Mike G

Keven, The US Forest Service has been conducting alot of research on the value of trees in urban landscapes. They have developed software (i-Tree) for analysis and benefit assesment. So far they have used it in a few cities and gotten some positive results (ie. to the descission makers). These make a pretty good case for Urban Forestry but also…[Read more]

Is anyone aware of any exceptionally designed, well documented, and public stormwater management projects that completely, or largely, utilize native soils? (Firms, web-resources, documents, etc.)

I’m trying to get a better understanding of how we can design and construct green infrastructure more closely modeled by ecological systems and just,…[Read more]

Hey so what do you do?
I’m an accountant.
Oh….. Thats nice. You must be getting really busy this time of the year.
Yes. I am. (silence)

Hey so what do you do?
I’m a landscape architect.
Oh wow! I heard that was one of the 50 best careers of the decade. Have you seen that new fancy public garden in our cities nearest center?
Why yes, as a matter…[Read more]

Thats great! Maybe this thread should be retitled : Is HGTV killing the profession?
On another note…I wonder how many constitutional lawyers get asked about fixing traffic tickets?

From the ASLA website: (In regards to the profession)

Who are their clients?

Residential design is the largest market sector (approximately 32 percent of billing hours). Most of that work consists of single-family homes, but also includes multi-family and retirement communities.

Three largest client groups, in descending…[Read more]

For any residential project, for constructing and maintaining, keep it simple. I’ve personally had to clean out large tanks before and its much easier if you’re able to get a ladder in the opening and crawl through. I would also think a direct line from your downspouts directly to the tanks, coupled with a first flush bypass type valve, would be…[Read more]

The reason that Dr. Hanson said this about Copenhagen is because he doesn’t think carbon trading will work. The only reason the skys of the US and Europe are cleaner is because #1 better technology #2 less manufacturing (moved overseas). Although it sounds like a good idea on paper it just doesn’t work. If it does pass it may turn out to be a luc…[Read more]

Trace, Don’t loose faith… and sadly I am guilty of being an arborist, a trade I still consult in. I have conducted quite a few tree preservation plans. Some work, some don’t. And as unfortunately as it is individual plants ability to withstand construction damage varies as well as its overall health and vigor. And of course the economics of…[Read more]

Is it possible to build decking or a suspended walkway above the soil?
For mature trees soil compaction and construction damage cause a slow death and take years for symptoms to show up. Further more they stress trees allowing insects and diseases to quickly infest the tree(s). Usually the insect / disease gets the blame, when soil / root problems…[Read more]

Hey Ben, Nice vessel by the way, looks like you’ve done some fine trim work on the gunwales. All Cedar?

Cap and trade is another example of creative financing thats going to lead to no good. I would agree with William which he described it as another “scheme for fleecing the United States economic engine out of more money.” Not only that but it…[Read more]

Interesting article. I would have to agree with Dr. Hanson, the meetings have to fail. Here’s my free market perspective:

I think most people would agree that the price for energy does not reflect the true cost for our economic and climatic woes. To me, it only seams that the dollar stands as the best way to redirect future climate decisions. We…[Read more]

Prescription burns are one of the most efficient and cost effective tools that land managers have to use. And…have been using for thousands of years. In many areas grasslands are man-made ecosystems the plants and animals have adapted to.
Even today we don’t even come close to using fire for its maximum potential in the landscape (in managing…[Read more]

Goats have been used to ‘mow’ tall grasses on several garbage dumps in Chicago too. These particular dumps are the tallest and steepest slopes in Cook County, IL and a bit to steep to safely mow. They use goats to keep the grasses and invasive shrubs in check. I guess a reclaimation, or possibly even restoration, project is strangly incomplete…[Read more]

Try the US Forest Services “Biogeoengineering” Technical Reference Guide. It should be available online on their publications page.