According to a recent article from Mark Kivner with the BBC, the first scientific study to examine what is commonly known as the nursery effect — that is, identical trees developing differently based on their growing conditions — has been published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Let the “trees don’t forget… More
In Part 1 I talked about the history of Bio Char. In Part 2, I discussed some of the controversy surrounding this soil amendment. Here in Part 3, I’ll look at how you obtain bio char and explore ideas for its future applications in cities. Bio char is made much differently than the charcoal we use… More
In my experience, conversations about utilities usually put everyone a little bit on edge. And once we start talking to folks about sticking a product like the Silva Cell underneath the sidewalks where their utilities run, some people would love to stop the conversation altogether. But using the Silva Cell in areas with utilities isn’t… More
In Part 1 I talked about the history of Bio Char. In Part 2, I’ll discuss some of the controversy surrounding this soil amendment. I’ve only known about bio char for the last several years. My first experience with seeing modern manufactured bio char applied was by Dr. Kelby Fite at Bartlett Tree Laboratory over… More
I heard the joke I’m sharing with you today a long time ago from Darrel Morrison, FASLA. I have always liked it. There are not many tree jokes in the world, I wonder why? But here’s one for mixed company.
The Silva Cell system was developed with the goal of improving the urban environment by providing a means for trees to have access to the soil volumes they need to thrive, and by which stormwater can be absorbed back into the ground. At issue with integrating green infrastructure and products such as Silva Cells into… More
Bio char, or terra preta, is one of the best, longest lasting soil amendments known to humans. This pyrolysed carbon is a soil amendment that can include surprising ingredients such as rubber tires, biosolids, and food waste, has gotten a lot of attention as a low-cost, ecologically sustainable solution.
StreetsblogNY is reporting that green streets legislation has unanimously passed both houses of the New York State legislature recently, and is expected to be signed in to law by Governor Cuomo shortly. According to their summary, “Complete streets legislation would require planners to take account of all users, including those on foot, on a bicycle,… More
Over four years ago we had our first Silva Cell installation, on the sidewalk in front of a DeepRooter’s house in Redwood City, CA. The picture above was taken shortly after the installation was completed. So, what does it look like today?
“Is it recycled?” This is a question that we hear all the time. While most of our other products are made of a minimum 50% post-consumer material, currently the Silva Cell is not able to incorporate recycled plastics (the steel tubes in the decks are 50% recycled). There are many reasons for this. Our fervent… More
I’m a sucker for a time-lapse video. Plus, in addition to the tree, there are some very cute dogs in this one.
Because we’re forever trying to keep things exciting for you, our dear readers, we try not to inundate you with too many Silva Cell installation photos. I know, our self-restraint is admirable. Still, even if we’re not shamelessly self-promoting ALL the time, new projects are happening constantly. We’ve had about 221 projects go in the… More
Soil. Stormwater. Sustainable Infrastructure.
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