When considering the safety of tree removal, one critical aspect often overlooked is the thorough assessment of the tree's condition and its surroundings. This evaluation not only helps in determining whether a tree needs to be removed but also plays a vital role in ensuring that the removal process is carried out safely without harming people or causing damage to property.
The first step in assessing a tree's health is a visual inspection. Arborists look for signs of disease, such as fungal growths, discolored leaves, or an abundance of dead branches. These symptoms can indicate internal decay which might not be visible from the outside. The presence of pests, like borers or bark beetles, can also weaken a tree significantly by eating away at its tissues.
Another crucial aspect to examine is the structure of the tree. Trees with poor structure might have weak branch attachments that are prone to breaking off easily, especially under stress conditions such as strong winds or heavy snow loads. V-crotches are typical weak points where branches grow too close together, creating a split risk. Arborists use tools like resistographs or sonic tomography devices to assess internal decay and structural integrity without causing damage to the tree.
The root system must also be evaluated since it provides the anchor and nourishment for the entire tree. Signs of root diseases or disruptions – like lifted soil around the base of the tree – can signify instability and increased risk of toppling. Environmental factors such as recent construction activities near trees can sever roots and destabilize them further.
Assessing the environment around the tree is equally important for safety during removal operations. Factors including proximity to power lines, buildings, roads, and public walkways pose potential hazards during removal processes. Evaluating these aspects helps determine what precautions need to be taken - for instance, whether traffic needs to be redirected, power lines de-energized or specialized equipment used to prevent building damages.
After gathering all this information, arborists can make informed decisions on whether a tree should be removed for safety reasons and plan effectively how it should be done safely. They may decide on using cranes to remove large trees in confined spaces safely or employing aerial lifts and ropes in less accessible areas.
In conclusion, correctly assessing both a tree's condition and its surrounding environment is indispensable in ensuring safe removal practices. Not only does it help identify potential risks associated with unhealthy trees but it also guides effective planning and use of appropriate techniques during their removal process thereby safeguarding human lives and property alike.
When engaging in tree removal, it is imperative to prioritize safety by equipping oneself with the proper gear and equipment. This practice not only ensures personal safety but also enhances efficiency in performing the task. Here, we will explore a detailed list of essential safety gear and tree removal equipment.
Safety Gear:
Helmets: A fundamental piece of safety gear, helmets protect against head injuries from falling branches or other impacts. They should meet industry standards such as those set by OSHA or ANSI.
Gloves: Durable gloves are necessary to prevent cuts, abrasions, and blisters while handling tools or debris. They provide a better grip on equipment, which is crucial for control and prevention of slips.
Goggles or Safety Glasses: Eye protection is critical as flying debris and sawdust can cause severe eye injury. Goggles should be anti-fog and fit securely over the eyes.
Ear Protection: Chainsaws and other tree removal equipment generate significant noise that can damage hearing over time. Earplugs or earmuffs are essential to protect ears from prolonged exposure to loud noises.
Steel-toed Boots: These boots safeguard the feet from heavy falling objects and provide stability on uneven ground surfaces.
Chainsaw Chaps or Pants: Specifically designed protective legwear helps guard against chainsaw accidents by stopping the chain if it comes into unintended contact with the lower body area.
High-Visibility Clothing: Brightly colored vests or jackets ensure that workers are easily seen by others, especially when working near roadways or in densely wooded areas where visibility is compromised.
Tree Removal Equipment:
Chainsaws: The primary tool for cutting trees; chainsaws come in various sizes and power levels depending on the size of the tree being removed.
Harnesses and Climbing Ropes: For removing large trees, climbing harnesses and ropes are used to ascend safely into the canopy for direct cutting operations or limb removals.
Stump Grinder: After a tree is cut down, stump grinders help remove remaining stumps below ground level, making the area safer for landscaping purposes.
Axes and Hatchets: Useful for chopping smaller branches or splitting wood pieces more manageably during cleanup stages.
Pole Saws: Extendable pole-mounted saws allow trimming of higher branches safely from ground level without needing climbing gear in some cases.
Wood Chippers: These machines break down trimmed branches and logs into wood chips quickly, clearing away debris efficiently from job sites.
In conclusion, ensuring that all personnel involved in tree removal operations are equipped with appropriate safety gear cannot be overstated-it is a critical component not just for individual protection but also for overall operational success without incident. Tree removal requires meticulous planning regarding both personal protective equipment (PPE) use and choosing suitable machinery tailored to specific tasks within an operation's scope. By adhering to these guidelines, we commit not only to effective but also safe execution of arboricultural practices.
Tree removal, particularly the cutting and felling phase, requires careful planning and execution to ensure safety and control. Whether for landscaping, construction, or safety reasons, removing a tree can be hazardous without the right techniques. Understanding the best practices for safe cutting and felling is essential for anyone involved in this task.
The first step in any tree removal process is assessing the situation. This includes examining the tree's size, species, health, and its proximity to structures or power lines. Additionally, it's important to consider wind direction and speed as they significantly influence the direction in which a tree falls. A thorough assessment helps in planning the cut and deciding on the necessary tools and protective gear.
One of the most fundamental techniques in tree felling is creating a proper notch cut. This cut dictates the direction of the tree's fall and provides a guide for the final cut. The conventional notch cut involves making a V-shaped cut on the side of the tree facing the desired direction of fall. It should be about one-quarter to one-third of the diameter of the tree deep.
After notching, it's time for what can be considered one of the most critical steps: making a back cut. This cut is placed on the opposite side of the notch and slightly above its bottom point. It should be straight and continue until there is enough hinge wood left to control but not prevent falling; typically about 10% to 20% of total trunk diameter remains uncut as hinge wood. The precise amount depends on both tree size and wood strength.
Throughout these operations, it's crucial that chainsaw operators use appropriate personal protective equipment-helmet with face shield or goggles, hearing protection, gloves, chaps or chain saw trousers, boots with steel toes-and maintain them well.
In addition to individual cuts, using wedges inserted into back cuts can provide extra control over larger or more stubborn trees by helping direct their fall away from obstacles or toward intended drop zones.
Another technique utilized by experienced arborists is utilizing ropes tied high up in taller trees being removed near structures or valuable landscapes. These ropes are controlled by ground assistants who pull according to planned directions which help guide trees safely down avoiding unwanted damage.
Finally yet importantly all debris must be managed effectively during after each project ensuring clear space around work area thus reducing risk accidents due slipping tripping hazards posed by sawdust branches other residues left behind during removal process
Safety cannot be overstated when performing tree cutting tasks; every step from initial evaluation through final clean-up must be approached with caution consideration potential risks involved In summary understanding applying these safe cutting felling techniques will help ensure that you can remove trees without causing harm people property environment around you thereby maintaining professionalism integrity your work as an arborist environmental caretaker
When discussing tree removal safety, the importance of emergency preparedness cannot be overstated. Tree removal, whether performed by professionals or individuals, carries inherent risks that can lead to accidents or emergencies. Preparing adequately can significantly minimize these risks and ensure a safer environment for everyone involved.
First and foremost, understanding the basics of first aid is crucial. Those undertaking tree removal should be trained in administering first aid or ensure that someone on site is capable of handling injuries until professional medical help arrives. This includes knowing how to treat cuts, bruises, broken bones, and other common injuries that might occur during tree removal activities. Having a well-stocked first aid kit accessible at all times is also essential. This kit should include items such as bandages, antiseptics, gauze pads, and splints.
Another critical step in emergency preparedness for tree removal is the establishment of clear escape routes. Before any cutting begins, it’s important to plan and communicate where individuals should go if a tree begins to fall unexpectedly or if another hazardous situation arises. These escape routes should be free from obstructions and should be positioned in a manner that maximizes safety and minimizes the likelihood of running into additional hazards.
Moreover, personal protective equipment (PPE) must be used at all times to protect against potential harm. PPE such as helmets, eye protection, gloves, and sturdy boots can prevent a variety of injuries. It's important for everyone involved in the tree removal process to wear appropriate gear tailored to their specific roles.
Prior to starting any work, inspecting all equipment used for tree removal is paramount. Chainsaws, ropes, cranes, or any other machinery should be checked thoroughly for functionality and safety compliance. Faulty equipment not only jeopardizes the user but also those around them.
Communication plays a pivotal role in effective emergency preparedness during tree removal operations. Using walkie-talkies or other communication devices ensures that all team members can quickly relay information about any immediate dangers or changes in plans.
In conclusion, proper emergency preparedness in tree removal involves a combination of knowledge in first aid procedures; strategic planning regarding escape routes; usage of appropriate personal protective equipment; regular inspection of tools and machinery; and effective communication among all participants. By meticulously preparing for potential accidents or emergencies through these steps, individuals can safeguard themselves against unnecessary injuries and contribute towards a smoother execution of what is undeniably a high-risk task.
When it comes to tree removal, safety is paramount-not only the physical safety of those removing the tree and any bystanders but also adherence to local legal requirements. Understanding and complying with these laws are crucial components of the tree removal process. Ignorance of such regulations can lead not only to hefty fines but also to potential harm caused by improper handling or unauthorized tree removal.
Local laws and regulations regarding tree removal typically vary from one municipality to another. These laws are often in place to protect certain trees that may be considered historic, ecologically valuable, or part of a community's character. For example, some areas have "heritage" trees that are protected due to their age or type; removing such trees without a permit could lead to significant legal consequences.
Before undertaking any tree removal activity, it is essential for homeowners or property managers to inquire about necessary permits. The permitting process usually requires an assessment by a certified arborist who can justify the need for removal, ensuring that it is based on the health or risk associated with keeping the tree rather than aesthetic preferences alone. This step is vital as it considers both public safety and environmental impact.
Furthermore, compliance with local laws helps maintain biodiversity and ecological balance within urban settings, where green spaces are limited but critical. By regulating which trees can be removed and when specialists must be involved, municipalities help preserve urban forests that benefit community health and wildlife.
Failing to adhere to these rules not only undermines these benefits but can also result in penalties varying from fines to legal charges depending on the severity of the breach. In some cases, individuals might be required to replace a removed tree or provide other forms of ecological compensation.
In addition, understanding local ordinances can inform residents about specific guidelines related to the method of removal. Certain techniques may be prohibited if they pose increased risks to people or properties nearby-for example, using heavy machinery in a densely populated area may require special permits or even be entirely off-limits.
Therefore, for anyone considering tree removal, it is imperative first to consult local zoning offices or municipal websites for relevant information regarding permits and procedures. This research should ideally be complemented by professional advice from licensed arborists who understand both the legal landscape and the biological factors at play.
In conclusion, while removing a problematic tree might seem straightforward initially, numerous safety considerations extend beyond physical risks into legal realms. Legal considerations ensure public safety and environmental integrity are maintained-a reminder that our actions should always respect both human communities and natural ecosystems alike. Henceforth, adhering strictly to local regulations isn't just about avoiding penalties; it's about contributing responsibly towards communal wellbeing and sustainability.
Cleanup and Disposal of Debris: Ensuring Safety in Tree Removal Processes
Tree removal is a task that often becomes necessary to prevent hazards such as property damage or personal injury due to old, diseased, or storm-damaged trees. However, the safety measures should not cease once the tree is down; the cleanup and disposal of debris are equally critical to ensure complete safety and environmental compliance.
Firstly, an effective strategy for debris disposal starts with proper planning before the actual removal of the tree. Arborists and tree removal professionals must assess the amount and type of debris expected and determine the safest method for its disposal. This foresight minimizes risks associated with handling large branches and trunks post-removal.
Once a tree is cut down, it typically leaves behind a substantial amount of debris including branches, leaves, stumps, and wood chips. The safe handling of these materials is paramount to prevent injuries from sharp objects or accidents due to slipping on leaves or small twigs. Workers involved in the cleanup process should wear appropriate protective gear such as gloves, sturdy boots, helmets, and eye protection.
The methodology for disposing of tree debris varies depending on local regulations and available facilities. One common method is chipping; smaller branches and foliage can be processed through a wood chipper to reduce their size and make them easier to transport. These chips can then be used as mulch for landscaping purposes or transported to biomass energy facilities where they contribute to renewable energy production.
For larger pieces such as tree trunks or heavy branches that cannot be easily chipped, hauling might be required. It's crucial that any vehicle or equipment used for transporting this kind of debris is well-suited for heavy loads and operated by experienced personnel to avoid road accidents or damage during transit.
Recycling plays a vital role in the disposal process too. Whenever possible, wood from tree removal should be repurposed or recycled. Salvaging larger sections of wood for lumber in construction projects not only prevents waste but also promotes sustainability by reducing the demand for new timber products.
Lastly, it’s essential to consider environmental precautions during debris disposal. Care must be taken not to disturb local wildlife habitats or dump materials in sensitive areas such as wetlands which could lead to ecological damage. Compliance with local environmental protection regulations helps ensure that natural habitats remain undisturbed while also mitigating potential legal issues.
In summary, while tree removal itself requires careful planning and execution to avoid immediate dangers, equal attention needs to be given to the subsequent cleanup and disposal stages. By using safe methods such as chipping, recycling timber appropriately, ensuring proper transportation methods for larger pieces, wearing protective gear during cleanup operations, and adhering strictly to environmental guidelines during disposal processes — risks can be minimized dramatically ensuring safety throughout all phases of this potentially hazardous work.
Forestry is the science and craft of creating, managing, planting, using, conserving and repairing forests and woodlands for associated resources for human and environmental benefits.[1] Forestry is practiced in plantations and natural stands.[2] The science of forestry has elements that belong to the biological, physical, social, political and managerial sciences.[3] Forest management plays an essential role in the creation and modification of habitats and affects ecosystem services provisioning.[4]
Modern forestry generally embraces a broad range of concerns, in what is known as multiple-use management, including: the provision of timber, fuel wood, wildlife habitat, natural water quality management, recreation, landscape and community protection, employment, aesthetically appealing landscapes, biodiversity management, watershed management, erosion control, and preserving forests as "sinks" for atmospheric carbon dioxide.
Forest ecosystems have come to be seen as the most important component of the biosphere,[5] and forestry has emerged as a vital applied science, craft, and technology. A practitioner of forestry is known as a forester. Another common term is silviculturist. Silviculture is narrower than forestry, being concerned only with forest plants, but is often used synonymously with forestry.
All people depend upon forests and their biodiversity, some more than others.[6] Forestry is an important economic segment in various industrial countries,[7] as forests provide more than 86 million green jobs and support the livelihoods of many more people.[6] For example, in Germany, forests cover nearly a third of the land area,[8] wood is the most important renewable resource, and forestry supports more than a million jobs and about €181 billion of value to the German economy each year.[9]
Worldwide, an estimated 880 million people spend part of their time collecting fuelwood or producing charcoal, many of them women.[6][quantify] Human populations tend to be low in areas of low-income countries with high forest cover and high forest biodiversity, but poverty rates in these areas tend to be high.[6] Some 252 million people living in forests and savannahs have incomes of less than US$1.25 per day.[6]
Over the past centuries, forestry was regarded as a separate science. With the rise of ecology and environmental science, there has been a reordering in the applied sciences. In line with this view, forestry is a primary land-use science comparable with agriculture.[10] Under these headings, the fundamentals behind the management of natural forests comes by way of natural ecology. Forests or tree plantations, those whose primary purpose is the extraction of forest products, are planned and managed to utilize a mix of ecological and agroecological principles.[11] In many regions of the world there is considerable conflict between forest practices and other societal priorities such as water quality, watershed preservation, sustainable fishing, conservation, and species preservation.[12]
Silvology (Latin: silva or sylva, "forests and woods"; Ancient Greek: -λογία, -logia, "science of" or "study of") is the biological science of studying forests and woodlands, incorporating the understanding of natural forest ecosystems, and the effects and development of silvicultural practices. The term complements silviculture, which deals with the art and practice of forest management.[13]
Silvology is seen as a single science for forestry and was first used by Professor Roelof A.A. Oldeman at Wageningen University.[14] It integrates the study of forests and forest ecology, dealing with single tree autecology and natural forest ecology.
Dendrology (Ancient Greek: δÃŽÂνδρον, dendron, "tree"; and Ancient Greek: -λογία, -logia, science of or study of) or xylology (Ancient Greek: ξÃÂλον, ksulon, "wood") is the science and study of woody plants (trees, shrubs, and lianas), specifically, their taxonomic classifications.[15] There is no sharp boundary between plant taxonomy and dendrology; woody plants not only belong to many different plant families, but these families may be made up of both woody and non-woody members. Some families include only a few woody species. Dendrology, as a discipline of industrial forestry, tends to focus on identification of economically useful woody plants and their taxonomic interrelationships. As an academic course of study, dendrology will include all woody plants, native and non-native, that occur in a region. A related discipline is the study of sylvics, which focuses on the autecology of genera and species.
The provenance of forest reproductive material used to plant forests has a great influence on how the trees develop, hence why it is important to use forest reproductive material of good quality and of high genetic diversity.[16] More generally, all forest management practices, including in natural regeneration systems, may impact the genetic diversity of trees.
The term genetic diversity describes the differences in DNA sequence between individuals as distinct from variation caused by environmental influences. The unique genetic composition of an individual (its genotype) will determine its performance (its phenotype) at a particular site.[17]
Genetic diversity is needed to maintain the vitality of forests and to provide resilience to pests and diseases. Genetic diversity also ensures that forest trees can survive, adapt and evolve under changing environmental conditions. Furthermore, genetic diversity is the foundation of biological diversity at species and ecosystem levels. Forest genetic resources are therefore important to consider in forest management.[16]
Genetic diversity in forests is threatened by forest fires, pests and diseases, habitat fragmentation, poor silvicultural practices and inappropriate use of forest reproductive material.
About 98 million hectares of forest were affected by fire in 2015; this was mainly in the tropical domain, where fire burned about 4 percent of the total forest area in that year. More than two-thirds of the total forest area affected was in Africa and South America. Insects, diseases and severe weather events damaged about 40 million hectares of forests in 2015, mainly in the temperate and boreal domains.[18]
Furthermore, the marginal populations of many tree species are facing new threats due to the effects of climate change.[16]
Most countries in Europe have recommendations or guidelines for selecting species and provenances that can be used in a given site or zone.[17]
Forest management is a branch of forestry concerned with overall administrative, legal, economic, and social aspects, as well as scientific and technical aspects, such as silviculture, forest protection, and forest regulation. This includes management for timber, aesthetics, recreation, urban values, water, wildlife, inland and nearshore fisheries, wood products, plant genetic resources, and other forest resource values.[19] Management objectives can be for conservation, utilisation, or a mixture of the two. Techniques include timber extraction, planting and replanting of different species, building and maintenance of roads and pathways through forests, and preventing fire.
The first dedicated forestry school was established by Georg Ludwig Hartig at Hungen in the Wetterau, Hesse, in 1787, though forestry had been taught earlier in central Europe, including at the University of Giessen, in Hesse-Darmstadt.
In Spain, the first forestry school was the Forest Engineering School of Madrid (Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingenieros de Montes), founded in 1844.
The first in North America, the Biltmore Forest School was established near Asheville, North Carolina, by Carl A. Schenck on September 1, 1898, on the grounds of George W. Vanderbilt's Biltmore Estate. Another early school was the New York State College of Forestry, established at Cornell University just a few weeks later, in September 1898.
Early 19th century North American foresters went to Germany to study forestry. Some early German foresters also emigrated to North America.
In South America the first forestry school was established in Brazil, in Viçosa, Minas Gerais, in 1962, and moved the next year to become a faculty at the Federal University of Paraná, in Curitiba.[34]
Today, forestry education typically includes training in general biology, ecology, botany, genetics, soil science, climatology, hydrology, economics and forest management. Education in the basics of sociology and political science is often considered an advantage. Professional skills in conflict resolution and communication are also important in training programs.[35]
In India, forestry education is imparted in the agricultural universities and in Forest Research Institutes (deemed universities). Four year degree programmes are conducted in these universities at the undergraduate level. Masters and Doctorate degrees are also available in these universities.
In the United States, postsecondary forestry education leading to a Bachelor's degree or Master's degree is accredited by the Society of American Foresters.[36]
In Canada the Canadian Institute of Forestry awards silver rings to graduates from accredited university BSc programs, as well as college and technical programs.[37]
In many European countries, training in forestry is made in accordance with requirements of the Bologna Process and the European Higher Education Area.
The International Union of Forest Research Organizations is the only international organization that coordinates forest science efforts worldwide.[38]
In order to keep up with changing demands and environmental factors, forestry education does not stop at graduation. Increasingly, forestry professionals engage in regular training to maintain and improve on their management practices. An increasingly popular tool are marteloscopes; one hectare large, rectangular forest sites where all trees are numbered, mapped and recorded.
These sites can be used to do virtual thinnings and test one's wood quality and volume estimations as well as tree microhabitats. This system is mainly suitable to regions with small-scale multi-functional forest management systems
Forestry literature is the books, journals and other publications about forestry.
The first major works about forestry in the English language included Roger Taverner's Booke of Survey (1565), John Manwood's A Brefe Collection of the Lawes of the Forrest (1592) and John Evelyn's Sylva (1662).[39]
cite book
cite journal
The Society of American Foresters grants accreditation only to specific educational curricula that lead to a first professional degree in forestry at the bachelor's or master's level.
This article incorporates text from a free content work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 (license statement/permission). Text taken from Global Forest Resources Assessment 2020 Key findings​, FAO, FAO.
This article incorporates text from a free content work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 IGO (license statement/permission). Text taken from The State of the World's Forests 2020. Forests, biodiversity and people – In brief​, FAO & UNEP, FAO & UNEP.
This article incorporates text from a free content work. Licensed under CC BY-SA IGO 3.0 (license statement/permission). Text taken from World Food and Agriculture – Statistical Yearbook 2023​, FAO, FAO.
An arborist, or (less commonly) arboriculturist, is a professional in the practice of arboriculture, which is the cultivation, management, and study of individual trees, shrubs, vines, and other perennial woody plants in dendrology and horticulture.[citation needed]
Arborists generally focus on the health and safety of individual plants and trees, rather than managing forests or harvesting wood (silviculture or forestry). An arborist's scope of work is therefore distinct from that of either a forester or a logger.[citation needed]
In order for arborists to work near power wires, either additional training is required or they need to be certified as a Qualified Line Clearance Arborist or Utility Arborist (there may be different terminology for various countries). There is a variety of minimum distances that must be kept from power wires depending on voltage, however the common distance for low voltage lines in urban settings is 10 feet (about 3 metres).[1]
Arborists who climb (as not all do) can use a variety of techniques to ascend into the tree. The least invasive, and most popular technique used is to ascend on rope. There are two common methods of climbing, Single Rope System (SRS) and Moving Rope System (MRS). When personal safety is an issue, or the tree is being removed, arborists may use 'spikes', (also known as 'gaffs' or 'spurs') attached to their chainsaw boots with straps to ascend and work. Spikes wound the tree, leaving small holes where each step has been.[citation needed]
An arborist's work may involve very large and complex trees, or ecological communities and their abiotic components in the context of the landscape ecosystem. These may require monitoring and treatment to ensure they are healthy, safe, and suitable to property owners or community standards. This work may include some or all of the following: planting; transplanting; pruning; structural support; preventing, or diagnosing and treating phytopathology or parasitism; preventing or interrupting grazing or predation; installing lightning protection; and removing vegetation deemed as hazardous, an invasive species, a disease vector, or a weed.[citation needed]
Arborists may also plan, consult, write reports and give legal testimony. While some aspects of this work are done on the ground or in an office, much of it is done by arborists who perform tree services and who climb the trees with ropes, harnesses and other equipment. Lifts and cranes may be used too. The work of all arborists is not the same. Some may just provide a consulting service; others may perform climbing, pruning and planting: whilst others may provide a combination of all of these services.[2]
Arborists gain qualifications to practice arboriculture in a variety of ways and some arborists are more qualified than others. Experience working safely and effectively in and around trees is essential. Arborists tend to specialize in one or more disciplines of arboriculture, such as diagnosis and treatment of pests, diseases and nutritional deficiencies in trees, climbing and pruning, cabling and lightning protection, or consultation and report writing. All these disciplines are related to one another and some arborists are very well experienced in all areas of tree work, however not all arborists have the training or experience to properly practice every discipline.[citation needed]
Arborists choose to pursue formal certification, which is available in some countries and varies somewhat by location. An arborist who holds certification in one or more disciplines may be expected to participate in rigorous continuing education requirements to ensure constant improvement of skills and techniques.[citation needed]
In Australia, arboricultural education and training are streamlined countrywide through a multi-disciplinary vocational education, training, and qualification authority called the Australian Qualifications Framework, which offers varying levels of professional qualification. Government institutions including Technical and Further Education TAFE offer Certificate III or a diploma in arboriculture as well as some universities.[3][4] There are also many private institutions covering similar educational framework in each state. Recognition of prior learning is also an option for practicing arborists with 10 or more years of experience with no prior formal training. It allows them to be assessed and fast track their certification.[citation needed]
In France, a qualified arborist must hold a Management of Ornamental Trees certificate, and a qualified arborist climber must hold a Pruning and Care of Trees certificate; both delivered by the French Ministry of Agriculture.[5][6]
In the UK, an arborist can gain qualifications up to and including a master's degree. College-based courses include further education qualifications, such as national certificate, national diploma, while higher education courses in arboriculture include foundation degree, bachelor's degree and master's degree.[citation needed]
In the US, a Certified Arborist (CA) is a professional who has over three years of documented and verified experience and has passed a rigorous written test from the International Society of Arboriculture. Other designations include Municipal Specialist, Utility Specialist and Board Certified Master Arborist (BCMA). The USA and Canada additionally have college-based training which, if passed, will give the certificate of Qualified Arborist. The Qualified Arborist can then be used to offset partial experience towards the Certified Arborist.
Tree Risk Assessment Qualified credential (TRAQ), designed by the International Society of Arboriculture, was launched in 2013. At that time people holding the TRACE credential were transferred over to the TRAQ credential.[citation needed]
In Canada, there are provincially governed apprenticeship programs that allow arborists' to work near power lines upon completion. These apprenticeship programs must meet the provincial reregulations (For example, in B.C. they must meet WorkSafeBC G19.30), and individuals must ensure they meet the requirements of the owner of the power system.[citation needed]
Trees in urban landscape settings are often subject to disturbances, whether human or natural, both above and below ground. They may require care to improve their chances of survival following damage from either biotic or abiotic causes. Arborists can provide appropriate solutions, such as pruning trees for health and good structure, for aesthetic reasons, and to permit people to walk under them (a technique often referred to as "crown raising"), or to keep them away from wires, fences and buildings (a technique referred to as "crown reduction").[7] Timing and methods of treatment depend on the species of tree and the purpose of the work. To determine the best practices, a thorough knowledge of local species and environments is essential.[citation needed]
There can be a vast difference between the techniques and practices of professional arborists and those of inadequately trained tree workers. Some commonly offered "services" are considered unacceptable by modern arboricultural standards and may seriously damage, disfigure, weaken, or even kill trees. One such example is tree topping, lopping, or "hat-racking", where entire tops of trees or main stems are removed, generally by cross-cutting the main stem(s) or leaders, leaving large unsightly stubs. Trees that manage to survive such treatment are left prone to a spectrum of detrimental effects, including vigorous but weakly attached regrowth, pest susceptibility, pathogen intrusion, and internal decay.[8]
Pruning should only be done with a specific purpose in mind. Every cut is a wound, and every leaf lost is removal of photosynthetic potential. Proper pruning can be helpful in many ways, but should always be done with the minimum amount of live tissue removed.[9]
In recent years, research has proven that wound dressings such as paint, tar or other coverings are unnecessary and may harm trees. The coverings may encourage growth of decay-causing fungi. Proper pruning, by cutting through branches at the right location, can do more to limit decay than wound dressing [10]
Chemicals can be applied to trees for insect or disease control through soil application, stem injections or spraying. Compacted or disturbed soils can be improved in various ways.[citation needed]
Arborists can also assess trees to determine the health, structure, safety or feasibility within a landscape and in proximity to humans. Modern arboriculture has progressed in technology and sophistication from practices of the past. Many current practices are based on knowledge gained through recent research, including that of Alex Shigo, considered one "father" of modern arboriculture.[11]
Depending on the jurisdiction, there may be a number of legal issues surrounding the practices of arborists, including boundary issues, public safety issues, "heritage" trees of community value, and "neighbour" issues such as ownership, obstruction of views, impacts of roots crossing boundaries, nuisance problems, disease or insect quarantines, and safety of nearby trees or plants that may be affected.[citation needed]
Arborists are frequently consulted to establish the factual basis of disputes involving trees, or by private property owners seeking to avoid legal liability through the duty of care.[12] Arborists may be asked to assess the value of a tree[13] in the process of an insurance claim for trees damaged or destroyed,[14] or to recover damages resulting from tree theft or vandalism.[15] In cities with tree preservation orders an arborist's evaluation of tree hazard may be required before a property owner may remove a tree, or to assure the protection of trees in development plans and during construction operations. Carrying out work on protected trees and hedges is illegal without express permission from local authorities,[16] and can result in legal action including fines.[17] Homeowners who have entered into contracts with a Homeowner's association (see also Restrictive covenants) may need an arborists' professional opinion of a hazardous condition prior to removing a tree, or may be obligated to assure the protection of the views of neighboring properties prior to planting a tree or in the course of pruning.[18] Arborists may be consulted in forensic investigations where the evidence of a crime can be determined within the growth rings of a tree, for example. Arborists may be engaged by one member of a dispute in order to identify factual information about trees useful to that member of the dispute, or they can be engaged as an expert witness providing unbiased scientific knowledge in a court case. Homeowners associations seeking to write restrictive covenants, or legislative bodies seeking to write laws involving trees, may seek the counsel of arborists in order to avoid future difficulties.[19]
Before undertaking works in the UK, arborists have a legal responsibility to survey trees for wildlife, especially bats, which are given particular legal protection. In addition, any tree in the UK can be covered by a tree preservation order and it is illegal to conduct any work on a tree, including deadwooding or pruning, before permission has been sought from the local council.[citation needed]
The protagonist in Italo Calvino's novel The Baron in the Trees lives life on the ground as a boy and spends the rest of his life swinging from tree to tree in the Italian countryside. As a young man he helps the local fruit farmers by pruning their trees.[citation needed]
Some noteworthy arborists include:
The International Society of Arboriculture, commonly known as ISA, is an international non-profit organization headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia,[1] United States. The ISA serves the tree care industry as a paid membership association and a credentialing organization that promotes the professional practice of arboriculture.[2] ISA focuses on providing research, technology, and education opportunities for tree care professionals to develop their arboricultural expertise. ISA also works to educate the general public about the benefits of trees and the need for proper tree care.[3][4]
Worldwide, ISA has 22,000 members and 31,000 ISA-certified tree care professionals with 59 chapters, associate organizations, and professional affiliates throughout North America, Asia, Oceania, Europe, and South America.[5]
ISA offers the following credentials:
The Certified Arborist credential identifies professional arborists who have a minimum of three years' full-time experience working in the professional tree care industry and who have passed an examination covering facets of arboriculture.[6][7] The Western Chapter of the ISA started the certification program in the 1980s,[citation needed] with the ISA initiating it in 1992.[8]
The Board Certified Master Arborist (BCMA) or simply Master Arborist credential identifies professional arborists who have attained the highest level of arboriculture offered by the ISA and one of the two top levels in the field. There are several paths to the Board Certified Master Arborist, but typically on average each has been an ISA Certified Arborist a minimum of three to five years before qualifying for the exam (this can vary depending upon other education and experience). The certification began as a result of the need to distinguish the top few arborists and allow others to identify those with superior credentials.
The Master Arborist examination is a far more extensive exam than the Certified Arborist Exam, and covers a broad scope of both aboriculture management, science and work practices. The exam includes the following areas:
Another credential that is on a par with the Master Arborist is that of the American Society of Consulting Arborists, the Registered Consulting Arborist.[9] There are perhaps six hundred individuals with that qualification, and only 70 arborists who hold both credentials.[citation needed]
We recently had five large pine trees taken down in our front yard. We had three bids from different tree companies. We also wanted the stumps ground as well as chasing roots above ground. Rudy was fantastic and his workers were very skilled and the clean up was exceptional. We would highly recommend them and not hesitate to use them again.
Used Rudy and All In Tree for numerous things over the last year and a half. Pricing is Competitive. Very responsive to calls and tests. I like that they're insured. Did what he said what he was going to do and when he said he was going to do it. A couple of things didn't meet my expectations and he immediately came out and made it right. I have recommended to multiple other people.
Update! 10/10/23 After they helped me last month, All in Tree Service has again saved the day! A couple of large trees washed down the creek on my property recently and one of them was lodged against the pipes that go from my house to the street. There were other large tree trunks in the creek as well and also one wedged against the supports for my bridge. The All In team went to work and within a couple of hours had everything cleaned up and removed. The pipes and the bridge are safe! I recommend this team wholeheartedly. They care about what they do and it shows. Thank you! I’m very grateful. This team exemplifies professionalism. The before and after pictures tell a great story. September 2023 I recently was fortunate enough to find Rudy and Yaremi of All In Tree Services. A very large and very high limb on a big oak tree was hanging after a storm. It was a danger to me, to my dogs and to the fence below it. I had never met Rudy and Yaremi before. They were the first to call me back when I started my search for a reliable tree service. They clearly wanted the business so I gave them a chance. I’m so glad I did. They were very impressive! Their strategy and teamwork were incredible. Clearly they are very experienced at this kind of work. I took some pictures but I wish I had filmed the whole thing. It was amazing. They roped off the limb so it would not fall on anything or anyone. Then they quickly got the limb cut and safely on the ground and helped to clear up the debris. I am extremely happy with their service and with the friendly and professional manner with which they conducted themselves. I have already recommended them to my neighbors and I strongly encourage anyone who needs tree services to call them.
All professional service. Timely, efficient, friendly. I had big old dead trees that I feared daily were going to come down. I called them in an emergency and they came the very next morning, no problem, no excuses. The guys were about service and me as a customer. They saw what I needed and went above and beyond to make sure I was a satisfied customer. I am a satisfied customer. I will use this company again and again. Thank you Rudy.