Analysis of the trees at California State University, Northridge

The purpose of this study is to investigate the environmental suitability of the trees at California State University, Northridge by analyzing their water use and native climate, together with other considerations such as whether they are native to the South Coast bioregion. Using a geographic information systems (GIS) analysis of all the trees on campus, a table of their frequency was compiled. Using these data, their native habitats were mapped and used to investigate their mean annual rainfall amounts relative to Northridge as well as how much warmer or cooler their mean annual temperatures are than Northridge. In addition, other important factors, such as biogenic volatile organic compound (BVOC) emissions, whether the trees provide shade, and whether they are native to this region, were investigated. Using all of these factors, trees were rated according to how beneficial they are for campus using three scales. The trees tended to be rated as moderately suitable in all three rating scales.