Eli- Sounds like the Atlanta parks and recreation took things seriously, and responded responsibly to public input. Good government in action.
What say the arborists in the forum? -Don Date: Tue, 12 Jan 2010 10:34:25 -0800 From: [email protected] Subject: [ENTS] tree root compaction questions To: [email protected] ENTS, On a recent outing with Jess and Doug Riddle we observed a (likely) new state champion White Ash tree within Atlanta city limits that has a newly laid concrete path within 7" of it's base (see pic). This is a large city tree at 128' x 14'. This was cause for concern, so I contacted those who planned and constructed the path and was given this explanation: "The pathway where the tree is located was previously used by vehicles, so the soil was compact and the tree had adapted to that compaction over the past several decades. This section of trail is using a "root bridging" technique developed by Arborguard to minimize impact on Ash's roots and the other large trees in the area. Metal plates were placed over the roots during construction to minimize soil compaction for the Ash, and all heavy equipment for the bridge was brought in from the other side of the park to minimize impact on the Ash. All construction plans singled out the Ash and its importance and called for great care to be taken in its vicinity. Arborguard (local arborist) has paid the tree regular visits to make sure the plans and prescriptions are being followed." Do these methods sound viable and justifiable to you guys? Will the path being so close to the tree still affect the tree? Can roots adapt to compaction? This is all new to me and I wanted get opinions of the professionals on the matter. ~Eli _________________________________________________________________ Your E-mail and More On-the-Go. Get Windows Live Hotmail Free. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/196390709/direct/01/
