DVD demonstrates benefits of CU-Structural Soil

ITHACA, NY — The CU-Structural Soil DVD-ROM from Cornell University demonstrates how trees in urban and suburban landscapes can thrive, and improve the quality of life for residents, beautify cityscapes, and provide a credible enticement for tourists.

The three videos and 15-page printable booklet in this DVD-ROM make the case for CU-Structural Soil: why it’s needed, what it is, how it’s used, and how vigorous tree growth can be achieved. A list of 52 tree species appropriate for use in CU-Structural Soil, FAQ’s, and contact information supplement the DVD-ROM.

Urban trees experience a litany of environmental issues: soil and air pollution, heat loads, de-icing salts, and impacts from utilities, vehicles, and buildings. However, the most significant problem that urban trees face is the lack of usable soil volume for root growth. CU-Structural Soil safely bears traffic loads after compaction on streets, in parking lots, and in plazas; it allows nutrients, water, and oxygen to reach roots; and it allows roots to penetrate through soil, or extend though “break-out zones”.

The CU-Structural Soil DVD-ROM was developed by Nina Bassuk, Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University. The price is $29.

For more information contact the Cornell University resource Center at 607/255-2080, e-mail resctr@cornell.edu or visit www.cce.cornell.edu/store.