On a recent visit to the doctor, I noticed trees in the parking lot at various stages of decline and death.
It is a nice thought to plant trees in parking lot islands, but it usually ends poorly, especially for the tree!
The trees around the outside of the lot and in the islands were Little Leaf Linden Tilia cordata, an excellent choice for a small ornamental tree.
The problem begins with the size of the island. Twenty feet by three feet is not large enough planting area to support trees.
Next, on top of the trees was landscape fabric.
On top of the fabric was washed river stone.
There was no irrigation installed.
The trees probably all started out healthy and happy, like the ones in the turf outside the parking lot.
But heat, salt, and a lack of water can mean the end of trees.
If you are thinking about installing anything in parking lot islands, consider a streetlight.
Be kind to trees.
