Tree growth in urban areas is most limited by the lack of soil volume available for root development. This talk will discuss these limitations and share the results of research that compares different below grade treatments. The research studies are a ten-year comparison of four different treatments and a three-year comparison of six different treatment. The treatment can make a significant difference in root development and above ground tree characteristics as will be shown in photographs and with growth data.

E. Thomas Smiley, PhD, Bartlett Tree Research Lab