In the end, the core of all of our discussions about green infrastructure comes down to soil volume. Adequate soil volume is the seedling from which our particular variety of green infrastructure grows (literally and figuratively). It is what allows us to even consider the role that huge, mature trees and on-site stormwater management can… More
If you’re a reader of this blog, chances are you are someone who really likes trees, with maybe a particular soft spot for the ones fighting the good fight in urban environments. Well, now we want to know more about your thoughts on where to find the best street trees. Will you humor us by… More
Cities provide uniquely challenging conditions for trees. Pollution, heavily compacted growing media, vandalism, and maintenance requirements all complicate the plight of the urban tree and compromise its ability to survive to maturity and make a meaningful contribution to its environment. Yet, cities need trees — desperately — to help reduce pollution, crime and speeding and… More
“I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order.” John Burroughs We talk a lot here at DeepRoot about trees as green utilities – as resource for mitigating such things as stormwater and heat island effect. And most everyone is aware of the visceral aesthetics of trees in an urban… More
We’ve been talking about doing it forever, and now we finally have: a lifecycle analysis that examines the investment vs. returns of street trees planted using traditional methods (4′ x 4′ cutouts) and in a suspended pavement (Silva Cell) treatment. Before we go any further, thanks are due to the Kestrel Design Group, in particular Nathalie Shanstrom,… More
The following Seven Roles of the Urban Street Tree is a straight re-post from “recovering architect” John Massengale. 1) Define the space of the street. This particularly applies to streets that are too wide for the height of the buildings, streets with holes in the street wall, or suburban streets where buildings are too far apart… More
As someone who grew up in New York City but now lives in the city by the bay, the scarcity of movies that take place in San Francisco has always surprised me. I can’t explain it, though I’m sure someone can (anyone? anyone?). Of course, there are a few very, very famous films that take… More
Another very handy post from Blooming Rock that I have to pass along, this time about how to pick the right tree for the right location from guest blogger Lysistrata Hall, a Landscape Architect I with the City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department and one of the principal authors of the Tree and Shade Master Plan.
So, usually we’re talking about big trees on this blog. Today our partner Sarah K. Faiks, a sustainable landscape architect with the Kestrel Design Group, flips us on our ear and discusses small trees instead — and what bonsai has to teach us about urban tree planting techniques. The art and practice of bonsai has… More
“How much does the Silva Cell cost?” As you can imagine, this question comes up a lot; some of you have probably asked it yourselves. Designers, owners, and policy-makers all (rightfully) want to know. We’re not being coy when we invariably answer, “Um, it depends!” because to give an accurate price quote we need a… More
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