Position Title
In Memoriam
Professor Emeritus of Environmental Horticulture, Department Chair
1920-2012
RICHARD W. HARRIS
Birth: July 26, 1920, Fresno, California
Death: September 16, 2012, Davis, California
Education
- B.S., Agriculture Education, UC Davis, 1942
- M.S., Horticulture, UC Davis, 1947
- Ph.D., Pomology, Cornell University, 1950
Military Service
- U.S. Navy, PT Boat 106, South Pacific (World War II)
Employment
- UC Davis, 1950-1987
- Assistant Professor, Department of Pomology (1950-1958)
- Chair, Department of Landscape Horticulture/Environmental Horticulture (1958-1965; 1978-1983)
- Director, Parks and Recreation Administrators Institute (1960-1984)
- Administrator, UC Davis Arboretum
Honors, Awards and Professional Societies
- UC Davis Distinguished Teaching Award (1973)
- Award of Distinction, UC Davis College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (1991)
- Arborist of the Year, Western Chapter, International Society of Arboriculture (1994)
- President, International Society of Arboriculture (1986-1987)
- Author’s Citation renamed the Richard W. Harris Author’s Citation (International Society of Arboriculture)
- Western Chapter ISA Award for Excellence in Education named in his honor (2003)
Research Contributions and Impact
Richard Harris was a transformative figure in arboriculture and environmental horticulture. His research addressed critical challenges in urban tree care, including the causes of girdling roots, the effects of nursery practices on tree structure, and the development of better staking and root management techniques for young trees.
His groundbreaking work on the controlled movement of plant tops to enhance trunk strength influenced nursery production and urban forestry practices nationwide. Harris also contributed research on flood tolerance in native oaks, tree failure analysis, and methods for direct seeding of freeway plantings in arid climates.
Beyond technical contributions, Harris was instrumental in creating the Tree Failure Report Program—a collaborative effort with Drs. Berrul, Berry and Costello, who built on earlier Forest Service work to systematically document and analyze tree failures. The California Tree Failure Report Program (CTFRP) has evolved into a vital database used today to inform urban tree risk assessment and management practices.
Publications and Scholarly Leadership
- Arboriculture: Management of Trees, Shrubs, and Vines in the Landscape (First published 1983; comprehensive guide offering a strong scientific and technical foundation for arboriculture training and practice)
- Contributor to Ortho and Sunset publications on tree care
- Co-author of revisions to the Guide for Plant Appraisal, International Society of Arboriculture
- Over 100 articles in scientific and professional publications
His textbook Arboriculture remains the foundational reference for arborists and landscape managers worldwide, shaping academic curricula and professional certification standards for decades.
Teaching and Mentorship
Harris was renowned for his dedication to teaching. He pioneered a personalized system of instruction for his arboriculture courses, enabling students to learn at their own pace with the support of their peers. His practical and supportive approach had a lasting impact on students, many of whom went on to become leaders in arboriculture, landscape horticulture, and park management.
He also developed and directed the Parks and Recreation Administrators Institute, training generations of park and landscape managers across California.
Collaboration and Community
Harris’s service extended far beyond campus. He served on the Davis Street Tree Committee (1958-1969) and the Davis Recreation and Parks Commission (1964-1971), and contributed his time to organizations such as the International House and Davis Community Church. Along with his wife, Vera, he co-chaired a major building project for the church and contributed illustrations for his publications.
A devoted family man, Harris also led landscape tours internationally and maintained strong ties to the Davis community through volunteer work and mentoring.
Legacy
Richard W. Harris is remembered as a pioneering arboriculturist, gifted teacher, and compassionate community member. His textbook Arboriculture remains a foundational reference worldwide, and the scholarships and awards named in his honor continue to support and inspire future generations of horticulturists and urban foresters.