Soil Resource Evaluation for a Group of Sidewalk Street Tree Planters

Abstract

Urban street-tree-planter soils provide inadequate growing space for root systems of trees and are subject to increased concentrations of pollutants not typically found in native soils. An examination of planting media in selected Geneva, Illinois street tree planters revealed physical and chemical soil properties that Only the most stress-tolerant species could endure. The planter soils generally consisted of brick rubble, gravel, sand, and cinders. Drainage in the planters was impeded due to textural discontinuities. Soil pH and sodium values were high enough to classify these soils as sodic. Sodic soils naturally occur in arid and semi-arid regions where evapotranspiration exceeds precipitation. Planter soils need testing for physical and chemical characteristics before being used for trees. They can then be modified, if necessary, to provide the plant with the best possibilities to survive the urban environment.