In the realm of landscaping and garden management, removing tree stumps is a common task that property owners often face after tree removal. There are several methods to choose from, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. One of the most popular techniques is stump grinding. To better understand its efficiency and practicality, it's useful to compare it with other stump removal methods.
Stump grinding involves using a machine equipped with a high-speed rotating cutting disk that grinds the wood into small chips. This method is known for its speed and efficiency. Typically, stump grinding can be completed in just a few hours, making it much quicker than most other methods. Furthermore, it is less invasive than traditional stump removal techniques; the surrounding landscape remains largely undisturbed as only the stump itself is ground down. The resulting wood chips can also serve as mulch for gardens, adding an eco-friendly element to the process.
However, stump grinding does have some downsides. It typically leaves the tree's roots behind. Over time, these leftover roots can decay, which might cause problems depending on their location and size. Moreover, unless extra depth grinding is requested (which may incur additional costs), regrowth from certain types of trees could occur.
Comparatively, another common method of stump removal is chemical treatment. This involves applying chemicals to accelerate the decomposition of the stump. While this method is less labor-intensive and doesn't require heavy machinery, it takes significantly longer-often several months-for the stump to decompose fully. Additionally, there are environmental concerns regarding the chemicals used in this process.
Manual removal is another technique where tools like axes, shovels, and mattocks are used to dig out the stump and cut off its roots manually. Although this method completely removes the stump along with its root system hence preventing any chance of regrowth or decay issues associated with left behind roots-it requires considerable physical labor and time commitment especially for larger stumps.
Lastly, burning is yet another technique where holes are drilled into the stump before filling them with fuel oil or kerosene (never gasoline) and setting it alight to burn away over time. This method also poses obvious fire risks and environmental pollution concerns due to emissions from burning wood treated possibly with chemicals.
In summary, when selecting a suitable method for stump removal one must consider various factors including speed of removal required; effects on landscape; potential environmental impact; cost implications; future plans for landscaping area among others.
Overall compared amongst options available today – if quick results minimal disruption desired then certainly seems favorable choice despite few drawbacks noted above ensuring selection criteria tailored specific needs will ensure successful outcome every time.
Stump grinding is a highly effective method for removing the remnants of tree stumps from the ground after a tree has been cut down. This process not only helps in clearing the land but also prevents the spread of pests and fungi that often thrive in rotting wood. Here's a step-by-step description of how professionals undertake this task using specialized tools and machinery.
The first step in the stump grinding process involves preparing the area around the stump. This means removing any rocks, debris, or other obstructions that might hinder the operation of the grinding equipment. Professionals ensure there is enough space around the stump to safely operate their machines. It's also important to check for underground utilities like gas lines or cables to avoid any accidents.
Depending on the size and hardness of the stump, professionals select appropriate grinding equipment. The most commonly used machine is a stump grinder, which comes in various sizes from small handheld versions to large truck-mounted units. These grinders have a high-speed disk with specially designed teeth that grind the wood into small chips.
Once the suitable machine is selected, it is positioned over the stump. Careful placement ensures maximum efficiency during grinding. The grinder's blade is placed directly above the center of the stump before it's turned on.
With safety gear in place, including goggles and gloves, professionals start grinding down into the stump with controlled movements from side to side. They gradually move outward from center to chip away at all parts of the stump below ground level-typically going about six inches below soil surface to ensure that all major roots are addressed.
Throughout this process, continuous monitoring is necessary to adjust techniques depending on how well certain areas are responding to grinding. Different types of wood may require more force or repeated passes with grinder blades adjusted accordingly.
In cases where roots are widespread or if complete removal is needed for replanting purposes, deeper grinding may be required. This entails further lowering of blade positioning towards roots extending beyond main body of old stump.
After achieving desired depth and ensuring no sizable chunks remain, cleaning up begins. All resulting wood chips can either be removed entirely from site or used as mulch around garden beds as they decompose naturally and enrich soil nutrients over time.
Finally, professionals inspect their work making sure no part has been overlooked before filling hole left by removed stump with fresh soil or sod depending on future landscaping plans for area.
Through these steps, professional arborists efficiently remove tree stumps leaving landscape clean and ready for new growth or aesthetic redesigns without residual issues associated with decaying wood left behind.
Stump grinding is a necessary process for removing tree stumps, which can be a hazard and an eyesore in any landscape. However, the operation involves powerful machinery with potential risks, making safety measures crucial to protect both the operator and bystanders. This essay provides an overview of essential safety protocols that should be followed during the stump grinding process.
Firstly, personal protective equipment (PPE) is paramount for the operator. This includes sturdy work boots, long pants, long-sleeved shirts, gloves, goggles or safety glasses, ear protection, and a hard hat. These items protect against flying debris, noise from the grinder, and any accidental slips or falls near the machinery.
Before beginning the grinding process, it's essential to prepare the area around the stump. This involves removing rocks, metal objects, or other debris that could be thrown by the grinder's blades or damage them. Ensuring that the workspace is clear not only prevents physical injuries but also extends the life of the grinding equipment.
Operators must thoroughly inspect their stump grinder before use. Checking for issues such as loose belts or dull teeth can prevent machine malfunction that might lead to accidents. It's also important to ensure that all safety shields and guards are in place and functioning correctly.
Another key aspect of safety during stump grinding is proper training regarding how to operate the machine. Operators should understand how to control the machine under various conditions and what to do if an emergency arises. Comprehensive knowledge about operating speeds, grinder capacity limitations, and troubleshooting minor mechanical problems is crucial.
During operation, maintaining a safe distance from bystanders is critical. The area where debris might fly should be clearly marked off with cones or tape to keep onlookers safe. Bystanders should always stay at least 15 feet away from the operating area; however more distance may be necessary depending on machinery size and type.
Furthermore, situational awareness cannot be overstressed. Both operators and bystanders should always be aware of their surroundings; paying attention not just to what they are doing but also what others around them are doing. The operator should pause work if people enter into unsafe zones around them until they move back to a safe distance.
Finally yet importantly is handling emergencies with calmness and promptness which includes knowing how to quickly shut down equipment if needed and having first aid procedures in place in case of injuries.
In conclusion, while stump grinding can significantly improve property aesthetics and remove hazards associated with old tree stumps; it comes with its own set of risks that must diligently be managed through strict adherence to safety protocols outlined above - protecting those who operate these robust machines as well as those within proximity during its operation.
Stump grinding is a common method used for the removal of tree stumps after a tree has been cut down. This process involves the use of a stump grinder that mechanically grinds out the stump, turning it into wood chips and leaving the roots to decay naturally in the soil. While this technique is efficient and less disruptive than stump extraction, it can have several effects on soil health, surrounding vegetation, and the overall landscape.
Impact on Soil Health
The immediate effect of stump grinding on soil health relates to the alteration in soil composition. The wood chips created by grinding are often left in place, where they gradually decompose over time. This decomposition process can benefit soil health by adding organic matter to the soil, which improves soil structure, enhances water retention, and increases microbial activity. However, as wood chips decompose, they temporarily consume nitrogen from the soil to aid in the breakdown process. This phenomenon can lead to a temporary nitrogen deficiency in the soil which could affect plant growth negatively if not managed properly.
Furthermore, stump grinding disrupts the upper layers of the soil. This disturbance may lead to increased air pockets or uneven settling, which can affect water distribution within the soil. Proper leveling and management post-grinding are crucial to avoid creating waterlogged areas or dry patches.
Effects on Surrounding Vegetation
Adjacent plants can be impacted both positively and negatively by stump grinding operations. On one hand, removing a stump may reduce competition for sunlight and nutrients among remaining plants allowing for better growth conditions for nearby trees and shrubs. On another note, if not carefully managed, heavy machinery used during stump grinding can damage existing root systems of nearby vegetation leading to stress or even mortality of these plants.
Additionally, if excessive wood chips from grinding are left piled up around other plants or spread excessively across an area without proper integration into the soil through tilling or mulching techniques they might form a barrier affecting moisture and air flow to plant roots possibly harming plant health.
Impact on Overall Landscape
From an aesthetic perspective, removing a stump through grinding can significantly enhance landscape appearance by creating usable space that was once occupied by dead or unsightly stumps. The resulting wood chips from this process can be repurposed as mulch for gardens providing not only an attractive ground cover but also suppressing weeds and regulating soil temperature.
However environmental considerations must be taken into account particularly concerning large scale projects where numerous stumps are removed simultaneously potentially leading to significant alterations in landscape topography drainage patterns which could have broader ecological impacts like affecting local wildlife habitats or altering runoff patterns during rainfalls potentially increasing erosion risks.
In conclusion while stump grinding offers an efficient solution for tree stump removal its environmental impact should be carefully weighed particularly in terms of potential effects on soil health surrounding vegetation integrity supporting ecosystems balance within landscapes thoughtful planning implementation monitoring procedures such as moderate use wood chip dispersal consideration potential nitrogen depletion careful avoidance root damage neighboring plants are essential ensuring that benefits outweigh drawbacks maintaining healthy vibrant landscapes.
Stump grinding is a practical service sought after by homeowners, landscapers, and municipal authorities to manage the remnants of tree removal-stumps. The cost of stump grinding can vary widely depending on several factors. Understanding these cost influencers helps in budgeting and making informed decisions when hiring professionals for this service.
Firstly, the size of the stump is a predominant factor influencing the cost. Larger stumps require more time, labor, and machinery usage. The diameter and height of the stump are typically measured to determine the extent of work needed. More massive stumps demand powerful grinding equipment and more passes to break down the wood into chips effectively. Consequently, a direct correlation exists between stump size and the price: larger stumps lead to higher costs.
Location plays another critical role in determining stump grinding costs. Stumps located in easily accessible areas are cheaper to remove than those in tight or hard-to-reach places where special machinery or additional labor for manual removal might be necessary. For instance, stumps near buildings, fences, or other significant structures require careful navigation to avoid damage, adding to the complexity and cost of the job.
Additionally, root system complexity also affects pricing. Some trees have deep root systems that are extensive and difficult to grind completely. Species like oak or maple often have sprawling roots requiring more comprehensive work compared to less complex roots like birch or pine.
The condition of the soil can impact costs as well. Rocky or hard clay soils make stump grinding more challenging and time-consuming as opposed to softer soils which are easier on grinding equipment.
Another aspect influencing cost is whether additional services are required post-grinding. Typically, stump grinding leaves behind wood chips and debris; some clients may opt for clean-up services where professionals remove these remains from their property for an aesthetically pleasing look or prepare it for replanting activities. This cleanup is generally an added service with its separate charges.
Lastly, regional variations in labor rates can affect overall costs too. Areas with a higher cost of living tend to have higher charges for professional services including stump grinding.
In conclusion, multiple factors contribute to the cost of stump grinding services encompassing physical characteristics like size and location of the stump along with ancillary needs such as debris cleanup. Homeowners should consider these elements when estimating budgets for stump removal projects and consult with multiple providers to find a balance between quality service and cost-effectiveness.
Choosing a professional stump grinding service may seem straightforward, but ensuring you select a reliable and experienced provider is crucial for quality workmanship. Stump grinding is an essential part of landscaping after tree removal; it not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your property but also eliminates hazards and prevents pest infestations.
When starting your search for a stump grinding service, the first step is to look for providers with a solid reputation. Recommendations from friends, family, or local community boards can be invaluable. People who have had direct experience with such services can offer insights into the reliability and quality of work provided. Additionally, online reviews on platforms like Yelp, Google Reviews, or specialized trade sites can further guide your decision-making process.
Once you have shortlisted potential services, verify their credentials and legal compliance. A reputable stump grinding service should have proper licensing and insurance. This protects you from any liability in case of accidents or damage to your property during the operation. It's also indicative of the company's professionalism and commitment to adhering to industry standards.
Experience is another critical factor in choosing a stump grinder. More experienced operators will likely have dealt with a variety of stump removal scenarios and will know how to handle different challenges that might arise during the process. They are also more likely to possess advanced equipment that can make the job quicker, cleaner, and more efficient.
Don't hesitate to ask potential service providers about their equipment and techniques. Modern stump grinding machines are less disruptive to surrounding landscapes and can grind stumps down well below ground level fast. Knowing what type of machinery will be used on your property helps set expectations regarding the speed of the job and how much cleanup will be required afterward.
Price is undoubtedly an important consideration but should not be the sole deciding factor. Extremely low bids may reflect inexperience or lack of proper insurance coverage. Instead, look for competitive pricing that aligns with average rates in your area for similar services. It’s always wise to request detailed quotes from several providers so you can compare not just prices but also understand what’s included in those costs – such as depth of grind, removal of debris, and restoration work if necessary.
Finally, assess customer service interaction when making contact with each company. A professional provider should be prompt in communication, clear about scheduling possibilities, transparent about all aspects of proposed work including any potential difficulties they might face depending on root depth or soil condition among others.
In conclusion, selecting an appropriate professional stump grinding service involves careful consideration based on reputation; regulatory compliance; experience; technical capability; fair pricing; and excellent customer service practices. Taking these factors into account will help ensure that you choose a reliable service provider capable of performing high-quality workmanship while treating your property with respect.
After the removal of a tree stump through the process known as stump grinding, property owners are left with a patch of land that requires attention and care. Managing this area effectively is crucial not only for aesthetic appeal but also for ensuring the functionality and health of your landscape. The following guidance outlines productive steps one can take to manage land post-stump grinding.
Soil Management Firstly, it's important to address the condition of the soil where the stump was located. Stump grinding typically leaves behind wood chips mixed with soil, which can affect the soil's nutrient balance. These wood chips can initially absorb nitrogen from the soil as they start to decompose, potentially stunting the growth of newly planted vegetation. To rectify this, one should consider removing some of these chips or incorporating a nitrogen-rich fertilizer to help rebalance the soil's nutrients.
Filling the Void Post-grinding, a significant hole may be left in the ground where the stump once stood. This void should be filled with topsoil to level out the ground and prevent any hazards such as tripping or water pooling. It is advisable to slightly overfill this area as it will settle over time. Compacting the soil lightly and adding more soil gradually can help achieve a firm, even surface.
Choosing New Plantings Deciding what to plant in place of the old tree stump depends largely on individual preferences and existing landscape design. For those looking to maintain a green space, planting grass seed suitable for your regional climate is a common choice. If you prefer garden plants or shrubs, ensure that whatever you choose is appropriate for your local climate and soil conditions. Alternatively, installing hardscaping elements like stones or pavers can offer a low-maintenance yet attractive option.
Landscaping and Aesthetic Integration Integrating this newly reclaimed land into your existing landscaping involves thoughtful planning. If you've chosen to sow grass seed, regular watering and early lawn care steps should be taken until the grass establishes itself fully. For garden beds or new plantings, consider mulching around new plants not only to suppress weeds but also to retain moisture in the soil.
Ongoing Maintenance Lastly, ongoing maintenance is critical no matter what option you choose for repurposing your land post-stump grinding. Regular monitoring helps identify any adjustments needed due to settling soils or unsuccessful plant growth. It's also essential to maintain regular gardening practices such as weeding, fertilizing when necessary, and pruning for plant-based replacements.
By following these guidelines after stump grinding operations, homeowners can successfully transform an empty plot into an appealing and functional part of their landscape while ensuring environmental sustainability and enhancing outdoor living space aesthetics.
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]
Lithia Springs may refer to:
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.