[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index]
TT: Re: Live Oak & Lawns
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
I too believe mature live oaks to be a top contender for one of the most
beautiful of trees. Unfortunately to the average person, the young tree are
somehat of an ugly duckling. I still sting remembering that Arbor Day when
the city manager asked me why I chose such a plain tree for planting. I
didn't even bother to explain I had planted a swan.
If anyone has more information on the book with the suburban lawn
description that Richard made reference to, I'll like to hear it. I would
like to see the description. The suburban lawn as a landscape feature is in
desperate need of "taste" change. There is an enormous waste of water,
fertilizer, petroleum, pesticides and other commodities associated with the
maintenance of the "lawn" as we stylize it. In keeping to the core topic of
this listserve, the lawn represents the major land use obstacle to the
development of forest canopy in our suburban areas. Native trees cannot
regenerate themselves in areas of maintained lawn.
Don't get me wrong; I love a patch of lush green grass. However, the lawn
can be smaller than most of us make it and it can consist of more than a
low diversity of turfgrasses. Turf in the old sense meant any combination
of herbaceous groundcover that tolerated periodic low cutting. Alas, the
lawnmower changed things a lot! BTW - did anyone note that LA is banning
leafblowers. Could gas powered lawnmowers be next? Do I hope so? Tune in
next week.....<G>
Shaub Dunkley
2608 University Dr.
Durham NC 27707-2862
sdunkley@mindspring.com
I like calling North Carolina home!
Hope our children do!
Esse quam videri.
==============================(TreeTown)===============================
Follow-Ups:
References: