Mulching is an essential gardening practice that benefits the soil, plants, and overall garden aesthetics. Mulches can be broadly categorized into organic and inorganic types, each serving specific purposes while helping to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Understanding the different types of mulches and their appropriate applications can greatly enhance gardening success.
Organic mulches are derived from natural materials that decompose over time, enriching the soil with nutrients as they break down. One common type of organic mulch is straw, which is especially popular in vegetable gardens. Straw is lightweight, easy to spread, and provides excellent insulation for soil, protecting it from temperature extremes. It also decomposes relatively quickly, improving soil structure and fertility.
Wood chips are another widely used form of organic mulch. Typically sourced from tree limbs and bark, wood chips are durable and provide a neat appearance. They decompose slower than straw, making them ideal for use around trees and shrubs where long-term soil conditioning is beneficial. As they break down, wood chips gradually release nutrients into the soil but may initially tie up nitrogen; hence it's advisable to supplement with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer when using fresh wood chips around young plants.
In contrast to organic options, inorganic mulches include materials like plastic and rubber that do not decompose and therefore do not provide nutrients to the soil. Plastic mulch is particularly useful in commercial vegetable production because it effectively controls weeds, conserves moisture, and warms the soil - boosting growth rates and extending growing seasons for heat-loving crops such as tomatoes and peppers. Available in various colors each serving different purposes (e.g., black plastic warms the soil whereas white reflects sunlight), plastic mulch must be removed at the end of the season or once it deteriorates.
Rubber mulch made from recycled tires has gained popularity for use in landscaping around perennial plants or play areas since it does not degrade over time like organic materials. Rubber provides good insulation from heat but does not add any nutritional value to the soil. Although its durability makes it cost-effective over many years, environmental concerns associated with potential leaching of chemicals make its use controversial among gardeners seeking sustainable practices.
Proper watering techniques complement effective mulching by ensuring that water reaches plant roots rather than evaporating or running off unnecessarily. Drip irrigation or soaker hoses deliver water directly to the base of plants minimally disturbing the mulch layer while reducing water wastage compared to overhead sprinkling systems which can also promote fungal diseases in some plant species.
Combining thoughtful selection of either organic or inorganic mulch with efficient watering strategies creates a nurturing environment for garden plants leading to robust growth lush landscapes while conserving resources and maintaining healthier plant habitats.
Benefits of Mulching: Enhancing Garden Health and Vitality
Mulching is a simple yet highly effective technique used in gardening that involves the application of materials over the soil surface around plants. This practice offers an array of benefits, crucial among them being weed suppression, moisture retention, soil temperature regulation, and erosion control. These advantages make mulching an indispensable part of sustainable landscaping.
Weed Suppression One of the primary benefits of mulching is its ability to suppress weeds. When a layer of mulch is spread over the soil, it acts as a barrier that limits the amount of sunlight reaching weed seeds. Without sufficient light, these seeds fail to germinate, which helps in reducing the growth of unwanted plants. This natural method of controlling weed growth not only saves time and effort but also reduces the need for chemical herbicides, making gardening safer and more eco-friendly.
Moisture Retention Mulch serves as an excellent moisture conservator. By covering the soil, mulch reduces water evaporation from the soil surface. This is particularly beneficial during dry periods as it ensures that plants have a steady supply of moisture, which is essential for their growth and survival. The reduction in water evaporation also means less frequent watering is required, thereby conserving water – a vital aspect in areas prone to drought or where water conservation is necessary.
Soil Temperature Regulation Another significant benefit of mulching is its ability to regulate soil temperature. In hot weather, a layer of mulch keeps the soil cool by shading it from direct sunlight; conversely, during cooler weather, mulch helps maintain warmth by acting as an insulating blanket. This stabilizing effect on soil temperature can be crucial for plant health as extreme temperatures can stress plants, impede root development, and decrease growth rates.
Erosion Control Erosion control is yet another critical advantage offered by mulching. Soil erosion can be caused by wind or water runoff and poses a severe threat to landscape sustainability. Mulch helps anchor the soil particles together and absorbs the impact of raindrops before they hit the ground directly. It also slows down water flow over land surfaces which minimizes loss of topsoil and keeps nutrients from being washed away – maintaining healthy soil composition essential for robust plant growth.
In conclusion, incorporating mulching into garden management practices brings forth significant environmental benefits while promoting vigorous plant health through enhanced moisture retention, reduced weed competition, stable soil temperatures, and effective erosion control. These factors collectively contribute not only to more vibrant gardens but also support broader ecological wellness by minimizing dependence on chemical treatments and preserving natural resources.
Mulching is a fundamental garden practice that not only enhances the visual appeal of your garden but also boosts the health and vitality of your plants. However, to reap the maximum benefits from mulching, it's crucial to apply it correctly. Missteps in this process can lead to issues such as poor air circulation and water retention problems, commonly evidenced by the notorious "volcano mulching."
Understanding Mulch and Its Purpose
Mulch is a layer of material-organic or inorganic-that is spread over the surface of the soil around plants. The primary purposes of mulching are to conserve moisture, improve soil fertility, reduce weed growth, and enhance the aesthetic appearance of the area. Organic mulches, which include materials like bark, leaves, wood chips, or straw, decompose over time and enrich the soil with nutrients.
Proper Application of Mulch
Choosing the Right Mulch: Select a mulch that complements your soil type and plant needs. For instance, wood chips and bark are great for trees and shrubs, while straw might be better suited for vegetable gardens.
Preparing the Site: Before applying mulch, clear away weeds and debris from the area around your plants. This helps prevent pests and diseases from being trapped close to plant stems.
Applying at the Right Time: The best time to apply mulch is in late spring after the soil has warmed up. Applying it too early can slow down warming processes which could affect plant growth.
Correct Thickness: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around your plants. Excessive thickness can lead to moisture retention issues while too thin a layer may not effectively suppress weeds or retain moisture.
Avoiding Volcano Mulching: One common mistake in mulching is piling it high against plant stems or tree trunks-referred to as "volcano mulching." This practice can cause moisture buildup around the stem leading to diseases or rot. Instead, keep mulch about 2-3 inches away from stems and trunks.
Watering Techniques: When watering mulched plants, use a drip irrigation system or soaker hoses for deep watering that reaches roots rather than just wetting surfaces. Avoid overhead sprinkling as much as possible which can wash away finer particles creating uneven spots within your mulched bed.
Maintenance: Refresh organic mulches annually since they break down over time adding nutrients back into your soil but reducing their effectiveness at weed suppression and moisture conservation.
By adhering to these simple guidelines when applying mulch around your plants you will ensure they remain healthy while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing landscape design that conserves water and reduces maintenance needs.
Watering Methods: An Essential Guide to Efficient and Effective Irrigation
Water is the lifeblood of any garden, and how it's delivered can greatly affect the health of plants and the conservation of resources. Among the various methods available to gardeners—drip irrigation, soaker hoses, sprinkler systems, and hand watering—each has its own set of advantages tailored to different needs and environments.
Drip irrigation is one of the most efficient watering methods, especially suited for arid climates where water conservation is crucial. This system allows water to drip slowly to the roots of plants, either from above the soil surface or buried below it. What makes drip irrigation particularly effective is its ability to deliver water directly to the root zone, minimizing evaporation and wastage. It's ideal for row crops, vegetable gardens, and perennial beds where precise watering is key.
Soaker hoses offer a similar benefit in terms of efficiency. Made from porous materials that let water seep through along their length, they are laid on the ground or buried under mulch, providing moisture directly to plant bases. Soaker hoses work well for established plants in ornamental or edible gardens since they help maintain consistent moisture levels without overwatering or wasting water.
Sprinkler systems are perhaps more familiar in residential settings. These systems can be customized with different types of sprinkler heads designed for various spray patterns and areas. While sprinklers are effective for covering large areas such as lawns or multiple beds at once, they can be less efficient than other methods due to evaporation and wind drift. However, modern systems with timers and adjustable settings help mitigate these issues by allowing watering during optimal times such as early morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler.
Hand watering remains a valuable method for its precision and simplicity. Using a hose or watering can gives you control over exactly where and how much water is applied—a boon when dealing with potted plants, new transplants, or sensitive species requiring careful attention. Hand watering also nurtures a closer connection between gardener and garden; it encourages regular plant inspection for pests, diseases, or other stresses.
To complement these watering techniques effectively, mulching plays a pivotal role in retaining soil moisture and regulating temperature fluctuations. Organic mulches like wood chips decompose gradually enhancing soil fertility while offering an insulating layer that keeps moisture in during heat spells and protects roots in colder weather.
Implementing proper watering techniques requires understanding both your garden's specific needs and local climate conditions. By choosing appropriate methods—be it a high-tech sprinkler system tailored for lush lawns or simple drip lines nurturing a vegetable plot—you ensure that your gardening not only sustains but thrives sustainably. With thoughtful application coupled with strategic mulching practices, gardeners can achieve vibrant growth while conserving vital water resources.
When considering the effective maintenance of gardens or landscapes, determining the appropriate water needs is crucial. This necessity varies widely based on several factors including the type of plants, soil conditions, weather patterns, and seasonality. Each element plays a pivotal role in crafting a watering schedule that promotes healthy plant growth while conserving water resources.
Firstly, understanding the type of plants is essential. Different plants require varying amounts of water; for instance, succulents and cacti thrive with minimal water compared to hydrangeas or willows which demand more moisture. Native plants generally align better with the local climate's water availability and thus often require less supplemental watering than exotic species adapted to different conditions.
Soil conditions also significantly influence water needs. Sandy soils drain quickly and retain less water, necessitating more frequent watering but in smaller amounts to prevent nutrient leaching. Conversely, clay soils retain moisture longer but have poorer drainage, which can lead to root rot if overwatered. Adding organic matter can improve soil structure, enhance water retention in sandy soils, and increase drainage in clay soils.
Weather patterns are another critical factor; during prolonged dry spells or heatwaves, increased watering might be necessary to prevent stress on plants. In contrast, during cooler or rainy periods, reducing watering helps avoid over-saturation of soil and potential fungal diseases. Utilizing weather forecasts can help anticipate changes in watering needs.
Seasonality further impacts watering schedules as most plants have different hydration needs depending on the season. Spring often requires moderate watering as plants begin new growth cycles and temperatures start to rise. Summer demands the most frequent watering due to higher temperatures and increased evaporation rates. In fall, as temperatures decrease and plants prepare for dormancy, reduced watering is typically adequate. Winter usually requires minimal irrigation unless in very dry climates.
In addition to understanding these factors when determining water requirements, employing mulching and proper watering techniques enhances plant health and water efficiency. Mulching helps maintain soil moisture by reducing surface evaporation and provides additional benefits such as suppressing weeds and gradually improving soil fertility as organic mulches decompose.
Proper watering techniques involve not just when but how you water. It's advantageous to water deeply yet infrequently rather than little and often; this encourages deeper root growth which enhances drought resistance. Early morning is generally the best time to water because it allows time for foliage to dry before nightfall – decreasing disease risk – while minimizing evaporation loss compared with midday watering under full sun.
Overall, by considering plant types, soil characteristics, prevailing weather conditions, seasonality alongside smart practices like mulching and correct timing of irrigation will lead not only to healthier gardens but also more sustainable management of invaluable water resources.
Efficient water use is essential not only for the conservation of this precious resource but also for maintaining healthy plant life in gardens and landscapes. By adopting strategic watering techniques and utilizing water-efficient products, gardeners can ensure that their plants receive adequate moisture while minimizing waste. Two critical aspects of efficient water use include proper mulching and the adoption of smart watering practices.
Mulching serves multiple purposes in the garden. It helps retain soil moisture by reducing evaporation, suppresses weed growth which competes with plants for water, and can improve soil quality as organic mulches break down over time. When applied correctly around plants, mulch creates a barrier between the soil and the air, significantly reducing the amount of water needed to keep plants hydrated. Organic mulches like shredded bark, straw, or leaf mold are particularly beneficial as they not only conserve water but also contribute nutrients back into the soil as they decompose.
When applying mulch around plants, it's important to avoid piling it directly against plant stems or tree trunks as this can lead to rot and pest problems. A layer approximately 2-4 inches thick is generally adequate for most applications, though this may vary depending on the type of mulch and the plants being cultivated.
Proper watering techniques are equally important for efficient water usage. Over-watering not only leads to water wastage but can also weaken plants by depriving roots of oxygen or encouraging fungal diseases. Conversely, under-watering can stress plants, making them more susceptible to pests and diseases. The key is to water deeply but infrequently which encourages deeper root growth and increases drought tolerance.
The timing of watering is crucial; early morning is typically best because it allows time for water to soak deeply into the soil before temperatures rise, reducing evaporation losses caused by heat during the day. Utilizing tools such as soaker hoses or drip irrigation systems can further enhance efficiency by delivering water directly to the base of plants where it’s needed most rather than wasting it on non-target areas like pathways or between rows.
Water-efficient products like rain barrels or installing a simple rain sensor on an automatic irrigation system can provide additional savings in terms of both water use and utility costs while ensuring that gardens thrive even during periods of low rainfall.
In summary, combining effective mulching with proper watering techniques forms a solid foundation for efficient garden water use. Gardeners who embrace these methods will find they not only save water but also promote healthier and more resilient plant communities capable of withstanding variable weather conditions.
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.
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 (/ˈɑËrbÉ™rɪˌkÊŒltʃər, É‘ËrˈbÉ”Ër-/)[1] is the cultivation, management, and study of individual trees, shrubs, vines, and other perennial woody plants. The science of arboriculture studies how these plants grow and respond to cultural practices and to their environment. The practice of arboriculture includes cultural techniques such as selection, planting, training, fertilization, pest and pathogen control, pruning, shaping, and removal.
A person who practices or studies arboriculture can be termed an arborist or an arboriculturist. A tree surgeon is more typically someone who is trained in the physical maintenance and manipulation of trees and therefore more a part of the arboriculture process rather than an arborist. Risk management, legal issues, and aesthetic considerations have come to play prominent roles in the practice of arboriculture. Businesses often need to hire arboriculturists to complete "tree hazard surveys" and generally manage the trees on-site to fulfill occupational safety and health obligations.[citation needed]
Arboriculture is primarily focused on individual woody plants and trees maintained for permanent landscape and amenity purposes, usually in gardens, parks or other populated settings, by arborists, for the enjoyment, protection, and benefit of people.[citation needed]
Arboricultural matters are also considered to be within the practice of urban forestry yet the clear and separate divisions are not distinct or discreet.[citation needed]
Tree benefits are the economic, ecological, social and aesthetic use, function purpose, or services of a tree (or group of trees), in its situational context in the landscape.
A tree defect is any feature, condition, or deformity of a tree that indicates weak structure or instability that could contribute to tree failure.
Common types of tree defects:
Codominant stems: two or more stems that grow upward from a single point of origin and compete with one another.
Included bark: bark is incorporated in the joint between two limbs, creating a weak attachment
Dead, diseased, or broken branches:
Cracks
Cavity and hollows: sunken or open areas wherein a tree has suffered injury followed by decay. Further indications include: fungal fruiting structures, insect or animal nests.
Lean: a lean of more than 40% from vertical presents a risk of tree failure
Taper: change in diameter over the length of trunks branches and roots
Epicormic branches (water sprouts in canopy or suckers from root system): often grow in response to major damage or excessive pruning
Roots:
Proper tree installation ensures the long-term viability of the tree and reduces the risk of tree failure.
Quality nursery stock must be used. There must be no visible damage or sign of disease. Ideally the tree should have good crown structure. A healthy root ball should not have circling roots and new fibrous roots should be present at the soil perimeter. Girdling or circling roots should be pruned out. Excess soil above the root flare should be removed immediately, since it present a risk of disease ingress into the trunk.
Appropriate time of year to plant: generally fall or early spring in temperate regions of the northern hemisphere.
Planting hole: the planting hole should be 3 times the width of the root ball. The hole should be dug deep enough that when the root ball is placed on the substrate, the root flare is 3–5cm above the surrounding soil grade. If soil is left against the trunk, it may lead to bark, cambium and wood decay. Angular sides to the planting hole will encourage roots to grow radially from the trunk, rather than circling the planting hole. In urban settings, soil preparation may include the use of:
Tree wells: a zone of mulch can be installed around the tree trunk to: limit root zone competition (from turf or weeds), reduce soil compaction, improve soil structure, conserve moisture, and keep lawn equipment at a distance. No more than 5–10cm of mulch should be used to avoid suffocating the roots. Mulch must be kept approximately 20cm from the trunk to avoid burying the root flare. With city trees additional tree well preparation includes:
Tree grates/grill and frames: limit compaction on root zone and mechanical damage to roots and trunk
Root barriers: forces roots to grow down under surface asphalt/concrete/pavers to limit infrastructure damage from roots
Staking: newly planted, immature trees should be staked for one growing season to allow for the root system to establish. Staking for longer than one season should only be considered in situations where the root system has failed to establish sufficient structural support. Guy wires can be used for larger, newly planted trees. Care must be used to avoid stem girdling from the support system ties.
Irrigation: irrigation infrastructure may be installed to ensure a regular water supply throughout the lifetime of the tree. Wicking beds are an underground reservoir from which water is wicked into soil. Watering bags may be temporarily installed around tree stakes to provide water until the root system becomes established. Permeable paving allows for water infiltration in paved urban settings, such as parks and walkways.
Within the United Kingdom trees are considered as a material consideration within the town planning system and may be conserved as amenity landscape[2] features.
The role of the Arborist or Local Government Arboricultural Officer is likely to have a great effect on such matters. Identification of trees of high quality which may have extensive longevity is a key element in the preservation of trees.
Urban and rural trees may benefit from statutory protection under the Town and Country Planning[3] system. Such protection can result in the conservation and improvement of the urban forest as well as rural settlements.
Historically the profession divides into the operational and professional areas. These might be further subdivided into the private and public sectors. The profession is broadly considered as having one trade body known as the Arboricultural Association, although the Institute of Chartered Foresters offers a route for professional recognition and chartered arboriculturist status.
The qualifications associated with the industry range from vocational to Doctorate. Arboriculture is a comparatively young industry.
We recently had five large pine trees taken down in our front yard. We had three bids from different tree companies. We also wanted the stumps ground as well as chasing roots above ground. Rudy was fantastic and his workers were very skilled and the clean up was exceptional. We would highly recommend them and not hesitate to use them again.
Used Rudy and All In Tree for numerous things over the last year and a half. Pricing is Competitive. Very responsive to calls and tests. I like that they're insured. Did what he said what he was going to do and when he said he was going to do it. A couple of things didn't meet my expectations and he immediately came out and made it right. I have recommended to multiple other people.
Update! 10/10/23 After they helped me last month, All in Tree Service has again saved the day! A couple of large trees washed down the creek on my property recently and one of them was lodged against the pipes that go from my house to the street. There were other large tree trunks in the creek as well and also one wedged against the supports for my bridge. The All In team went to work and within a couple of hours had everything cleaned up and removed. The pipes and the bridge are safe! I recommend this team wholeheartedly. They care about what they do and it shows. Thank you! I’m very grateful. This team exemplifies professionalism. The before and after pictures tell a great story. September 2023 I recently was fortunate enough to find Rudy and Yaremi of All In Tree Services. A very large and very high limb on a big oak tree was hanging after a storm. It was a danger to me, to my dogs and to the fence below it. I had never met Rudy and Yaremi before. They were the first to call me back when I started my search for a reliable tree service. They clearly wanted the business so I gave them a chance. I’m so glad I did. They were very impressive! Their strategy and teamwork were incredible. Clearly they are very experienced at this kind of work. I took some pictures but I wish I had filmed the whole thing. It was amazing. They roped off the limb so it would not fall on anything or anyone. Then they quickly got the limb cut and safely on the ground and helped to clear up the debris. I am extremely happy with their service and with the friendly and professional manner with which they conducted themselves. I have already recommended them to my neighbors and I strongly encourage anyone who needs tree services to call them.
All professional service. Timely, efficient, friendly. I had big old dead trees that I feared daily were going to come down. I called them in an emergency and they came the very next morning, no problem, no excuses. The guys were about service and me as a customer. They saw what I needed and went above and beyond to make sure I was a satisfied customer. I am a satisfied customer. I will use this company again and again. Thank you Rudy.