Explanation should include the following factors:
- Aspect (i.e., direction of slope face)
- Climate zone/hardiness zone
- Competition
- Human activity (e.g., disturbance, pollution)
- Light
- Nutrient availability
- Pest prevalence
- Soils
- Topography
- Water availability
Process/Skill Questions:
- How might soil compaction be prevented or remediated?
- How does soil compaction affect tree health?
- How does aspect affect water availability?
- What species will thrive in the Appalachian Plateau? Valley and Ridge? Blue Ridge Mountains? Piedmont? Coastal Plain?
- How can buying tree stock from a reputable dealer, using the ANSI Z60 standards, help with future tree performance?
- How can surrounding structures create a microclimate?
- Why might the soil in an industrial area need to be amended prior to planting?