management: shifts in the core and the context of urban forest ecology. In: Bradley, G.A., (ed). Urban forest landscapes: integrating multidisciplinary perspectives. Seattle, WA: University of Washington Press: 43-59.
McPherson, E.G. 1993. Evaluating the cost effectiveness of shade trees for demand-side management. The Electricity Journal. 6(9): 57-65.
Dwyer, J.F.; McPherson, E.G.; Schroeder, H.W.; Rowntree, R.A. 1992. Assessing the benefits and costs of the urban forest. Journal of Arboriculture. 18(5): 227-234.
McPherson, E.G. 1992. Accounting for benefits and costs of urban greenspace. Landscape and Urban Planning. 22: 41-51.
Rodbell, P.; McPherson, E.G.; Geiger, J.R. 1991. Planting the urban desert. Urban Forest. 11(3): 8-10.
McPherson, E.G.; Biedenbender, S. 1991. The cost of shade: cost-effectiveness of trees versus bus shelters. Journal of Arboriculture. 17(9): 233-242.
Geiger, J.R. 1982. Funding your urban forestry programs using creative financing techniques. In: Proceedings of the second California Symposium on Urban Forestry, Pomona, CA, Jan., 1982. Berkeley, CA: University of California-Berkeley, Cooperative Extension-Forestry: 52-58.
Geiger, J.R. 1982. Utilizing urban tree debris - today and in the future. In: Proceedings of the second National Urban Forestry Conference, Cincinnati, OH, 1982. Washington, DC: American Forest Association: 167-174.
Geiger, J.R. 1980. Wood products: Can the urban forest contribute? In: Proceedings of the National Urban Forestry Conference, Washington, D.C., Nov. 13-16, 1978. Syracuse, NY: State University of New York, College of Environmental Science and Forestry. ESF Publication 80-003. Vol. 1: 205-208.

Aguaron, Elena; McPherson, E. Gregory. 2012. Comparison of methods for estimating carbon dioxide storage by Sacramento's urban forest. In: Lal, R.; Augustin, B.; eds. Carbon sequestration in urban ecosystems. New York, NY: Springer: 43-71. Chapter 3.
McHale, M.R.; Burke, I.C.; Lefsky, M.A.; Peper, P.J.; McPherson, E.G. 2009. Urban forest biomass estimates: is it important to use allometric relationships developed specifically for urban trees? Urban Ecosystems. 12: 95-113.
Rudnick, S.; Linsen, L.; McPherson, E.G. 2007. Inverse modeling and animation of growing single-stemmed trees at interactive rates. Proceedings of the 15th international conference in Central Europe on computer graphics, visualization and computer vision 2007.
Brasch, S.; McPherson, E.G.; Linsen, L. 2007. Visualization of time-varying tree data. Proceedings of the Seventh IASTED International Conference on Visualization, Imaging and Image Processing. Calgary, AB: Acta Press, 129-134.
Linsen, L.; Karis, B.J.; McPherson, E.G.; Hamann, B. 2005. Tree growth visualization. The Journal of WSCG. 13: 81-88.
Xiao, Q.; Ustin, S.L.; McPherson, E.G. 2004. Using AVIRIS data and multiple-masking techniques to map urban forest trees species. International Journal of Remote Sensing. 25(24): 5637-5654.
Peper, P.J.; McPherson, E.G. 2003. Evaluation of four methods for estimating leaf area of isolated trees. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening 2: 19-29.
Peper, P.J.; McPherson, E.G.; Mori, S.M. 2001. Equations for predicting diameter, height, crown width, and leaf area of San Joaquin Valley street trees. Journal of Arboriculture. 27(6): 306-317.
Peper, P.J.; McPherson, E.G.; Mori, S.M. 2001. Predictive equations for dimensions and leaf area of coastal Southern California street trees. Journal of Arboriculture. 27(4): 169-180.
Ustin, S.L.; Xiao, Q.F. 2001. Mapping successional boreal forests in interior central Alaska. International Journal of Remote Sensing. 22(9): 1779-1797.
Xiao, Q.; Ustin, S.; McPherson, E.G.; Peper, P. 1999. Characterization of the structure and species composition of urban trees using high resolution AVIRIS data. In: Green, R.O., (ed). Summaries of the 8th JPL Airborne Earth Science workshop. Pasadena: California Institute of Technology Jet Propulsion Laboratory: 451-460.
Peper, P.J.; McPherson, E.G. 1998. Comparison of five methods for estimating leaf area index of open-grown deciduous trees. Journal of Arboriculture. 24(2): 98-111.
Peper, P.J.; McPherson, E.G. 1998. Comparison of four foliar and woody biomass estimation methods applied to open-grown deciduous trees. Journal of Arboriculture. 24(4): 191-200.
Peper, P.J. 1998. Comparison of root barriers installed at two depths for reduction of White Mulberry roots in the soil surface. In: Watson, G.W.; Neely, D., (eds). The landscape below ground II: proceedings of an international workshop on tree root development in urban soils; 1998; San Francisco. Champaign, IL: International Society of Arboriculture: 82-93.
Pickett, S.T.A.; Burch, W.R., Jr.; Dalton, S.E.; Foresman, T.W.; Grove, J.M.; Rowntree, R.A. 1997. A conceptual framework for the study of human ecosystems in urban areas. Urban Ecosystems. 1: 185-199.
Nowak, D.J.; Rowntree, R.A.; McPherson, E.G.; Sisinni, S.M.; Kerkmann, E.; Stevens, J.C. 1996. Measuring and analyzing urban tree cover. Landscape and Urban Planning. 36: 49-57.
Sacamano, P.L.; McPherson, E.G.; Myhre, J.; Stankovich, M.; Weih, R.C. 1995. Describing urban forest cover: an evaluation of airborne videography. Journal of Forestry. 93: 43-48.
McPherson, E.G.; Rowntree, R.A. 1989. Using structural measures to compare twenty-two U.S. street tree populations. Landscape Journal. 8: 13-23.

Geiger, J.R. 2002. Green plants or power plants? Davis, CA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station. 4p. Research summary.
Simpson, J.R. 2002. Improved estimates of tree shade effects on residential energy use. Energy and Buildings. 34(10): 1067-1076.
Geiger, J.R. 2001. California Energy Study: Frequently Asked Questions. Davis, CA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station. 1p.
McPherson, E.G.; Simpson, J.R. 2001. Effects of California's urban forests on energy use and potential savings from large-scale tree planting. Davis, CA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station.
Geiger, J.R. 2001. Save dollars with shade. Davis, CA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station. 4p. Research summary.
Simpson, J.R. 1998. Urban forest impacts on regional cooling and heating energy use: Sacramento County case study. Journal of Arboriculture. 24(4): 201-214.
Simpson, J.R.; McPherson, E.G. 1997. The effects of roof albedo modification on cooling loads of scale model residences in Tucson, Arizona. Energy and Buildings. 25(2): 127-137.
Simpson, J.R.; McPherson, E.G. 1996. Potential of tree shade for reducing residential energy use in California. Journal of Arboriculture. 22(1): 10-18.
McPherson, E.G.; Simpson, J.R. 1995. Technical potential for shade tree planting in Sacramento County. Davis, CA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station.
McPherson, E.G.; Rowntree, R.A.; Wagar, J.A. 1995. Energy-efficient landscapes. In: Bradley, G.A., (ed). Urban forest landscapes: integrating multidisciplinary perspectives. Seattle: University of Washington Press: 150-160.
McPherson, E.G.; Simpson, J.R. 1995. Shade trees as a demand-side resource. Home Energy, March/April: 11-17.
McPherson, E.G. 1994. Cooling urban heat islands with sustainable landscapes. In: Rutherford, H.P., R.A. Rowntree and P.C. Muick (eds.). The ecological city: preserving and restoring urban biodiversity. Amherst: University of Massachusetts Press: 151-171.
McPherson, E.G., Rowntree, R.A. 1993. Energy conservation potential of urban tree planting. Journal of Arboriculture. 19: 321-331.
McPherson, E. Gregory; Simpson, James R.; Livingston, Margaret. 1989. Effects of three landscape treatments on residential energy and water use in Tucson, Arizona. Energy and Buildings. 13(2): 127-138.

McPherson, E.G.; Muchnick, J. 2005. Effects of street tree shade on asphalt concrete pavement performance. Journal of Arboriculture. 31(6): 303-310.
Dodge, L.; Geiger, J.R. 2003. Tree roots and sidewalk damage. Western Arborist. 29(3): 28-29.
Costello, L.R.; Jones, K.S. 2003. Reducing Infrastructure Damage by Tree Roots - A Compendium of Strategies. For information about ordering this publication contact: Western Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture (WCISA), 235 Hollow Oak Drive, Cohasset, CA 95973 (530) 892-1118.
Costello, L.R.; McPherson, E.G.; Burger, D.W.; Perry, E.J.; Kelly, D. 2002. Strategies to reduce infrastructure damage by tree roots: a symposium for researchers and practitioners. In: Dodge, L., ed. Report of the Elvenia J. Slosson Fund for Ornamental Horticulture, 2000-2001. Davis, CA: UC Davis Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources. 2 p.
Randrup, T.B.; McPherson, E.G.; Costello, L.R. 2001. Tree root intrusion in sewer systems: review of extent and costs. Journal of Infrastructure Systems. 7(1): 26-31.
Randrup, T.B.; McPherson, E.G.; Costello, L.R. 2001. A review of tree root conflicts with sidewalks, curbs, and roads. Urban Ecosystems. 5: 209-225.
McPherson, E.G.; Costello, L.R.; Burger, D.W. 2001. Space wars: can trees win the battle with infrastructure? Arborist News. 10(3): 21-24.
McPherson, E.G. 2000. Expenditures associated with conflicts between street tree root growth and hardscape in California. Journal of Arboriculture. 26(6): 289-297.
McPherson, E.G.; Peper, P.J. 2000. Costs due to conflicts between street tree root growth and hardscape. In: Costello, L.; McPherson, E.G.; Burger, D.W.; Dodge, L., eds. Proceedings of the symposium on strategies to reduce infrastructure damage by tree roots. Cohasset, CA: Western Chapter, International Society of Arboriculture: 15-18.
McPherson, E.G.; Costello, L.R.; Perry, E.; Peper, P.J. 2000. Reducing tree root damage to sidewalks in California communities: a collaborative study. In: Dodge, L., ed. Report of the Elvenia J. Slosson Fund for Ornamental Horticulture, 1998-1999. Davis: UC Davis Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources. 5 p.
Peper, P.J.; Mori, S. 1999. Root barrier and extension effects on Chinese hackberry. Journal of Arboriculture. 25(1): 1-8.
McPherson, E.G.; Lichter, J. 1998. Synopsis of tree root response to circling root barriers. Western Arborist. 25: 40-41.
Peper, P.J. and E.G. McPherson. 1997. Street trees and urban infrastructure: getting at the root of the problem. Arborist News. 6(2): 34-35.
McPherson, E.G.; Peper, P.J. 1996. Costs of street tree damage to infrastructure. Arboricultural Journal. 20: 143-160.
McPherson, E.G.; Peper, P.J. 1996. Infrastructure repair costs associated with street trees in 15 cities. In: Watson, G.W.; Neely, D., eds. Trees and building sites. Savoy, IL: International Society of Arboriculture: 49-63.
Barker, P.A.; Peper, P.J. 1995. Strategies to prevent damage to sidewalks by tree roots. Arboricultural Journal. 19: 295-309.
Barker, P.A. 1995. Managed development of tree roots. II. Ultra-deep rootball and root barrier effects on southwestern black cherry. Journal of Arboriculture. 21(5): 251-259.
Barker, P.A. 1995. Managed development of tree roots. I. Ultra-deep rootball and root barrier effects on European hackberry. Journal of Arboriculture. 21(4): 202-208.
Peper, P.J.; Barker, P.A. 1993. A buyer's guide to root barriers. In: Watson, G. and D. Neely. The landscape below ground; proceedings of an international workshop on tree root development in urban soils; 1993 September 30-October 1. Savoy, IL: International Society of Arboriculture: 186-193.

Griffin, Jason J.; Jacobi, William R.; McPherson, E. Gregory; Sadof, Clifford S.; McKenna, James R.; Gleason, Mark L.; Gauthier, Nicole Ward; Potter, Daniel A.; Smitley, David R.; Adams, Gerard C.; Gould, Ann Brooks; Cash, Christian R.; Walla, James A.; Starrett, Mark C.; Chastagner, Gary; Sibley, Jeff L.; Krischik, Vera A.; Newby, Adam F. 2017. Ten-year performance of the United States national elm trial. Arboriculture & Urban Forestry. 43(3): 108-121.
McPherson, E.G.; Berry, A.M.; van Doorn, N.S.; Downer, J.; Hartin, J.; Haver, D.; Teach, E. 2017. Climate-ready tree study – update for Central Valley communities. Western Arborist. 43: 44-51.
McPherson, E. Gregory; van Doorn, Natalie S.; Teach, E. 2017. Evaluation of six drought tolerant trees 17 years after planting in Northern California. Western Arborist. 43(1): 32-37.
McPherson, E.G.; Berry, A.M. 2015. Climate ready urban trees for Central Valley cities. Western Arborist. 41(1): 58-62.
McPherson, E.G.; Albers, S. 2014. Evaluation of seven drought tolerant tree species for central California. Western Arborist, 40(3): 10-15.

van Doorn, Natalie S.; Roman, Lara A.; McPherson, E. Gregory; Scharenbroch, Bryant C.; Henning, Jason G.; Östberg, Johan P.A.; Mueller, Lee S.; Koeser, Andrew K.; Mills, John R.; Hallet, Richard A.; Sanders, John E.; Battles, John J; Boyer, Debra J.; Fristensky, Jason P.; Mincey, Sarah K.; Peper, Paula J.; Vogt, Jessica M. 2020. Urban tree monitoring: a resource guide. Gen. Tech. Rep. PSW-GTR-266. Albany, CA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station. 132 p.
Roman, Lara A.; van Doorn, Natalie S.; McPherson, E. Gregory; Scharenbroch, Bryant C.; Henning, Jason G.; Östberg, Johan P.A.; Mueller, Lee S.; Koeser, Andrew K.; Mills, John R.; Hallett, Richard A.; Sanders, John E.; Battles, John J.; Boyer, Deborah J.; Fristensky, Jason P.; Mincey, Sarah K.; Peper, Paula J.; Vogt, Jess. 2020. Urban tree monitoring: a field guide. Gen. Tech. Rep. NRS-194. Madison, WI: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station. 48 p. https://doi.org/10.2737/NRS-GTR-194.
McPherson, E. Gregory; Xiao, Qingfu; Aguaron, Elena. 2013. A new approach to quantify and map carbon stored, sequestered and emissions avoided by urban forests. Landscape and Urban Planning. 120: 70-84.
Center for Urban Forest Research. 2007. American elm renaissance. Davis, CA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station.
Center for Urban Forest Research. 2007. Los Angeles One Million Trees Initiative. Davis, CA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station.
Geiger, J.R. 2006. Renaissance of America's Elms. Davis, CA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station.
Harding, J.; McPherson, E.G.; Mezger, S.; Flint, M.L.; Dreistadt, S. 2005. UC Davis is Testing 14 Elm Varieties. CORF News. Fall 2005.
Xiao, Q.; McPherson, E.G. 2005. Tree health mapping with multispectral remote sensing data at UC Davis, California. Urban Ecosystems 8(3-4): 349-361.
Tretheway, R.; Simon, M.; McPherson, E.G.; Mathis, S., eds. 1999. Volunteer-based urban forest inventory and monitoring programs: results from a two-day workshop, Sacramento, 1999. Sacramento: Sacramento Tree Foundation.
McPherson, E.G. 1993. Monitoring urban forest health. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment. 26: 165-174.

Kadota, M.; Kerr, D.; Fites, J.; McPherson, E. G. 2005. Hazardous Fuel Treatment Projects for Community Protection-Shingletown, California. Internal Report CUFR-9. Davis, CA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station. 12 p.
Kadota, M.; Kerr, D.; Fites, J.; McPherson, E. G. 2005. Collaboration on Hazardous Fuel Treatment Projects for Community Protection-Incline Village, Nevada. Internal Report. CUFR-10. Davis, CA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station. 9 p.
Geiger, J.R. 2005. ecoSmart Design Software: a Precision Landscape Evaluation Tool. Davis, CA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station. 1p. Computer model summary.
Evans, D.D.; Rehm, R.G.; Baker, E.S.; McPherson, E.G.; Wallace, J.B. 2004. Physics-based modeling of community fires. In: Proceedings 10th International Fire Science and Engineering Conference (Interflam 2004), 5-7 July 2004, Edinburgh, Scotland. London, UK: Interscience Communications Ltd.
de Jong, L. 2003. Fire hazard assessment of South Lake Tahoe. Fire Management Today. 63(2).
de Jong, L. 2002. Improving Fire Hazard Assessment at the Urban-Wildland Interface: Case Study in South Lake Tahoe, CA. Davis, CA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station.
Geiger, J.R. 2002. Where's the fire? Davis, CA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station. 4p. Research summary.

Xiao, Qingfu; McPherson, E. Greg. 2009. Testing a bioswale to treat and reduce parking lot runoff. Davis, CA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station.
Xiao, Q.; McPherson, G. 2008. Urban runoff pollutants removal of three engineered soils. Davis, CA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station.
Xiao, Q.; McPherson, E.G.; Simpson, J.R.; Ustin, S.L. 2007. Hydrologic processes at the urban residential scale. Hydrological Processes 21: 2174-2188.
Xiao, Q. 2006. Pollutant Removal and Runoff Storage Testing of Three Engineered Soils [Poster]. 2006 CALFED Science Conference, October 23-25, 2006, Sacramento, CA.
Geiger, J.R.; Gardner, S.L. 2006. Green Streets: Storm water management system for paved areas. Davis, CA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station.
Geiger, J.R.; Gardner, S.L. 2006. Oakland Watershed Restoration and Protection Study. Davis, CA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station.
Xiao, Q. 2003. Hydrologic Processes at the Residential Scale [Poster]. 2003 CALFED Science Conference,January 14-16, 2003, Sacramento, CA.
Xiao, Q.; McPherson, E.G. 2003. Rainfall interception by Santa Monica's municipal urban forest. Urban Ecosystems. 6(4): 291-302.
Xiao, Q.; McPherson, E.G.; Ustin, S.L.; Grismer, M.E.; Simpson, J.R. 2000. Winter rainfall interception by two mature open grown trees in Davis, CA. Hydrological Processes. 14(4): 763-784.
Xiao, Q.; McPherson, E.G.; Ustin, S.L.; Grismer, M.E. 2000. A new approach to modeling tree rainfall interception. Journal of Geophysical Research. 105(D23): 29,173-29,188.
Xiao, Q.; McPherson, E.G.; Ustin, S.L.; Grismer, M.E.; Simpson, J.R. 1997. A new rainfall interception measuring system. Presented at American Geophysical Union (AGU) meeting, Fall 1997.