The Urban Tree Planting Research Project

Financial Assistance: VA Department of Forestry
Technical Assistance: Bartlett Tree Experts

Purpose: To examine the effects of different tree planting techniques on the early establishment of trees in an urban setting. 90 trees have been planted (45 white oaks + 45 Yoshino cherry trees) in relatively nutrient poor and heavily compacted soil. 

Variables: presence of peat moss and/or fertilizer at the time of planting, planting depth, mulch depth and distribution, and presence of turf. After three years we will examine the roots of these trees to see how the different planting techniques influenced root establishment.

Measurements: tree height, concentration of chlorophyll, twig growth, caliper, and more. (additional study - longevity & strength loss of  Arbortie tree staking material - green v. white)

September 2001  
Part 1 - Site Preparation, Arrival of Trees
Part 2 - Digging Holes, Tree Inspections
September Views (before and after)

   

October 2001 
Part 1 - Measuring holes, Preparing treatments
Part 2 - Boy Scouts plant trees
October Views
 
Part 3 - Clean up & Adjusting mulch beds

November 2001
Adjusting mulch beds
Irrigation

December 2001    
January 2002

April 2002

Here you will find a growing collection of tree images & measurements recording the growth of this project. All notes and images will be kept at this site. This research is to serve the community in the Valley as a model for urban tree planting. This research will also be submitted for publication in the Journal of Arboriculture or Arborist News

Please check back on a regular basis for updates. 

 

I wish to acknowledge the generous financial support provided by the Virginia Department of Forestry's Urban and Community Forest Department  for funding this project (VDF Grant 01UCF17  7/1/01-5/15/02). I'm responsible for the entire web page (photographs and text)... the good, bad, and ugly parts.  Let me know what you think (e-mail brmurrj@brcc.edu).