UNDERSTANDING THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF TREE BRACING AND CABLING SYSTEMS

UNDERSTANDING THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF TREE BRACING AND CABLING SYSTEMS

Tree bracing and cabling systems are arboricultural techniques and structural support systems designed to provide supplemental support and stability to trees, particularly those that are structurally compromised or at risk of failure. These systems involve the use of various materials such as steel cables, rods, and braces to reinforce a tree’s structure, reduce the risk of branch or trunk failure, and extend the tree’s lifespan. Tree bracing and cabling systems are typically employed to improve tree safety, preserve valuable trees in urban and landscape settings, and mitigate the potential risks associated with large, mature trees. These systems are implemented following a thorough assessment of the tree’s health and structural integrity and are designed to minimize the chances of failure while allowing the tree to continue growing and thriving.

Purpose of tree bracing and cabling systems

The primary purpose of tree bracing and cabling systems is to enhance the structural stability and safety of trees, particularly those that exhibit structural weaknesses or pose a risk of failure. These systems serve several important purposes:

  1. Risk Reduction: Tree bracing and cabling systems help mitigate the risk of branch or trunk failure, which can lead to property damage, injury, or even death. By providing additional support, these systems reduce the likelihood of tree parts falling and causing harm.
  2. Preservation: They enable the preservation of mature and valuable trees that might otherwise need to be removed due to structural issues. This is especially important in urban and landscaped environments where trees provide aesthetic and ecological benefits.
  3. Safety: Enhancing the safety of trees in public spaces, such as parks, streets, and residential areas, ensures that they remain safe for pedestrians, motorists, and nearby structures.
  4. Longevity: Tree bracing and cabling systems can extend the lifespan of trees by reducing the stress on weakened or compromised branches and trunks. This allows the tree to continue to thrive and provide environmental benefits.
  5. Aesthetic Value: They maintain the aesthetic value of trees by preventing the removal of large limbs or entire trees. Maintaining mature trees in urban landscapes can contribute to the beauty and character of the area.
  6. Economic Benefits: Protecting mature trees with these systems can yield economic benefits by avoiding the costs associated with tree removal, property damage repair, and potential legal liabilities.
  7. Environmental Benefits: Mature trees play a crucial role in urban ecosystems by providing shade, improving air quality, and supporting wildlife. Preserving them through structural support systems contributes to environmental sustainability.
  8. Heritage Trees: In some cases, trees with cultural or historical significance can be preserved for future generations through the use of these systems.
  9. Tree Health: By reducing the risk of structural failure, tree bracing and cabling systems can also promote overall tree health. They allow the tree to allocate resources to growth and vitality instead of expending energy on wound closure or repair.
  10. Community Well-being: Healthy and safe trees contribute to the well-being of communities by offering shade, recreational spaces, and improved mental and physical health for residents.

Overall, the purpose of tree bracing and cabling systems is to strike a balance between tree preservation and safety, ensuring that trees continue to thrive and provide their numerous benefits while minimizing the risks associated with structural weaknesses or hazards. These systems are implemented following careful assessment by certified arborists to determine the most appropriate and effective solution for each individual tree.

Types for Tree Health and Safety

Tree health and safety are critical considerations in arboriculture and forestry. Ensuring the well-being of trees not only helps preserve valuable assets in urban and natural environments but also reduces the risk of accidents and damage. Different types of practices and techniques are employed to address tree health and safety. Here are several key types:

  1. Tree Pruning:
  1. Tree Inspection and Assessment:
  1. Disease and Pest Management:
  1. Tree Support Systems:
  1. Soil Management:
  1. Root Zone Protection:
  1. Emergency Response:
  1. Tree Removal and Replacement:
  1. Education and Outreach:
  1. Legal and Regulatory Compliance:
  1. Tree Preservation Plans:
  1. Research and Innovation:

Tree health and safety are essential components of responsible tree care and environmental stewardship. Properly maintained and managed trees contribute to the well-being of communities and the sustainability of natural ecosystems while minimizing the risks associated with tree-related accidents and damage.

Types of Tree Bracing and Cabling Systems

Tree bracing and cabling systems come in various types, each designed to address specific tree structural issues and safety concerns. The choice of system depends on factors such as the tree’s condition, size, species, and location. Here are some common types of tree bracing and cabling systems:

 

  1. Static Cabling Systems:
  1. Dynamic Cabling Systems:
  1. Composite Materials:
  1. Hybrid Systems:
  1. Tree Spur Systems:
  1. Tree Guying Systems:
  1. Root Crown Excavation Systems:
  1. Artificial Limbs and Prosthesis:

The selection of the appropriate tree bracing and cabling system depends on the specific circumstances of the tree in question, as well as the advice of a certified arborist or tree care professional. Proper installation and regular inspection and maintenance are essential to ensure the effectiveness and safety of these systems.

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THE IMPACT OF TREES ON WATER CONSERVATION EFFORTS IN UTAH

THE IMPACT OF TREES ON WATER CONSERVATION EFFORTS IN UTAH

Water conservation holds immense significance in arid regions like Utah due to the unique challenges posed by the climate and environmental conditions. Here’s an explanation of the significance of water conservation in arid regions:

1. Limited Water Resources: Arid regions typically receive low annual precipitation levels, and the available freshwater resources are scarce. In Utah, for example, the majority of the state is classified as semi-arid or arid, making water a precious and limited resource.

2. Drought Vulnerability: Arid regions are particularly vulnerable to drought conditions, which can lead to water shortages, reduced agricultural productivity, and economic impacts. Droughts are recurring phenomena, and conserving water is crucial for maintaining resilience during dry periods.

3. Ecological Impact: Water conservation is essential to protect the fragile ecosystems of arid regions. Many plant and animal species have adapted to survive in low-water environments. Excessive water use can disrupt these ecosystems and threaten biodiversity.

4. Urban Water Demand: In arid regions, urban populations rely heavily on water for residential and commercial purposes, including drinking, sanitation, irrigation, and industrial processes. Effective water conservation measures help meet the increasing demands of growing cities and towns.

5. Agricultural Needs: Agriculture is a significant water user in arid regions, and efficient water management practices are critical for sustaining crop production and livestock. Water conservation in agriculture ensures food security and economic stability.

6. Reducing Water Stress: Water stress occurs when the demand for water exceeds the available supply. Arid regions often experience water stress, which can lead to conflicts over water resources. Water conservation efforts help alleviate stress and reduce the potential for disputes.

7. Energy Savings: Water conservation can lead to energy savings. In arid regions, pumping and treating water for distribution and wastewater management consume substantial energy. Reducing water use decreases energy consumption and related greenhouse gas emissions.

8. Infrastructure Resilience: Conserving water helps prolong the lifespan of water infrastructure, such as dams, reservoirs, and pipelines. Overuse of water resources can lead to infrastructure deterioration and increased maintenance costs.

9. Financial Savings: Water conservation can result in cost savings for both individuals and municipalities. Reduced water consumption lowers water bills for residents and lowers operational costs for utilities.

10. Climate Change Adaptation: Arid regions are susceptible to the impacts of climate change, including altered precipitation patterns and increased temperatures. Water conservation measures help communities adapt to these changes by making the most of available water resources.

11. Sustainable Growth: Water conservation is essential for supporting sustainable economic and population growth in arid regions. It allows for responsible development and helps ensure that future generations will have access to adequate water supplies.

12. Long-Term Environmental Health: By conserving water, arid regions can protect their natural landscapes, preserve wetlands and riparian areas, and maintain the health of rivers and lakes. These ecosystems provide habitat for wildlife and contribute to recreational and cultural values.

In summary, water conservation is vital in arid regions like Utah to address the pressing challenges of limited water resources, drought vulnerability, and the need for sustainable growth. It is an essential component of responsible environmental stewardship, economic stability, and climate resilience in such regions.

Challenges of Water Scarcity and the Importance of Efficient Water Use:

1. Limited Freshwater Resources: One of the primary challenges of water scarcity is the limited availability of freshwater resources. Freshwater makes up only a small fraction of the Earth’s total water supply, and a significant portion of it is stored in glaciers and inaccessible underground aquifers.

2. Uneven Distribution: Water resources are unevenly distributed geographically. Some regions have abundant water sources, while others, particularly arid and semi-arid areas, face chronic water shortages.

3. Population Growth: The global population continues to grow, leading to increased water demand for drinking, sanitation, agriculture, and industrial processes. This population pressure exacerbates water scarcity in many regions.

4. Climate Change: Climate change is altering precipitation patterns, leading to prolonged droughts in some areas and more intense rainfall in others. These shifts in weather patterns further challenge water availability and management.

5. Wasteful Practices: Inefficient water use practices, such as water leakage in infrastructure, over-irrigation in agriculture, and excessive water consumption in households and industries, contribute to the depletion of available water resources.

6. Economic and Social Impact: Water scarcity can lead to economic losses in agriculture, industry, and tourism. It can also result in social disparities, with marginalized communities often suffering the most from inadequate access to clean water.

Importance of Efficient Water Use:

1. Resource Conservation: Efficient water use ensures that available water resources are used wisely and sustainably. It helps conserve freshwater for current and future generations.

2. Mitigating Water Stress: By reducing wasteful practices, efficient water use helps alleviate water stress in regions facing scarcity, improving overall water security.

3. Environmental Protection: Efficient water use benefits ecosystems and biodiversity by preserving the quantity and quality of water in rivers, lakes, and wetlands. This protection is essential for maintaining ecological balance.

4. Food Security: Agriculture is a major water consumer. Efficient irrigation and farming practices help sustain crop production, ensuring food security even in water-scarce regions.

5. Energy Efficiency: Water and energy are closely linked. Energy is required for water treatment, distribution, and heating. Using less water results in energy savings, which can reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

6. Cost Savings: Efficient water use can lead to cost savings for households, businesses, and governments. It lowers water bills, reduces maintenance costs for water infrastructure, and fosters economic stability.

7. Resilience to Climate Change: In the face of changing climate patterns, efficient water use practices help communities adapt to shifts in precipitation and temperature.

8. Water Quality: Efficient water use can reduce pollution risks. Less water use means fewer pollutants are transported into water bodies, enhancing water quality.

9. Long-Term Sustainability: Efficient water use is fundamental to achieving long-term sustainability in water management. It ensures that water resources are available for future generations and minimizes the risk of depletion.

10. Social Equity: Efficient water use can promote social equity by ensuring that water resources are distributed more equitably among communities, reducing disparities in access to clean water.

In conclusion, efficient water use is crucial for addressing the challenges of water scarcity, conserving vital freshwater resources, protecting the environment, and promoting economic and social well-being. It is a cornerstone of responsible water management and sustainable development in a world where water scarcity is an increasingly pressing issue.

Survival Strategies of Native and Drought-Tolerant Tree Species in Utah:

Native and drought-tolerant tree species in Utah have evolved various survival strategies to thrive in the arid and semi-arid climate of the region. These strategies enable them to conserve water, withstand long periods of drought, and adapt to the challenging environmental conditions. Here are some survival strategies commonly observed in native and drought-tolerant trees in Utah:

1. Deep Root Systems: Many native trees in Utah have developed deep taproot systems that penetrate deep into the soil to access groundwater sources. These deep roots enable them to reach moisture reserves even during extended dry periods.

2. Xerophytic Adaptations: Drought-tolerant trees exhibit xerophytic adaptations, including small or narrow leaves with reduced surface area for water loss through transpiration. Some trees have modified leaf structures, such as needle-like leaves or thick cuticles, to minimize water loss.

3. Water Storage Tissues: Certain tree species in Utah store water in specialized tissues, such as succulent stems or trunks. These tissues act as water reservoirs, allowing the tree to survive extended periods of drought by tapping into stored water reserves.

4. Dormancy: During extreme drought conditions, some trees enter a state of dormancy, shedding leaves or reducing metabolic activity to conserve water. This adaptation helps trees conserve energy and water until conditions improve.

5. Reduced Growth: Drought-tolerant trees often exhibit reduced growth rates during dry periods. Slower growth conserves energy and water resources, allowing the tree to allocate resources for survival rather than growth.

6. Shade Tolerance: Some native tree species in Utah are shade-tolerant, allowing them to thrive in understory conditions with reduced sunlight. This adaptation reduces water requirements and competition for sunlight.

7. Mycorrhizal Associations: Many drought-tolerant trees form symbiotic relationships with mycorrhizal fungi. These fungi extend the tree’s root system and enhance its ability to absorb water and nutrients from the soil.

8. Salt Tolerance: Some Utah trees, especially those in saline soils, have developed salt tolerance mechanisms to thrive in high-salinity environments. These mechanisms include salt exclusion or salt gland secretion.

9. Drought-Induced Leaf Shedding: During prolonged droughts, some tree species shed their leaves to reduce transpiration and water loss. This temporary adaptation helps trees survive until moisture returns.

10. Resource Allocation: Drought-tolerant trees allocate resources efficiently, prioritizing water and nutrients for essential functions like root growth and maintenance. They may sacrifice non-essential growth, such as new branches or leaves, to conserve resources.

11. Coppicing and Sprouting: Some native trees, like cottonwood and willow species, are capable of coppicing or sprouting from their root systems after disturbances. This allows them to recover quickly after drought, fire, or other environmental stresses.

12. Seed Banks: Certain tree species in Utah produce seeds with hard shells or protective coatings that can remain viable for extended periods in the soil. These seeds can germinate when favorable conditions return.

These survival strategies highlight the remarkable adaptability of native and drought-tolerant trees in Utah. Their ability to withstand water scarcity is essential for maintaining ecosystems, supporting wildlife, and contributing to the overall ecological resilience of the region, especially in the face of increasing climate variability and arid conditions.

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What Situations Are Tree Removal Services Needed?

Contact Us Today!
(801) 466-8044

Truco Services, Inc.

4640 Commerce Drive, Murray, Utah 84107

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What Situations Are Tree Removal Services Needed?

When it comes to the care and maintenance of trees, there are times when tree removal becomes necessary. Tree removal services play a crucial role in ensuring the safety, health, and aesthetics of properties. In this article, we will explore the various situations that call for professional tree removal services, and why it is important to rely on experts for these tasks. Whether it’s due to safety concerns, property damage, or specific requirements, tree removal services are equipped to handle the job efficiently and effectively.

One of the most common situations that require tree removal services is when a tree poses a threat to the safety of people or property. Dead or decaying trees can become unstable, making them prone to falling during storms or high winds. These falling trees and branches can cause significant damage to homes, vehicles, power lines, and other structures. In such cases, it is essential to engage the services of tree removal companies to assess the situation and safely remove the hazardous trees.

Emergency situations also often call for the expertise of tree removal services. When severe weather strikes, trees can be uprooted, or large branches can break and fall, creating dangerous conditions. Emergency tree removal services are equipped to respond quickly and efficiently to mitigate the risks posed by fallen or damaged trees. Their specialized equipment, such as cranes and aerial lifts, enables them to access and remove trees in a timely manner, restoring safety to the affected area.

In some instances, trees may need to be removed to comply with specific requirements and regulations. For example, when trees obstruct power lines, it is crucial to have them removed to prevent potential power outages and ensure the safety of both the public and utility workers. Utility companies often work closely with tree removal services to address these situations promptly and efficiently. Additionally, certain local ordinances or neighborhood guidelines may dictate the removal of trees that pose a fire hazard, are infested with pests, or are detrimental to the overall health and safety of the community.

Another situation that calls for professional tree removal services is when trees need to be removed for property development or land management purposes. Whether it’s clearing land for construction, creating space for landscaping projects, or managing a forested area, tree removal companies have the expertise and equipment to handle these tasks safely and efficiently. They can assess the specific needs of the project and employ proper techniques to remove trees while minimizing damage to the surrounding environment.

When it comes to tree removal, safety is paramount. Tree removal services follow strict standards and guidelines to ensure the well-being of their employees, customers, and the general public. Certified arborists, trained in the art and science of tree care, oversee tree removal operations to ensure compliance with safety protocols and industry best practices. These professionals possess the knowledge and experience to assess the risks and determine the appropriate course of action, whether it involves climbing trees, using powered tools, or operating aerial lifts.

The equipment used in tree removal operations is designed to enhance safety and efficiency. From chainsaws and wood chippers to cranes and stump grinders, tree removal companies are equipped with state-of-the-art tools and machinery to handle any job. They are well-versed in the proper use and maintenance of their equipment, ensuring optimal performance and minimizing the risk of accidents or injuries.

It’s important to note that tree removal services go beyond just cutting down trees. They also provide additional services such as stump removal and grinding. Once a tree is removed, the stump can be an eyesore and a potential tripping hazard. Stump removal services utilize specialized equipment to safely remove the stump and restore the area to its original condition. Stump grinding is another option where the stump is ground down to below ground level, allowing for replanting or the use of the area for other purposes.

In addition to their technical expertise, tree removal services understand the importance of environmental sustainability. Many companies prioritize responsible waste management and ensure that the wood from removed trees is put to good use. Wood chips generated during the tree removal process can be recycled and repurposed for various applications, such as mulch for landscaping or biomass for energy production. Some companies even offer wood chips to customers or donate them to local organizations for community projects.

When engaging the services of a tree removal company, it is essential to choose a reputable and insured provider. Professional tree removal services typically carry liability insurance to protect their customers and themselves in case of accidents or property damage during the removal process. It’s always a good idea to ask for proof of insurance before hiring a tree removal service to ensure that you are protected from any potential liability.

In conclusion, tree removal services are essential in various situations to ensure safety, property preservation, and compliance with regulations. Whether it’s addressing hazardous trees, responding to emergencies, complying with utility requirements, or managing land for development or conservation, professional tree removal services offer the expertise, equipment, and knowledge to handle the job safely and effectively. By relying on certified arborists and adhering to safety standards, these services prioritize the well-being of their employees, customers, and the environment. So, when faced with tree removal needs, don’t hesitate to reach out to expert tree removal services for a job well done.

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Arborist

Arbortist

Arborist

An arborist (Tree Doctor), tree surgeon, 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.
Arborists generally focus on the health and safety of individual plants and trees, rather than managing forests (the domains of forestry and silviculture) or harvesting wood. An arborist’s scope of work is therefore distinct from that of either a forester or a logger, though the professions share much in common.

The following are signs that a tree should be examined by a Tree Doctor Specialist:
• Leaves appearing later than usual
• Leaves falling off earlier than normal
• Discolored leaves or leaves without veins or with odd nodules
• Bark that forms bumps or is split, cracked or peeling
• Dead branches near the top of the tree
• Fungus growing around the trunk, mushrooms forming around roots or twigs growing from the trunk
An arborist may conduct a variety of tests to determine the best course of action, including a soil analysis. For proper growth, trees need soil that contains a particular balance of 15 mineral elements. The arborist (Tree Doctor) may also test soil acidity or alkalinity. Fertilizer or soil amendments may make the soil a healthier tree environment.

Sometimes, no treatment is enough to save a tree. Reasons for removing one include serious root or trunk problems or structural defects that could cause the tree to topple in a high wind.

If you’re thinking of hiring an arborist, contact well-reviewed local tree service companies and ask if they have an arborist on staff. Consider the individual’s level of education, certification and experience, as well as the company’s online reputation with other consumers.

An arborist, tree surgeon, 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.
Arborists generally focus on the health and safety of individual plants and trees, rather than managing forests or harvesting wood (forestry or silviculture). An arborist’s scope of work is therefore distinct from that of either a forester or a logger.

Scope of work

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).
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.

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.

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.

Qualifications

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 perhaps consultation and report writing. All these disciplines are related and some arborists are very well experienced in all areas of tree work, but not all arborists have the training or experience to properly practice every discipline.

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 continuous improvement of skills and techniques.

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. 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.

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.

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.

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 also 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.

In Canada, there are provincially governed apprenticeship programs that allow arborists’ to work near power lines upon completion. These apprenticeship program have to meet the provincial regulations (for example in BC WorkSafeBC G19.30), and individuals must ensure they meet the requirements of the owner of the power system.

Cultural practices

Arborists may use specialized vehicles to gain access to trees, such as this Unimog equipped with a power take-off driven wood chipper.
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”). 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.

There can be a vast difference between the techniques and practices of professional arborists and those of inadequately trained tree workers who simply “trim trees”. 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.

Pruning should only be done with a specific purpose in mind. Every cut is a wound, and every leaf lost is removal of some photosynthetic potential. Proper pruning can be helpful in many ways, but should always be done with the minimum amount of live tissue removed.
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.

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.

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.

Legal issues

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 “neighbor” issues such as ownership, obstruction of views, impacts of roots crossing boundaries, nuisance problems, disease or insect quarantines, and safety of nearby trees.

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. Arborists may be asked to assess the value of a tree in the process of an insurance claim for trees damaged or destroyed, or to recover damages resulting from tree theft or vandalism. 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, and can result in legal action including fines. Homeowners who have entered into contracts with a homeowner’s association may need an arborist’s 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. 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.

Before undertaking works in the UK, arborists have a legal responsibility to survey trees for wildlife, especially bats, which are afforded 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.

Organizations

Australia Limited, a non-profit organisation, is the peak national organisation promoting and representing tree workers, arborists, professional tree management and urban forestry throughout Australia and the Asia Pacific region.

The Tree Care Industry Association, formerly the National Arborist Association, is a public and professional non-profit organization for the arboriculture field. It has more than 2,000 member companies representing over a dozen countries. TCIA’s Accreditation program certifies that tree care companies that have been inspected and accredited based on adherence to industry standards for performance and safety; maintenance of trained, professional staff; and dedication to ethics and quality in business practices. In addition, they provide safety and educational programs, guidelines for tree service operations, ANSI A300 tree pruning standards, and consumer resources.

The International Society of Arboriculture, a non-profit organization, maintains a list of ISA Certified Arborists who have passed a written exam and demonstrated a basic level of knowledge in arboriculture. There are also additional classifications of certified arborists with Certified Arborist/Utility Specialist for those who work near power lines, and Certified Arborist/Municipal Specialist for those who deal mostly with community trees. Other certifications exist for Certified Tree Workers, and the highest level of certification, the Board Certified Master Arborist.

The American Society of Consulting Arborists Is an organization whose membership is exclusive to those with either a certain level of industry experience, plus higher educational experience or continuing education; some members may achieve a higher status by fulfilling the requirements to become a Registered Consulting Arborist. Consulting arborists generally specialize in the areas of ethics, law, land planning and development, and tree valuation, among others. Consulting arborists are often called on for legal testimony and report writing in various instances where a particular authority on trees is necessary for consequent actions.

In the UK, the professional body representing the sector is the Institute of Chartered Foresters. The trade body representing arborists is the Arboricultural Association. The association maintain a register of consultants who have demonstrated a high level of technical arboricultural knowledge, and operate an Approved Contractor scheme. This scheme assesses both the technical competence and business practices of arboricultural contractors.

The European Arboricultural Council is a European group of arboriculture organizations from various countries.

Plant Amnesty is a public education and advocacy group, based in Seattle, dedicated to promoting proper pruning methods. Founded in 1987, Plant Amnesty became an international resource for arborists and their clients in the mid-1990s.

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