Resources

We’re continuing with our series on the effects of grass on trees: Most of us only associate clean air with trees. Grass also cleans our air and is often overlooked. If you’re looking for guidance on how your lawn might be affecting your trees, please don’t hesitate to ask.

The following is an excerpt from:
Trees Are Sacred, Grass Is Bad, Why?
– Sylvan Addink, Ph.D, Certified Professional Agronomist Water Use of Trees Versus Turf

If efficiently irrigated, research data indicates that many trees require as much water, if not more water than grasses. Research by Dr. Devitt et. el. in Las Vegas, NV indicated that “During the active growing season, tree to grass (Bermuda grass/ryegrass low fertility) water use ratios in the range of 2 to 4 were observed.”

Evapotranspiration reflects the level of plant water use from both plant transpiration and evaporation. “Leaf area index, an important structural variable descriptive of vegetation, is directly related to evapotranspiration.”

This means that a similar amount of water will be required to maintain the same amount of leaf area, whether grass or trees with similar transpiration characteristics. The leaf area index for turfgrasses is similar or less than that of the forest leaf index for several common deciduous tree varieties, which supports the conclusion by Devitt referenced above.

Using Top Tree LLC
Top Tree LLC is your best choice for any tree stump removal needs in the Tri-Cities. All of our technicians are highly trained and properly certified. We are happy to answer any questions you have now or in the future.

We’re continuing with our series on the effects of grass on trees: Most of us only associate clean air with trees. Grass also cleans our air and is often overlooked. If you’re looking for guidance on how your lawn might be affecting your trees, please don’t hesitate to ask.

Dr. Sylvan Addink, a Certified Professional Agronomist, offered the following comment as part of his executive summary for – Trees Are Sacred, Grass Is Bad, Why? “History is dotted with examples of worthy causes which have been promoted by the use of questionable scientific data and assumptions.

Unfortunately, the errors are often uncovered after it is too late to correct the environmental problems which occur. In many urban water conservation programs there is a perceived difference in the benefits and costs of trees versus grasses. Trees are promoted while all types of grasses are restricted or targeted for removal. This perception is not fully based upon scientific fact but upon impressions and assumptions such as those we get when we see irrigation water running down the gutter in front of our homes each
morning.”

The following is an excerpt from:
Trees Are Sacred, Grass Is Bad, Why?
– Sylvan Addink, Ph.D, Certified Professional Agronomist Water Use of Trees Versus Turf

If efficiently irrigated, research data indicates that many trees require as much water, if not more water than grasses. Research by Dr. Devitt et. el. in Las Vegas, NV indicated that “During the active growing season, tree to grass (Bermuda grass/ryegrass low fertility) water use ratios in the range of 2.0 to 4.0 were observed.”

Evapotranspiration (ET) reflects the level of plant water use from both plant transpiration and evaporation. “Leaf area index (LAI), an important structural variable descriptive of vegetation, is directly related to evapotranspiration.”

Using Top Tree LLC
Top Tree LLC is your best choice for any tree stump removal needs in the Tri-Cities. All of our technicians are highly trained and properly certified. We are happy to answer any questions you have now or in the future.

We’re continuing with our series on the effects of grass on trees: Most of us only associate clean air with trees. Grass also cleans our air and is often overlooked.  If you’re looking for guidance on how your lawn might be affecting your trees, please don’t hesitate to ask.

An example of how some of these programs have evolved is evident by the “Cash for Grass” program introduced by the Victor Valley Water District in Victorville, California. In their effort to encourage water conservation they now offer incentives to homeowners who actually convert their natural turfgrass to artificial turf. 22 Of course, there are other numerous programs in different parts of the country that offer varied incentives to remove turf and replace it with native plants or plants considered more drought tolerant. In some cases trees are often encouraged but the use of turfgrass is discouraged. Could there be environmental consequences to such decisions? Why do some government decision makers view trees as being sacred and yet perceive grass as being bad? Perhaps it’s as much a matter of misinformation as it is education according to the Turf Resource Center.

Using Top Tree LLCTop Tree LLC is your best choice for any tree stump removal needs in the Tri-Cities.  All of our technicians are highly trained and properly certified.  We are happy to answer any questions you have now or in the future.