Spring Home Improvement ' ¥ The Dallas Post April 15, 1998 Avoid disappointment; Faced with a droopy, drab or dying tree that you recently paid big bucks for at the nursery? Chances are the tree is struggling in a site that is ill-suited for its health, says an expert in commu- nity forestry in Penn State’s School of Forest Resources. “Too many homeowners go down to the garden center and buy the first tree they see, or whatever is on sale,” says Bill Elmendorf, instructor and urban and community forest program coordinator. “Homeowners should think in terms of how the tree will fit in the site and how it will look 10 to 20 years down the road.” Elmendor{saysalittle research into compatible tree species, local soils and municipal regulations can prevent major maintenance headaches or aesthetic disap- pointments. “If you choose the correct species for a particular - site, the tree has less chance of dying and will mature to full growth faster,” he says. “You also will save on maintenance over the life of the tree, as well as mainte- nance to sidewalks and curbs.” Elmendorf says understand- ing the planting site is the most important part of choosing a tree, especially to ensure a pleasing landscape. However, homeowners also should pay attention to what is below the ground, above the tree and near the site.” “You need to consider where storm drains, electric utilities and gas lines are,” Elmendorf warns. “Pay attention to the location of traffic and business signs and how far away the tree will be {rom the curb or sidewalk.” Analyzing a site for planting a tree requires justa few basic steps: e Temperature. Know the tem- perature range for your area, par- ticularly low temperatures. “Plant- ing a tropical palm tree in Penn- sylvania isn’t a good idea,” Elmendorf says. : “Most southern trees don’t do well in northern climates. Tree. species such as oak or poplar that normally thrive in northern states may not do well if they came from southern seed sources.” e Moisture. Homeowners should estimate the amount of rainfall in their area. If the tree is to be planted in an urban setting, ask how much water is available. “Most city trees are surrounded by concrete and asphaltand don't get much moisture unless someone's washing off the side- walk,” Elmendorf says. * Soil. Most trees do well in neutral or slightly acidic soils. Trees such as red oaks, pin oaks and red maples planted in lime- stone-laden alkaline soils will ex- perience nutrition problems. “This is a problem in urban areas be- cause concrete is full of lime-- stone, and asphalt roads usually are built on beds of crushed lime- stone,” Elmendorf says. * Soil compaction. In cities Penn State Pointers > Planting the Right Tree MOISTURE SPACE When landscaping, you should consider how a tree suits a site and how it will look long after planting. Factors in selecting the right tree include: = TEMPERATURE : ; Choose a tree that is suitable for the climate. A southern tree, or a tree grown from southern seed sources, usually will not do well in the northern climate. Estimate the amount of rainfall in-your area. If planting in an urban area, ask about water restrictions. Also, a tree surrounded by con- crete or asphalt often won't get much water. SOIL COMPOSITION Most trees do well in neutral or slightly acidic soils. Limestone in soils or in concrete side- walks and roads affects nearby trees. Take special care preparing site in compacted soils: DRAINAGE A tree that gets too much water will be un- healthy. It is important that the soil around a tree drains properly and is not swampy or too wet. Note if there's water from runoff sources. Big trees need big space. Analyze the ‘grow- ing space’ to make sure there's room for root and canopy growth. Consider how a tree may affect the house climate where planted. Graphics / lilustration: Tom Laird, College of Agricultural Sciences. Copyright Penn State. and residential developments, soils are very compacted, making it difficult, if not impossible, for trees to thrive. “Almost all soils in urban areas are compacted and may be nutritionally poor,” Elmendorf says. I recommend dig- ging a 4-by-4-foot hole to a depth of 4 feet and filling it with high quality topsoil.” ~ e Drainage. Elmendorf says a tree that gets too much water will be unhealthy. “Dig a hole and pour in a bucket of water,” Elmendorf instructs. “If it doesn’t recede an inch in an hour, you'll have problems.” plant the right tree in the right place ommends analyzing the growing space for trees, to make sure there is enough room for canopy and. root growth. “Big trees need big space,” he adds. ‘Elmendorf recommends con- sulting a reputable nursery or a qualified arborist before plantin any trees. : Visit us at e Space. Elmendorf also rec- Open Daily 8 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. Sunday 10 A.M. to 6:00 PM. r= WHEL he HUNTSVILLE NURSERY ~ fr ~ GARDEN CENTER & LANDSCAPING Spring Has Arrived at Huntsville Nursery! x (M es 8 SS 24 Ne 2 *k Come and visit our extensive display of plant material for your home and garden / TIAN *% Top soll, Mulches, Decorative Stone, Peat Humus for pick-up or Delivery. Just off Luzerne/Dallas Hwy., Dallas (near Penn State, Lehman) ; GARDEN CENTER *» 675-2861 LANDSCAPING DEPARTMENT 675-0062 id \ 1 VA ENA od wi Sze? 54 ca 4 I Per EA oD Spring Home Improvement The Dallas Post 9 April 15, 1998 15 Sm | E Seal benefits home buyers, planet You've found the perfect house. The kitchen, the master suite, the baths. The floor plan. They've all come together in one package just the way you hoped. Noe poate looking hard at the details. “Is my house energy efli- cient?” “Does it have any features that make it healthier for me and my family?” And, “Will it enable us to do our share to protect the environment? You'renotalone in asking these key questions. “Home buyers are becoming increasingly ‘green’, and their purchase decisions reflect this,” said Tom Farkas, manager of residential utility programs for Edison Electric Institute, which represents electric utility compa- nies across the country. “Protect- ing the environment has become another reason why home own- ers want to use energy efficiently.” To respond to the growing en- vironmental concerns of a key, utility customer — home owners — EEI initiated the E Seal certifica- tion system for its member elec- tric utilities. An electric utility home-construction program that “ has earned the E Seal meets the highest criteria for energy and resource efficiency. Houses built Distributor ROUTE 118, LEHMAN, PA 18627 within the guidelines of this pro- gram will help you save money and protect the environment. Many electric utilities began encouraging home builders to build energy-efficient houses af- ter the first energy crisis of the “early '70s. These utililty guide- lines for home construction helped home owners to conserve energy and save money. Energy-efficient housing helped the utility to defer the need for more expensive power plants. That helps to keep the cost of electricity lower for every- one. It also reduces the utility's impact on the environment. E Seal features national guide- lines for efficiency in virtually ev- ery aspect of your home. It also addresses many environmental RETAINING WALLS WERE YOU PLANNING ON HAVING A PRESSURE-TREATED § RETAINING WALL INSTALLED? If the answer is "Yes", STOP! concerns such as indoor air qual- ity, water quality and conserva- tion, and home-waste manage- ment. Houses that are built within an E Seal-certified utility program will probably cost more than houses that don’t offer their fea- tures. However, to keep them af- fordable, E Seal-certified utilities can offer the E Seal mortgage to qualifying buyers. This mortgage covers 100 percent of the energy- saving upgrades, and at prefer- ential interestrates. Buyers won't need to put more money down, or pay more in private mortgage in- surance. The E Seal mortgage means more eligible first-time buyers, and more home for the move-up buyer. Call your electric utility company’s residential marketing department and ask about their programs for new home buyers. It could help you protect your in- door environment, preserve natu- ral resources, and save money. Edison Electric Institute's E Seal certifies an electric utility home construction program meets the nation’s highest criteria for energy-efficiency and environ- mental protection. i ails ab ALLAN BLOCK™ | RETAINING WALL | BLOCK RETAINING WALL SYSTEM STAUB WALL SYSTEMS Installer Aliain Retaining Wall Block 717-477-2152 Check Your Cooling 1.Q. To keep your home cool this summer, without putting a chill on your budget, you need to check your house’s “Cooling 1.Q.” Whole-house efficiency is the key. By looking at your house as an energy system, you can get the most value and efficiency from your energy dollars. You'll also help protect the planet's environment, according to Edison Electric Institute, the association of shareholder-owned utility companies. The following four steps can help you improve your home's cooling 1.Q. Step 1: Tighten your home’s thermal envelope. This is a technical term that means everything that separates the inside from the outside: roof, windows, walls, doors, and floors over crawl spaces. Stopping or slowing down air leaks and drafts will save money. Adequate insulation and effective caulking and weatherstripping are essential. Storm win- dows and doors are cost-effective improvements. Many energy-saving products are also now available. Step 2: Choose high-efficiency electric appliances. Cooling, heating and water heating are your house's largest energy users. Buy the most efficient system you can afford to do these tasks. Today's electric heat pumps are more efficient than even just a few years ago, returning $3.00 for each $1.00 spent on electricity. Some can now heat water at little extra cost. The newest geothermal systems use the ground for even lower-cost, environmentally-friendly cooling and heating. It pays to choose efficient appliances, including light bulbs, when you replace them. Step 3: Control your energy use. Your house offers opportunities throughout to control energy costs. Even simple things like turning off lights when not needed. Set-back or programmable thermostats are a smart way to control your home’s temperature. Step 4: Use your electric company as a resource. EEI member electric utility companies can give you free information and advice about getting more value from your electricity bill. 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