Soil can be contaminated by masonry, wood, paper, asphalt, paint, fuel, cement, oil, salt, or other materials. Contamination may occur across an entire site, such as an industrial property, or in spots, such as concrete washouts and refueling areas. This …
Tree Planting in Cities (Part 2): Site Preparation
Proper preparation of the planting site is critical to good root development. In urban areas, site preparation may require special planning because of the type of planting site, such as street or parking lot plantings. Also, when preparing the site, …
Urban Soils: Correcting Low Soil Moisture
Photo Credit: Raina Sheridan
Lack of moisture in the soil is as harmful as too much water. Low soil moisture can be caused by high temperature, drought, high salt content, sandy soils, and improperly timed irrigation systems. Impervious surfaces can …
Planting Urban Trees: Social & Community Considerations
Credit: Janet Burgess
For both private and public locations, it is critical to find out the relevant zoning ordinances and other laws and policies that apply to each site. Some local tree ordinances may prohibit planting certain species of trees …
Urban Soil Problems that Affect Successful Tree Growth and Development
Good Planting and Placement prevents Problems
Many activities in an urban area can change a soil’s physical, chemical, or biological characteristics. Construction and landscape maintenance are the most common of these.…
Urban Forests: Understanding Associated Costs
A community receives many benefits from the urban forest; however, there are also costs associated with having a healthy urban forest. Estimates for tree costs in the U.S. range from $12.87 to $65 per tree (McPherson et al. 2005). Working …
How to Correct Soil Compaction
Soil compaction is a major cause of tree decline in urban areas. Compaction occurs when a force, such as feet, vehicles, and even water from some sprinkler systems, creates pressure on the soil surface and compresses the soil particles. This …
How to Correct Excessive Soil Moisture and Drainage Problems
Soils with excessive moisture have poor aeration because pore spaces are filled with water. Roots tend to grow near the surface in such soils. With poorly anchored roots, a tree is susceptible to wind throw. A tree may survive for …
Soil Volume and Rooting Space When Planting Trees
To ensure adequate stability and to allow a tree to grow to its potential size, a tree’s root system must have adequate soil volume in which to develop. There is a direct relationship between soil volume and crown volume. When …
Selecting the Proper Tools for Urban Tree Planting
The proper tools for preparing the planting area depend on the size of the tree, the type of root system, the site, and the condition of the soil. The most common hand tool for planting trees is the shovel, but …