The chainsaw, an indispensable tool in modern forestry and tree management, epitomizes mechanical prowess in felling and trimming trees. It offers a combination of power, portability, and efficiency that manual saws simply cannot match. Understanding the various types of chainsaws and their features can help professionals and enthusiasts alike choose the right tool for their needs.
Chainsaws are categorized primarily by their power source: gas-powered, electric (corded), and battery-powered (cordless).
Gas-Powered Chainsaws: These are the most common type used in professional forestry operations because of their robustness and longevity. They are ideal for heavier tasks and prolonged use in remote areas where electricity is not accessible. Gas chainsaws are powerful enough to cut through very thick trees quickly but tend to be noisier, heavier, and require more maintenance than their electric counterparts.
Electric Chainsaws: These saws are preferred for smaller tasks or light yard work as they are lighter and easier to handle compared to gas-powered models. They start instantly, run quieter, and do not emit exhaust fumes. However, their usage is limited by the length of the cord unless an extension is used, which makes them less portable.
Battery-Powered Chainsaws: Offering a good balance between portability and power, these chainsaws have gained popularity for both home use and professional applications where light to moderate tree cutting is needed. They provide the convenience of cordless operation with considerably less noise than gas models. The primary limitation is battery life; however, advances in battery technology continue to extend the duration of use per charge.
Beyond power sources, several features define how effectively a chainsaw performs:
Bar Length: The size of the bar determines how large a tree it can cut through. Bars can range from small 14-inch lengths suitable for trimming limbs or cutting small trees to over 20 inches for felling larger trees.
Chain Type: The type of chain affects performance based on task specificity-some chains are designed for smooth cuts with fine finishes while others prioritize speed by removing more wood material per stroke.
Safety Features: Modern chainsaws incorporate advanced safety features such as kickback brakes (which stop the chain if sudden movement backward occurs), low vibration designs (to reduce operator fatigue), and better ergonomics (to improve handling comfort).
Ease of Use Features: Features like tool-free chain tensioning make setup adjustments quicker without needing extra tools; automatic oilers keep the chain running smoothly without manual lubrication.
Choosing the right chainsaw involves considering what best meets one's specific needs regarding mobility, power requirement, frequency of use, environmental conditions (availability of electricity or preference against emissions), budget constraints, etc., while always prioritizing safety features due to the inherently dangerous nature of chainsaw operation.
As technology evolves so too do these remarkable tools-improving not only in terms of efficiency but also making strides in user safety and environmental friendliness-making them even more integral to modern mechanical methods like tree felling within forestry management practices.
The use of chainsaws in felling trees is a potent demonstration of human ingenuity and mechanical leverage. However, the power that makes chainsaws so effective also makes them potentially hazardous. Recognizing the inherent risks involved in operating chainsaws, it is imperative to focus on safety gear and precautions to minimize any possibility of injury.
Firstly, appropriate safety gear is essential for anyone using a chainsaw. Protective clothing is designed to guard against common chainsaw injuries. Chainsaw operators should wear helmets with face shields or protective glasses to protect against flying debris, which can cause serious eye injuries or facial lacerations. Hearing protection is also crucial as chainsaws produce high noise levels that can lead to hearing loss over time.
Furthermore, chainsaw chaps or pants are vital; these garments are made from fibers that clog the saw's chain if it comes into contact, thereby stopping the chain and preventing deeper cuts. Gloves enhance grip and protect hands from cuts while anti-vibration gloves can reduce the risk of hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS), a condition associated with prolonged exposure to vibration.
Footwear also demands attention-sturdy boots with steel toes and non-slip soles ensure stability and foot protection from falling objects or accidental slips that might result in contact with the moving chain.
Beyond personal protective equipment, operational precautions are equally critical. Before starting a chainsaw, checking its physical condition is necessary; this includes ensuring that all parts are secure and functioning correctly, the chain is sharp and adequately tensioned, and that there are no loose bolts or damaged components.
Operators must be trained not only in using the equipment but also in recognizing tree-felling techniques that mitigate hazards like kickback-a violent reaction caused by the saw's bar tip contacting an object without warning. Techniques such as proper notch cutting for controlled tree falls significantly decrease mishap probabilities.
Additionally, maintaining situational awareness cannot be overstressed when using a chainsaw. Being conscious of one's surroundings helps avoid distractions and keeps both the operator and bystanders safe. It's advisable never to work alone; having at least one person nearby who can provide aid or call for help in case of an accident could be lifesaving.
Finally, after use, proper maintenance ensures longevity and safe future operations of the chainsaw. This involves cleaning it thoroughly after each use, sharpening the chain regularly, lubricating necessary parts, and storing it safely away from untrained individuals or harsh environmental conditions.
In conclusion, while chainsaws are invaluable tools in mechanical felling operations within forestry work due to their efficiency and effectiveness, they require respect for their power through stringent adherence to safety protocols. Employing robust safety gear combined with vigilant operational practices ensures not only personal wellbeing but also fosters a culture of safety first which is indispensable in any high-risk work environment.
The task of tree cutting, particularly when using chainsaws, is both a skill and an art that requires understanding, precision, and safety. Effective techniques in the mechanical felling of trees not only ensure the efficiency of the task but also significantly minimize risks to the operator and damage to the surrounding environment.
To begin with, one of the fundamental steps in effective tree cutting with chainsaws is proper planning. This involves assessing the tree's physical characteristics such as height, diameter, lean, and branch distribution as well as its surroundings. Identifying potential hazards like nearby power lines, structures, or other trees is crucial for determining the best direction for the tree to fall. Additionally, weather conditions should be considered; high winds can alter the path of a falling tree unpredictably.
Once assessment and planning are completed, preparing the chainsaw is next. Ensuring that the chainsaw is in optimal condition is vital-this includes checking that it has sharp teeth for efficient cutting and making sure it's fueled or fully charged if using a battery model. The chain tension should be adjusted according to manufacturer recommendations to avoid any slippage or snapping during operation.
The technique of cutting starts with making precise cuts. The most common method employed is creating a notch on the side of the tree facing the direction in which you want it to fall. This notch should be cut at about knee-height and form an angle of approximately 70 degrees. It typically comprises one horizontal cut and one diagonal cut meeting each other. This notch dictates the direction of the tree's fall and helps control its descent.
Following this notch cut, a felling cut is made on the opposite side of the tree slightly above the point at which both parts of your notch meet. Care must be taken not to cut all through; leaving a small amount known as a hinge wood aids in managing how quickly and in what manner (leaning or twisting) a tree falls.
In addition to these cuts, employing backcut techniques can enhance control during felling operations; they help relieve tension on certain sides of trees located in challenging positions like slopes or crowded forests.
Safety cannot be overstressed when discussing chainsaw use for tree felling. It entails wearing appropriate personal protective equipment such as helmets with face shields or goggles, ear protection, gloves suitable for handling vibrating machinery without compromising dexterity, leg protection like chaps resistant to cuts from running saws, sturdy boots with good traction ideally steel-toed for foot protection against heavy falling branches.
Effective communication also forms part of safe tree cutting measures especially when working with teams ensuring everyone at site knows exactly what role they play from observation to aiding controlled retreat paths after cuts have been made ensuring no person remains within range as a tree comes down.
Finally yet importantly aftercare involves examining what was done evaluating whether additional measures are needed such clearing debris properly disposing off waste ensuring no animal habitats were unduly destroyed process fostering sustainable environment friendly practices which essential aspect modern forestry management.
By adhering strictly to these guidelines professionals amateurs alike can ensure that their work not only successful but conducted efficient safe manner preserving health forests communities depend upon them.
Chainsaw felling is a critical task in forestry, landscaping, and various outdoor maintenance jobs. It involves cutting down trees using a chainsaw, a powerful tool that can make this hefty task more manageable but also presents numerous challenges. Understanding these challenges and their corresponding solutions not only enhances the efficiency of the task but also significantly improves safety measures.
One of the most significant challenges in chainsaw felling is ensuring operator safety. Chainsaws are powerful and potentially dangerous tools; thus, mishandling them can lead to severe injuries or even fatalities. To mitigate these risks, proper training is essential. Operators should be thoroughly trained not only in using the chainsaws correctly but also in safety protocols such as wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including helmets, gloves, eye protection, ear protection, and anti-slip footwear.
Another common challenge is maintaining the chainsaw. These machines require regular maintenance to function effectively and safely. This includes checking the tension of the chain, ensuring it's adequately lubricated, and keeping it sharp for efficient cutting. Poor maintenance can lead to inefficient cuts or dangerous kickbacks. Regular checks and routine maintenance prevent these issues and extend the lifespan of the chainsaw.
Environmental conditions also pose a challenge in chainsaw felling. Weather conditions like rain, wind, or extreme cold can impact both the operator's ability to handle the saw safely and the behavior of the tree during cutting. For instance, high winds may cause a tree to fall unpredictably or create hazardous working conditions on slippery surfaces. To address these issues, it’s advisable to plan tree-felling activities around weather forecasts and avoid working in adverse weather conditions whenever possible.
The correct technique is crucial for effective and safe chainsaw felling. One common issue arises from incorrect cutting techniques which can lead to situations like 'barber chairing', where a tree splits vertically during felling. Operators must be trained in proper cutting techniques such as creating an appropriate hinge wood width that ensures controlled tree falls according to plan direction without splitting.
Finally, dealing with different types of trees requires specific knowledge because each species reacts differently when cut due to variations in wood density and fiber orientation. Operators should be aware of these characteristics through experience or consultation with arborists when necessary.
In conclusion, although chainsaw felling comes with its set of challenges ranging from equipment maintenance to handling under diverse environmental conditions, effective training seems foundational across all aspects discussed—be it operating techniques or safety measures alongside routine maintenance are essential elements for overcoming these hurdles efficiently while prioritizing safety above all else.
Maintaining your chainsaw is crucial not only for its longevity but also for ensuring safety during operation. Proper care and regular maintenance can prevent most of the common issues that might arise when using a chainsaw, especially in mechanical methods such as felling trees.
Firstly, always start with the chain. Keeping the chain sharp cannot be overstated; a dull chain requires you to apply extra force, which could lead to accidents or injury. Regularly sharpening the chain ensures that it cuts efficiently and safely. It's advisable to check the sharpness of the chain every time you refuel and file down any blunt teeth or have it professionally sharpened if needed.
The tension of the chain is equally important. A chain that's too tight can break during operation while one that's too loose might derail from the bar. Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines on how to adjust the tension correctly and check it regularly during use, as it can loosen over time.
Next, consider the cleanliness of your chainsaw. Sawdust, dirt, and debris can accumulate quickly inside the chainsaw mechanism. After every use, clean out any debris using a brush or compressed air for hard-to-reach places in order to prevent buildup that could impede your chainsaw's efficiency or even damage its motor.
Lubrication is another critical aspect; all moving parts of a chainsaw require good lubrication to minimize wear caused by friction. Ensure there's always enough oil in the reservoir and regularly check if any additional lubricant is needed on other parts according to your user manual.
Do not overlook air filters - they play a significant role in ensuring that your engine runs smoothly by preventing dust particles from entering into it. Clean air filters after every few uses and replace them as necessary depending on their condition and per manufacturer recommendations.
Beyond handling individual components, overall handling and storage are just as vital for maintaining a chainsaw's lifespan and safety levels. Always store your chainsaw in a clean, dry place away from extreme temperatures. Before long-term storage, drain out fuel from within it to prevent buildup within the carburetor which could cause issues when you next start up your machine.
Finally, safety measures are paramount when operating chainsaws. Always wear appropriate protective gear including gloves, goggles or face shields, ear protection, anti-slip boots, and cutting trousers designed to protect against accidental cuts from slips or kickback from the saw blade. Regular training on correct usage practices will also help you maintain control over your device thereby reducing risk during operation.
In conclusion, thorough maintenance of your chainsaw involves regular cleaning, proper adjustments of its components like sharpening blades and adjusting tension along with correct storage practices which together extend its life significantly while keeping efficiency high whenever used for felling trees or other mechanical tasks requiring such equipment.
In the realm of forestry, mechanical felling, particularly through methods such as chainsaw use, has revolutionized timber harvesting by improving efficiency and worker safety. However, this method also poses significant environmental challenges that must be addressed through conscientious practices and sustainable approaches.
The environmental impact of mechanical felling is multi-faceted. Primarily, the concern lies in the potential for deforestation and the degradation of ecosystems. Chainsaws, when used without proper regulation or consideration, can lead to excessive cutting down of trees which disrupts biodiversity, alters habitats, and can lead to soil erosion. Furthermore, the noise pollution from chainsaws can affect wildlife communication and behavior patterns.
To mitigate these impacts, several best practices have been developed and are continually refined by forestry professionals. First among these is the practice of selective logging rather than clear-cutting. Selective logging involves carefully choosing which trees to fell based on their maturity, health, and contribution to the ecosystem's integrity. This method helps maintain forest structure and diversity, ensuring long-term forest health and sustainability.
Another crucial consideration is proper training for operators of chainsaws and other mechanical equipment. Skilled operators who understand both the machinery and ecological aspects of forests are less likely to cause unnecessary damage to trees during felling operations. They can make precise cuts that minimize waste and avoid injuring surrounding vegetation.
Maintenance of equipment also plays a vital role in reducing environmental impact. Well-maintained chainsaws are more efficient and safer to use; they are less likely to malfunction in ways that could cause unintended damage or necessitate additional cutting to correct errors.
Furthermore, planning is essential before any mechanical felling operation begins. Environmental impact assessments should guide the planning stages to ensure that sensitive areas such as water sources, animal breeding grounds, or rare plant populations are protected from harm.
In addition to these physical actions, legal frameworks support sustainable practices in mechanical felling. Regulations that enforce sustainable yield calculations before logging permits are issued ensure that forestry operations do not exceed a forest’s natural regenerative capacity.
Lastly, post-felling activities are equally important; these include measures such as replanting native species to replace those cut down and monitoring regrowth to assess recovery over time. Such practices help in maintaining ecological balance and enhancing carbon sequestration capabilities of forests.
By integrating these environmental considerations into daily operations via best practices in mechanical felling like using chainsaws effectively yet sustainably ensures not only the conservation of our invaluable forests but also supports a healthy balance between economic gain from timber resources and ecological preservation for future generations.
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: δένδρον, dendron, "tree"; and Ancient Greek: -λογία, -logia, science of or study of) or xylology (Ancient Greek: ξύλον, 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.
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]
Arboriculture (/ˈɑːrbərɪˌkʌltʃər, ɑːrˈbɔːr-/)[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.
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:
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.