Floods can occur anywhere, but urban areas experience increased frequency and severity of flooding events. This is a result of the high percentage of impervious surfaces, such as pavement and roofs, which force water to “run” rather than soak into …
How do I prevent my trees from causing problems for my neighbors?
When you plant a tree in your yard, think about all of the ways it will affect your neighbors. Will it shade their garden? Will it push on fences? Will it shade their solar collectors? Of course to assess this, …
Can trees negatively affect energy consumption for heating and cooling?
Trees too close to your home can produce unwanted shade that will decrease sunlight, prevent ice from melting on pavements, and increase heating costs during the winter. To combat these issues, plant deciduous trees that lose their leaves and allow …
What is the minimum number of trees needed in my landscape to provide energy conservation benefits?
Each yard is unique in its orientation to the summer sun, winter winds and spaces available for planting trees. In some situations, your neighbor’s trees may be providing your property with shade, cooling effects or blocking cold winds. In this …
Could I grow enough trees in my yard to absorb all the carbon dioxide my lifestyle generates?
Unless you have a very large yard, measured in acres of land, it is unlikely that you could offset your carbon footprint by planting trees. However, trees do absorb CO2, so planting trees in any size yard can help offset …
Should I fertilize my trees?
Fertilization can often benefit trees, but not always. Fertilizers should only be applied following a soil test to determine which, if any, nutrients are lacking. The soil test, along with ANSI A300 (Part 2), will provide you with the …
How do trees "heal" after they have been wounded?
Trees and woody plants don’t heal. A healed wound has had the tissue repaired or replaced, which would be evidenced by a scab or scar on skin. Trees are not capable of replacing or repairing damaged tissue, but instead, they …
Can more trees and shrubs in urban areas increase crime by giving criminals a place to hide?
Many people fear approaching densely vegetated areas around urban parks or in parking lots at night, or share a perception that trees and shrubs might give criminals a hiding spot.
Kuo and Sullivan (2001) examined evidence from past research and …
Trees take a long time to become established. How can I know the future or "feel good" about what I do now?
…“Tree time” is slower than most of us have the patience for, yet if you’ve enjoyed the cool shade, beautiful fall color, or wind-breaking gift of a tree, you most likely have someone else to thank. Consider this when taking
How do I plant a windbreak?
A windbreak can provide protection from winter winds and help conserve energy through reduced heating costs.
Block prevailing winter winds that generally come from the north or northwest by planting evergreen trees and shrubs on the north or northwest side …