ABSTRACT
HENSLEY, D.L., S.C. WIEST, and F.D. GIBBONS. 1982. What to consider when planting trees in urban areas. Am. Nurseryman 156(7): 81-86.
The native environment of most ornamental plants is the forest. In their natural state, most plants have relatively close interactions with their neighbors, many of which are quite advantageous to the plants. Man changes all this by taking plants adapted to those environments and isolating them. This destroys beneficial neighbor interactions. To ensure survival of these plants two things are necessary. They must be placed in environments that are not too different from their native habitats and any adaptation potential inherent in the species must be expressed. Ignoring a plant’s natural habitat can also result in weather injury. Plants adapted to a warm climate are commonly used in a colder zone. Moisture stress can result from transplanting or planting in poorly drained sites. Sunscald is a common result of taking plants that normally grow in the shade of a forest understory and placing them in full sun. Man has also exposed plants to unnatural chemicals, including air pollutants, various pesticides, and deicing salt.
- © 1983, International Society of Arboriculture. All rights reserved.