[College of ACES] [University of Illinois] [Illinois CES]

MEDIUM? planters, pits, and vaults

schrader@beaches.net
Fri, 6 Dec 1996 23:28:19 -0600


MEDIUM? planters, pits, vaults
Its a shame most people don't understand how trees grow and defend themselves. The process is relatively simple. Once we recognize that trees must continually grow and become larger a great many of the problems we experience could be eliminated with a little planning for that growth process to continue.

In species selection The first thing I want to know is how big can the tree get. Then a respective area can be set aside. Trees are I think an essential element in our environment. I am however disappointed to see community organizations consistently trying to plant large trees in small places. It seems an awful waste of time and resources.

Planters, pits, and vaults are all limited plant sites. This suggests to me a limited selection of species. Those with slower expansion (growth) rates would I'm sure represent a wiser choice economically and environmentally.

Unfortunately concrete is common place. An unforgiving expansion battle develops.
I have used Styrofoam with the intent of allowing room for expansion. But understand that harmful gases can develop in degradation processes. Is that true?
I would be very interested in knowing about developments in design's and materials that allow for this expansion necessity. It seems the introduction of some absorbing medium might also be practical to extend tree and structure life expectancy.

Any one have some thoughts on this subject?

George schrader@beaches.net
ISA SO-0448

re: tree planting sites

Barbara.Fair@dnr.state.oh.us
Fri, 6 Dec 1996 10:08:04 -0600
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I am looking for any publications on planting pits, vaults, and planters. The articles should detail size of sites and species of trees used. Plus information on benefits of shared root zones. Thanks.
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