When we have many organisms connected we call that a eco-system. Eco-art nurse logs are logs from urban tree removals that are at least 2 feet in diameter by at least 4 feet long. In nature, at times, they are water reservoirs for trees during dry times, seed beds, reduce soil erosion, add elements such as calcium when trees need it, benefit wildlife and much much more. Not every urban situation is right for this gradation of mulch, however where it can be used it benefits the system. As certain professionals move forward and begin to plant trees in groups rather than as single soldiers or lions in a zoo, the home for these natural ecological stages of trees will increase.
Trees have many ecological stages.
We are finding that the bigger the nurse log the better the chances of maintenance free plants within. In wood lot management and tree farms, it would be nice to leave as many as possible perpendicular to the slope to collect things. I have dissected many nurse logs and have found many living organisms including colonies of certain bees. This log was 2' in diameter and the arrow points to the bees cavity. This is an important issue due to the fact we are at an all time high pollination crisis .