Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Accelerating Production Of Slow-Growing Intermountain West Native Plants By Modifying Their Microclimate, Sam A. Miller

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Water shortages are a recurring problem in the western US. As much as 70% of yearly municipal water consumption may be used to irrigate urban landscapes. Significant water savings can be realized by installing low water landscapes, where turfgrass is replaced by low water trees, shrubs, grasses, and perennials. Intermountain West (IMW) native trees and shrubs are excellent candidates for low water landscaping. However, due to their slow initial growth, many native trees and shrubs are simply unavailable to consumers, as they are not cost effective for nursery growers to produce. In an effort to accelerate the yearly growth rates …