Electrical Hazard Awareness

Recognizing Electrical Hazards in Trees

Recognizing electrical hazards in trees is crucial for anyone working around them, especially arborists and utility line workers, but also homeowners doing yard work. A seemingly harmless tree can become a deadly conductor of electricity under the right (or wrong) conditions. Understanding how to spot these hazards can literally save your life.


One of the most obvious signs is direct contact between a tree and power lines. Look for branches touching or growing too close to the lines. Even if they arent touching at the moment, wind can easily sway branches into contact, creating a dangerous situation. Keep in mind that electricity can arc or "jump" a small gap, so even a near miss can be hazardous. Never attempt to trim branches near power lines yourself; always call a qualified professional.


Beyond direct contact, consider the trees overall health and location. A dead or decaying tree is weaker and more likely to fall, potentially taking down power lines with it. Trees located directly under or near power lines should be regularly inspected and pruned by trained professionals to prevent future problems. Also, be aware of the ground around the tree. Downed power lines hidden in foliage or wet ground create an invisible but very real danger.


Another important factor is weather. Storms can significantly increase the risk of electrical hazards. High winds can blow trees into power lines, and wet conditions increase the conductivity of wood, making it easier for electricity to flow through it. After a storm, be extra cautious around trees and assume that any downed lines are live.


Finally, trust your instincts. If something feels unsafe, it probably is. Dont take chances with electricity. Maintaining a safe distance from trees near power lines, being aware of potential hazards, and calling in professionals when needed are the best ways to protect yourself and others.

Recognizing Electrical Hazards in Trees

Safe Distances and Approach Techniques Around Power Lines

Working around power lines can be deadly if you dont respect the invisible forces at play. Electricity always seeks the easiest path to the ground, and unfortunately, that path can sometimes be you. Thats why understanding safe distances and approach techniques is crucial for anyone working near these lines.


The most important rule is to maintain a safe distance. This distance isnt just a suggestion; its a lifeline. Minimum safe distances vary depending on the voltage of the power lines and are regulated by organizations like OSHA. Never assume you know the voltage – always check with the utility company or a qualified professional before starting any work. Remember, electricity can jump, or "arc," across gaps, so staying further away than you think you need to is always the best practice. Think of it like an invisible force field around the lines – you dont want to breach that field.


When equipment like cranes, ladders, or scaffolding is involved, extra precautions are paramount. Before moving any equipment near power lines, contact the utility company to de-energize the lines or install protective coverings. If de-energizing isnt possible, calculate the safe distance based on the equipments maximum extended reach and add a healthy safety margin. A moment of complacency can lead to a lifetime of regret, or worse.


Approaching power lines, even when maintaining a safe distance, requires caution. Never approach them directly. Instead, approach at an angle so you have a clear view and can react quickly if something unexpected happens. Be especially mindful of changing weather conditions. Wind can cause lines to sway, reducing the safe distance, and rain or humidity can increase the conductivity of the air, making arcing more likely.


Safety isnt just about rules; its about cultivating a mindset of constant awareness. Before beginning any work near power lines, take a moment to assess the risks, plan your approach, and ensure everyone involved understands the safety procedures. Treat power lines with the respect they deserve, and youll significantly reduce the risk of a serious accident. Your life might depend on it.

Emergency Procedures for Contact with Electrical Lines

Emergency procedures when dealing with electrical contact incidents are crucial for minimizing injuries and fatalities. Its not just about knowing what to do; its about reacting quickly and correctly in a high-stress situation. Think of it like a fire drill – you practice so that when the alarm bells ring, you dont freeze.


First and foremost, assume all downed power lines are live. Never approach them, never touch them, and never let anything – a stick, a tool, or even a part of your body – come close. Electricity can jump, and that arc can be deadly. Establish a safe zone, ideally at least the length of one power pole away from the downed line. Remember, electricity can travel through the ground, so distance is your friend.


If someone comes into contact with a live wire, your first instinct might be to rush in and help. Resist that urge. Touching them could complete the electrical circuit and electrocute you as well. Instead, call 911 immediately. Emergency responders are trained to handle these situations safely. Clearly explain the situation and location to the dispatcher.


While waiting for help, warn others to stay away. If possible, use non-conductive materials like dry wood or plastic to create a barrier around the area. If the victim is near a vehicle thats in contact with a downed line, tell them to stay inside unless the car catches fire. The tires can actually provide some insulation. If they absolutely must exit the vehicle, they should jump clear, avoiding contact with both the car and the ground at the same time.


After the power company has confirmed that the power is off and the scene is safe, first aid can begin. Check for burns, breathing, and pulse. Be prepared to administer CPR if necessary. Even if the victim appears unharmed, they should still seek medical attention. Electrical shock can have delayed effects.


Being aware of these emergency procedures is a vital part of electrical hazard awareness. It can mean the difference between life and death. So, take a moment to visualize these steps. Being prepared is the best defense.

Emergency Procedures for Contact with Electrical Lines
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Electrical Safety

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Electrical Safety

Electrical hazards are a serious workplace risk, and understanding how to protect yourself is crucial. One of the most fundamental aspects of electrical safety is using the right Personal Protective Equipment, or PPE. Think of PPE as your armor against potential shocks, burns, and arc flashes – incidents that can have devastating consequences.


Choosing the right PPE isnt a one-size-fits-all situation. The specific equipment you need depends on the level of electrical hazard youre facing. For example, if youre working on low-voltage circuits, insulated gloves and safety glasses might be sufficient. But if youre dealing with high-voltage systems, youll need much more comprehensive protection, including arc-rated clothing, face shields, and specialized footwear.


Lets talk about gloves. Rubber insulating gloves are essential for protecting your hands from electrical shock. Its important to remember that these gloves need to be inspected regularly for any damage, like cuts or cracks. And dont forget leather protector gloves! These go over the rubber gloves to protect them from abrasion and punctures.


Eye and face protection is just as vital. Safety glasses with side shields offer basic protection, but when theres a risk of arc flash, a face shield is a must. An arc flash is an incredibly bright and hot explosion of electrical energy, and a face shield can help protect you from serious burns and eye damage.


Beyond gloves and eye protection, flame-resistant (FR) clothing plays a critical role in electrical safety. FR clothing is designed to self-extinguish if it catches fire, minimizing the severity of burns. This clothing should be rated for the specific electrical hazards you might encounter.


Finally, never underestimate the importance of proper training. Knowing how to correctly use and maintain your PPE is just as important as having it in the first place. Regular inspections, proper storage, and understanding the limitations of your equipment are all key to staying safe. Remember, PPE isnt foolproof. Its just one part of a comprehensive electrical safety program. By combining the right PPE with safe work practices and a thorough understanding of the hazards, you can significantly reduce your risk of injury.

An arborist practicing tree care: using a chainsaw to fell a eucalyptus tree in a park at Kallista, Victoria.

Arboriculture (/ˈɑːrbərɪˌkʌltʃər, ɑːrˈbɔːr-/, from Latin: arboris + culture)[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.

Overview

[edit]

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

[edit]

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.

Environmental Benefits

[edit]
  • Erosion control and soil retention
  • Improved water infiltration and percolation
  • Protection from exposure: windbreak, shade, impact from hail/rainfall
  • Air humidification
  • Modulates environmental conditions in a given microclimate: shields wind, humidifies, provides shade
  • Carbon sequestration and oxygen production

Ecological Benefits

[edit]
  • Attracting pollinators
  • Increased biodiversity
  • Food for decomposers, consumers, and pollinators
  • Soil health: organic matter accumulation from leaf litter and root exudates (symbiotic microbes)
  • Ecological habitat

Socioeconomic Benefits

[edit]
  • Increases employment: forestry, education, tourism
  • Run-off and flood control (e.g. bioswales, plantings on slopes)
  • Aesthetic beauty: parks, gatherings, social events, tourism, senses (fragrance, visual), focal point
  • Adds character and prestige to the landscape, creating a "natural" feel
  • Climate control (e.g shade): can reduce energy consumption of buildings
  • Privacy and protection: from noise, wind
  • Cultural benefits: eg. memorials for a loved one
  • Medical benefits: eg. Taxus chemotherapy
  • Materials: wood for building, paper pulp
  • Fodder for livestock
  • Property value: trees can increase by 10–20%[citation needed][2]
  • Increases the amount of time customers will spend in a mall, strip mall, shopping district[citation needed]

Tree Defects

[edit]

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.

  • common with decurrent growth habits
  • occurs in excurrent trees only after the leader is killed and multiple leaders compete for dominance

Included bark: bark is incorporated in the joint between two limbs, creating a weak attachment

  • occurs in branch unions with a high attachment angle (i.e. v-shaped unions)
  • common in many columnar/fastigiate growing deciduous trees

Dead, diseased, or broken branches:

  • woundwood cannot grow over stubs or dead branches to seal off decay
  • symptoms/signs of disease: e.g. oozing through the bark, sunken areas in the bark, and bark with abnormal patterns or colours, stunted new growth, discolouration of the foliage

Cracks

  • longitudinal cracks result from interior decay, bark rips/tears, or torsion from wind load
  • transverse cracks result from buckled wood, often caused by unnatural loading on branches, such as lion's tailing.
  • Seams: bark edges meet at a crack or wound
  • Ribs: bulges, indicating interior 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:

  • girdling roots compress the trunk, leading to poor trunk taper, and restrict vascular flow
  • kinked roots provide poor structural support; the kink is a site of potential root failure
  • circling roots occurs when roots encounter obstructions/limitations such as a small tree well or being grown too long in a nursery pot; these cannot provide adequate structural support and are limited in accessing nutrients and water
  • healthy soil texture and depth, drainage, water availability, makes for healthy roots

Tree Installation

[edit]

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 presents 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:

  • Silva cells: suspended pavement over modular cells containing soil for root development
  • Structural soils: growing medium composed of 80% crushed rock and 20% loam, which supports surface load without it leading to soil compaction

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.

UK

[edit]

Within the United Kingdom trees are considered as a material consideration within the town planning system and may be conserved as amenity landscape[3] 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[4] 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.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "arboriculture". Dictionary.com Unabridged (Online). n.d.
  2. ^ Orta, Emmanuel (2025-04-23). "Tree Service Denver". Tree Service Denver.
  3. ^ "Amenity landscapes • Environment Guide". www.environmentguide.org.nz. Retrieved 2020-04-28.
  4. ^ "Town and Country Planning Association". Town and Country Planning Association. Retrieved 2020-04-28.
  • Harris, Richard W. (1983). Arboriculture: Care of Trees, Shrubs, and Vines in the Landscape. Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey: Prentice-Hall, Inc. pp. 2–3. ISBN 0-13-043935-5.
  • "arboriculture". Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, Eleventh Edition. Merriam-Webster.
  • "arboriculture". Encyclopædia Britannica Online. 2007.
  • "arboriculture". The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Online. Houghton Mifflin Company. 2000.
[edit]

 

An arborist using a chainsaw to cut a eucalyptus tree in a public park
Arborists in Ontario
Two arborists climbing and dismantling a Norway Maple in Ontario, Canada

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]

Scope of work

[edit]
An ISA Certified municipal arborist examining a Japanese Hemlock at Hoyt Arboretum in Portland, Oregon

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, Stationary 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]

Qualifications

[edit]
An arborist disassembling a tree using a crane and bucket

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]

Cultural practices

[edit]
Arborists may use specialised vehicles to gain access to trees, such as this Unimog equipped with a power take-off driven woodchipper

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]

[edit]

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]

Organizations

[edit]
  • Australia Limited, a non-profit organisation, is a national organisation promoting and representing tree workers, arborists, professional tree management and urban forestry throughout Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.[20]
  • The Tree Care Industry Association (formerly the National Arborist Association) is a public and professional non-profit organization for the arboriculture field. It has more than 2,000 member companies representing over a dozen countries. TCIA's Accreditation program certifies that tree care companies that have been inspected and accredited based on adherence to industry standards for performance and safety; maintenance of trained, professional staff; and dedication to ethics and quality in business practices. In addition, they provide safety and educational programs, guidelines for tree service operations, ANSI A300 tree pruning standards, and consumer resources.[citation needed]
  • The International Society of Arboriculture, a non-profit organization, maintains a list of ISA Certified Arborists who have passed a written exam and demonstrated a basic level of knowledge in arboriculture.[21] There are also additional classifications of certified arborists with Certified Arborist/Utility Specialist for those who work near power lines, and Certified Arborist/Municipal Specialist for those who deal mostly with community trees. Other certifications exist for Certified Tree Workers, and the highest level of certification, the Board Certified Master Arborist.[citation needed]
  • The American Society of Consulting Arborists is an organization whose membership is exclusive to those with a certain level of industry experience, plus higher educational experience or continuing education; some members may achieve a higher status by fulfilling the requirements to become a Registered Consulting Arborist.[22] Consulting arborists generally specialize in the areas of ethics, law, land planning and development, and tree valuation, among others. Consulting arborists are often called on for legal testimony and report writing in various instances where a particular authority on trees is necessary for consequent actions.
  • In the UK, the professional body representing the sector is the Institute of Chartered Foresters. The trade body representing arborists is the Arboricultural Association. The association maintains a register of consultants who have demonstrated a high level of technical arboricultural knowledge and operate an Approved Contractor scheme. This scheme assesses both the technical competence and business practices of arboricultural contractors.
  • The European Arboricultural Council is a European group of multiple arboriculture organizations from various countries.
  • Plant Amnesty is a public education and advocacy group, based in Seattle, dedicated to promoting proper pruning methods. Founded in 1987, Plant Amnesty became an international resource for arborists and their clients in the mid-1990s.[23][24]

In literature

[edit]

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]

Notable arborists

[edit]

Some noteworthy arborists include:

  • Francis A. Bartlett – founded The Bartlett Tree Experts Co., the world's leading scientific tree and shrub care company in 1907.
  • John Chapman – pioneering U.S. frontier nurseryman and orchardist, commonly known as Johnny Appleseed.
  • Canopy Cat Rescue[25] – rescues domestic cats from tall trees; appears on Treetop Cat Rescue.
  • Sebastian Junger – author of Perfect Storm and War. Previous to becoming a journalist, Sebastian was an arborist in Massachusetts.
  • Chuck Leavell – two-time recipient of the Georgia Tree Farmer of the Year award, and author of the children's book, The Tree Farmer. In 2006 Leavell was appointed by Governor Sonny Perdue to the Georgia Land Conservation Council. He is also an accomplished jazz pianist and keyboardist for the Rolling Stones.[26]
  • Alex Shigo – considered the father of modern arboriculture.
[edit]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ American National Standards Institute Z.133- and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.
  2. ^ Harris, Richard W., James R. Clark, and Nelda P. Matheny: Arboriculture Integrated Management of Landscape Trees, Shrubs, and Vines, third edition; Prentice-Hall, Inc. 1999.
  3. ^ "Becoming an Arborist". Victorian Skills Gateway. Archived from the original on 2018-03-16. Retrieved 2018-03-15.
  4. ^ "Graduate Certificate in Arboriculture". University of Melbourne. Retrieved 2018-03-15.
  5. ^ "Les formations qualifiantes des arboristes : certificat de spécialisation CS " taille et soin des arbres "". Copalme (in French). Retrieved 2018-03-15.
  6. ^ "Le CFPPA à l'action sur le domaine Paul-Riquet - Enseignement et formation - Un vrai chantier pour les lycéens". La Dépêche (in French). February 23, 2017. Retrieved 2018-03-15.
  7. ^ "Pruning Standards to Maintain Landscape Trees (3)". E. Thomas Smiley, Ph. D., Plant Pathologist and Bruce R. Fraedrich, Ph. D., Plant Pathologist; Bartlett Tree Research Laboratory.
  8. ^ "Follow Proper Pruning Techniques | Earth-Kind® Landscaping". aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu.
  9. ^ "Access Trees Home". treesaccess.com. Archived from the original on 2022-03-22. Retrieved 2022-03-30.
  10. ^ https://joa.isa-arbor.com/request.asp?JournalID=1&ArticleID=1923&Type=2, Wound dressings results of studies over 13 years
  11. ^ Alex Shigo pioneered tree-friendly pruning by Ron Sullivan; San Francisco Chronicle November 15, 2006.
  12. ^ Common Law Branches Off Into New Directions; by Victor D. Merullo; Journal of Arboriculture 20(6): November 1994.
  13. ^ Landscape Tree Appraisal by David P. Mooter, et al.; University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension; March 2004.
  14. ^ Guide for Plant Appraisal, 9th ed; by the Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers; International Society of Arboriculture; 2000.
  15. ^ See also specific legal provisions for "tree theft" such as, for example, the Revised Code of Washington title 64.12.030 for Washington (State, USA) or similar state, provincial, or local statutes.
  16. ^ "A Guide To The Laws Of Arboriculture & Tree Legislations". Surrey Tree Surgery. Archived from the original on 4 April 2014. Retrieved 4 April 2014.
  17. ^ "Businessman fined £28,000 for felling protected yew tree". The Daily Telegraph. London. 3 June 2013. Archived from the original on 6 June 2013. Retrieved 4 April 2014.
  18. ^ Arboriculture and the Law in Canada by Julian Dunster and Susan Murray; International Society of Arboriculture; 1997.
  19. ^ Arboriculture and the Law by Victor D. Merrullo; International Society of Arboriculture; 1992.
  20. ^ "About Us". arboriculture.org.au. Archived from the original on 2016-08-08. Retrieved 2016-07-22.
  21. ^ "Verify an ISA Certification / Find a Tree Care Service". International Society of Arboriculture. Archived from the original on 27 March 2014. Retrieved 4 April 2014.
  22. ^ "American Society of Consulting Arborists – Registered Consulting Arborist". Archived from the original on 2003-02-28. Retrieved 2008-04-29.
  23. ^ "The Seattle Times: Pacific Northwest Magazine". The Seattle Times.
  24. ^ Young, Paul. "Bakersfield CA Local Online Stock Brokerage Firms | Berkeley Daily". Archived from the original on 2020-08-09. Retrieved 2019-11-08.
  25. ^ "Cat stuck in a tree in Washington". Canopy Cat Rescue. Archived from the original on 2019-11-08. Retrieved 2019-11-08.
  26. ^ "Chuck Leavell - Trees". chuckleavell.com. Archived from the original on 2007-07-03. Retrieved 2007-07-21.
[edit]

 

 
Tree trimmer on tracked treads
(Click for video)

Tree care is the application of arboricultural methods like pruning, trimming, and felling/thinning[1] in built environments. Road verge, greenways, backyard and park woody vegetation are at the center of attention for the tree care industry. Landscape architecture and urban forestry[2][3] also set high demands on professional tree care. High safety standards against the dangers of tree care have helped the industry evolve. Especially felling in space-limited environments poses significant risks: the vicinity of power or telephone lines, insufficient protective gear (against falling dead wood, chainsaw wounds, etc.) and narrow felling zones with endangered nearby buildings, parking cars, etc. The required equipment and experience usually transcends private means and is often considered too costly as a permanent part of the public infrastructure. In singular cases, traditional tools like handsaws may suffice, but large-scale tree care usually calls for heavy machinery like cranes, bucket trucks, harvesters, and woodchippers.

Road side trees are especially prone to abiotic stress by exhaust fumes, toxic road debris, soil compaction, and drought which makes them susceptible to fungal infections and various plant pests[4] like the spotted lantern fly.[5] When tree removal is not an option, because of road ecology considerations, the main challenge is to achieve road safety (visibility of road signs, blockage-free lanes, etc.) while maintaining tree health.

Tree removal

[edit]
 

While the perceived risk of death by falling trees (a part of the "tree risk" complex) is influenced by media and often hyped (the objective risk has been reported to be close to 1 : 10.000.000, almost as low as death by lightning),[6] singular events have encouraged a "proactive" stance so that even lightly damaged trees are likely to be removed in urban and public traffic surroundings.[3] As a tree ages and nears the end of its safe useful life expectancy (SULE),[7] its perceived amenity value is decreased greatly. A risk assessment normally carried out by local council's arborist to determine the best course of action.[8] As with all public green spaces, trees in green urban spaces and their careful conservation is sometimes in conflict with aggressive urban development even though it is often understood how urban trees contribute to liveability of suburbs and cities both objectively (reduction of urban heat island effect, etc.) and subjectively.[9][10][11][12] Tree planting programs implemented by a growing number of cities, local councils and organizations is mitigating the losses and in most cases increasing the number of trees in suburbia.[13] Programs include the planting of 2 trees for every 1 tree removed, while some councils are paying land owners to keep trees instead of removing them for farming or construction.[14]

Standards

[edit]

United States

[edit]

The voluntary industry consensus standards developed by TCIA, resulted in the ANSI A300 standard, the generally accepted industry standard for tree care practices including trees, shrubs, and other woody plants.[15] It includes the following parts:

  1. Pruning
  2. Soil management
  3. Supplemental support systems
  4. Lightning protection systems
  5. Management
  6. Planting and transplanting
  7. Integrated vegetation management
  8. Root management standard
  9. Tree risk assessment
  10. Integrated pest management
  11. Tree Service

Professional associations

[edit]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Council, Cornwall. "Practical Guidelines for Young Tree Care - Cornwall Council". www.cornwall.gov.uk. Retrieved 2018-04-06.
  2. ^ "Urban Forestry Management in Denver Colorado - Denver Tree Service - Tree Removal - Snow Removal". environmentaltreecarellc.com. Retrieved 2018-06-11.
  3. ^ a b "Urban Forestry Operations". City of Toronto. Urban Forestry maintains 4.1 million trees on public property, which includes an estimated 3.5 million trees within Toronto's parks and ravines, and approximately 600,000 trees on City streets. ... The focus of our maintenance service is shifting progressively from reactive maintenance to proactive maintenance.
  4. ^ Frankfurt, Umweltamt. "Tree protection in Frankfurt : Stadt Frankfurt am Main | Dezernat Umwelt und Gesundheit | Umweltamt". frankfurt-greencity.de (in German). Retrieved 2018-04-06.
  5. ^ "spotted lantern fly".
  6. ^ "EPA – Home" (PDF).
  7. ^ "NOTES ON SAFE USEFUL LIFE EXPECTANCY (SULE RATING) AS USED IN TREE DESCRIPTION" (PDF). strathfield.nsw.gov.au.
  8. ^ Northrop, Andrew K. Koeser, Gitta Hasing, Drew McLean, and Rob (2016-12-20). "Tree Risk Assessment Methods: A Comparison of Three Common Evaluation Forms". edis.ifas.ufl.edu. Retrieved 2018-04-06.cite web: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  9. ^ "Greening Our Streets Street Tree Management Plan" (PDF). City of Whittlesea, Australia. 2016.
  10. ^ Peter Mitham (2015). "Redevelopment, urban tree removal raise city residents' concerns". Business Vancouver.
  11. ^ eugenie stockmann (2016). "Are developers to blame for loss of tree cover in urban areas?". The Green Swing.
  12. ^ Dinh Muoi, Thanh Nien News (2016). "Ho Chi Minh City announces massive tree removal plan for metro station". Archived from the original on April 14, 2016. Ho Chi Minh City has announced a plan to move and cut down 300 trees on Ton Duc Thang Street in District 1 to make space for a bridge connecting to District 2 and a metro station.
  13. ^ "Buy Trees and Learn About Trees - Visit our Online Nursery". www.arborday.org. Retrieved 2018-04-06.
  14. ^ "NVIM Quick Reference Guide. Obligations under the Biodiversity Conservation Strategy" (PDF). environment.vic.gov.au.
  15. ^ Advanced Solutions International Inc. "TCIA | A300 Standards". www.tcia.org. Retrieved 2018-04-06.
[edit]
Photo
Photo
Photo
Photo
Photo
Photo
Photo
Photo

Driving Directions in


Driving Directions
Daniel Auto Sales LLC
Starting Point
Vilchis Tree Services Pro
Destination
Open in Google Maps
Driving Directions
Scott's Vintage Toys
Starting Point
Vilchis Tree Services Pro
Destination
Open in Google Maps
Driving Directions
Subway
Starting Point
Vilchis Tree Services Pro
Destination
Open in Google Maps
Driving Directions
O'Reilly Auto Parts
Starting Point
Vilchis Tree Services Pro
Destination
Open in Google Maps
Driving Directions
Dollar General
Starting Point
Vilchis Tree Services Pro
Destination
Open in Google Maps
Driving Directions
Southern Powersports
Starting Point
Vilchis Tree Services Pro
Destination
Open in Google Maps
Driving Directions
Pickett's Mill Battlefield State Historic Site
Starting Point
Vilchis Tree Services Pro
Destination
Open in Google Maps
Driving Directions
Mt Tabor Park
Starting Point
Vilchis Tree Services Pro
Destination
Open in Google Maps

Reviews for


Danca Vikova

(5)

I called five different companies in the area, Rudy is the only one that not only answered but was able to come out and give an estimate and complete our project.

Jiri Hilser

(5)

I had a great experience with Rudy and his crew from All In Tree Service. They came out to trim some overgrown trees on our property, and the results were amazing. They were punctual and professional, and they cleaned up all the debris afterward. I’ll definitely be calling them again!

David Romanak

(5)

Rudy and his team were lifesavers! We had a large pine tree dangerously close to our house, and All In Tree Service took care of it with ease. They worked quickly and safely, and the price was very reasonable. Highly recommend!

Lafayette Lara

(5)

Can always count on their services! Quick to respond and provide high quality work for a fair price. Used them multiple times and will continue to give them my business for any more tree work

Greg Ramseyer

(5)

These guys were incredible! Israel and his crew showed up in the morning working like a well oiled machine. They removed 16 pines, ground 9 stumps and trimmed a couple hardwoods. By the end of the day two full truck loads of logs and at least three truckloads of chips were GONE! They raked and blew off everything before they left. My wife and I were amazed to watch them work. We highly recommend them and will use them again!

View GBP

Driving Directions in Paulding County


Google Maps Location
Click below to open this location on Google Maps
Google Maps Location
Click below to open this location on Google Maps
Licensed and Insured Tree Company Dallas GA
33.953081229694, -84.687073763262
Starting Point
105 Chastain Way, 105 Chastain Way, Dallas, GA 30157, USA
Destination
Open in Google Maps
24-Hour Emergency Tree Removal Dallas GA
34.008157135886, -84.744330041126
Starting Point
105 Chastain Way, 105 Chastain Way, Dallas, GA 30157, USA
Destination
Open in Google Maps
Tree Trimming Dallas GA
33.974812311411, -84.815872622787
Starting Point
105 Chastain Way, 105 Chastain Way, Dallas, GA 30157, USA
Destination
Open in Google Maps
Professional Tree Services Dallas GA
33.962024715267, -84.834949044247
Starting Point
105 Chastain Way, 105 Chastain Way, Dallas, GA 30157, USA
Destination
Open in Google Maps
Professional Tree Services Dallas GA
33.921726524811, -84.728155330081
Starting Point
105 Chastain Way, 105 Chastain Way, Dallas, GA 30157, USA
Destination
Open in Google Maps
Professional Tree Services Dallas GA
33.965381027597, -84.682931293875
Starting Point
105 Chastain Way, 105 Chastain Way, Dallas, GA 30157, USA
Destination
Open in Google Maps
Tree Cabling Dallas GA
33.97716795516, -84.740514308945
Starting Point
105 Chastain Way, 105 Chastain Way, Dallas, GA 30157, USA
Destination
Open in Google Maps
Brush Clearing Dallas GA
33.937039072982, -84.840685987427
Starting Point
105 Chastain Way, 105 Chastain Way, Dallas, GA 30157, USA
Destination
Open in Google Maps
Tree Trimming Dallas GA
33.952044477999, -84.679222105794
Starting Point
105 Chastain Way, 105 Chastain Way, Dallas, GA 30157, USA
Destination
Open in Google Maps
Tree Trimming Dallas GA
33.940315096195, -84.784494780342
Starting Point
105 Chastain Way, 105 Chastain Way, Dallas, GA 30157, USA
Destination
Open in Google Maps
Google Maps Location
https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&origin=33.901917174916,-84.747386947026&destination=105+Chastain+Way%2C+105+Chastain+Way%2C+Dallas%2C+GA+30157%2C+USA&destination_place_id=ChIJs4XVoPo59YgRwrS2BhFF2kM&travelmode=driving&query=Advanced+Tree+Equipment+Dallas+GA
Click below to open this location on Google Maps
Google Maps Location
https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&origin=33.934940672568,-84.693545483442&destination=105+Chastain+Way%2C+105+Chastain+Way%2C+Dallas%2C+GA+30157%2C+USA&destination_place_id=ChIJs4XVoPo59YgRwrS2BhFF2kM&travelmode=driving&query=Family-Owned+Tree+Services+Dallas+GA
Click below to open this location on Google Maps
Google Maps Location
https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&origin=33.90155286018,-84.734594727193&destination=105+Chastain+Way%2C+105+Chastain+Way%2C+Dallas%2C+GA+30157%2C+USA&destination_place_id=ChIJs4XVoPo59YgRwrS2BhFF2kM&travelmode=driving&query=24-Hour+Emergency+Tree+Removal+Dallas+GA
Click below to open this location on Google Maps
Google Maps Location
https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&origin=33.985483575501,-84.826732643664&destination=105+Chastain+Way%2C+105+Chastain+Way%2C+Dallas%2C+GA+30157%2C+USA&destination_place_id=ChIJs4XVoPo59YgRwrS2BhFF2kM&travelmode=driving&query=Licensed+and+Insured+Tree+Company+Dallas+GA
Click below to open this location on Google Maps
Google Maps Location
https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&origin=33.989101589357,-84.785849524861&destination=105+Chastain+Way%2C+105+Chastain+Way%2C+Dallas%2C+GA+30157%2C+USA&destination_place_id=ChIJs4XVoPo59YgRwrS2BhFF2kM&travelmode=driving&query=Family-Owned+Tree+Services+Dallas+GA
Click below to open this location on Google Maps
Google Maps Location
https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&origin=33.917024569238,-84.733540694796&destination=105+Chastain+Way%2C+105+Chastain+Way%2C+Dallas%2C+GA+30157%2C+USA&destination_place_id=ChIJs4XVoPo59YgRwrS2BhFF2kM&travelmode=driving&query=24-Hour+Emergency+Tree+Removal+Dallas+GA
Click below to open this location on Google Maps
Google Maps Location
https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&origin=33.966486819421,-84.841860516817&destination=105+Chastain+Way%2C+105+Chastain+Way%2C+Dallas%2C+GA+30157%2C+USA&destination_place_id=ChIJs4XVoPo59YgRwrS2BhFF2kM&travelmode=driving&query=Family-Owned+Tree+Services+Dallas+GA
Click below to open this location on Google Maps
Google Maps Location
https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&origin=33.965539751007,-84.677320903929&destination=105+Chastain+Way%2C+105+Chastain+Way%2C+Dallas%2C+GA+30157%2C+USA&destination_place_id=ChIJs4XVoPo59YgRwrS2BhFF2kM&travelmode=driving&query=Tree+Cabling+Dallas+GA
Click below to open this location on Google Maps
Google Maps Location
https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&origin=33.99630997339,-84.809162450482&destination=105+Chastain+Way%2C+105+Chastain+Way%2C+Dallas%2C+GA+30157%2C+USA&destination_place_id=ChIJs4XVoPo59YgRwrS2BhFF2kM&travelmode=driving&query=Family-Owned+Tree+Services+Dallas+GA
Click below to open this location on Google Maps
Google Maps Location
https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&origin=33.953081229694,-84.687073763262&destination=105+Chastain+Way%2C+105+Chastain+Way%2C+Dallas%2C+GA+30157%2C+USA&destination_place_id=ChIJs4XVoPo59YgRwrS2BhFF2kM&travelmode=driving&query=Licensed+and+Insured+Tree+Company+Dallas+GA
Click below to open this location on Google Maps
Overhead power lines, downed power lines, and electrical equipment like transformers and streetlights pose the biggest risks. Contact with any of these can cause serious injury or death.
Look up and around for power lines, both overhead and on the ground. Be aware of utility poles, transformers, and other electrical equipment. Assume all lines are energized.
Maintain a minimum of 10 feet away from power lines at all times. This distance should be even greater for larger trees or when using tools like ladders or poles.
Do not touch anything. Stay away and call 911 and the local utility company immediately to report the situation.