Soil Profile Rebuilding

"Virginia Tech researchers have developed a soil rehabilitation method that can help fix the compacted, rock-hard soils left behind after land development and building construction. What does that mean for trees? Trees planted in rehabilitated soil have as much as 84 percent greater canopy than those in untreated soil."

"The rehabilitation process was developed by Susan Day, faculty colleagues, and graduate students in both colleges over the course of seven years of research at Virginia Tech and in Arlington County, Virginia, in partnership with Vincent Verweij, Arlington County’s urban forester."

“'Soil Profile Rebuilding', decreases soil compaction, increases carbon sequestration, and increases the rate at which water moves through the soil, thereby improving storm-water capture."

"The Soil Profile Rebuilding method uses compost and a special subsoiling technique adapted for tight urban spaces to create pathways through the soil for root and water penetration. A backhoe with a tined bucket is used to break up the compacted soil and incorporate compost to a depth of two feet. Then four inches of topsoil are applied and rototilled to a depth of six to eight inches, followed by planting trees or shrubs whose roots help the soil continue to develop."

"Unlike many previous approaches to alleviating soil compaction, the effects of Soil Profile Rebuilding persist 'because the technique doesn’t just break up the soil physically; it also affects biological activity in the soil', Day explained. It is a useful tool for designers seeking SITES® (Sustainable Sites Initiative) accreditation from the U.S. Green Building Council."

“'Municipalities and developers are often faced with a choice between wholesale replacement of existing soil or leaving soil untreated, resulting in frequent plant replacements, decreased biodiversity, and limited ability of the landscape to handle rainfall and reduce runoff', Day said. 'Soil Profile Rebuilding gives them another option that is considerably more cost effective and sustainable than soil replacement.'”

Citations, Quotes & Annotations

Compacted soils can be rebuilt to help urban trees thrive (no date) Available at: http://actrees.org/news/trees-in-the-news/research/compacted-soils-can-be-rebuilt-to-help-urban-trees-thrive/ (Accessed: 23 February 2016)

 (Compacted soils can be rebuilt to help urban trees thrive, no date)

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Tips for Checking and Caring For Storm Damaged Trees

Follow these steps immediately after the storm:

1) Assess Whether the Storm Damaged Tree Should be Removed

" If the storm has exposed roots or caused them to be lifted out of the soil, this means that the tree poses a significant risk and needs to be assessed by a professional. Even a little root lifting can be a sign of weakness and may indicate that the tree should be removed."

2) Remove Dead, Broken, or Hanging Branches from Storm Damaged Trees

"Make clean pruning cuts back to lateral branches to help them close. Make collar cuts rather than flush cuts, which create a wound that will be slow to seal and may cause disease. Remove any debris so it won't pose a threat."

3) Wait to Fertilize Storm Damaged Trees

"It’s best to wait to fertilize until next season unless you have evidence plants are deficient in a particular nutrient such as nitrogen."

4) Wait to Treat Non-Hazardous Branches on Storm Damaged Trees

"Allow sprouts to grow until the crown regains much of what was lost, and then prune to remove conflicting branches."

5) Hire Certified Arborists

"If you’re unsure about taking care of your trees or the recovery after a storm, hire an ISA certified arborist."

"Uncertified tree workers often descend upon storm-damaged areas, these workers may not be insured and homeowners may be left picking up the tab if their home or neighbor’s property is damaged."

Citations, Quotes & Annotations

Tips for checking and caring for storm damaged trees (January 05, 2015) Available at: http://articles.extension.org/pages/66211/tips-for-checking-and-caring-for-storm-damaged-trees (Accessed: 20 February 2016)

 (Tips for checking and caring for storm damaged trees, January 05, 2015)

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Benefits of Trees

Benefits of Trees is a great article outlining the social, environmental, and economical benefits of the trees in your community and how regular maintenance can help to maximize these benefits.

Social Benefits

"Humans feel a calming effect from being near trees, reducing stress, fatigue, and even decrease recovery time from surgery and illness."

Communal Benefits

"Trees provide privacy, accentuate views, reduce noise and glare, and even enhance architecture; increasing the quality of life for residents within the community."

Environmental Benefits

"Trees alter the environment by moderating climate, Improving air quality, reducing stormwater runoff, and harboring wildlife."

Economic Benefits

"Property values of landscaped homes are 5 to 20 percent higher than those of non-landscaped homes based on the species, size, and condition and location of the trees. Trees also provide shade which can lower cooling costs for your home and reduce heating costs in the winder y acting as a windbreak."

Maximizing the Benefits of Trees

"In order to maximize a tree's benefits routine maintenance is required. The costs associated with removing a large tree can outweigh the costs of regular tree maintenance practices such as a tree inspection, pruning, and mulching."

               "Benefits of Trees." Trees Are Good. ISA - International Society of Arboriculture, n.d. Web. 03 Feb. 2016. <http://www.treesaregood.org/treeowner/benefitsoftres.aspx>.

Why Hire an Arborist?

What is an Arborist?

"An arborist by definition is an individual who is trained in the art and science of planting, caring for, and maintaining individual trees. They are knowledgeable about the needs of trees, and are trained and equipped to provide proper care."

What is a Certified Arborist?

"ISA arborist certification is a nongovernmental, voluntary process by which individuals can document their base of knowledge by passing a comprehensive examination developed by some of the nation's leading experts on tree care."

Why Hire an Arborist?

"Hiring an Arborist is a decision that should not be taken lightly. Proper tree care is an investment that can lead to substantial returns. Well cared-for trees are attractive and can add considerable value to your property. Poorly maintained trees, can be dangerous work. Tree work should be done only by those trained and equipped to work safely in trees."

"Why Hire an Arborist?" Trees are Good. ISA - International Society of Arboriculture, n.d. Web. 3 Feb. 2016. <www.treesaregood.org/treeowner/whyhireanarborist.aspx>.