Welcome to The Underground World. This topic section was started at the suggestion of two board users. Here we will discuss the issues dealing with what has been called the Landscape Below Ground, the root zone of trees.

As with the other topics, there are a few rules.
Rule #1- HAVE FUN!
Rule #2- Please be civil. Disagreement on the issues is fine (and encouraged), but personal attacks will not be allowed. At the top of each page is a HELP button (the large colored one) that contains more information on our simple rules and on how to efficiently use this board. If you have other questions or comments, post a message or contact me directly by email.

Russ Carlson, webmaster

Reply to post by Webmaster, on May 05, 1998 at 10:02:32:

What a great selection for a topic!! Good job Russ!

I have a great deal of interest in soil issues. My own philosophy is: The growing system starts in the soil, draws resources from the soil, is physically supported by soil, and residues return to the soil. It makes sense to begin tree management by evaluating the parent soil at the site.

I do have concerns about arborist's tendancy to limit discussion of soils to the physical properties of soils. I think there is much more to the study of soils than normally is discussed among arborists.

Sure, eventually some folks begin to talk soil chemistry, but I think we will really begin to understand soils when we understand the multitude of life forms that make soil their home. I am more and more convinced that plants and how they interact with the rest of the soil community becomes critical information in understanding Plant Health care.

I am interested in learning ways that we can duplicate or simulate forest floor conditions for the benefit of urban (or otherwise domesticated) trees. This quest for understanding promises to be an interesting journey. I'm glad to see others who are also interested in what goes on in the "tree underground".

KWK