Stump grinding is a process often overlooked in its environmental contributions, particularly in the contexts of pest control and aesthetic improvement. When considering the broader environmental impact of stump grinding, these two aspects provide significant benefits that contribute to both ecological balance and human enjoyment of natural spaces.
Firstly, stump grinding plays a crucial role in reducing habitats for potential pests. Tree stumps, if left unattended, can become breeding grounds for a variety of insects such as termites, beetles, and wood borers. These pests not only pose a threat to other healthy vegetation nearby but can also invade residential areas, causing damage to homes and other wooden structures. By grinding down tree stumps and removing the residual wood, we effectively minimize the risk of pest infestation. This disruption of the habitat curtails the growth of pest populations and maintains the ecological equilibrium within urban and suburban green spaces.
Moreover, from an aesthetic perspective, stump grinding enhances the visual appeal of landscapes. Stumps can be unsightly, interrupting the smooth continuity of green lawns and well-maintained gardens. They can also pose tripping hazards and obstruct paths or lawn maintenance activities like mowing. Grinding down these stumps improves the overall look of an area, making it cleaner and more attractive. This not only elevates property values but also contributes to human well-being. People are naturally drawn to beautiful and orderly environments; by eliminating visual disturbances like tree stumps, we make our surroundings more inviting and enjoyable.
Additionally, stump grinding offers an opportunity for land restoration and reuse. Once a stump is removed, the space can be repurposed for planting new vegetation or for other landscaping projects that enhance biodiversity or serve functional purposes like gardening or creating recreational areas.
In conclusion, while often underrated in discussions about eco-friendly practices, stump grinding provides substantial environmental benefits by mitigating pest-related risks and enhancing the visual quality of landscapes. It promotes healthier ecosystems by removing potential sources of infestation while simultaneously improving human interaction with natural environments through beautification efforts. Thus, embracing stump grinding not only addresses practical issues such as pest control but also enriches our surroundings by fostering more aesthetically pleasing green spaces.
Stump grinding is a common method used to remove the remnants of tree stumps after tree removal. This process involves using a machine to grind and shred the stump into small chips and sawdust, which may seem like an efficient way to clear land but can have various implications for soil health including alterations in soil composition, structure, and fertility.
Soil Composition
The immediate effect of stump grinding on soil composition is the introduction of wood chips and sawdust into the soil system. While these organic materials can eventually decompose and become part of the soil organic matter, their initial presence significantly alters the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio (C:N) of the soil. Wood material has a high carbon content but low nitrogen levels, which can lead to nitrogen deficiency in the soil as microorganisms consume available nitrogen to break down the carbon-rich wood particles. This temporary imbalance can affect plant growth negatively, particularly for new plants trying to establish themselves in the affected area.
Soil Structure
The physical act of stump grinding impacts soil structure as well. The machinery used is heavy and often compacts the soil beneath it, reducing pore space between soil particles. This compaction affects water infiltration, drainage, and root penetration. Compacted soils do not allow water and air to move freely through them, which are essential for healthy root development. Additionally, when soils are compacted, they become less able to retain nutrients which are then more easily washed away by rain or irrigation.
Soil Fertility
Soil fertility can be impacted by both the chemical changes from added wood debris and physical changes due to compaction. As mentioned earlier, high amounts of carbon materials require nitrogen for decomposition. This draws from the nitrogen that would otherwise be available for plants, leading temporarily to a less fertile soil environment until balance is restored once decomposition is complete. In some cases where large amounts of sawdust or wood chips have been incorporated into or left on top of the soil, nitrogen immobilization can be significant enough to stunt plant growth.
Moreover, during stump grinding, there might also be a mixing of different layers of soils. Topsoil with its rich nutrient content might get mixed with subsoils lacking in nutrients and organic matter content; this dilutes overall fertility and disrupts established nutrient cycles.
Mitigation strategies such as adding supplemental fertilizers or compost can help alleviate some negative effects on fertility. However, it's crucial that such interventions are made considering local conditions and after assessing potential long-term impacts on ecosystem health.
In conclusion, while stump grinding provides an effective means for removing unwanted tree stumps from landscapes or construction sites without leaving gaping holes behind them like traditional excavation methods would do - its impact on soil health cannot be overlooked. It alters not only chemical balances within soils (particularly regarding nitrogen availability) but also compromises physical properties such as structure and porosity critical for sustaining healthy plant growths over time.
Stump grinding, a common method used for the removal of tree stumps, involves the use of specialized equipment to shred the stump into wood chips. While this process is efficient and less invasive compared to stump extraction, it has both potential risks and benefits to the surrounding vegetation that need consideration.
The primary benefit of stump grinding is its minimal disturbance to the landscape compared to traditional stump removal techniques. Where complete extraction involves pulling out the stump along with its root system, it often results in significant disruption of the soil structure and nearby plant life. Stump grinding, on the other hand, is localized to the area around the stump. This means that nearby plants are less likely to be uprooted or harmed during the process, preserving more of the garden's aesthetic and ecological integrity.
Moreover, the by-product of stump grinding - wood chips - can be used as mulch around other plants. Mulching is beneficial as it helps in retaining soil moisture, suppressing weeds, and adding organic matter back into the soil as it decomposes. This nourishment can promote healthier growth and enhanced resilience against diseases in surrounding vegetation.
However, there are also potential risks associated with this technique. One primary concern is the spread of plant diseases. If a tree was removed due to disease or pest infestation, there's a risk that these pathogens could remain active in the roots even after grinding. These can potentially infect susceptible species of plants nearby if not properly managed or if hygiene practices are not followed rigorously during and after grinding.
Furthermore, while wood chips are beneficial as mulch, they also temporarily bind nitrogen in the soil as they decompose. This can lead to a deficiency for young plants that rely heavily on nitrogen for their development. Care should therefore be taken regarding where and how much mulch is applied around other vegetation.
Another issue arises from damage caused by heavy machinery utilized in stump grinding operations which might compact soil or damage superficial roots of neighboring trees or shrubs unknowingly. Soil compaction reduces air pockets essential for root growth and water penetration which could stress adjacent plant life.
In conclusion, while stump grinding presents an appealing option for dealing with tree remnants due largely to its quickness and efficiency whilst minimizing direct disturbance to surrounding plant life compared with full extraction methods; it requires careful consideration of subsequent impacts such as disease transmission risk management, judicious use of resulting wood chips as mulch considering their nitrogen-binding effect during decomposition phase and mechanical injury prevention measures during operations planning stages so that environmental impact remains neutral or positive towards local flora.
The environmental impact of stump grinding, particularly concerning its carbon footprint, is a topic of considerable interest within the context of sustainable forestry and urban tree management. When we discuss stump grinding, we refer to the process of mechanically shredding tree stumps into mulch after trees have been felled. This practice is common in both forestry and urban settings to manage dead or hazardous trees and prepare sites for replanting or construction. However, despite its practical benefits, it is imperative to consider the carbon emissions associated with this activity.
Stump grinders are typically powered by internal combustion engines that can be fueled by gasoline or diesel. These machines vary in size from small, portable units that can be operated by a single person to large, heavy-duty models that require professional handling. The primary environmental concern here revolves around the emissions produced by these engines.
The carbon footprint of stump grinding machinery largely depends on several factors: the type and size of the engine, the fuel efficiency, the duration of use, and the maintenance of the equipment. Larger, older models tend to be less fuel-efficient and emit higher levels of greenhouse gases compared to newer or well-maintained machines. Gasoline and diesel engines release carbon dioxide (CO2), a major greenhouse gas, along with other pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and particulate matter which also contribute indirectly to climate change through atmospheric processes.
To evaluate these emissions more concretely, one must consider both direct and indirect aspects. Direct emissions come from the actual operation of stump grinders — burning fossil fuels results in immediate release of CO2 into the atmosphere. Indirectly, there are considerations about how these fuels were extracted, processed, transported, and finally used in machinery — each step itself contributing further to overall emissions.
In terms of mitigation strategies for reducing this carbon footprint, several approaches can be considered:
It is essential for those involved in landscaping or forestry operations to weigh these factors carefully when deciding how best to manage tree stumps while minimizing environmental impact. While completely eliminating carbon emissions from this process may not currently be feasible without significant changes in technology and practices, there are numerous steps that can be taken towards sustainability.
Understanding that every action involving natural resource management has an environmental cost means recognizing tools like stump grinders as potential areas for improvement rather than inherent problems. By evaluating their contribution to our overall carbon footprint—and implementing more ecologically responsible practices—we move closer toward mitigating human impacts on our planet’s climate system.
The removal of stumps from an area, often through methods such as stump grinding, is a common practice following tree removal. This action, while seemingly simple and direct in its purpose to clear land or reduce habitat for pests, has several implications for local wildlife habitats and biodiversity that merit careful consideration.
Firstly, stumps can be seen as mere remnants of once-thriving trees; however, they are far more than that in the ecological spectrum. Stumps provide critical ecological functions-they serve as mini-ecosystems within their own right. Various species of insects and fungi make their homes in these decaying woods. These organisms play a vital role in nutrient cycling by breaking down the woody material and returning nutrients to the soil. This process not only enriches the soil but also supports surrounding plant life.
Moreover, these insects attract predators such as birds and small mammals, which use the stumps as feeding grounds. Some species of birds might also find cavities within older, hollowed-out stumps to nest in. Amphibians like frogs and salamanders may seek refuge in the moist microclimate provided by shaded, decaying wood during dry periods. Thus, stump removal eliminates these crucial refuges and feeding spots, potentially reducing the diversity of local wildlife.
Another aspect to consider is that stump grinding disrupts the soil structure. The process involves heavy machinery moving over the site, which compacts the soil-adversely affecting its permeability and aeration. Soil compaction makes it difficult for roots to grow and limits water infiltration and drainage. This alteration can lead to less favorable growth conditions for plants and can diminish plant diversity in an area.
Plant diversity is closely tied to overall biodiversity; fewer plant species mean reduced habitats and food sources for animals. Additionally, unique microhabitats created by tree stumps can support certain plant species which cannot thrive elsewhere due to competition from dominant flora or differing moisture requirements.
The decision to remove stumps should therefore be weighed with considerable environmental foresight. Alternatives like allowing stumps to naturally decompose can enhance biodiversity-though this may not always be feasible or desirable depending on human needs and land use plans.
In conclusion, while stump grinding provides a quick solution for land clearing or aesthetics after tree removals, it carries significant consequences for local ecosystems-specifically impacting wildlife habitats and biodiversity negatively. Careful planning with an emphasis on conservation could mitigate such impacts or even harness old stumps as valuable ecological assets rather than seeing them merely as obstacles that need removing.
Stump grinding, a common method employed post-tree removal, plays a crucial role in landscape management and restoration. However, it also presents several environmental challenges that require attention. To mitigate these impacts, adopting best practices is essential. This essay explores several techniques and strategies aimed at minimizing the ecological damage caused by stump grinding.
Firstly, understanding the process of stump grinding is key. It involves using a machine to shred the tree stump into wood chips, which can then be used as mulch or removed entirely. While this process is efficient for clearing land, it can disturb local ecosystems if not managed carefully.
One of the primary concerns with stump grinding is soil disturbance. The operation of heavy machinery can lead to soil compaction around the site, which affects water infiltration and root growth for nearby plants. To address this issue, operators should use lighter equipment wherever possible and avoid unnecessary movement around the site to minimize soil disruption.
Another important consideration is the potential spread of invasive species through stump grinding operations. Tree stumps may harbor seeds or fragments of invasive plants which can be spread by the equipment used during grinding. Cleaning machines between sites is crucial; this includes removing plant material from all parts of the grinder to prevent cross-contamination.
The retention of native biodiversity should also be a priority when conducting stump grinding operations. Where practical, leaving some stumps in place can provide habitat for various wildlife species such as insects and small mammals. Moreover, stumps can serve ecological functions such as carbon storage and nutrient cycling within an ecosystem.
Furthermore, considering alternative uses for wood chips generated from stump grinding can promote sustainability. These wood chips are often seen as waste but have several potential applications including mulching gardens to conserve moisture in soil and suppress weed growth or as biomass fuel for generating energy.
Involvement of community stakeholders in decision-making processes related to land management activities like stump grinding also enhances environmental outcomes. Local communities often have intimate knowledge about their natural environments that can prove invaluable in planning ecological preservation efforts alongside land development needs.
Lastly, continuous monitoring and research into the impacts of stump grinding on local ecosystems will help refine these best practices over time. Adaptive management strategies allow practitioners to implement new techniques as more information becomes available about how different ecosystems respond to mechanical disturbances like stump grinding.
In conclusion, while stump grinding is necessary for managing landscapes after tree removals, it must be conducted with careful consideration for its environmental implications. By implementing strategies such as minimizing soil disturbance, preventing the spread of invasive species through hygiene protocols for equipment, conserving native biodiversity where feasible, responsibly utilizing by-products like wood chips, engaging local communities in ecological decisions, and fostering ongoing research into adaptive management methods—we can significantly reduce the negative impacts associated with this practice.
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: δÎνδρον, dendron, "tree"; and Ancient Greek: -λογία, -logia, science of or study of) or xylology (Ancient Greek: ξÏλον, 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 (/ˈɑËrbÉ™rɪˌkÊŒltʃər, É‘ËrˈbÉ”Ër-/)[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.