Tree removal, a critical task in urban forestry, requires meticulous planning and assessment to ensure safety, efficiency, and minimal impact on the surrounding environment. Professionals in arboriculture use a systematic approach to evaluate various factors before deciding on the most appropriate tree removal technique. This essay outlines the key aspects of this process, focusing on tree condition, location, and environmental considerations.
Assessment of Tree Condition
The initial step in the assessment process involves a thorough examination of the tree's physical condition. Arborists look for signs of disease, decay, or pest infestations that might compromise the tree's stability. Techniques such as visual inspections and advanced tools like resistographs or tomography help in assessing internal health issues that are not visible externally. Important indicators include dead wood, cavities in the trunk or major limbs, cracks, and weak branch unions. Understanding these factors is crucial because they directly influence the method of removal; for instance, a severely decayed tree might necessitate a more controlled dismantling technique to prevent unintended damage during removal.
Location Analysis
The tree's location plays a pivotal role in determining the complexity of its removal. Arborists consider proximity to buildings, power lines, roads, and other infrastructure. In urban settings where space is limited and public safety is paramount, professionals might opt for sectional dismantling rather than felling the tree in one piece. This technique involves cutting the tree into sections from the top down using ropes and cranes to carefully lower each part to the ground safely.
Accessibility is another critical factor-whether machinery such as cranes or cherry pickers can be used depends largely on whether they can be safely brought into close proximity with the site without causing disruption or damage to property or other plant life.
Environmental Considerations
Beyond immediate safety concerns, responsible tree removal also accounts for environmental impacts. Professionals assess potential effects on local wildlife habitats or whether removing one tree might expose others to wind damage or increased sunlight that could affect their health adversely. They also plan how best to mitigate any negative effects on soil stability and water runoff.
In certain cases where trees are located within protected areas or contribute significantly to an area's ecological balance (such as veteran trees), arborists must work closely with environmental consultants and local authorities to ensure compliance with legal protections and conservation efforts.
Planning Removal Strategy
Combining information from these assessments helps professionals develop a tailored removal strategy that balances efficiency with safety considerations while minimizing ecological disruption. This plan includes choosing suitable equipment (like chainsaws for cutting operations), defining clear work zones (to ensure bystander safety), scheduling work at less disruptive times (for both traffic patterns and wildlife activity), and determining disposal methods for debris (recycling into mulch or timber where feasible).
In conclusion, successful tree removal hinges on detailed assessment and strategic planning by skilled arborists who regard every aspect from biological health through environmental impact down to logistical details like traffic management. By adhering to thorough preparation practices before executing any physical work ensures not only effective but also responsible management of our invaluable urban forest resources.
Tree removal is a complex and hazardous task that requires not only skill and experience but also a range of specialized tools and equipment. Each piece of equipment serves a specific purpose, ensuring the job is done efficiently and safely. Here's an overview of the common tools and machinery used in tree removal.
Chainsaws are perhaps the most recognizable tool in tree removal. These powerful machines come in various sizes and are essential for cutting through thick tree trunks and branches swiftly. Operators must be skilled to handle these devices as they require precise control to make accurate cuts while maintaining safety.
Stump grinders play a crucial role after the tree has been felled; they are used to remove the remaining stump. A stump grinder uses a high-speed rotating cutting disk that chips away at the wood until it is below ground level, effectively clearing the space for aesthetic or functional repurposing.
Cranes may be required for larger tree removal projects where manual cutting is unsafe or impractical. They provide a way to control large sections of the tree as they are cut, carefully lowering them to the ground. This method minimizes damage to surrounding properties and landscapes.
In addition to these heavy machines, various hand tools like axes, handsaws, and pruning shears assist in removing smaller branches or refining cuts made by more substantial machinery.
Safety gear is non-negotiable in tree removal operations. Essential items include helmets, eye protection, hearing protection, gloves, boots with steel toes, and sometimes even full body harnesses when working at heights or with cranes. Safety gear protects workers from potential injuries caused by flying debris, falls, or mechanical failures.
The combination of these tools allows professionals to tackle any tree removal job with precision and care. Whether dealing with storm-damaged limbs or clearing land for construction, having the right equipment is crucial for effective and safe operation.
When it comes to the removal of trees, various cutting techniques are employed based on the size, location, and surrounding environment of the tree. Each technique requires specific expertise and equipment to ensure safety and efficiency. The most commonly used methods are felling, sectional cutting, and controlled rigging. Understanding these techniques provides insight into the complexity and risk involved in tree removal operations.
Felling is one of the oldest and most straightforward methods of tree removal. It involves cutting a tree at its base, allowing it to fall in a single piece. This method is ideal for trees located in open areas where there is minimal risk of damaging buildings, other trees, or overhead wires. The process starts with careful planning to determine the direction of the fall by analyzing natural lean, wind direction, and branch distribution. Precision cuts are made on the trunk; typically a notch cut on the side facing the desired direction of fall followed by a back cut on the opposite side. This creates a hinge that helps control the tree's fall trajectory. However, this method can be hazardous if not executed correctly or if unexpected factors like hidden internal decay alter the weight distribution.
Sectional Cutting, also known as dismantling or piecemeal cutting, is suited for urban environments or confined spaces where direct felling is impractical or dangerous. This technique involves removing a tree in sections from top to bottom. Arborists climb the tree or use aerial lift devices to access higher branches safely. They then cut off smaller manageable sections of branches and trunk which are carefully lowered to the ground using ropes or cranes. This method minimizes disruption and damage to nearby structures and allows for greater control over each section's descent path.
Controlled Rigging is an advanced form of sectional cutting that provides additional support for managing how each part of the tree descends after being cut. In controlled rigging operations, ropes rigged through pulleys are attached strategically around different parts of the tree's canopy before any cuts are made. As sections are severed, they can be guided down slowly with precise control using these rigs, minimizing impact force when hitting the ground - essential in preventing damage to underfoot vegetation or hardscapes like walkways and driveways.
The choice among these techniques largely depends on various situational factors including but not limited to tree health and stability (which might affect its ability to withstand certain types of cuts), proximity to valuable targets (such as homes), legal considerations (like local ordinances protecting certain types of trees), and environmental impact considerations.
In conclusion, professional arborists must evaluate numerous conditions when deciding how best to remove a troublesome or dangerous tree while minimizing harm both human-made structures around them as well as preserving overall ecological balance within their work area's immediate environment.
Stump removal is an essential aspect of tree removal techniques, especially when the goal is to clear land or prevent regrowth and pest infestations. There are several methods for removing tree stumps, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. The most common techniques include mechanical grinding, chemical treatment, and natural decomposition.
Mechanical Grinding: Mechanical stump grinding is one of the fastest and most effective ways to remove a stump. This method involves using a stump grinder, which is a powerful tool equipped with a rotating cutting disk that chips away at the wood. Stump grinders can vary in size from small machines that are handheld to large truck-mounted units. The process involves moving the grinder over the entire stump in a sweeping motion to reduce the wood to chips and sawdust. This method is highly efficient and can remove stumps down to below ground level, thus making it possible to replant in the same spot almost immediately. However, it requires heavy machinery and can be relatively costly if you have multiple stumps to remove.
Chemical Treatment: Chemical treatment for stump removal involves using chemicals to accelerate the decay process of a stump. The most commonly used chemicals are potassium nitrate or other high-nitrogen substances. Holes are drilled into the top of the stump and filled with the chemical mixed with water, which helps speed up the rotting process. Over time, usually within weeks or months depending on the size and density of the stump, it becomes sufficiently soft for removal or burns out easily if fire is applied as part of controlled burning methods. While this method can be less labor-intensive than mechanical grinding, it does require patience and proper handling of potentially hazardous chemicals.
Natural Decomposition: Allowing nature to take its course might be appealing for those who prefer an eco-friendly approach. This process simply involves letting a tree stump naturally decompose over time through exposure to elements like weathering and microbial activity. To hasten decomposition, one might cover the stump with soil or mulch and add nitrogen-rich materials such as coffee grounds or grass clippings around it. Additionally, drilling holes into the stump and filling them with water can also help speed up rotting by promoting fungal growth that breaks down wood fibers. Although environmentally friendly and cost-effective since no machinery or chemicals are involved, this method takes much longer—often several years—to completely break down large stumps.
In conclusion, choosing among mechanical grinding, chemical treatment, or natural decomposition depends largely on how quickly one needs results, budget considerations, environmental concerns, and personal preferences regarding labor intensity versus waiting time for outcomes. Each technique has unique benefits suited for different situations—a balance between efficiency, cost-effectiveness, ecological impact must guide your choice in managing landscape after tree removals.
Handling tree debris effectively is a critical part of tree removal, which not only ensures safety and cleanliness but also contributes to environmental sustainability. When trees are removed, whether due to disease, safety concerns, or landscaping purposes, they generate significant amounts of debris that need to be managed appropriately. The methods primarily used for processing this debris include chipping, hauling away logs, and repurposing the wood for other uses.
Chipping is one of the most common methods used to handle smaller branches and foliage. Once a tree is cut down, all the smaller limbs and leaves are fed into a wood chipper. This machine breaks down the tree parts into small chips or mulch, which can then be easily transported or used directly on-site. Wood chips are excellent for mulching gardens, providing ground cover that helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds while also adding aesthetic value. Municipalities often use these chips in public parks or offer them to residents for personal use.
For larger sections of the tree such as trunks and large branches, hauling away logs is usually necessary. These larger pieces are often too big to be processed through a chipper. Instead, they are cut into manageable lengths and loaded onto trucks to be hauled away. Depending on local regulations and market demand, these logs might be taken to sawmills where they can be processed into lumber for construction or woodworking projects. Alternatively, they may end up at facilities that convert them into biofuel or other forms of renewable energy.
Finally, repurposing wood presents an environmentally friendly option that adds value beyond mere disposal. Creative repurposing can transform felled trees into furniture, art installations, or even architectural elements like beams or panels. Additionally, some ecological projects use sections of trees in habitat restoration efforts; submerged logs can provide habitats for aquatic life in lakes and rivers while others might serve as barriers against soil erosion.
Each of these techniques has its own set of benefits that contribute not only to efficiently managing the waste produced by tree removal but also toward recycling resources in beneficial ways. Chipping offers an immediate solution for reducing volume and creating useful by-products; hauling prepares wood for industrial uses; repurposing fosters innovation and environmental conservation.
In conclusion, handling tree debris through chipping, hauling away logs, or repurposing wood involves thoughtful processes that consider both practical disposal needs and broader environmental impacts. By choosing appropriate methods based on the type of debris generated and local conditions or demands, those involved in tree removal can ensure they manage this biomass responsibly while contributing positively to our ecosystem's sustainability.
Before embarking on a tree removal project, it is crucial to understand and adhere to the various legal considerations that govern such activities. These regulations are primarily in place to ensure public safety, protect the environment, and preserve community aesthetics. Ignoring these legal requirements can result in significant fines, legal action, or both.
Firstly, one of the most important steps is to check whether a permit is required for tree removal. The requirement for a permit can vary significantly depending on the location of the tree, its size, species, and health. Many local governments require permits for removing trees of certain sizes or types to prevent deforestation and to maintain ecological balance. For example, heritage trees—those deemed of significant age or having environmental or aesthetic value—are often protected under local laws.
In addition to obtaining permits, it is essential to be aware of local zoning laws which might restrict tree removal in certain areas. These restrictions could be due to reasons such as maintaining urban canopy cover or protecting wildlife habitats. Violating zoning laws can lead to penalties including compulsory replanting or restoration efforts.
Furthermore, homeowner's associations (HOAs) may have their own set of rules concerning tree removal. HOA regulations often require homeowners to get approval before proceeding with tree removal within their properties as these actions can affect the overall appearance and ecosystem of the community.
Safety regulations also play a critical role in tree removal processes. There are guidelines that need to be followed regarding how trees should be cut down and disposed of safely to prevent accidents or damage to property. Compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards is necessary if you are hiring professionals; they must use proper protective gear and follow industry-standard procedures for safely felling and removing trees.
Lastly, it's wise to consider any potential impact on local wildlife. Some regions have regulations designed to protect wildlife habitats; thus, conducting checks during certain seasons when birds might be nesting can be a requirement.
In summary, before undertaking any tree removal project, it is imperative that one thoroughly understands and complies with all relevant permits and local regulations. From securing appropriate permits based on the type of tree and its location within your property or city limits, adhering strictly to safety guidelines for cutting down trees responsibly without causing harm or disruption around people’s homes or public infrastructures like sidewalks and roadsides—to ensuring protection not only for our natural environment but also every member within our communities—these considerations are foundational steps that support sustainable development practices while safeguarding both human life & biodiversity alike.
The Critical Role of Safety Measures in Tree Removal Techniques
Tree removal, while necessary for various reasons like landscape management, safety, and disease control, is inherently hazardous. It involves significant risks not only to the individuals performing the task but also to nearby people and properties. Given these dangers, emphasizing the importance of adhering to strict safety protocols cannot be overstated.
Firstly, understanding and following safety measures minimizes the risk of injuries. The process of tree removal often involves climbing great heights, handling heavy machinery such as chainsaws and stump grinders, and dealing with unpredictable natural elements like wind or the inherent structure of a diseased or damaged tree. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential; helmets, eye protection, gloves, and proper footwear can be the difference between a safe operation and a disastrous one. Moreover, using harnesses and ensuring all equipment is in good working condition can prevent falls or failures that lead to severe injuries or fatalities.
Secondly, established safety protocols ensure a secure working environment. This not only protects the workers but also secures the area surrounding the operation. For instance, securing the perimeter around which tree removal is taking place prevents unauthorized access by untrained individuals who might unknowingly enter a high-risk zone. Proper signage and barriers are crucial in alerting nearby individuals of ongoing work.
Furthermore, following best practices in tree removal techniques aids in efficiency and effectiveness while minimizing property damage. Techniques such as directional felling ensure that trees land in a predetermined location to avoid damaging buildings, vehicles, or other valuable structures. In cases where trees are too large or positioned in complex locations that make felling dangerous or impractical, other techniques like sectional dismantling might be employed where trees are carefully taken apart piece by piece from top to bottom.
Training is another critical component of maintaining a safe environment during tree removal operations. Regular training ensures that workers are up-to-date on both safety regulations and operational procedures pertinent to tree removal. This includes emergency response training which equips everyone involved with knowledge on how to act swiftly should an accident occur.
In conclusion, prioritizing safety measures during tree removal is indispensable for preventing injuries and ensuring a secure working environment. It involves comprehensive planning from wearing appropriate PPE to employing correct tree removal methods tailored for specific situations. Each step taken towards reinforcing these safety protocols substantiates their role not just in safeguarding human life but also in preserving property during these high-risk activities.
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]
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.
Lithia Springs may refer to:
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:
Arboriculture (/ˈɑËÂrbÉ™rɪˌkÊŒltʃər, É‘ËÂrˈbÉâ€Ã‹Âr-/)[1] is the cultivation, management, and study of individual trees, shrubs, vines, and other perennial woody plants. The science of arboriculture studies how these plants grow and respond to cultural practices and to their environment. The practice of arboriculture includes cultural techniques such as selection, planting, training, fertilization, pest and pathogen control, pruning, shaping, and removal.
A person who practices or studies arboriculture can be termed an arborist or an arboriculturist. A tree surgeon is more typically someone who is trained in the physical maintenance and manipulation of trees and therefore more a part of the arboriculture process rather than an arborist. Risk management, legal issues, and aesthetic considerations have come to play prominent roles in the practice of arboriculture. Businesses often need to hire arboriculturists to complete "tree hazard surveys" and generally manage the trees on-site to fulfill occupational safety and health obligations.[citation needed]
Arboriculture is primarily focused on individual woody plants and trees maintained for permanent landscape and amenity purposes, usually in gardens, parks or other populated settings, by arborists, for the enjoyment, protection, and benefit of people.[citation needed]
Arboricultural matters are also considered to be within the practice of urban forestry yet the clear and separate divisions are not distinct or discreet.[citation needed]
Tree benefits are the economic, ecological, social and aesthetic use, function purpose, or services of a tree (or group of trees), in its situational context in the landscape.
A tree defect is any feature, condition, or deformity of a tree that indicates weak structure or instability that could contribute to tree failure.
Common types of tree defects:
Codominant stems: two or more stems that grow upward from a single point of origin and compete with one another.
Included bark: bark is incorporated in the joint between two limbs, creating a weak attachment
Dead, diseased, or broken branches:
Cracks
Cavity and hollows: sunken or open areas wherein a tree has suffered injury followed by decay. Further indications include: fungal fruiting structures, insect or animal nests.
Lean: a lean of more than 40% from vertical presents a risk of tree failure
Taper: change in diameter over the length of trunks branches and roots
Epicormic branches (water sprouts in canopy or suckers from root system): often grow in response to major damage or excessive pruning
Roots:
Proper tree installation ensures the long-term viability of the tree and reduces the risk of tree failure.
Quality nursery stock must be used. There must be no visible damage or sign of disease. Ideally the tree should have good crown structure. A healthy root ball should not have circling roots and new fibrous roots should be present at the soil perimeter. Girdling or circling roots should be pruned out. Excess soil above the root flare should be removed immediately, since it present a risk of disease ingress into the trunk.
Appropriate time of year to plant: generally fall or early spring in temperate regions of the northern hemisphere.
Planting hole: the planting hole should be 3 times the width of the root ball. The hole should be dug deep enough that when the root ball is placed on the substrate, the root flare is 3–5cm above the surrounding soil grade. If soil is left against the trunk, it may lead to bark, cambium and wood decay. Angular sides to the planting hole will encourage roots to grow radially from the trunk, rather than circling the planting hole. In urban settings, soil preparation may include the use of:
Tree wells: a zone of mulch can be installed around the tree trunk to: limit root zone competition (from turf or weeds), reduce soil compaction, improve soil structure, conserve moisture, and keep lawn equipment at a distance. No more than 5–10cm of mulch should be used to avoid suffocating the roots. Mulch must be kept approximately 20cm from the trunk to avoid burying the root flare. With city trees additional tree well preparation includes:
Tree grates/grill and frames: limit compaction on root zone and mechanical damage to roots and trunk
Root barriers: forces roots to grow down under surface asphalt/concrete/pavers to limit infrastructure damage from roots
Staking: newly planted, immature trees should be staked for one growing season to allow for the root system to establish. Staking for longer than one season should only be considered in situations where the root system has failed to establish sufficient structural support. Guy wires can be used for larger, newly planted trees. Care must be used to avoid stem girdling from the support system ties.
Irrigation: irrigation infrastructure may be installed to ensure a regular water supply throughout the lifetime of the tree. Wicking beds are an underground reservoir from which water is wicked into soil. Watering bags may be temporarily installed around tree stakes to provide water until the root system becomes established. Permeable paving allows for water infiltration in paved urban settings, such as parks and walkways.
Within the United Kingdom trees are considered as a material consideration within the town planning system and may be conserved as amenity landscape[2] features.
The role of the Arborist or Local Government Arboricultural Officer is likely to have a great effect on such matters. Identification of trees of high quality which may have extensive longevity is a key element in the preservation of trees.
Urban and rural trees may benefit from statutory protection under the Town and Country Planning[3] system. Such protection can result in the conservation and improvement of the urban forest as well as rural settlements.
Historically the profession divides into the operational and professional areas. These might be further subdivided into the private and public sectors. The profession is broadly considered as having one trade body known as the Arboricultural Association, although the Institute of Chartered Foresters offers a route for professional recognition and chartered arboriculturist status.
The qualifications associated with the industry range from vocational to Doctorate. Arboriculture is a comparatively young industry.
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.