Michael,

I have not read a peer juried research paper on the topic but you could 
search both the AATA (Art and Archaeology Technical Abstracts - go to 
Getty.edu) or BCIN at the Canadian Conservation Institute web site.

As a professional objects and sculpture conservator with many years 
experience I can relate my observations to you.

Trees and foilage surrounding outdoor art create a number of 
conservation issues - from pollen to bird droppings. Also if parts of 
the art work are in shade then that will leave some areas moist and 
that produces corrosion and biofilm formation (mold, mildew, etc.). You 
will also see drip or run-off patterns on metals and stone from the 
dripping from adjacent foilage. And I think that a nut or fruit bearing 
tree is self-explanatory!

Another issue are the water systems for keeping those bushes, flowers, 
and trees looking nice. They often will leave mineral deposits 
(depending on if you have hard or soft water) that can become quite 
disfiguring over time. And also any chemicals that are used by 
groudskeepers can affect outdoor art. I've also seen physical damage 
done by hoses, mowers, and weed wackers that have conme into contact 
with the art work's surfaces.

All of these issues create the conditions for corrosion and disfiguring 
aesthetic problems that generate business for us as conservators who 
work on outdoor art and monuments. I think that most of us would be 
delighted if a more thoughtful and preventive approach were undertaken 
so that we would not have to revisit the same outdoor art every year.or 
two.

It is far cheaper to consult a conservator on your plans for an outdoor 
art work and it's placement in the adjacent landscaping then to turn it 
into a treatment problem in the years to come.

Cheers!
Dave

David Harvey
Conservator
Los Angeles, California  USA

-----Original Message-----
From: Simons, Michael A. (Contr) <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask]
Sent:         Thu, 12 May 2005 10:00:22 -0400
Subject: outdoor displays

    Has anyone done research on the effects of different type of trees 
and shrubs on
out door displays?  Particularly their effects on iron, steel, and 
aluminum?

Michael Aurele Simons
Director
Historical Electronics Museum
1745 Nursery Road
Linthicum, Maryland 21090
410-765-3803
[log in to unmask]
www.hem-usa.org

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