Lot Lines – the Official Blog of Outdoor Design Group, Colorado Landscape Architects
Are All Oak Trees Slow Growing? …No, They’re Not
It seems that the fields of landscaping and gardening are full of many timeworn statements that people like to repeat over and over. Some of these green “rules of thumb” are tried and true, while others may not be so true.
One landscape stereotype regarding tree growth rates that is being challenged is the old adage that “oak trees grow slowly”. I have heard and read this many times and I have repeated this mantra myself for years. But a study of urban trees in the Denver Metro area, published by the Colorado State Forest Service, got me to rethink that stereotype.
This tree study recorded the growth rates of 19 commonly planted trees planted in public land in the Denver suburb of Westminster, for 24 years. The authors of the study measured the trunk diameters of the trees in 1992, 2000, 2008, and 2016.
The most eye-opening nugget of information in this report is that the white oak group of trees (bur, swamp white and English oak) were the 3rd fastest growing trees in the study! They grew faster than green ash, lindens or honeylocust trees. They even had the same rate of recorded growth as silver maples, a species often referred to as a “fast grower.”
One important take-away from this study for me is the fact that we should reevaluate what trees seem to be the best for planting in challenging ecosystems such as the urban/suburban areas of the high plains where Denver sits. It is worth quoting the State Forest Service report to emphasize this point:
“Some tree species revealed to be fast or moderate growers in this study have previously been viewed as slow growers, and they are often passed over at planting time. However, equating growth rates with vigor can be misleading, as some of the slower-growing tree types on this list can be the most adaptable to the area (including hawthorn, hackberry and honeylocust). Adding newly discovered fast-growing species to the planting palette and incorporating hardy, slow-growing species will maximize the success of planting projects and promote species diversity.”
To be clear, it is only one type of oak trees (white oaks) that exhibited fast growth in the study sample. Red oak was also in the study and showed slower growth. The authors note this is possibly due to the low pH of high plains soils.
It very well could be that other types of oak trees grow slowly too, but we don’t have data for that. Or, perhaps another study may come along and challenge that, as well. So, as with many “rule-of-thumb” type statements, don’t believe it until you have seen some data to back it up.
This is the official blog of Outdoor Design Group, Colorado Landscape Architects. For more information about our business and our services, click here.
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Project Highlight: Church Landscape Addition & Renovation
In 2016, the congregation of Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Longmont, Colorado decided to expand their existing building to better serve their growing congregation. The proposed addition to the existing building would impact the existing landscaping, so our company was hired to design the renovation and adjustments of the landscape around the building.
The remodel of the building will be done in multiple phases. So far, phase 1 of the renovations has been constructed.
Like many church construction projects, this one had to be cost conscious. Due to budget constraints and various budget reviews, the proposed plantings were adjusted several times during the planning stages to best fit the current needs of the budget.
One particular technical challenge was the assessment and modification of the existing irrigation system and pumps. Our irrigation specialist was dispatched to the field multiple times to work with the Church’s maintenance crew to puzzle out the best way to adjust and modify the existing irrigation system. In the end, we were able to bridge the new and existing irrigation systems into a cohesive whole.
From a planting design perspective, the client had a few key points they wished to address: Blend new and existing plants seamlessly; create a low maintenance & low water use landscape; and add seasonal focal points to pair with the liturgically appropriate seasonal milestones that are critical to the Church.
Our team worked with the Church’s maintenance team to ensure the plantings and other landscape elements would be low maintenance. Hearty and reliable plant species were chosen for the design. We also wanted the new plantings to blend seamlessly with the existing landscaping. In addition to these criteria for the plants, we also ensured the plantings in the expanded parking lot would not obscure any critical sight lines for pedestrian and vehicle safety.
To create seasonal focal points, we considered different plants that might be at their peak during significant seasonal holidays. One good example of this is forsythia shrubs with their glorious yellow blooms that appear close to Easter, a very significant holiday in the Catholic Church. Not only are the seasonal focal points a visible manifestation of seasonally significant biblical events, these planting nodes provide attractive backdrops for photo opportunities during church sponsored events such as weddings.
Working on the landscape renovations for the Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church was a wonderful experience for our design team. It was satisfying to help the Church achieve their landscape design goals for their congregation and stay on budget.
This is the official blog of Outdoor Design Group, Colorado Landscape Architects. For more information about our business and our services, click here.
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How to Make Your Outdoor Space Comfortable
Your outdoor living space is a great place to unwind. The cool breeze of air and the warmth of the sunlight can provide relaxation to you and your family.
There are many ways to enhance the aesthetic of your outdoor living space. For instance, the addition of a simple but comfortable furniture and a cooling misting system can turn your regular patio into a cozy haven.
However, if you’re in need of other ideas on how to enhance your outdoor space, here are a few ways:
Clean it up.
Before turning your outdoor living space into the patio of your dreams, you must first clean it. Getting rid of unwanted debris and raking the leaves can prevent unwanted growth like weed and molds.
A clean outdoor space will provide you with better air quality as well as deter insects from swarming your place.
Decorate your porch.
The outside of your home should be just as inviting as the inside.
Simple landscaping can do wonders to your home – specifically to your porch. Adding a few plants and trees that complement each other will not only make your house look more appealing; it can also protect your home from bad weather conditions.
Moreover, adding vines and hedges will make you feel more at ease, as plants can provide you additional privacy.
Add a shade.
One of the best ways to make your patio more comfortable is by adding a shade that will help deflect the glare and protect you from the sun’s harmful UV rays.
On the other hand, if you do prefer some sunshine in your patio, then adding sky lighting or a pergola to your lanai roof can give you just the right amount of light.
If you live in an area where there are a lot of bugs and insects, consider adding drop shades or shutters to prevent them from entering your place.
Cool down your patio.
While it’s always nice to lounge in an outdoor space on the weekend, some days are just more discouraging than others. The sunlight can sometimes be too scorching for you to want to hang out in your patio.
Investing in a good quality fan or misting system for your outdoor living space is a great way to cool you down; it can also provide additional humidity to your patio.
Additionally, a misting system is great for the plants in your greenhouse.
Invest in good furniture.
If your porch or patio is big enough, consider adding comfortable yet functional furniture. There are countless designs to choose from that will fit your style and space.
Smaller spaces, on the other hand, can still be enhanced by adding a simple set of chairs and an umbrella.
Install an outdoor fireplace.
Colder temperatures shouldn’t dissuade you from relaxing in your outdoor living space. An outdoor fireplace will make an excellent addition and may also serve as the focal point of your patio.
However, if a fireplace doesn’t seem feasible, a traditional fire pit should be a good alternative.
A seating area around the fireplace or fire pit is a great place to relax with your friends and family.
Your outdoor living space is an ideal place to bond with your family and friends. It is also a versatile area that can cater to events like simple gatherings and barbecue parties.
Turning your outdoor space into a place for fun and relaxation shouldn’t be laborious or costly. With a little investment, plenty of effort, and lots of creativity, you can transform your porch or patio into the perfect hangout and leisure spot.
This is the official blog of Outdoor Design Group, Colorado Landscape Architects. For more information about our business and our services, click here.