Trees, Soils, & Systems: Introduction to Arboriculture

3 units

Trees play a significant role in the overall ecosystem of our planet. They function both globally as well as microscopically. There are finite, quantifiable aspects to how a tree develops, yet there are also environmental and human factors that can disturb or interrupt normal functions and patterns. It is the charge of the designer to delve into the science of trees in order to better inform our design solutions and make appropriate sustainable choices. The course objectives are to make the student familiar with the anatomy of trees, to understand soils and their effects on trees and vice versa, to increase their abilities to identify trees, especially during the winter months, to understand the business of how trees are managed, whether it be growing, maintenance or specification of appropriate local nursery stock and to gather knowledge of trees and their relationship in our sustainable environment. Each class will have an informal lecture component that will present the latest in technologies of arboriculture practices. The class readings and assignments will correspond with the lecture topics and a subsequent discussion will follow or be intertwined into the lecture presentation itself. The application of the information will be in clear, concise weekly exercises. There will be several field trips to the Missouri Botanical Garden, a trip to Forest Park to look at the varied tree habitats and what worked and what is not working, as well as a trip to a local tree nursery.