Infrequently Asked Questions: How do trees survive in the city?
- Martin Ford
- Oct 5
- 1 min read
Brandon Baker
2015-10-05
tags: Urban Planning, Environmental Sustainability, Urban Forestry, Tree Conservation, Public Policy
... Trees need water, air, nutrients and room to grow. Those are the four main things they need. And a lot of times, we see trees are planted in normally a three-by-three cut-out pit -- sometimes smaller, which is scary and horrendous, but sometimes larger, which is healthier -- and then the majority of tree roots don't grow very far, only into the top 24 inches of the soil. But they grow wide. Underneath that concrete you’re going to have tree roots making their way to gather those nutrients and oxygen. Tree roots really can’t grow under streets because streets can be load-bearing, so that takes away one-quarter of their growing space. They’re left with the other three-quarters.
The article "Infrequently Asked Questions: How do trees survive in the city?" from PhillyVoice explores the challenges and survival strategies of urban trees in Philadelphia. Despite the harsh conditions of city life, such as compacted soil, limited space, de-icing salt, and pollution, trees manage to thrive through adaptability and human assistance. The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society's Tree Tender program plays a crucial role by educating residents on proper tree care and planting techniques. The article highlights the importance of selecting resilient tree species and the role of community involvement in maintaining urban greenery.
Keywords: Urban Trees, Tree Survival, Philadelphia, Tree Tender Program, Urban Forestry, Tree Care, Environmental Adaptation
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