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Vegetation Structure and Distribution Across Scales in a Large Metropolitan Area: Case Study of Austin MSA, Texas, USA

Author

Listed:
  • Raihan Jamil

    (Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX 78666, USA)

  • Jason P. Julian

    (Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX 78666, USA)

  • Meredith K. Steele

    (School of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA)

Abstract

The spatial distribution of vegetation across metropolitan areas is important for wildlife habitat, air quality, heat mitigation, recreation, and other ecosystem services. This study investigated relationships between vegetation patterns and parcel characteristics at multiple scales of the Austin Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), a rapidly growing region in central Texas characterized by diverse biophysical and socioeconomic landscapes. We used LiDAR data to map vegetation types and distributions across a 6000 km 2 study area. Principal component analysis (PCA) and regression models were employed to explore tree, shrub, and grass cover across parcels, cities, and the MSA, considering home value, age, size, and distance to the city center. At the MSA scale, tree and shrub cover were higher in the Edwards Plateau than in the Blackland Prairie ecoregion. Tree cover increased with parcel size and home value, especially in suburban areas. Older parcels had more mature trees, though less so in the grass-dominated Blackland Prairie. Shrub cover was higher on larger parcels in the Edwards Plateau, while the Blackland Prairie showed the opposite trend. PCA explained 60% of the variance, highlighting links between vegetation and urban development. Our findings reveal how biophysical and socioeconomic factors interact to shape vegetation, offering considerations for land use, housing, and green infrastructure planning.

Suggested Citation

  • Raihan Jamil & Jason P. Julian & Meredith K. Steele, 2025. "Vegetation Structure and Distribution Across Scales in a Large Metropolitan Area: Case Study of Austin MSA, Texas, USA," Geographies, MDPI, vol. 5(1), pages 1-22, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jgeogr:v:5:y:2025:i:1:p:11-:d:1604182
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Virginia Harris & Dave Kendal & Amy K. Hahs & Caragh G. Threlfall, 2018. "Green space context and vegetation complexity shape people’s preferences for urban public parks and residential gardens," Landscape Research, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 43(1), pages 150-162, January.
    2. Sandifer, Paul A. & Sutton-Grier, Ariana E. & Ward, Bethney P., 2015. "Exploring connections among nature, biodiversity, ecosystem services, and human health and well-being: Opportunities to enhance health and biodiversity conservation," Ecosystem Services, Elsevier, vol. 12(C), pages 1-15.
    3. Raihan Jamil & Jason P. Julian & Jennifer L. R. Jensen & Kimberly M. Meitzen, 2024. "Urban Green Infrastructure Connectivity: The Role of Private Semi-Natural Areas," Land, MDPI, vol. 13(8), pages 1-25, August.
    4. Julie Brunner & Paul Cozens, 2013. "'Where Have All the Trees Gone?' Urban Consolidation and the Demise of Urban Vegetation: A Case Study from Western Australia," Planning Practice & Research, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 28(2), pages 231-255, April.
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