When it comes to tree removal, the significance of adhering to legal considerations cannot be overstated. Before proceeding with any form of tree removal, it is crucial to check local regulations and obtain the necessary permits. This process ensures that all activities comply with specific regional laws designed to protect both the environment and public safety.
Local regulations regarding tree removal can vary significantly from one area to another. These rules may be influenced by various factors including, but not limited to, environmental protection laws, urban planning strategies, and community safety protocols. For instance, certain trees might be protected under local conservation laws due to their age, species, or ecological importance. Removing such trees without proper authorization could lead to legal repercussions, hefty fines, or other penalties.
Moreover, these regulations are in place not only to conserve nature but also to maintain public safety. Trees that are improperly removed might pose risks such as falling branches or destabilized structures which can cause accidents or property damage. Thus, obtaining the necessary permits allows for a professional assessment of the tree's health and stability before removal. Such assessments determine whether a tree should indeed be removed or if it can be preserved through other means like pruning or disease management.
Additionally, checking local regulations and securing permits is a demonstration of respect for community norms and procedures. It involves engaging with local authorities who can provide guidance on safe and legal practices for tree removal. This engagement promotes good relations between property owners and their communities by ensuring that actions taken adhere to shared standards that aim at minimizing harm while enhancing communal spaces.
In sum, before proceeding with any method of tree removal-be it manual cutting down using chainsaws or more sophisticated techniques like crane-assisted removal-it is imperative to understand and comply with local regulations while obtaining all required permits. Doing so not only aligns with legal requirements but also underscores a commitment to environmental stewardship and community safety. Ignoring this vital step can lead to negative consequences that go beyond individual properties affecting entire communities and ecosystems adversely.
Tree removal, often perceived as a straightforward task, is actually laden with risks and complexities. It necessitates meticulous planning, the right tools, and an understanding of safety protocols to ensure the process is conducted without harm to people or property. This essay explores essential safety measures that should be taken during tree removal.
Firstly, wearing appropriate protective gear is paramount for anyone involved in tree removal. This includes a hard hat to protect against falling branches, safety goggles or glasses to shield the eyes from debris, and sturdy gloves to enhance grip while protecting hands from cuts and abrasions. Additionally, ear protection is necessary when using loud equipment like chainsaws, which can cause long-term hearing damage. To prevent injuries from slips or falls, particularly when working on uneven ground or climbing trees, boots with slip-resistant soles are crucial.
Secondly, securing the area where tree removal is taking place is equally important. This involves setting up barriers or marking off the zone with cones or tape to keep bystanders and vehicles at a safe distance. Falling trees and flying debris present significant hazards; therefore, ensuring that only authorized personnel are within the vicinity is vital.
Furthermore, before any cutting begins, it's essential for those involved in tree removal to assess their surroundings thoroughly. This includes checking for overhead power lines that could pose electrocution risks if trees come into contact with them during removal. It also involves evaluating the natural lean of the tree and planning an escape route for use in case the tree begins to fall unpredictably.
The use of proper techniques and equipment cannot be overstated. Chainsaws should be well-maintained with sharp blades for efficient cutting. Operators should be trained not only in how to use these tools safely but also in advanced felling techniques such as making precise notch cuts and back cuts which influence the direction in which a tree falls.
Lastly, teamwork plays a critical role in enhancing safety during tree removals. Communication among team members must be clear and continuous throughout the process. Using hand signals or walkie-talkies can help maintain coordination especially when noise levels prohibit verbal communication.
In conclusion, removing trees safely requires more than just physical strength or endurance; it demands attentiveness to protective wearables, situational awareness regarding one's environment, mastery over cutting tools and techniques, as well as effective teamwork. These precautions help mitigate risks significantly making what appears dangerous manageable with proper care.
Tree removal is a complex and demanding task that requires not only skilled personnel but also specialized equipment. Each piece of equipment serves a unique purpose and ensures the job can be done safely and efficiently. Here's an overview of some essential tools and machinery used in the process.
Chainsaws are perhaps the most recognized tool when it comes to tree removal. They come in various sizes and are powered either by gas or electricity. For larger trees, powerful gas chainsaws are preferred because they offer the mobility and robustness needed to cut through thick trunks. Smaller, electric chainsaws might be used for trimming smaller branches or cutting down smaller trees.
Stump grinders come into play once the tree has been felled. Removing the stump is crucial to clear the land for other uses and to prevent pests like termites from settling in. Stump grinders remove remnants of the tree below ground level by using a high-speed disk with teeth that grind the stump and roots into small chips.
Cranes are utilized in situations where trees are too large or located in challenging positions, such as close to buildings or power lines. The crane lifts sections of the tree after they have been cut, allowing for a controlled removal that minimizes damage to surrounding structures and landscapes.
In addition to these primary tools, several other pieces of equipment may be employed:
Each method of tree removal presents its own set of challenges; thus having access to this variety of tools ensures that arborists can select an appropriate strategy based on the specific conditions of each job site. Effective use of this equipment not only speeds up the process but also significantly enhances safety measures during tree removal activities.
Assessing the health and stability of a tree is crucial before deciding on the method for its removal. This process not only ensures the safety of those involved in the removal but also helps in choosing an approach that minimizes damage to the surrounding environment. Here, I will outline key steps and considerations in evaluating a tree’s condition and determining the most appropriate removal technique.
Step 1: Visual Inspection The first step is a thorough visual inspection of the tree. Look for any signs of disease or decay such as fungal growth, cavities, or dead branches. The presence of these can indicate internal decay which may affect the tree's stability. Additionally, inspect the trunk and branches for cracks or splits, as these are indicators of structural weaknesses.
Step 2: Assess Tree Lean Evaluate if the tree has a natural lean. The direction and degree of lean can significantly influence how a tree should be removed, particularly if it leans toward structures, power lines, or other critical areas. Understanding this will help in planning the felling direction or whether sectional dismantling might be necessary.
Step 3: Check Root Stability Root health is vital for tree stability. Inspect for any signs of uprooted soil or exposed roots which could suggest instability. A compromised root system increases the risk during removal since it affects how securely a tree stands.
Step 4: Consider Tree Species and Age Different species have different wood characteristics and potential issues related to age such as brittleness in older trees which might influence their handling during removal. Familiarity with specific traits helps anticipate challenges like unexpected breaking points.
Step 5: Analyze Surrounding Area Evaluate potential hazards in the area surrounding the tree including proximity to buildings, overhead wires, roads, or pedestrian pathways. This assessment helps plan out safety measures and whether specialized equipment like cranes might be needed to safely remove sections without causing damage.
Step 6: Choose an Appropriate Removal Method Based on your assessment:
Conclusion Thoroughly assessing a tree's health and stability before removal is essential for ensuring safety while minimizing environmental impact. By following these detailed steps — from conducting a visual inspection to analyzing surrounding hazards — you can determine how best to approach this task responsibly. Proper evaluation leads not only to more efficient operations but also contributes greatly towards successful outcomes where both human safety and preservation of nearby properties are prioritized.
Tree removal is an essential aspect of arboriculture tailored to ensure safety, clear spaces for construction, and manage disease or pest-infested trees. Various techniques are employed based on the tree's location, size, health, and the surrounding environment. These methods include felling, sectional dismantling, and specialized approaches for confined spaces.
Felling is one of the most traditional methods of tree removal. This technique involves cutting a tree near its base causing it to fall in a controlled manner in one piece. The process starts with careful planning to determine the natural leaning direction of the tree and considering wind direction. A precise notch (directional cut) is made on the side towards which the tree is intended to fall. Then, a back cut is made on the opposite side to release stress and allow the tree to fall safely along a predetermined path. Felling is efficient and cost-effective but requires a significant amount of open space around the tree to ensure it can lie flat on the ground without causing damage or injury.
Sectional Dismantling is used when trees are located in confined spaces where traditional felling isn't feasible. This method involves removing a tree in smaller sections from top to bottom. Arborists often use climbing gear or aerial lift platforms to reach high branches. Each section of limbs or trunk is carefully cut and then lowered to the ground using ropes or cranes, minimizing impact on nearby structures and landscapes. Sectional dismantling demands a high level of skill and precision as it poses greater risks than straightforward felling.
For specialized techniques in confined spaces, even more meticulous strategies are required when working around power lines, close to buildings, or in heavily populated areas where other methods are too risky. One such technique includes using cranes to lift large pieces of wood directly from their position down to a safe drop-zone. Another technique involves rigging systems that allow cut sections of tree trunks and branches to be carefully guided past obstacles during their descent.
Additionally, advanced technologies such as remote-controlled chainsaws mounted on telescopic arms can be utilized for extreme precision work; this minimizes human interaction with potentially unstable structures and reduces risk factors associated with manual cutting.
In conclusion, successful tree removal relies heavily upon choosing appropriate techniques tailored to specific environmental conditions and constraints posed by each site's unique layout. While felling remains ideal for open areas with minimal hazards, sectional dismantling provides an effective solution for urban settings or restricted environments where safety cannot be compromised. In exceptionally tight spots where neither conventional method can safely operate, innovative technology offers avenues for safe execution without compromising efficiency or effectiveness.
Handling Debris and Cleanup After Tree Removal
Tree removal, whether necessitated by storm damage, disease, or landscaping changes, invariably results in a significant amount of debris that needs to be managed efficiently and responsibly. The process of dealing with this debris is critical not only for aesthetic reasons but also to ensure safety and compliance with local environmental regulations.
Once a tree is cut down, the debris generally consists of large branches, trunks, leaves, and sometimes stumps. Each component requires different handling techniques depending on the size of the tree and the future use of the area from which it was removed.
1. Chipping: One of the most common methods for disposing of tree debris is chipping. This involves using a wood chipper to break down branches and trunks into small chips, which can be easier to transport or repurpose. Wood chips have a variety of uses; they can be used as mulch for gardens to help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds, or as a raw material in the production of paper or biomass fuel. Chipping not only helps reduce the volume of waste but also turns it into a useful product.
2. Hauling Away: For larger pieces of wood that are not suitable for chipping, hauling away might be necessary. This process involves transporting large logs and stumps to designated disposal areas or recycling facilities. It’s important to check local regulations regarding the disposal of such materials because some areas might have restrictions on where and how tree debris can be discarded.
3. Firewood Conversion: Converting fallen trees into firewood is another practical solution for dealing with wood debris post-tree removal. This not only provides a cost-effective source of fuel but also helps in clearing up the site effectively. However, it’s essential to ensure that the wood is properly seasoned (dried), which can take several months before it's ready for use as firewood.
4. Donation or Sale: Sometimes, particularly with larger or more valuable trees like hardwoods, there may be opportunities to donate or sell logs to local carpenters or woodworking shops who can utilize the material creatively in furniture making or other crafts.
5. Stump Grinding: After tree removal, stumps are often left behind and need addressing separately through stump grinding. This process involves using specialized equipment to grind down the stump well below ground level - turning it into fine sawdust that can mix with soil over time.
Effective management of tree removal debris is crucial in minimizing its impact on the environment while maximizing its utility wherever possible. Whether through chipping, hauling away, converting to firewood, selling or donating usable wood – each method has its place based on specific circumstances surrounding each tree removal scenario.
In all cases, safety should always come first during cleanup operations following tree removals—ensuring that all activities comply with local health and safety standards protects both people involved in cleanup operations as well as passers-by from potential hazards associated with such tasks.
In the realm of arboriculture or urban forestry, tree removal is sometimes an unavoidable necessity due to safety concerns, disease, or landscape management. However, the job doesn't end with the felling of a tree; post-removal care is critical to ensure that the area remains safe and healthy. This can include treating stumps to prevent regrowth and protect against diseases.
Firstly, once a tree has been removed, the stump that remains can be an unsightly reminder but also poses potential risks. It can attract pests such as termites and carpenter ants, and fungi, which not only affect the stump but could also spread to other healthy plants or trees nearby. Moreover, untreated stumps can sprout new growths which might lead to unwanted shrubbery or small trees.
One effective method for managing a stump post-tree removal is through mechanical stump grinding. This process involves using a stump grinder to shred the stump into wood chips, which can then be used as mulch for garden beds. Grinding provides immediate results and allows for quick replanting of the area.
Chemical treatments offer another approach where chemicals are applied to hasten the decomposition of the stump. These might involve herbicides that prevent regrowth or accelerate decay process chemically. It's crucial when using chemicals to follow manufacturer instructions carefully to avoid damaging surrounding vegetation and protect local wildlife and water sources from contamination.
For those seeking more eco-friendly alternatives, natural decomposition methods may be preferable. This involves allowing nature to take its course which can be facilitated by drilling holes in the stump and filling them with high-nitrogen substances like coffee grounds or manure. Covering the stump with soil or mulch can also help accelerate decay by keeping it moist and encouraging microbial activity.
After dealing with the stump itself, it's important also to consider soil treatment especially if the removed tree was diseased. Diseases like Oak Wilt or Dutch Elm Disease could remain in the soil long after the tree is gone. Treating soil with appropriate fungicides or replacing it before replanting helps ensure that diseases do not spread to new plants.
Finally, replanting after tree removal should be approached thoughtfully-considering what type of species is suitable considering local climate, soil conditions, and existing ecosystem. New plantings not only help in restoring greenery but also contribute positively towards maintaining biodiversity and ecological balance in an area.
Overall, ensuring careful handling of post-removal tasks minimizes environmental impact while promoting a healthier landscape recovery following tree removal.
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.
Lithia Springs may refer to:
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.