Backyard Wisdom - September 2020
by: Gilbert A Smith, ISA Board Certified Arborist

Forty-five years ago in Agronomy class I wondered what was so important about soil structure? Those of us in the plant world know that soil is made up of various ratios of sand, silt, clay and organic matter. We can test it for plant essential minerals like, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, etc. But what exactly is soil structure and why is it so important?

by: Gilbert A Smith, ISA Board Certified Master Arborist
Wisdom From the Trees - February/March 2020 - Backyard Wisdom

So why does all this dirty talk matter?

Everyone who loves the natural world is concerned with global warming and its unpredictable effect on our’s and our children's lives. But it often seems as if it is out of our hands as individuals. It turns out, however, that carbon is the currency of the underworld, even in our own backyard. Let me explain.

Water, Ice, Dust and Fire!

A Story of Illinois Soil by Gilbert A Smith 

ISA Certified Master Arborist

Fall Colors by Gilbert A SmithWhy is it that Illinois is called “The Prairie State” ?    Why is our climax forest ‘Oak/Hickory‘ when just 50 miles east in Michigan the climax forest is ‘Beech/Maple’ and why do most of our trees grow 30% shorter than they do almost everywhere else: North, South, East, or West?  Many texts say that our harsh climate inhibits the growth of many trees, (USDA zone map) but you are hearing it here first, THE REAL REASON IS THE SOIL.