Like soil and other vegetation, trees are an element of the built environment typically associated with the landscape. It makes sense. They are land-based organisms that dominate the natural world. They certainly are nothing like pipes, sewers and other grey infrastructure. Right?
Urban soils are typically inhospitable places for trees, other plants, and their oxygen breathing microorganisms. Construction equipment, grading, and even human foot traffic leave urban soils much more compacted than natural soils. Typically 40-55% of the volume in a healthy forest soil consists of pore space. This pore space consists of varying proportions of air… More
We all know how powerfully street trees can increase property values. Which is all well and good when you’re the one selling the property, but how about when you’re the one renting or buying? Are you willing to shell out a little extra for the pleasure of seeing some green outside your window? [polldaddy poll=4947877]… More
Uptown Circle, the centerpiece of an urban redevelopment project in the central Illinois town of Normal, was recently honored by the Illinois Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects at its annual Celebration in Chicago. Designed by Hoerr Schaudt Landscape Architects, the project received the President’s Award in the Urban category, the highest recognition… More
In the world of conventional development project planning, citizens and community groups are often an irritant. Sometimes, we forego our usual fly-in-the-ointment role, and provide a supportive voice, helping to smooth the way for a desired local project.
There’s more to street tree selection than just good looks (although of course we all have our favorites.) Rooting behavior, disease resistance, projected size and flower/fruit type are just a few of the factors that affect what we plant and where. Somehow we’ve still ended up with only a handful of trees species that are… More
I just returned from the UK, where I made lots of presentations to a bunch of great folks about trees, stormwater and minimum soil volumes for trees, and what those things mean for London and other UK cities. Besides the Royal Wedding, to which I wasn’t invited, the great Clash song “London Calling,” rang in… More
According to the Vancouver, BC Board of Parks & Recreation, the oldest street trees in the city are these broadleaf maples on Pender Street (next to Victory Square). They were planted in 1897!
First things first: it’s Earth Day. Let’s celebrate!
I have a hard time thinking of too many people who would disagree that there is a joyful calmness to a forested path, a nature preserve, or a hillside of fall foliage. These scenes all have powerful visual and psychological impacts that make us feel more synchronous with the earth and… well, grounded. The trees… More
Soil. Stormwater. Sustainable Infrastructure.
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