On urban trees moving, climbing and tidying up

There’s a thaw on in Central Scotland and it’s a relief to see a bit of greenery. Bring on the green shoots, literal and otherwise.

UrbanTick reviews a few books and articles that look at the ‘mobility’ of trees in urban design and landscape architecture. They test assumptions about trees’ rootedness, reporting on things like seed vaults, the international migration of plant species, and the industrialisation of tree production.

They include Dominique Ghiggi’s Tree Nurseries – Cultivating the Urban Jungle: Plant Production Worldwide:

Defra on Saving our Soils

A Defra study has highlighted the dangers posed by general degradation of soil quality in England.

It explores the potential impact on agriculture and food growth, and on flood alleviation.

Its proposals would affect the construction industry by regulating handling and removal of soil from land under development for housing and infrastructure. At the same time, the agricultural industrial will be required to change its approach to fertiliser use.

ESI references:

• Soil
• Soil conditioners
• Soil science

Soft landscaping 2080: reducing watering

Defra forecasts a possible 4.2°C summer temperature increase by 2080.

Green Places reports interesting approaches to cultivation, watering and rainwater recycling.

ESI references:

• Irrigation
• Turf and lawns
• Herbaceous perennials
• Rainwater recycling