Comments on: N. Candler Street “Champion” Oak Tree Coming Down

By: BB

BB — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 02:46:15 +0000

Did the same people cutting down the tree alert you of the root rot? That happens so much here–no wonder so many trees are removed. The “tree expert” has the potential to be severely biased when it hits his back pocket!

By: treesrock

treesrock — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 23:24:02 +0000

Even small street trees can make a difference. In a recent study, there was an average of 26 degree difference between sun and shade during a 100 degree plus day in the summer. That said, do not expect the majority of trees on Ponce to equal those near the Starbucks. Those trees were planted in 1981, with no root barrier, and open containers (no curb) to allow water flow into the tree. Those planted more recently, around Ted’s for example, were planted using a root barrier which contain the roots to a 3 foot diameter around the tree and a curb around them preventing the flow of water. Canopy in general is a reflection of root capacity and water. Many of the newer trees have already failed. The benefit of root barriers is that they minimize the structural damage due to roots and trunk flare growth. There are products out there that allow to maximize root growth and minimize structural damage and the City is looking into it. We are lucky! Healthy street trees are an investment, but well worth it. Check out http://depts.washington.edu/hhwb/ for studies on the the social benefits of trees!

By: Land

Land — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 15:50:32 +0000

I posted about it a little while ago…that site is dangerous…waaaaayyyy too much time spent surfing around swiping.

While this site is not as easy to navigate it has some older aerials of Decatur/Atlanta metro (1938/40)…
also a dangerous time killer…

http://dbs.galib.uga.edu/gaph/html/georgia.html

By: Scott

Scott — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 15:24:26 +0000

That’s a good point, Land. Every tree contributes in some way. More importantly, though, it’s important not to judge our street trees on Ponce and elsewhere according to how well they contribute to a forested canopy, because that’s not the primary reason they were planted.

For anyone interested in a slight divergence into planning/design wonkdom, street trees basically have four jobs: To provide order and definition to the street; to protect pedestrians from the elements (sun/heat, rain, etc.); to provide a barrier between pedestrians and moving traffic; and to beautify the environment.

Canopy is of course critical but our parks and private yards and green spaces are where both attainable size and clustering provide the best bang for the buck environmentally — not just towards heat, air quality and water issues, but towards habitat protection as well.

It’s rare that communities demonstrate such commitment to trees at both the level of the forest and the level of the street. We’re lucky.

By: Eric

Eric — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 15:23:19 +0000

I can’t take credit for the discovery of that coolest of websites…someone else posted it a few weeks back on DM. Was it Land? Can’t remember.

Either way, I’ve been having a lot of fun on the site ever since I heard about it.