Deadwooding is the process of removing dead branches from trees, an essential practice that contributes significantly to the health of trees and the safety of their surrounding environments. This procedure not only enhances a tree's aesthetic appeal but also plays a critical role in preventing potential hazards and promoting overall tree vitality.
Firstly, removing dead branches is crucial for the health of trees. Deadwood can be indicative of disease, pest infestations, or general tree decay. By removing these branches, it helps prevent the spread of disease and pests to healthier parts of the tree or even to other nearby trees. Furthermore, dead branches are no longer productive; they do not contribute to photosynthesis as they are devoid of leaves. Removing them allows the tree to redirect its energy and resources towards developing new, healthy growth. This rejuvenation is vital for sustaining the tree's life and enhancing its growth efficiency.
Additionally, deadwooding improves a tree's structural integrity. Dead limbs are weak and more susceptible to breaking off, especially under stress from wind, storms, or heavy snow. By proactively removing these limbs, arborists help stabilize trees, ensuring that they are less likely to suffer catastrophic failures that could affect their long-term health.
From a safety perspective, deadwooding is equally important. Dead branches pose significant risks to people and property. They can fall unexpectedly, causing injury or damage to buildings, vehicles, power lines, and other structures underneath or near a tree. The unpredictability of such events makes it essential for property owners and municipal authorities to prioritize regular maintenance practices like deadwooding.
Moreover, in urban areas or landscaped environments like parks and recreation areas where human activity is frequent, maintaining trees through procedures such as deadwooding mitigates legal liabilities for city councils and property owners by reducing accident risks associated with falling debris.
In conclusion, deadwooding serves multiple essential functions – it promotes healthier trees by eliminating potential sources of disease or decay; it enhances public safety by removing elements that could cause accidents; and it ensures that our natural landscape remains beautiful yet safe for everyone to enjoy. Regularly performing this maintenance task reflects responsible stewardship of both our green spaces and urban environments.
Deadwooding, an essential practice in the care and management of trees, involves the removal of dead or diseased branches to maintain tree health and safety. Recognizing which branches need to be removed is a crucial skill for any gardener or arborist. Here's how you can identify dead or diseased branches that may require removal.
Firstly, one of the most straightforward ways to spot a dead branch is by observing its appearance throughout the year relative to other branches. Dead branches typically do not produce leaves or buds during growing seasons. While healthy branches will bloom with foliage, dead ones remain bare and unresponsive to seasonal changes.
Secondly, the texture and color of the bark can also indicate a branch's health. Healthy tree bark is usually intact and uniform around the branch. On dead or dying branches, bark tends to peel away or show significant cracking without signs of new growth underneath. In some cases, dead wood may feel brittle and snap easily when bent.
Another key indicator is the presence of fungi, such as mushrooms or other fungal bodies, which often grow on or near dead wood. These fungi are decomposers that break down deceased organic material, signaling that the branch is no longer alive.
Color changes in wood under the bark are another clue; healthy wood generally appears light or rich in color with a solid structure. In contrast, diseased or rotting wood might look darker and feel spongy due to decay.
Additionally, it's important to note any unusual deformities in branch structure like cracks, cankers (areas where bark is sunken or missing), or galls (abnormal swelling). These symptoms can indicate disease processes that could weaken not only individual branches but potentially compromise overall tree stability.
Once you have identified dead or diseased branches through these visual and tactile clues, proper pruning techniques should be applied to remove these limbs safely without harming the rest of the tree. It's often best done during dormant seasons when there's less risk of spreading diseases among plants.
Regular monitoring and maintenance of trees not only enhance their aesthetic appeal but also fortify their health against environmental stresses and biological threats. By learning how to identify problematic branches early on through systematic observation and careful assessment as described above, anyone from home gardeners to professional arborists can effectively contribute to sustaining vibrant landscapes for future generations.
Deadwooding, the practice of removing dead, dying, or diseased branches from trees, is an essential part of arboriculture aimed at enhancing tree health, safety, and aesthetics. Determining the best time for deadwooding involves considering several factors including seasonal changes, tree species, and environmental conditions.
Typically, late winter to early spring is often considered the optimal time for deadwooding. During this period, trees are generally dormant which minimizes stress. Trees have not yet begun their major growth spurts and are less likely to bleed sap excessively when cut. This dormancy period provides a clear view of the tree structure since foliage is minimal, making it easier to identify and access dead branches.
Additionally, performing deadwooding in late winter or early spring can prevent the spread of diseases. Many tree pathogens are less active during cold weather. By removing potentially infected limbs before warmer temperatures promote bacterial and fungal growth, there's a higher chance of limiting disease spread both within a tree and across a landscape.
However, the optimal timing can vary depending on specific tree species and local climate conditions. For instance, some trees like oaks are vulnerable to certain pathogens like oak wilt which can be spread by insects attracted to fresh wounds. In such cases, it's crucial to avoid pruning during active periods for these pests (typically mid-spring through summer).
In areas with severe winters or where late frosts are common, waiting until all risk of frost has passed is advisable before starting deadwooding operations. Frost can damage newly cut areas on trees making them susceptible to infections and decay.
On the other hand, emergency deadwooding may be necessary regardless of season if there's an immediate risk posed by dangling or broken limbs. Such situations require prompt attention to reduce hazards even if they occur outside of the ideal seasonal window.
Ultimately, while general guidelines suggest late winter to early spring as the best time for routine deadwooding due to dormant status and visibility issues; local ecological conditions, specific tree health concerns and species characteristics must all be taken into account when planning such activities.
In conclusion, careful timing of deadwooding not only facilitates easier identification of problematic branches but also enhances recovery in trees while minimizing potential harm from pests and pathogens. Arborists must therefore evaluate each situation individually based on broader knowledge about plant physiology along with environmental influences in order to determine the most appropriate time for carrying out this critical maintenance task.
Deadwooding is an essential arboricultural practice that involves the removal of dead, dying, or diseased branches from trees. This process not only enhances the aesthetic appeal and health of the tree but also significantly reduces the risk of branches falling and causing injury or damage to property. To perform deadwooding safely and effectively, certain specialized tools and equipment are required. The following list highlights these necessities:
Protective Gear: Safety should always be a priority when performing any form of tree work. Essential protective gear includes a helmet with a face shield to protect from falling debris, sturdy gloves to safeguard against cuts and splinters, ear protection if using loud machinery, and safety glasses to shield eyes from flying particles.
Climbing Equipment: For trees that require climbing, appropriate equipment such as climbing ropes, harnesses, carabiners, and climbing boots with good grip are crucial. These tools ensure that the arborist can ascend and descend safely while carrying out their work.
Chainsaw: A chainsaw is invaluable for cutting thicker branches efficiently. It’s important to select a chainsaw that is comfortable to handle and suitable for the size of the tree and thickness of its branches. Both gasoline-powered and electric models are available depending on preference and environmental considerations.
Hand Saws: For smaller or more precise cuts, hand saws are very useful. These come in various sizes and types like bow saws and pruning saws tailored for different kinds of wood cutting tasks.
Loppers: When dealing with medium-sized branches that are too thick for pruners but too thin for a chainsaw, loppers provide a good solution. They offer longer handles for leverage which helps make clean cuts without excessive effort.
Pole Pruner: For branches that are high up in the tree but don’t require climbing, a pole pruner is ideal. It can reach higher areas from ground level making it safer for simple pruning tasks without having to climb.
Wood Chipper: Once branches have been removed they need to be disposed of properly; a wood chipper can break down larger limbs into smaller chips that are easier to manage or repurpose as mulch or compost.
Stump Grinder (if removing entire limbs): If the procedure involves cutting down whole limbs which include significant portions near or including stumps, stump grinders may be necessary to remove leftover stumps after the primary tree work has been completed.
First Aid Kit: Always accessible should be a comprehensive first aid kit prepared for minor injuries or emergencies during tree maintenance tasks.
Using these tools not only facilitates an efficient workflow but also ensures that deadwooding activities are carried out under safer conditions for both the personnel involved as well as bystanders or properties nearby.
Deadwooding is an essential part of tree care and maintenance, helping to ensure the health, safety, and aesthetic appeal of trees. Whether you're a homeowner looking to maintain a solitary backyard tree or a professional arborist responsible for an urban forest, understanding the proper techniques for removing dead branches is crucial. In this guide, we'll explore the step-by-step process of deadwooding.
The first step in deadwooding is carefully assessing the tree. Look for branches that are visibly dead-these are typically dry, brittle, and devoid of leaves. Examine the bark; dead branches often have loose or peeling bark. It's important to also consider the overall health of the tree and identify if there are diseases or pests present that may be causing branch death.
Before making any cuts, plan your approach carefully. Consider how each branch will fall and ensure that you have a clear path to retreat if necessary. It's vital to protect yourself and any nearby property from falling limbs. If larger branches are involved or if they're located high up in the tree, it might be wise to hire professionals with proper equipment.
For effective deadwooding, you'll need tools such as pruning shears for smaller branches and a chainsaw or handsaw for larger limbs. Make sure all tools are sharp and in good working condition to make clean cuts that will heal quickly.
When cutting dead branches, it's essential to make your cuts at the right place. Avoid cutting too close to the trunk as this can damage living tissue that helps seal off wounds. Instead, cut just outside the branch collar-the swollen area where branch meets trunk-as this area contains cells that will help rapidly heal over the wound.
After removing deadwood from your tree, gather all debris and dispose of it properly according to local regulations which may involve taking it to a green waste disposal site or mulching it on-site.
Following your initial round of deadwooding, continue monitoring your tree's health regularly checking for new signs of decay or other stress factors like drought symptoms or indications of pest infestations. Regularly remove any new deadwood as needed.
Deadwooding not only improves appearance but also reduces risks associated with falling branches which could pose threats during storms or high winds situations. By following these steps diligently you help maintain robust healthy trees which are essential parts our ecosystems contributing greatly towards environmental sustainability while enhancing our landscapes' beauty.
Deadwooding, the process of removing dead branches from trees, is not only crucial for the health and safety of trees but also for the surrounding environment. Once these branches are removed, however, the question arises: what should be done with them? Proper disposal or recycling of wood from dead branches is vital to prevent waste and support sustainability. Here are some environmentally responsible ways to manage this wood.
One effective method is to repurpose the wood for home and garden projects. Dead branches can be cut into smaller pieces and used as firewood, providing a natural and cost-effective heating solution during colder months. It's important to ensure that the wood is dry before burning it to increase its efficiency and reduce the emission of smoke and pollutants.
Additionally, wood chips made from dead branches serve as excellent mulch for gardens. Chipping adds aesthetic value while also suppressing weeds, retaining soil moisture, and adding organic matter back into the soil as they decompose. This not only enhances garden health but also reduces the need for chemical fertilizers.
For those with a creative streak, dead branches offer numerous artistic opportunities. They can be crafted into furniture, decorative items, or even sculptures. This form of upcycling not only gives a second life to what would otherwise be considered waste but also adds a unique touch to home decor.
Composting is another sustainable option. While larger branches need to be broken down into smaller pieces before being added to a compost heap, they can provide carbon-rich material essential for effective composting. This helps in creating rich soil that can benefit garden plants tremendously.
If personal reuse options are limited due to space constraints or lack of equipment like chippers or saws, seeking community-based solutions can be beneficial. Many communities offer services like curbside pickup for yard waste which is then turned into mulch or compost available for community use. Additionally, local farms or botanical gardens often accept donations of organic material which they can utilize within their own systems.
Lastly, always consider ecological responsibility by ensuring that any diseased wood is disposed of properly to prevent the spread of tree diseases—some localities have specific guidelines on how to handle such materials safely.
In conclusion, responsibly managing the disposal or recycling of dead branches not only mitigates waste but actively contributes to a cycle of sustainability within your local ecosystem. Whether through personal projects or community involvement, every effort counts towards making an environmental difference.
The International Society of Arboriculture, commonly known as ISA, is an international non-profit organization headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia,[1] United States. The ISA serves the tree care industry as a paid membership association and a credentialing organization that promotes the professional practice of arboriculture.[2] ISA focuses on providing research, technology, and education opportunities for tree care professionals to develop their arboricultural expertise. ISA also works to educate the general public about the benefits of trees and the need for proper tree care.[3][4]
Worldwide, ISA has 22,000 members and 31,000 ISA-certified tree care professionals with 59 chapters, associate organizations, and professional affiliates throughout North America, Asia, Oceania, Europe, and South America.[5]
ISA offers the following credentials:
The Certified Arborist credential identifies professional arborists who have a minimum of three years' full-time experience working in the professional tree care industry and who have passed an examination covering facets of arboriculture.[6][7] The Western Chapter of the ISA started the certification program in the 1980s,[citation needed] with the ISA initiating it in 1992.[8]
The Board Certified Master Arborist (BCMA) or simply Master Arborist credential identifies professional arborists who have attained the highest level of arboriculture offered by the ISA and one of the two top levels in the field. There are several paths to the Board Certified Master Arborist, but typically on average each has been an ISA Certified Arborist a minimum of three to five years before qualifying for the exam (this can vary depending upon other education and experience). The certification began as a result of the need to distinguish the top few arborists and allow others to identify those with superior credentials.
The Master Arborist examination is a far more extensive exam than the Certified Arborist Exam, and covers a broad scope of both aboriculture management, science and work practices. The exam includes the following areas:
Another credential that is on a par with the Master Arborist is that of the American Society of Consulting Arborists, the Registered Consulting Arborist.[9] There are perhaps six hundred individuals with that qualification, and only 70 arborists who hold both credentials.[citation needed]
Forestry is the science and craft of creating, managing, planting, using, conserving and repairing forests and woodlands for associated resources for human and environmental benefits.[1] Forestry is practiced in plantations and natural stands.[2] The science of forestry has elements that belong to the biological, physical, social, political and managerial sciences.[3] Forest management plays an essential role in the creation and modification of habitats and affects ecosystem services provisioning.[4]
Modern forestry generally embraces a broad range of concerns, in what is known as multiple-use management, including: the provision of timber, fuel wood, wildlife habitat, natural water quality management, recreation, landscape and community protection, employment, aesthetically appealing landscapes, biodiversity management, watershed management, erosion control, and preserving forests as "sinks" for atmospheric carbon dioxide.
Forest ecosystems have come to be seen as the most important component of the biosphere,[5] and forestry has emerged as a vital applied science, craft, and technology. A practitioner of forestry is known as a forester. Another common term is silviculturist. Silviculture is narrower than forestry, being concerned only with forest plants, but is often used synonymously with forestry.
All people depend upon forests and their biodiversity, some more than others.[6] Forestry is an important economic segment in various industrial countries,[7] as forests provide more than 86 million green jobs and support the livelihoods of many more people.[6] For example, in Germany, forests cover nearly a third of the land area,[8] wood is the most important renewable resource, and forestry supports more than a million jobs and about €181 billion of value to the German economy each year.[9]
Worldwide, an estimated 880 million people spend part of their time collecting fuelwood or producing charcoal, many of them women.[6][quantify] Human populations tend to be low in areas of low-income countries with high forest cover and high forest biodiversity, but poverty rates in these areas tend to be high.[6] Some 252 million people living in forests and savannahs have incomes of less than US$1.25 per day.[6]
Over the past centuries, forestry was regarded as a separate science. With the rise of ecology and environmental science, there has been a reordering in the applied sciences. In line with this view, forestry is a primary land-use science comparable with agriculture.[10] Under these headings, the fundamentals behind the management of natural forests comes by way of natural ecology. Forests or tree plantations, those whose primary purpose is the extraction of forest products, are planned and managed to utilize a mix of ecological and agroecological principles.[11] In many regions of the world there is considerable conflict between forest practices and other societal priorities such as water quality, watershed preservation, sustainable fishing, conservation, and species preservation.[12]
Silvology (Latin: silva or sylva, "forests and woods"; Ancient Greek: -λογία, -logia, "science of" or "study of") is the biological science of studying forests and woodlands, incorporating the understanding of natural forest ecosystems, and the effects and development of silvicultural practices. The term complements silviculture, which deals with the art and practice of forest management.[13]
Silvology is seen as a single science for forestry and was first used by Professor Roelof A.A. Oldeman at Wageningen University.[14] It integrates the study of forests and forest ecology, dealing with single tree autecology and natural forest ecology.
Dendrology (Ancient Greek: δÎνδρον, dendron, "tree"; and Ancient Greek: -λογία, -logia, science of or study of) or xylology (Ancient Greek: ξÏλον, ksulon, "wood") is the science and study of woody plants (trees, shrubs, and lianas), specifically, their taxonomic classifications.[15] There is no sharp boundary between plant taxonomy and dendrology; woody plants not only belong to many different plant families, but these families may be made up of both woody and non-woody members. Some families include only a few woody species. Dendrology, as a discipline of industrial forestry, tends to focus on identification of economically useful woody plants and their taxonomic interrelationships. As an academic course of study, dendrology will include all woody plants, native and non-native, that occur in a region. A related discipline is the study of sylvics, which focuses on the autecology of genera and species.
The provenance of forest reproductive material used to plant forests has a great influence on how the trees develop, hence why it is important to use forest reproductive material of good quality and of high genetic diversity.[16] More generally, all forest management practices, including in natural regeneration systems, may impact the genetic diversity of trees.
The term genetic diversity describes the differences in DNA sequence between individuals as distinct from variation caused by environmental influences. The unique genetic composition of an individual (its genotype) will determine its performance (its phenotype) at a particular site.[17]
Genetic diversity is needed to maintain the vitality of forests and to provide resilience to pests and diseases. Genetic diversity also ensures that forest trees can survive, adapt and evolve under changing environmental conditions. Furthermore, genetic diversity is the foundation of biological diversity at species and ecosystem levels. Forest genetic resources are therefore important to consider in forest management.[16]
Genetic diversity in forests is threatened by forest fires, pests and diseases, habitat fragmentation, poor silvicultural practices and inappropriate use of forest reproductive material.
About 98 million hectares of forest were affected by fire in 2015; this was mainly in the tropical domain, where fire burned about 4 percent of the total forest area in that year. More than two-thirds of the total forest area affected was in Africa and South America. Insects, diseases and severe weather events damaged about 40 million hectares of forests in 2015, mainly in the temperate and boreal domains.[18]
Furthermore, the marginal populations of many tree species are facing new threats due to the effects of climate change.[16]
Most countries in Europe have recommendations or guidelines for selecting species and provenances that can be used in a given site or zone.[17]
Forest management is a branch of forestry concerned with overall administrative, legal, economic, and social aspects, as well as scientific and technical aspects, such as silviculture, forest protection, and forest regulation. This includes management for timber, aesthetics, recreation, urban values, water, wildlife, inland and nearshore fisheries, wood products, plant genetic resources, and other forest resource values.[19] Management objectives can be for conservation, utilisation, or a mixture of the two. Techniques include timber extraction, planting and replanting of different species, building and maintenance of roads and pathways through forests, and preventing fire.
The first dedicated forestry school was established by Georg Ludwig Hartig at Hungen in the Wetterau, Hesse, in 1787, though forestry had been taught earlier in central Europe, including at the University of Giessen, in Hesse-Darmstadt.
In Spain, the first forestry school was the Forest Engineering School of Madrid (Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingenieros de Montes), founded in 1844.
The first in North America, the Biltmore Forest School was established near Asheville, North Carolina, by Carl A. Schenck on September 1, 1898, on the grounds of George W. Vanderbilt's Biltmore Estate. Another early school was the New York State College of Forestry, established at Cornell University just a few weeks later, in September 1898.
Early 19th century North American foresters went to Germany to study forestry. Some early German foresters also emigrated to North America.
In South America the first forestry school was established in Brazil, in Viçosa, Minas Gerais, in 1962, and moved the next year to become a faculty at the Federal University of Paraná, in Curitiba.[34]
Today, forestry education typically includes training in general biology, ecology, botany, genetics, soil science, climatology, hydrology, economics and forest management. Education in the basics of sociology and political science is often considered an advantage. Professional skills in conflict resolution and communication are also important in training programs.[35]
In India, forestry education is imparted in the agricultural universities and in Forest Research Institutes (deemed universities). Four year degree programmes are conducted in these universities at the undergraduate level. Masters and Doctorate degrees are also available in these universities.
In the United States, postsecondary forestry education leading to a Bachelor's degree or Master's degree is accredited by the Society of American Foresters.[36]
In Canada the Canadian Institute of Forestry awards silver rings to graduates from accredited university BSc programs, as well as college and technical programs.[37]
In many European countries, training in forestry is made in accordance with requirements of the Bologna Process and the European Higher Education Area.
The International Union of Forest Research Organizations is the only international organization that coordinates forest science efforts worldwide.[38]
In order to keep up with changing demands and environmental factors, forestry education does not stop at graduation. Increasingly, forestry professionals engage in regular training to maintain and improve on their management practices. An increasingly popular tool are marteloscopes; one hectare large, rectangular forest sites where all trees are numbered, mapped and recorded.
These sites can be used to do virtual thinnings and test one's wood quality and volume estimations as well as tree microhabitats. This system is mainly suitable to regions with small-scale multi-functional forest management systems
Forestry literature is the books, journals and other publications about forestry.
The first major works about forestry in the English language included Roger Taverner's Booke of Survey (1565), John Manwood's A Brefe Collection of the Lawes of the Forrest (1592) and John Evelyn's Sylva (1662).[39]
cite book
cite journal
The Society of American Foresters grants accreditation only to specific educational curricula that lead to a first professional degree in forestry at the bachelor's or master's level.
This article incorporates text from a free content work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 (license statement/permission). Text taken from Global Forest Resources Assessment 2020 Key findings​, FAO, FAO.
This article incorporates text from a free content work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 IGO (license statement/permission). Text taken from The State of the World's Forests 2020. Forests, biodiversity and people – In brief​, FAO & UNEP, FAO & UNEP.
This article incorporates text from a free content work. Licensed under CC BY-SA IGO 3.0 (license statement/permission). Text taken from World Food and Agriculture – Statistical Yearbook 2023​, FAO, FAO.
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.