Archive #59 from Online Seminars for Municipal Arborists – November/December 2014
Sections Click on the green words for more information
Sections Click on the green words for more information
Six Mulches for City Trees
Edited by Len Phillips
Compaction and topsoil removal associated with site development in the city have left many soils unsuitable for growing urban trees. Consequently, soil organic matter has become much more important for growing trees in urban landscapes. What follows is a comparison of six commonly used soil mulches for growing trees in the small pits set aside in city sidewalks.
What are “biosolid mulches”?
Biosolids are the nutrient-rich organic materials from the treatment of sewage sludge. Biosolids have been used in reclamation of agricultural, forest, and disturbed lands since the 1960s. Studies have found the use of this material promotes increased soil fertility, improved physical properties of the soil, increased tree and forest growth, and increased microbial activity.
Some concerns associated with applying biosolids to soils include, but are not limited to, salinity, heavy metals, organic contaminants, and pathogens, as well as a poor public perception. Consequently, the US EPA requires that wastewater solids be stabilized to minimize odor generation, destroy pathogens, and reduce vector attraction. In addition, the EPA sets the ceiling and pollutant concentration levels for nutrients and metals in biosolids.
Do they work?
The greatest increases in tree growth among the six mulches in this comparison were observed with biosolid treatments. Compared to the other five options, the total tree biomass, leaf biomass, stem biomass, and coarse root biomass were all in the best category. In addition, total organic carbon was greatest with biosolids. In most soils, nitrogen mineralization and microbial respiration was greatest with biosolids along with broad positive impacts on soil’s physical, chemical, and biological properties.
No standards currently exist for biosolid applications to urban trees, but biosolids should be applied as top-dressings or mulches at moderate rates. As a starting point, application rates for these products could be computed based on matching the nitrogen content of the material with the tree’s nitrogen demand.
Biosolids are attractive given the many potential environmental benefits. They are generated from waste products, and land applications would divert materials that may otherwise end up in landfills. More research is required regarding the persistence and toxicity of potential contaminants before implementing a biosolids program for urban trees.
What are “biochar mulches”?
While charcoal is used as a fuel, biochar is used as a soil amendment and was inspired by high fertility and high organic carbon contents found in anthropic soils in the Amazon Basin, referred to as Terra Preta de Indio. Today, biochar is most commonly produced through pyrolysis, which is the burning of woody biomass at 350°C to 800°C under the partial exclusion of oxygen. Biochar is generated from waste wood products and land clearing operations that divert wood materials from ending up in landfills. With products such as woody biomass, pyrolysis creates a material that is highly aromatic with carbon concentrations of 70 – 80% and it has unique properties for nutrient adsorption and stability.
Do they work?
A growing body of research is finding biochar to increase soil quality and plant growth. Biochar is also found to increase water and nutrient retention, along with increased microbial biomass and activity. In the comparison study, the total amount of organic carbon was greatest with biochar compared to the other five amendments and soil types. High amounts of tree growth, and tree biomass were found with biochar. Biochar has the additional potential benefit of carbon sequestration in the soil. No standards currently exist for biochar application to urban trees, but recent research suggests biochar can be applied annually as a top-dressing or mulch at moderate rates.
Nitrogen immobilization is a commonly raised concern with biochar. It should be noted that biochar is relatively recalcitrant, and thus the total carbon and nitrogen content may not accurately reflect what is actually available for microbial metabolism. Studies often report decreases in nutrient leaching with additions of biochar due to its high adsorption capacity. Potential negative impacts of biochar on soil quality include increasing soil pH in alkaline soils.
Urban forestry operations might be well suited for the addition of mobile, fast-pyrolysis equipment that converts urban wood waste into a bio-oil, syngas, or biochar. This equipment could be located near a biomass removal operation to convert low-value urban wood waste into easily stored and transportable fuel to be used for heat, power, and soil amendment purposes. The idea would be to generate biochar instead of creating wood chips.
What are “compost mulches”?
Many studies have demonstrated the value of compost applied as mulch to urban landscapes for improving soil quality and tree growth related to nutrient retention, soil organic matter quality, and microbial activity.
Do they work?
Studies are mixed about whether or not there is an increased tree growth with surface applications of compost. Most of these experiments were field based in nurseries, with larger-sized trees, and were of a long duration. In addition, these studies examined tree growth responses to compost in higher-quality soils, not in degraded soils typical of urban soil conditions. However, compost does increase the total organic carbon in all soils.
Compost should be applied annually as top dressings to the soil and at rates that are considered the current best practices for soil application.
What is “nitrogen/potassium fertilizer”?
Nutrient leaching losses are a concern with both inorganic and organic fertilizers. Inorganic fertilizer salts are soluble, thus nutrients are immediately available for uptake by trees, and also thought to be more prone to leaching losses. However, nutrients may be released from organic materials at times when plant uptake is low. Tree growth is known to be limited by the nitrogen supply, especially on poorly developed soils with low fertility.
Do they work?
Researchers found some increases in tree biomass were observed with the nitrogen/potassium fertilizer relative to the control of no treatments. This finding was expected given that inorganic fertilizers have long been used to supply nutrients for urban landscape trees. Reviews of shade tree fertilization studies, summarize the general consensus of increased tree growth with fertilization and are in agreement with other findings of increase in tree growth with the nitrogen/potassium fertilizer.
The nitrogen/potassium fertilizer (30–0–12) should be diluted with water and applied twice annually. The fertilizer applied in these treatments should be within the range of specifications for nitrogen fertilizer demands required by urban trees.
What are “wood chip” mulches?
Many studies have demonstrated the value of wood chip mulches applied to urban landscapes for improving soil quality and tree growth. Wood chips are applied annually as top dressings to the soil, at rates that are considered the current best practices for soil application.
Do they work?
Recent research has reported beneficial effects of wood chip mulches on soil properties related to increases in nutrient retention, soil organic matter quality, and increases in microbial activity. As expected, wood chips increased total organic carbon in most soils.
What is “aerated compost tea”?
Aerated compost tea is made by aerating compost and microbial food sources in water for approximately 24 hours. Compost teas are applied directly to plants or to soils as drenches or liquid injections. Aerated compost tea is most effective if applied five times annually. The goal of an aerated compost tea program is to culture aerobic, beneficial microorganisms in the tea and then ultimately on the plants and in the soil where they are applied.
Do they work?
For the most part, mixed results have been reported for the effectiveness of compost teas to decrease disease and increase yield on a variety of plants. The aerated compost tea does not affect any soil properties nor make any significant differences in tree biomass. The few studies that have been performed on the effects of aerated compost tea on soil properties have found minimal impacts. One study did find the soil pH is significantly higher after aerated compost tea treatments were made.
Conclusions
It appears that biochar and biosolids are acceptable, and possibly preferable mulching materials compared with more commonly applied materials. Biosolids decreased soil pH and increased tree growth, available nitrogen, nitrogen mineralization, and microbial respiration. Increased tree growth and total organic carbon were found with biochar. Nitrate losses in leachates were minimal with all treatments, in contrast to increases in leachate dissolved organic carbon with biosolids and compost. The nitrogen content in the treatments appears to be an important predictor for tree growth except biochar, suggesting the effects of biochar for soil quality improvement are not limited to nitrogen supply. Biosolids and biochar applied to urban landscapes would divert materials from landfills and improve soil quality and tree growth.
Source
Scharenbroch, Bryant C. “Biochar and Biosolids Increase Tree Growth and Improve Soil Quality”, 2014.
The test that follows contains 10 questions. Before taking the test be sure you have read the article carefully. The passing grade is 80% on the entire test.
ISA will award .5 CEUs* for a passing grade. SAF members will earn 0.5 Cat. 1-CF for every five passing test scores. The cost for taking this test is $10. If you purchase an annual subscription for 15 credits, the cost per credit is reduced by 50% (see Annual Subscription link below). We will report all passing test scores to ISA and/or SAF. If you are a member of ISA and SAF we will report your passing test scores to both for no additional cost. Please be sure to add both of your certification numbers when you sign in. Tests with passing scores may be submitted only once to each organization.
*Members of ISA may apply the .5 CEUs toward Certified Arborist, Utility Specialist, Municipal Specialist, Tree Worker Specialist, Aerial Lift Specialist, or BCMA science credits.
California UFC members will receive credit for passing the test. Please add your CaUFC number after your ISA and/or SAF certification number.
ASCA members may submit your ISA certification record to the ASCA and receive credits one for one.
MTOA members must follow the ISA instructions indicated above.
To take the test by the pay per test option, click on the 'Pay Now' button below where you can send payment online securely with your credit card or Pay Pal account. After your payment is submitted, click on ‘Return to gibneyCE.com’. That will take you to the test sign in page followed by the test. Members with certifications from both ISA and SAF, please be sure to add both of your certification numbers. These numbers are important for reporting purposes.
To take the test as an annual subscriber with reduced rates, click on Password and enter your test password which will take you to the test sign in page. If you would like to become a subscriber see our Annual Subscription page for details.
When you have finished answering all questions you will be prompted to click ‘next’ to send your answers to gibneyCE.com. You can then click ‘next’ to view your test summary. A test review of your answers is available upon request.
All passing test scores are sent from gibneyCE.com to your organization(s) at the end of every month and they will appear on your certification record 4 to 6 weeks* after that. ISA maintains a record of CEU credits on their website *SAF requires 5 passing test scores before reporting.
Test re-takes are allowed, however you will have to pay for the retake if you are using the pay per test option. You can spend as much time as you would like to take the test but it is important not to leave the test site until you have answered all the questions and see the 'sending your answers' response.
Edited by Len Phillips
Compaction and topsoil removal associated with site development in the city have left many soils unsuitable for growing urban trees. Consequently, soil organic matter has become much more important for growing trees in urban landscapes. What follows is a comparison of six commonly used soil mulches for growing trees in the small pits set aside in city sidewalks.
What are “biosolid mulches”?
Biosolids are the nutrient-rich organic materials from the treatment of sewage sludge. Biosolids have been used in reclamation of agricultural, forest, and disturbed lands since the 1960s. Studies have found the use of this material promotes increased soil fertility, improved physical properties of the soil, increased tree and forest growth, and increased microbial activity.
Some concerns associated with applying biosolids to soils include, but are not limited to, salinity, heavy metals, organic contaminants, and pathogens, as well as a poor public perception. Consequently, the US EPA requires that wastewater solids be stabilized to minimize odor generation, destroy pathogens, and reduce vector attraction. In addition, the EPA sets the ceiling and pollutant concentration levels for nutrients and metals in biosolids.
Do they work?
The greatest increases in tree growth among the six mulches in this comparison were observed with biosolid treatments. Compared to the other five options, the total tree biomass, leaf biomass, stem biomass, and coarse root biomass were all in the best category. In addition, total organic carbon was greatest with biosolids. In most soils, nitrogen mineralization and microbial respiration was greatest with biosolids along with broad positive impacts on soil’s physical, chemical, and biological properties.
No standards currently exist for biosolid applications to urban trees, but biosolids should be applied as top-dressings or mulches at moderate rates. As a starting point, application rates for these products could be computed based on matching the nitrogen content of the material with the tree’s nitrogen demand.
Biosolids are attractive given the many potential environmental benefits. They are generated from waste products, and land applications would divert materials that may otherwise end up in landfills. More research is required regarding the persistence and toxicity of potential contaminants before implementing a biosolids program for urban trees.
What are “biochar mulches”?
While charcoal is used as a fuel, biochar is used as a soil amendment and was inspired by high fertility and high organic carbon contents found in anthropic soils in the Amazon Basin, referred to as Terra Preta de Indio. Today, biochar is most commonly produced through pyrolysis, which is the burning of woody biomass at 350°C to 800°C under the partial exclusion of oxygen. Biochar is generated from waste wood products and land clearing operations that divert wood materials from ending up in landfills. With products such as woody biomass, pyrolysis creates a material that is highly aromatic with carbon concentrations of 70 – 80% and it has unique properties for nutrient adsorption and stability.
Do they work?
A growing body of research is finding biochar to increase soil quality and plant growth. Biochar is also found to increase water and nutrient retention, along with increased microbial biomass and activity. In the comparison study, the total amount of organic carbon was greatest with biochar compared to the other five amendments and soil types. High amounts of tree growth, and tree biomass were found with biochar. Biochar has the additional potential benefit of carbon sequestration in the soil. No standards currently exist for biochar application to urban trees, but recent research suggests biochar can be applied annually as a top-dressing or mulch at moderate rates.
Nitrogen immobilization is a commonly raised concern with biochar. It should be noted that biochar is relatively recalcitrant, and thus the total carbon and nitrogen content may not accurately reflect what is actually available for microbial metabolism. Studies often report decreases in nutrient leaching with additions of biochar due to its high adsorption capacity. Potential negative impacts of biochar on soil quality include increasing soil pH in alkaline soils.
Urban forestry operations might be well suited for the addition of mobile, fast-pyrolysis equipment that converts urban wood waste into a bio-oil, syngas, or biochar. This equipment could be located near a biomass removal operation to convert low-value urban wood waste into easily stored and transportable fuel to be used for heat, power, and soil amendment purposes. The idea would be to generate biochar instead of creating wood chips.
What are “compost mulches”?
Many studies have demonstrated the value of compost applied as mulch to urban landscapes for improving soil quality and tree growth related to nutrient retention, soil organic matter quality, and microbial activity.
Do they work?
Studies are mixed about whether or not there is an increased tree growth with surface applications of compost. Most of these experiments were field based in nurseries, with larger-sized trees, and were of a long duration. In addition, these studies examined tree growth responses to compost in higher-quality soils, not in degraded soils typical of urban soil conditions. However, compost does increase the total organic carbon in all soils.
Compost should be applied annually as top dressings to the soil and at rates that are considered the current best practices for soil application.
What is “nitrogen/potassium fertilizer”?
Nutrient leaching losses are a concern with both inorganic and organic fertilizers. Inorganic fertilizer salts are soluble, thus nutrients are immediately available for uptake by trees, and also thought to be more prone to leaching losses. However, nutrients may be released from organic materials at times when plant uptake is low. Tree growth is known to be limited by the nitrogen supply, especially on poorly developed soils with low fertility.
Do they work?
Researchers found some increases in tree biomass were observed with the nitrogen/potassium fertilizer relative to the control of no treatments. This finding was expected given that inorganic fertilizers have long been used to supply nutrients for urban landscape trees. Reviews of shade tree fertilization studies, summarize the general consensus of increased tree growth with fertilization and are in agreement with other findings of increase in tree growth with the nitrogen/potassium fertilizer.
The nitrogen/potassium fertilizer (30–0–12) should be diluted with water and applied twice annually. The fertilizer applied in these treatments should be within the range of specifications for nitrogen fertilizer demands required by urban trees.
What are “wood chip” mulches?
Many studies have demonstrated the value of wood chip mulches applied to urban landscapes for improving soil quality and tree growth. Wood chips are applied annually as top dressings to the soil, at rates that are considered the current best practices for soil application.
Do they work?
Recent research has reported beneficial effects of wood chip mulches on soil properties related to increases in nutrient retention, soil organic matter quality, and increases in microbial activity. As expected, wood chips increased total organic carbon in most soils.
What is “aerated compost tea”?
Aerated compost tea is made by aerating compost and microbial food sources in water for approximately 24 hours. Compost teas are applied directly to plants or to soils as drenches or liquid injections. Aerated compost tea is most effective if applied five times annually. The goal of an aerated compost tea program is to culture aerobic, beneficial microorganisms in the tea and then ultimately on the plants and in the soil where they are applied.
Do they work?
For the most part, mixed results have been reported for the effectiveness of compost teas to decrease disease and increase yield on a variety of plants. The aerated compost tea does not affect any soil properties nor make any significant differences in tree biomass. The few studies that have been performed on the effects of aerated compost tea on soil properties have found minimal impacts. One study did find the soil pH is significantly higher after aerated compost tea treatments were made.
Conclusions
It appears that biochar and biosolids are acceptable, and possibly preferable mulching materials compared with more commonly applied materials. Biosolids decreased soil pH and increased tree growth, available nitrogen, nitrogen mineralization, and microbial respiration. Increased tree growth and total organic carbon were found with biochar. Nitrate losses in leachates were minimal with all treatments, in contrast to increases in leachate dissolved organic carbon with biosolids and compost. The nitrogen content in the treatments appears to be an important predictor for tree growth except biochar, suggesting the effects of biochar for soil quality improvement are not limited to nitrogen supply. Biosolids and biochar applied to urban landscapes would divert materials from landfills and improve soil quality and tree growth.
Source
Scharenbroch, Bryant C. “Biochar and Biosolids Increase Tree Growth and Improve Soil Quality”, 2014.
The test that follows contains 10 questions. Before taking the test be sure you have read the article carefully. The passing grade is 80% on the entire test.
ISA will award .5 CEUs* for a passing grade. SAF members will earn 0.5 Cat. 1-CF for every five passing test scores. The cost for taking this test is $10. If you purchase an annual subscription for 15 credits, the cost per credit is reduced by 50% (see Annual Subscription link below). We will report all passing test scores to ISA and/or SAF. If you are a member of ISA and SAF we will report your passing test scores to both for no additional cost. Please be sure to add both of your certification numbers when you sign in. Tests with passing scores may be submitted only once to each organization.
*Members of ISA may apply the .5 CEUs toward Certified Arborist, Utility Specialist, Municipal Specialist, Tree Worker Specialist, Aerial Lift Specialist, or BCMA science credits.
California UFC members will receive credit for passing the test. Please add your CaUFC number after your ISA and/or SAF certification number.
ASCA members may submit your ISA certification record to the ASCA and receive credits one for one.
MTOA members must follow the ISA instructions indicated above.
To take the test by the pay per test option, click on the 'Pay Now' button below where you can send payment online securely with your credit card or Pay Pal account. After your payment is submitted, click on ‘Return to gibneyCE.com’. That will take you to the test sign in page followed by the test. Members with certifications from both ISA and SAF, please be sure to add both of your certification numbers. These numbers are important for reporting purposes.
To take the test as an annual subscriber with reduced rates, click on Password and enter your test password which will take you to the test sign in page. If you would like to become a subscriber see our Annual Subscription page for details.
When you have finished answering all questions you will be prompted to click ‘next’ to send your answers to gibneyCE.com. You can then click ‘next’ to view your test summary. A test review of your answers is available upon request.
All passing test scores are sent from gibneyCE.com to your organization(s) at the end of every month and they will appear on your certification record 4 to 6 weeks* after that. ISA maintains a record of CEU credits on their website *SAF requires 5 passing test scores before reporting.
Test re-takes are allowed, however you will have to pay for the retake if you are using the pay per test option. You can spend as much time as you would like to take the test but it is important not to leave the test site until you have answered all the questions and see the 'sending your answers' response.
Trees, History, and Solar Energy Conflicts
Edited by Len Phillips
Solar panels are part of an energy solution for the future while historic preservation is the key to protecting the community's past. A city’s trees are a part of the past, present, and future. Historic preservation, tree growth, and solar power generation are often part of a community's plan to become more sustainable. Tension has developed among these interests as communities struggle with how to both preserve their past and ensure a sustainable future.
The historic tree and solar interests have some notable similarities because:
* they are environmentally friendly,
* they are typically built or planted with attention to climate and air circulation,
* they are built or planted with locally sourced materials,
* they are usually located on or near walkable streets,
* they are in relatively central locations.
Historic Preservation
Preservation of historic properties is "greener" than tearing down and rebuilding because of the energy and material savings. Historical preservationists have come to an agreement that the installation of solar panels on a historic resource is generally viewed as acceptable only when they are:
* installed on a building with a flat roof, at a low profile, and are not visible from the street,
* installed on a secondary structure and shielded from view,
* ground-mounted on non-historically significant landscapes and inconspicuously located,
* located on new buildings on historic sites or new additions to historic buildings,
* complementary to the surrounding features of the historic resource.
Historic preservation can provide a concern to the arborist. Trees in historic sections should be large growing species and native to the area. Any replacement trees should be similar to what were planted when the buildings were built.
Solar Panels
At the present time there are over half a million solar panels on roof tops in the United States. Many of them have the potential to come into conflict with trees that might grow and block the sun’s rays from providing maximum benefit to the solar panel. This conflict with the tree providing unwanted shade on the solar panel has come about because many people in the solar panel industry know very little about the different ways that trees grow or how large trees might become when they reach a mature size.
Arborists who like to think they are solar-friendly, can predict when a tree might grow to create a shadow on a solar panel. They will know how to work with the solar design people to determine the impact of increased heat from the lack of shade provided by existing trees that need pruning or removal, in exchange for increased energy from more sun on the solar panel. In addition, there are the costs necessary for repeated pruning to maintain clearance to the solar panels.
Solar-friendly arborists will be able to make recommendations for species selections, and placements in the historic areas. They are also able to assist developers planning to install solar panels on new or old structures. Solar-friendly arborists can also be a voice for homeowners seeking comfort and savings to provide shade for the property and home, while setting aside a place for the solar panels to work at peak efficiency.
Tree Shade on Solar Panels
Some cities require the removal of trees that interfere with solar panels, even if the trees were planted prior to the installation of the panels or if they are growing in an historic section of the city. Additionally, many of the alternatives to tree removal recommended by solar proponents include: trimming, pruning, and height restrictions. These will all reduce the benefits that the tree canopy provides while maximizing the solar energy production.
Legal Rights to Trees, History, and Solar Energy
Laws have been adopted all over the U.S. in attempts to guarantee reasonable solar access rights in the face of the competing interests, like buildings of historic importance and large urban trees. Some cities permit local zoning authorities to adopt solar access rights in the permitting and zoning process. These rules vary in control of solar access, including consideration for shading from other structures and trees. For example:
* some conflicting laws ensure that the performance of a solar energy device will not be compromised by shade from vegetation or buildings on adjoining properties. Trees and some structures blocking proposed panels must be removed.
* some better laws allow a landowner to enter into an agreement with an adjacent landowner to ensure that sunlight reaches the property.
* the best laws exempt all buildings, trees and shrubs built or planted prior to the time of a solar panel's installation from being removed or severely pruned regardless of the tree’s ownership.
New Construction
While the information above is suitable for retrofitting an existing structure, developers constructing new buildings are including solar panels as part of the construction process and costs. The architects of these projects are focused on maximizing the efficiency of the solar panels while minimizing the aesthetic impact. They seldom coordinate the solar panels with the landscape design or with arborists. This could change if everyone considers the potential solutions which are described below.
Solutions
There are a number of recommendations that can assist historians, urban foresters, and solar experts in resolving future conflicts:
* Ensure that the right tree is planted in the right place and for the right reason. Factors such as how tall a tree will grow at maturity, how much shade it will likely cast, and in what direction that shade will fall will help determine the optimum placement for minimizing the chance of solar conflict at a later date.
* Historians and urban foresters must become members of local solar advisory committees and councils.
* Consider creating and adopting overlay zoning for "solar access zones" in suitable areas that specifically acknowledges the need to consider building and plant size to maintain clearance for solar panels.
* Amend the subdivision ordinance to require neighborhoods and developments to be laid out in a manner that minimizes conflict between solar and trees.
* Replace removed trees where possible, and track tree removals to ensure there is no net loss in tree numbers.
* Educate citizens as to the benefits of history, solar, and trees, and increase their awareness of best practices for sensible planning to avoid shading and ensure that history, solar, and trees can coexist.
* In instances where a solar installation would result in the removal of mature trees, encourage or require other energy conservation strategies first. Additionally, encourage or require homeowners to prune trees before permitting removal to see if this might resolve potential conflict.
* Actively identify the best places to locate solar facilities in a community, and direct installations to these areas. These areas should be selected over areas that are heavily forested or areas that have historical importance.
* Incorporate planning software and tools, like i-Tree and solar maps, that provide relevant data on tree growth, urban forest benefits, and shading into the project review process. Train planning staff or hire an arborist to conduct these analyses during the review process.
* Stay on top of solar technology advancements. Encourage the development of smaller, more efficient systems, and encourage or require the selection of systems that are least impacted by shading (when shading is unavoidable).
Sources
* “Balancing Solar Energy Use with Potential Competing Interests”, American Planning Association Planning Advisory Service. 2011.
* Staley, Daniel C., “Your Next Opportunity: Solar-friendly Tree Care”, Tree Care Industry, July 2014.
The test that follows contains 10 questions. Before taking the test be sure you have read the article carefully. The passing grade is 80% on the entire test.
ISA will award .5 CEUs* for a passing grade. SAF members will earn 0.5 Cat. 1-CF for every five passing test scores. The cost for taking this test is $10. If you purchase an annual subscription for 15 credits, the cost per credit is reduced by 50% (see Annual Subscription link below). We will report all passing test scores to ISA and/or SAF. If you are a member of ISA and SAF we will report your passing test scores to both for no additional cost. Please be sure to add both of your certification numbers when you sign in. Tests with passing scores may be submitted only once to each organization.
*Members of ISA may apply the 0.5 CEUs toward Certified Arborist, Utility Specialist, Municipal Specialist, Tree Worker Specialist, Aerial Lift Specialist, or BCMA management credits.
California UFC members will receive credit for passing the test. Please add your CaUFC number after your ISA and/or SAF certification number.
ASCA members may submit your ISA certification record to the ASCA and receive credits one for one.
MTOA members must follow the ISA instructions indicated above.
To take the test by the pay per test option, click on the 'Pay Now' button below where you can send payment online securely with your credit card or Pay Pal account. After your payment is submitted, click on ‘Return to gibneyCE.com’. That will take you to the test sign in page followed by the test. Members with certifications from both ISA and SAF, please be sure to add both of your certification numbers. These numbers are important for reporting purposes.
To take the test as an annual subscriber with reduced rates, click on Password and enter your test password which will take you to the test sign in page. If you would like to become a subscriber see our Annual Subscription page for details.
When you have finished answering all questions you will be prompted to click ‘next’ to send your answers to gibneyCE.com. You can then click ‘next’ to view your test summary. A test review of your answers is available upon request.
All passing test scores are sent from gibneyCE.com to your organization(s) at the end of every month and they will appear on your certification record 4 to 6 weeks* after that. ISA maintains a record of CEU credits on their website *SAF requires 5 passing test scores before reporting.
Test re-takes are allowed, however you will have to pay for the retake if you are using the pay per test option. You can spend as much time as you would like to take the test but it is important not to leave the test site until you have answered all the questions and see the 'sending your answers' response.
Edited by Len Phillips
Solar panels are part of an energy solution for the future while historic preservation is the key to protecting the community's past. A city’s trees are a part of the past, present, and future. Historic preservation, tree growth, and solar power generation are often part of a community's plan to become more sustainable. Tension has developed among these interests as communities struggle with how to both preserve their past and ensure a sustainable future.
The historic tree and solar interests have some notable similarities because:
* they are environmentally friendly,
* they are typically built or planted with attention to climate and air circulation,
* they are built or planted with locally sourced materials,
* they are usually located on or near walkable streets,
* they are in relatively central locations.
Historic Preservation
Preservation of historic properties is "greener" than tearing down and rebuilding because of the energy and material savings. Historical preservationists have come to an agreement that the installation of solar panels on a historic resource is generally viewed as acceptable only when they are:
* installed on a building with a flat roof, at a low profile, and are not visible from the street,
* installed on a secondary structure and shielded from view,
* ground-mounted on non-historically significant landscapes and inconspicuously located,
* located on new buildings on historic sites or new additions to historic buildings,
* complementary to the surrounding features of the historic resource.
Historic preservation can provide a concern to the arborist. Trees in historic sections should be large growing species and native to the area. Any replacement trees should be similar to what were planted when the buildings were built.
Solar Panels
At the present time there are over half a million solar panels on roof tops in the United States. Many of them have the potential to come into conflict with trees that might grow and block the sun’s rays from providing maximum benefit to the solar panel. This conflict with the tree providing unwanted shade on the solar panel has come about because many people in the solar panel industry know very little about the different ways that trees grow or how large trees might become when they reach a mature size.
Arborists who like to think they are solar-friendly, can predict when a tree might grow to create a shadow on a solar panel. They will know how to work with the solar design people to determine the impact of increased heat from the lack of shade provided by existing trees that need pruning or removal, in exchange for increased energy from more sun on the solar panel. In addition, there are the costs necessary for repeated pruning to maintain clearance to the solar panels.
Solar-friendly arborists will be able to make recommendations for species selections, and placements in the historic areas. They are also able to assist developers planning to install solar panels on new or old structures. Solar-friendly arborists can also be a voice for homeowners seeking comfort and savings to provide shade for the property and home, while setting aside a place for the solar panels to work at peak efficiency.
Tree Shade on Solar Panels
Some cities require the removal of trees that interfere with solar panels, even if the trees were planted prior to the installation of the panels or if they are growing in an historic section of the city. Additionally, many of the alternatives to tree removal recommended by solar proponents include: trimming, pruning, and height restrictions. These will all reduce the benefits that the tree canopy provides while maximizing the solar energy production.
Legal Rights to Trees, History, and Solar Energy
Laws have been adopted all over the U.S. in attempts to guarantee reasonable solar access rights in the face of the competing interests, like buildings of historic importance and large urban trees. Some cities permit local zoning authorities to adopt solar access rights in the permitting and zoning process. These rules vary in control of solar access, including consideration for shading from other structures and trees. For example:
* some conflicting laws ensure that the performance of a solar energy device will not be compromised by shade from vegetation or buildings on adjoining properties. Trees and some structures blocking proposed panels must be removed.
* some better laws allow a landowner to enter into an agreement with an adjacent landowner to ensure that sunlight reaches the property.
* the best laws exempt all buildings, trees and shrubs built or planted prior to the time of a solar panel's installation from being removed or severely pruned regardless of the tree’s ownership.
New Construction
While the information above is suitable for retrofitting an existing structure, developers constructing new buildings are including solar panels as part of the construction process and costs. The architects of these projects are focused on maximizing the efficiency of the solar panels while minimizing the aesthetic impact. They seldom coordinate the solar panels with the landscape design or with arborists. This could change if everyone considers the potential solutions which are described below.
Solutions
There are a number of recommendations that can assist historians, urban foresters, and solar experts in resolving future conflicts:
* Ensure that the right tree is planted in the right place and for the right reason. Factors such as how tall a tree will grow at maturity, how much shade it will likely cast, and in what direction that shade will fall will help determine the optimum placement for minimizing the chance of solar conflict at a later date.
* Historians and urban foresters must become members of local solar advisory committees and councils.
* Consider creating and adopting overlay zoning for "solar access zones" in suitable areas that specifically acknowledges the need to consider building and plant size to maintain clearance for solar panels.
* Amend the subdivision ordinance to require neighborhoods and developments to be laid out in a manner that minimizes conflict between solar and trees.
* Replace removed trees where possible, and track tree removals to ensure there is no net loss in tree numbers.
* Educate citizens as to the benefits of history, solar, and trees, and increase their awareness of best practices for sensible planning to avoid shading and ensure that history, solar, and trees can coexist.
* In instances where a solar installation would result in the removal of mature trees, encourage or require other energy conservation strategies first. Additionally, encourage or require homeowners to prune trees before permitting removal to see if this might resolve potential conflict.
* Actively identify the best places to locate solar facilities in a community, and direct installations to these areas. These areas should be selected over areas that are heavily forested or areas that have historical importance.
* Incorporate planning software and tools, like i-Tree and solar maps, that provide relevant data on tree growth, urban forest benefits, and shading into the project review process. Train planning staff or hire an arborist to conduct these analyses during the review process.
* Stay on top of solar technology advancements. Encourage the development of smaller, more efficient systems, and encourage or require the selection of systems that are least impacted by shading (when shading is unavoidable).
Sources
* “Balancing Solar Energy Use with Potential Competing Interests”, American Planning Association Planning Advisory Service. 2011.
* Staley, Daniel C., “Your Next Opportunity: Solar-friendly Tree Care”, Tree Care Industry, July 2014.
The test that follows contains 10 questions. Before taking the test be sure you have read the article carefully. The passing grade is 80% on the entire test.
ISA will award .5 CEUs* for a passing grade. SAF members will earn 0.5 Cat. 1-CF for every five passing test scores. The cost for taking this test is $10. If you purchase an annual subscription for 15 credits, the cost per credit is reduced by 50% (see Annual Subscription link below). We will report all passing test scores to ISA and/or SAF. If you are a member of ISA and SAF we will report your passing test scores to both for no additional cost. Please be sure to add both of your certification numbers when you sign in. Tests with passing scores may be submitted only once to each organization.
*Members of ISA may apply the 0.5 CEUs toward Certified Arborist, Utility Specialist, Municipal Specialist, Tree Worker Specialist, Aerial Lift Specialist, or BCMA management credits.
California UFC members will receive credit for passing the test. Please add your CaUFC number after your ISA and/or SAF certification number.
ASCA members may submit your ISA certification record to the ASCA and receive credits one for one.
MTOA members must follow the ISA instructions indicated above.
To take the test by the pay per test option, click on the 'Pay Now' button below where you can send payment online securely with your credit card or Pay Pal account. After your payment is submitted, click on ‘Return to gibneyCE.com’. That will take you to the test sign in page followed by the test. Members with certifications from both ISA and SAF, please be sure to add both of your certification numbers. These numbers are important for reporting purposes.
To take the test as an annual subscriber with reduced rates, click on Password and enter your test password which will take you to the test sign in page. If you would like to become a subscriber see our Annual Subscription page for details.
When you have finished answering all questions you will be prompted to click ‘next’ to send your answers to gibneyCE.com. You can then click ‘next’ to view your test summary. A test review of your answers is available upon request.
All passing test scores are sent from gibneyCE.com to your organization(s) at the end of every month and they will appear on your certification record 4 to 6 weeks* after that. ISA maintains a record of CEU credits on their website *SAF requires 5 passing test scores before reporting.
Test re-takes are allowed, however you will have to pay for the retake if you are using the pay per test option. You can spend as much time as you would like to take the test but it is important not to leave the test site until you have answered all the questions and see the 'sending your answers' response.
Tree of the Seminar 59
By Len Phillips
The Emerald Sunshine® Elm is a hybrid that is heat and drought tolerant. This tree has a dominant central leader and strong, open crotch angles and it tolerates most urban sites. This tree is so valuable to the urban forest that it has its own website. This information has been gathered from personal observations of the author, living in Massachusetts, Zone 6, and information provided by J. Frank Schmidt & Son nursery.
Trade Name: Emerald Sunshine® Elm
Botanical Name: Ulmus propinqua ‘JFS-Bieberich’
Parentage: Introduced by J. Frank Schmidt & Son Co.
Family: Ulmaceae
Year of Introduction: 2012
Height: 35’
Spread: 25’
Form: Vase shaped with upright, arching branches
Bloom Period: August & September
Flower: Inconspicuous
Fruit: Round samara
Summer Foliage: Deep green in summer
Autumn Foliage: Yellow in fall
Winter Color: Bark provides winter interest
Bark: Grayish brown
Habitat: Asian origin species
Culture: Tolerates most soils and urban conditions, prefers rich, moist soil
Hardiness Zone: 4 – 9
Growth Rate: Moderate, 35' tall in 30 years, 16 inches a year
Disease Resistance: Tolerant of Dutch elm disease and phloem necrosis
Insect Resistance: Tolerant of elm leaf beetle
Storm Resistance: Good
Salt Resistance: Good
Planting: bare root and B&B, suitable for CU-Structural Soil planting
Pruning: Due to superior structure, minimal pruning is needed
Propagating: Budded or grafted onto U. pumila understock
Design Uses: Medium texture, good for homes, streets, parks, and commercial landscapes
Companions: Looks good with most general landscape plants
Other Comments: Appearance of an American Elm, minimal pruning requirements, and open crotch angles make this an excellent tree for city streets.
Photo: J. Frank Schmidt & Son Co.
The test that follows contains 10 questions. Before taking the test be sure you have read the article carefully. The passing grade is 80% on the entire test.
ISA will award .5 CEUs* for a passing grade. SAF members will earn 0.5 Cat. 1-CF for every five passing test scores. The cost for taking this test is $10. If you purchase an annual subscription for 15 credits, the cost per credit is reduced by 50% (see Annual Subscription link below). We will report all passing test scores to ISA and/or SAF. If you are a member of ISA and SAF we will report your passing test scores to both for no additional cost. Please be sure to add both of your certification numbers when you sign in. Tests with passing scores may be submitted only once to each organization.
*Members of ISA may apply the 0.5 CEUs toward Certified Arborist, Utility Specialist, Municipal Specialist, Tree Worker Specialist, Aerial Lift Specialist, or BCMA science credits.
California UFC members will receive credit for passing the test. Please add your CaUFC number after your ISA and/or SAF certification number.
ASCA members may submit your ISA certification record to the ASCA and receive credits one for one.
MTOA members must follow the ISA instructions indicated above.
To take the test by the pay per test option, click on the 'Pay Now' button below where you can send payment online securely with your credit card or Pay Pal account. After your payment is submitted, click on ‘Return to gibneyCE.com’. That will take you to the test sign in page followed by the test. Members with certifications from both ISA and SAF, please be sure to add both of your certification numbers. These numbers are important for reporting purposes.
To take the test as an annual subscriber with reduced rates, click on Password and enter your test password which will take you to the test sign in page. If you would like to become a subscriber see our Annual Subscription page for details.
When you have finished answering all questions you will be prompted to click ‘next’ to send your answers to gibneyCE.com. You can then click ‘next’ to view your test summary. A test review of your answers is available upon request.
All passing test scores are sent from gibneyCE.com to your organization(s) at the end of every month and they will appear on your certification record 4 to 6 weeks* after that. ISA maintains a record of CEU credits on their website *SAF requires 5 passing test scores before reporting.
Test re-takes are allowed, however you will have to pay for the retake if you are using the pay per test option. You can spend as much time as you would like to take the test but it is important not to leave the test site until you have answered all the questions and see the 'sending your answers' response.
By Len Phillips
The Emerald Sunshine® Elm is a hybrid that is heat and drought tolerant. This tree has a dominant central leader and strong, open crotch angles and it tolerates most urban sites. This tree is so valuable to the urban forest that it has its own website. This information has been gathered from personal observations of the author, living in Massachusetts, Zone 6, and information provided by J. Frank Schmidt & Son nursery.
Trade Name: Emerald Sunshine® Elm
Botanical Name: Ulmus propinqua ‘JFS-Bieberich’
Parentage: Introduced by J. Frank Schmidt & Son Co.
Family: Ulmaceae
Year of Introduction: 2012
Height: 35’
Spread: 25’
Form: Vase shaped with upright, arching branches
Bloom Period: August & September
Flower: Inconspicuous
Fruit: Round samara
Summer Foliage: Deep green in summer
Autumn Foliage: Yellow in fall
Winter Color: Bark provides winter interest
Bark: Grayish brown
Habitat: Asian origin species
Culture: Tolerates most soils and urban conditions, prefers rich, moist soil
Hardiness Zone: 4 – 9
Growth Rate: Moderate, 35' tall in 30 years, 16 inches a year
Disease Resistance: Tolerant of Dutch elm disease and phloem necrosis
Insect Resistance: Tolerant of elm leaf beetle
Storm Resistance: Good
Salt Resistance: Good
Planting: bare root and B&B, suitable for CU-Structural Soil planting
Pruning: Due to superior structure, minimal pruning is needed
Propagating: Budded or grafted onto U. pumila understock
Design Uses: Medium texture, good for homes, streets, parks, and commercial landscapes
Companions: Looks good with most general landscape plants
Other Comments: Appearance of an American Elm, minimal pruning requirements, and open crotch angles make this an excellent tree for city streets.
Photo: J. Frank Schmidt & Son Co.
The test that follows contains 10 questions. Before taking the test be sure you have read the article carefully. The passing grade is 80% on the entire test.
ISA will award .5 CEUs* for a passing grade. SAF members will earn 0.5 Cat. 1-CF for every five passing test scores. The cost for taking this test is $10. If you purchase an annual subscription for 15 credits, the cost per credit is reduced by 50% (see Annual Subscription link below). We will report all passing test scores to ISA and/or SAF. If you are a member of ISA and SAF we will report your passing test scores to both for no additional cost. Please be sure to add both of your certification numbers when you sign in. Tests with passing scores may be submitted only once to each organization.
*Members of ISA may apply the 0.5 CEUs toward Certified Arborist, Utility Specialist, Municipal Specialist, Tree Worker Specialist, Aerial Lift Specialist, or BCMA science credits.
California UFC members will receive credit for passing the test. Please add your CaUFC number after your ISA and/or SAF certification number.
ASCA members may submit your ISA certification record to the ASCA and receive credits one for one.
MTOA members must follow the ISA instructions indicated above.
To take the test by the pay per test option, click on the 'Pay Now' button below where you can send payment online securely with your credit card or Pay Pal account. After your payment is submitted, click on ‘Return to gibneyCE.com’. That will take you to the test sign in page followed by the test. Members with certifications from both ISA and SAF, please be sure to add both of your certification numbers. These numbers are important for reporting purposes.
To take the test as an annual subscriber with reduced rates, click on Password and enter your test password which will take you to the test sign in page. If you would like to become a subscriber see our Annual Subscription page for details.
When you have finished answering all questions you will be prompted to click ‘next’ to send your answers to gibneyCE.com. You can then click ‘next’ to view your test summary. A test review of your answers is available upon request.
All passing test scores are sent from gibneyCE.com to your organization(s) at the end of every month and they will appear on your certification record 4 to 6 weeks* after that. ISA maintains a record of CEU credits on their website *SAF requires 5 passing test scores before reporting.
Test re-takes are allowed, however you will have to pay for the retake if you are using the pay per test option. You can spend as much time as you would like to take the test but it is important not to leave the test site until you have answered all the questions and see the 'sending your answers' response.
American Standard for Nursery Stock
Edited by Len Phillips
American Standard for Nursery Stock provides buyers and sellers of nursery stock uniform sizes and a common terminology in order to standardize all sales of nursery stock. It does not provide buyers with any assurance of the health or quality of the nursery stock being specified or sold. The 2004 edition of the American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1 – the Standard) has been revised and the 2014 edition just been released for use. These revisions include several improvements to fix problems that arborists have been complaining about for the past ten years. The complete Standard is available online from American Hort.
Changes in the 2014 Edition
There have been several important changes to the standards compared to the 2004 edition. Arborists need to be aware of the changes in this latest edition. Some of these major changes include:
1. New tables for each plant type should make the Standard easier to use. The tables include:
* the minimum root ball size,
* various measurement ratios such as caliper to height and spread to height,
* the minimum number of branches,
* minimum container class,
* tree size being grown in in-ground fabric bags.
2. Minimum requirements for all nursery stock in a new “General Standards” section include:
* identification by genus, species, and cultivar,
* living condition,
* form or shape for the species or cultivar,
* an indication that the plant or tree is free of damaging insects and diseases,
* pruning cuts must be done in accordance with pruning standards,
* shade trees may not have co-dominant stems in the bottom half of the crown,
* eliminate repeating the standards text in several sections and the Foreword of the 2004 edition.
3. Clarification of the method for measuring caliper and the relationship between the root flare and the soil line.
4. Changes to specifications to allow in-ground fabric bags and expansion of their application to all plants and trees.
5. Recognition of containers that encourage fibrous root growth.
6. Recognition of fabric as an acceptable container material.
7. The plant type tables are separate and according to plant type, by plant size interval, including minimum root ball diameters and depths, various measurement ratios, minimum number of branches, minimum and maximum container classes, and minimum in-ground fabric bag size.
8. The new plant type tables provide minimum and maximum container size range for each plant size interval.
Revised Definitions
Growers know that trees with measurements beginning 6 inches above the root flare at or near the soil line will have larger caliper and height measurements than trees with primary structural roots buried well below the soil line and, therefore, they will have a higher value in the marketplace. In this regard, text has been added to clarify that measuring caliper shall begin at the root flare.
In addition, the caliper “4 inch” size has been revised to include the entire interval up to but not including 4½ inches. If the caliper measured at 6 inches above the root flare is 4½ inches or more, the caliper shall instead be measured at 12 inches above the root flare.
Minimum Sizes for Sheared Evergreens
The new evergreen plant type tables remove the cross-reference to the shade tree table for determining minimum root ball diameter eliminating inconsistent minimum root ball specifications for sheared and non-sheared evergreens of the same caliper.
Fabric Bags Revisions
Clarification throughout the 2014 edition indicates that all references are to “in-ground” fabric bags. They are sized 5-inch and 8-inch. There are also in-ground fabric bags sized over 24-inches in diameter. There are also smaller depth minimums for in-ground fabric bag sizes.
The new edition recognizes that fabric is an acceptable material for “above-ground” containers, as long as the root system meets the general requirement for container-grown nursery stock.
Recognition of certain containers
The new edition recognizes that certain containers are now generally accepted in the nursery trade as a type that are designed to promote fibrous root growth by root pruning and root training. The fabric container and a well-developed root system work together to hold the ball shape and protect the integrity of the root system during handling even though the fabric container standing alone is not a rigid pot. Because of this, the new edition eliminates the requirement that the container shall be sufficiently rigid to hold the ball shape and protect the root mass during shipping. The revised version also recognizes and approves containers that encourage or manipulate fibrous root growth. These containers:
* use holes or fabric aeration to prune roots,
* may have coatings to prevent roots from reaching the sides of the container,
* may be a shape that trains roots to go in a certain direction.
Plan to use this new standard soon to obtain higher quality nursery stock.
Sources
* AmericanHort, “American Standard for Nursery Stock”, 2004 & 2014.
* Warren Quinn, “Production playbook”, Nursery Management, May 2014.
The test that follows contains 10 questions. Before taking the test be sure you have read the article carefully. The passing grade is 80% on the entire test.
ISA will award .5 CEUs* for a passing grade. SAF members will earn 0.5 Cat. 1-CF for every five passing test scores. The cost for taking this test is $10. If you purchase an annual subscription for 15 credits, the cost per credit is reduced by 50% (see Annual Subscription link below). We will report all passing test scores to ISA and/or SAF. If you are a member of ISA and SAF we will report your passing test scores to both for no additional cost. Please be sure to add both of your certification numbers when you sign in. Tests with passing scores may be submitted only once to each organization.
*Members of ISA may apply the 0.5 CEUs toward Certified Arborist, Utility Specialist, Municipal Specialist, Tree Worker Specialist, Aerial Lift Specialist, or BCMA management credits.
California UFC members will receive credit for passing the test. Please add your CaUFC number after your ISA and/or SAF certification number.
ASCA members may submit your ISA certification record to the ASCA and receive credits one for one.
MTOA members must follow the ISA instructions indicated above.
To take the test by the pay per test option, click on the 'Pay Now' button below where you can send payment online securely with your credit card or Pay Pal account. After your payment is submitted, click on ‘Return to gibneyCE.com’. That will take you to the test sign in page followed by the test. Members with certifications from both ISA and SAF, please be sure to add both of your certification numbers. These numbers are important for reporting purposes.
To take the test as an annual subscriber with reduced rates, click on Password and enter your test password which will take you to the test sign in page. If you would like to become a subscriber see our Annual Subscription page for details.
When you have finished answering all questions you will be prompted to click ‘next’ to send your answers to gibneyCE.com. You can then click ‘next’ to view your test summary. A test review of your answers is available upon request.
All passing test scores are sent from gibneyCE.com to your organization(s) at the end of every month and they will appear on your certification record 4 to 6 weeks* after that. ISA maintains a record of CEU credits on their website *SAF requires 5 passing test scores before reporting.
Test re-takes are allowed, however you will have to pay for the retake if you are using the pay per test option. You can spend as much time as you would like to take the test but it is important not to leave the test site until you have answered all the questions and see the 'sending your answers' response.
Edited by Len Phillips
American Standard for Nursery Stock provides buyers and sellers of nursery stock uniform sizes and a common terminology in order to standardize all sales of nursery stock. It does not provide buyers with any assurance of the health or quality of the nursery stock being specified or sold. The 2004 edition of the American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1 – the Standard) has been revised and the 2014 edition just been released for use. These revisions include several improvements to fix problems that arborists have been complaining about for the past ten years. The complete Standard is available online from American Hort.
Changes in the 2014 Edition
There have been several important changes to the standards compared to the 2004 edition. Arborists need to be aware of the changes in this latest edition. Some of these major changes include:
1. New tables for each plant type should make the Standard easier to use. The tables include:
* the minimum root ball size,
* various measurement ratios such as caliper to height and spread to height,
* the minimum number of branches,
* minimum container class,
* tree size being grown in in-ground fabric bags.
2. Minimum requirements for all nursery stock in a new “General Standards” section include:
* identification by genus, species, and cultivar,
* living condition,
* form or shape for the species or cultivar,
* an indication that the plant or tree is free of damaging insects and diseases,
* pruning cuts must be done in accordance with pruning standards,
* shade trees may not have co-dominant stems in the bottom half of the crown,
* eliminate repeating the standards text in several sections and the Foreword of the 2004 edition.
3. Clarification of the method for measuring caliper and the relationship between the root flare and the soil line.
4. Changes to specifications to allow in-ground fabric bags and expansion of their application to all plants and trees.
5. Recognition of containers that encourage fibrous root growth.
6. Recognition of fabric as an acceptable container material.
7. The plant type tables are separate and according to plant type, by plant size interval, including minimum root ball diameters and depths, various measurement ratios, minimum number of branches, minimum and maximum container classes, and minimum in-ground fabric bag size.
8. The new plant type tables provide minimum and maximum container size range for each plant size interval.
Revised Definitions
Growers know that trees with measurements beginning 6 inches above the root flare at or near the soil line will have larger caliper and height measurements than trees with primary structural roots buried well below the soil line and, therefore, they will have a higher value in the marketplace. In this regard, text has been added to clarify that measuring caliper shall begin at the root flare.
In addition, the caliper “4 inch” size has been revised to include the entire interval up to but not including 4½ inches. If the caliper measured at 6 inches above the root flare is 4½ inches or more, the caliper shall instead be measured at 12 inches above the root flare.
Minimum Sizes for Sheared Evergreens
The new evergreen plant type tables remove the cross-reference to the shade tree table for determining minimum root ball diameter eliminating inconsistent minimum root ball specifications for sheared and non-sheared evergreens of the same caliper.
Fabric Bags Revisions
Clarification throughout the 2014 edition indicates that all references are to “in-ground” fabric bags. They are sized 5-inch and 8-inch. There are also in-ground fabric bags sized over 24-inches in diameter. There are also smaller depth minimums for in-ground fabric bag sizes.
The new edition recognizes that fabric is an acceptable material for “above-ground” containers, as long as the root system meets the general requirement for container-grown nursery stock.
Recognition of certain containers
The new edition recognizes that certain containers are now generally accepted in the nursery trade as a type that are designed to promote fibrous root growth by root pruning and root training. The fabric container and a well-developed root system work together to hold the ball shape and protect the integrity of the root system during handling even though the fabric container standing alone is not a rigid pot. Because of this, the new edition eliminates the requirement that the container shall be sufficiently rigid to hold the ball shape and protect the root mass during shipping. The revised version also recognizes and approves containers that encourage or manipulate fibrous root growth. These containers:
* use holes or fabric aeration to prune roots,
* may have coatings to prevent roots from reaching the sides of the container,
* may be a shape that trains roots to go in a certain direction.
Plan to use this new standard soon to obtain higher quality nursery stock.
Sources
* AmericanHort, “American Standard for Nursery Stock”, 2004 & 2014.
* Warren Quinn, “Production playbook”, Nursery Management, May 2014.
The test that follows contains 10 questions. Before taking the test be sure you have read the article carefully. The passing grade is 80% on the entire test.
ISA will award .5 CEUs* for a passing grade. SAF members will earn 0.5 Cat. 1-CF for every five passing test scores. The cost for taking this test is $10. If you purchase an annual subscription for 15 credits, the cost per credit is reduced by 50% (see Annual Subscription link below). We will report all passing test scores to ISA and/or SAF. If you are a member of ISA and SAF we will report your passing test scores to both for no additional cost. Please be sure to add both of your certification numbers when you sign in. Tests with passing scores may be submitted only once to each organization.
*Members of ISA may apply the 0.5 CEUs toward Certified Arborist, Utility Specialist, Municipal Specialist, Tree Worker Specialist, Aerial Lift Specialist, or BCMA management credits.
California UFC members will receive credit for passing the test. Please add your CaUFC number after your ISA and/or SAF certification number.
ASCA members may submit your ISA certification record to the ASCA and receive credits one for one.
MTOA members must follow the ISA instructions indicated above.
To take the test by the pay per test option, click on the 'Pay Now' button below where you can send payment online securely with your credit card or Pay Pal account. After your payment is submitted, click on ‘Return to gibneyCE.com’. That will take you to the test sign in page followed by the test. Members with certifications from both ISA and SAF, please be sure to add both of your certification numbers. These numbers are important for reporting purposes.
To take the test as an annual subscriber with reduced rates, click on Password and enter your test password which will take you to the test sign in page. If you would like to become a subscriber see our Annual Subscription page for details.
When you have finished answering all questions you will be prompted to click ‘next’ to send your answers to gibneyCE.com. You can then click ‘next’ to view your test summary. A test review of your answers is available upon request.
All passing test scores are sent from gibneyCE.com to your organization(s) at the end of every month and they will appear on your certification record 4 to 6 weeks* after that. ISA maintains a record of CEU credits on their website *SAF requires 5 passing test scores before reporting.
Test re-takes are allowed, however you will have to pay for the retake if you are using the pay per test option. You can spend as much time as you would like to take the test but it is important not to leave the test site until you have answered all the questions and see the 'sending your answers' response.
Pruning Tools
By Steve Gardner
There is nothing like the burst of color from shrubs and trees in the spring or the fall or anytime in between. A proper pruning tool will help to ensure that those gorgeous colors reappear every year. Proper tools are essential for proper pruning. The choice of which tool to use depends largely on the size of the branches to be pruned and the amount of pruning to be done. Generally speaking, the smaller a branch is when pruned, the sooner the wound will seal.
Hand Pruners
Hand pruners are the right choice for pruning shrubs and small diameter tree limbs. Hand pruners are used to prune all small branches that are under 1 inch (2.5 cm) diameter and there are many different kinds of hand pruners available. Hand pruners can be grouped into by-pass or anvil styles based on the blade configuration. Left or right-handed types are also available.
* By-pass pruners use a curved cutting blade that slides past a broader lower blade, much like scissors. To prevent unnecessary tearing or crushing of tender tissues found on new growth, it is best to use a by-pass style pruner.
* Anvil style pruners have a straight blade that cuts the branch against a small anvil or block as the handles are squeezed. The anvil or block will cause a crushing of stem tissue as the blade pushes the branch against the anvil while it is passing through the stem.
Lopping Shears and Pruning Saws
Slightly larger branches that cannot be cut with a hand pruner may be cut with small pruning saws or lopping shears that have larger cutting surfaces and greater leverage. To avoid the need to cut branches greater than 4 in. (10 cm) diameter, it is better to prune when the branches are small.
* Lopping shears are also available in by-pass and anvil styles and they will cut branches up to 2.75 in. (7 cm) diameter.
* Pruning saws must be used for branches too large to be cut with a hand pruner or lopping shears. Pruning saws will cut branches up to 3.9 in. (9.8 cm). They differ greatly in handle styles, the length and shape of the blade, and the layout and type of teeth.
Most pruning saws have tempered metal blades that retain their sharpness for many pruning cuts. Unlike most other saws, pruning saws are often designed to cut on the "pull-stroke".
Hedge Shears
Hedge shears are helpful for keeping those evergreen hedges in check. A hedge can make a landscape look really smart, but it is never a good idea to let it go too long without giving it a good pruning after a few years of shearing. Shears should be sharp and well-oiled, because jagged edges from dull blades are bad for long term plant health.
Pruning Tall Trees
Pole pruners must be used to cut branches beyond reach. Generally, pruning heads can cut branches up to 1.75 in. (4.5 cm) diameter and are available in the by-pass and some anvil styles. Once again, the by-pass type is preferred. To see examples of pole saws and pole pruners, click here
Pole pruners and pole saws are an arborist’s definite “must-have”. They are available in different lengths, but the length that is needed obviously depends on the height of the trees being pruned. If some really tall oak trees need care, standing on a ladder is not an option. It is time to invest in a top-quality long reach pole saw to get to those hard-to-reach branches. Pole saws can be obtained with an ultra-lightweight saw system capable of reaching 33’ (10 meters) or more.
For cutting larger branches, saw blades can be fastened directly to the saw head. Because of the danger of electrocution, pole saws and pole pruners should not be used near utility lines. It is always advisable to contact the local utility line clearance personnel who receive special training to do this trimming.
Manual Pole Saws
Manual pole saws are very productive tools, better for the environment, and have a relatively low cost compared to gas or electric chainsaws. Manual pole saws are ideal for most of the trimming and pruning jobs that the landscape professional user will need to cut.
Gas Chainsaws
Gas chainsaws can be dangerous and injuries often occur due to improper handling of this tool. Gas powered chainsaws are very powerful, and provide good mobility when working in trees. They are also very efficient and fast. The chainsaws can make light and quick work of tree maintenance tasks. However, they produce CO2 and usually require frequent and costly maintenance such as chain sharpening, fueling, and adding lubricating chain oil. And to repeat, chainsaws can be dangerous if not used properly.
Electric Chainsaws
Electric chainsaws are available in cordless and corded types. They are lighter and require less maintenance than gas fuelled chainsaws. They are typically used for light trimming, as well as pruning. The major disadvantage is the limited reach and long extension cords. Maintenance usually consists of sharpening the chain and adding lubricating or vegetable oil to the chain bar.
Additional considerations:
Chainsaw kickback – This is one of the problems that you can have with a gas, and to a lesser extent the electric chainsaw. When using a chainsaw you should never cut the tree branch or trunk with the tip of the saw blade. This can cause kickback which is when the chainsaw blade suddenly leaps upwards in the operator’s direction and this can cause serious injury.
Tangled power cords – Most electric chainsaws have long power cords and these can get in the way as sometimes the operator get tangled in the cord or the cord sometimes ends up somewhere tangled in the tree. Accidentally cutting the cord can cause serious injury to the operator as well as where the cord is plugged in.
It is important to be aware of the dangers of gas and electric chain saws vs a manual pole saw. Regardless of the type of saw being used, make certain that all protections and all safety gear are being used.
Tips for Tool Care
Clean tools are essential, especially when working with multiple trees. Regardless of tool used to prune, it is imperative to disinfect the blade when moving from tree to tree to prevent possible infection spread. Sanitize the blades with household bleach or 70% denatured alcohol after every tree being pruned.
To have good results from pruning, take care of the tools. Most arborists are happy to use their tools to snip, cut, and shear during pruning season, but after that they toss them aside until next time. These tools can last for a long time, provided they receive proper care and not neglect.
Rust is the chief enemy of most pruning tools, and it’s most likely to attack in a high-humidity location. So it is important to keep tools clean and dry. Be sure to remove all sap, moisture, and residue from the tree pole saw, pruners, and tree saw blades.
Sharpen the blades with a whetstone and/or file. Sharp tools give a cleaner cut and require less effort to use, plus this is a lot healthier for the plants and trees. Apply vegetable oil on the blades and the joint of the hedge shears and pole saw after each day’s use, as this will help to keep them snip ready.
To ensure that satisfactory cuts are made and to reduce fatigue, keep your pruning tools sharp and in good working condition. This effort enhances the long term life of the tool.
Source
"All Things Trees Blog”, American Tree Service Supply, 2013.
The test that follows contains 10 questions. Before taking the test be sure you have read the article carefully. The passing grade is 80% on the entire test.
ISA will award .5 CEUs* for a passing grade. SAF members will earn 0.5 Cat. 1-CF for every five passing test scores. The cost for taking this test is $10. If you purchase an annual subscription for 15 credits, the cost per credit is reduced by 50% (see Annual Subscription link below). We will report all passing test scores to ISA and/or SAF. If you are a member of ISA and SAF we will report your passing test scores to both for no additional cost. Please be sure to add both of your certification numbers when you sign in. Tests with passing scores may be submitted only once to each organization.
*Members of ISA may apply the 0.5 CEUs toward Certified Arborist, Utility Specialist, Municipal Specialist, Tree Worker Specialist, Aerial Lift Specialist, or BCMA practice credits.
California UFC members will receive credit for passing the test. Please add your CaUFC number after your ISA and/or SAF certification number.
ASCA members may submit your ISA certification record to the ASCA and receive credits one for one.
MTOA members must follow the ISA instructions indicated above.
To take the test by the pay per test option, click on the 'Pay Now' button below where you can send payment online securely with your credit card or Pay Pal account. After your payment is submitted, click on ‘Return to gibneyCE.com’. That will take you to the test sign in page followed by the test. Members with certifications from both ISA and SAF, please be sure to add both of your certification numbers. These numbers are important for reporting purposes.
To take the test as an annual subscriber with reduced rates, click on Password and enter your test password which will take you to the test sign in page. If you would like to become a subscriber see our Annual Subscription page for details.
When you have finished answering all questions you will be prompted to click ‘next’ to send your answers to gibneyCE.com. You can then click ‘next’ to view your test summary. A test review of your answers is available upon request.
All passing test scores are sent from gibneyCE.com to your organization(s) at the end of every month and they will appear on your certification record 4 to 6 weeks* after that. ISA maintains a record of CEU credits on their website *SAF requires 5 passing test scores before reporting.
Test re-takes are allowed, however you will have to pay for the retake if you are using the pay per test option. You can spend as much time as you would like to take the test but it is important not to leave the test site until you have answered all the questions and see the 'sending your answers' response.
By Steve Gardner
There is nothing like the burst of color from shrubs and trees in the spring or the fall or anytime in between. A proper pruning tool will help to ensure that those gorgeous colors reappear every year. Proper tools are essential for proper pruning. The choice of which tool to use depends largely on the size of the branches to be pruned and the amount of pruning to be done. Generally speaking, the smaller a branch is when pruned, the sooner the wound will seal.
Hand Pruners
Hand pruners are the right choice for pruning shrubs and small diameter tree limbs. Hand pruners are used to prune all small branches that are under 1 inch (2.5 cm) diameter and there are many different kinds of hand pruners available. Hand pruners can be grouped into by-pass or anvil styles based on the blade configuration. Left or right-handed types are also available.
* By-pass pruners use a curved cutting blade that slides past a broader lower blade, much like scissors. To prevent unnecessary tearing or crushing of tender tissues found on new growth, it is best to use a by-pass style pruner.
* Anvil style pruners have a straight blade that cuts the branch against a small anvil or block as the handles are squeezed. The anvil or block will cause a crushing of stem tissue as the blade pushes the branch against the anvil while it is passing through the stem.
Lopping Shears and Pruning Saws
Slightly larger branches that cannot be cut with a hand pruner may be cut with small pruning saws or lopping shears that have larger cutting surfaces and greater leverage. To avoid the need to cut branches greater than 4 in. (10 cm) diameter, it is better to prune when the branches are small.
* Lopping shears are also available in by-pass and anvil styles and they will cut branches up to 2.75 in. (7 cm) diameter.
* Pruning saws must be used for branches too large to be cut with a hand pruner or lopping shears. Pruning saws will cut branches up to 3.9 in. (9.8 cm). They differ greatly in handle styles, the length and shape of the blade, and the layout and type of teeth.
Most pruning saws have tempered metal blades that retain their sharpness for many pruning cuts. Unlike most other saws, pruning saws are often designed to cut on the "pull-stroke".
Hedge Shears
Hedge shears are helpful for keeping those evergreen hedges in check. A hedge can make a landscape look really smart, but it is never a good idea to let it go too long without giving it a good pruning after a few years of shearing. Shears should be sharp and well-oiled, because jagged edges from dull blades are bad for long term plant health.
Pruning Tall Trees
Pole pruners must be used to cut branches beyond reach. Generally, pruning heads can cut branches up to 1.75 in. (4.5 cm) diameter and are available in the by-pass and some anvil styles. Once again, the by-pass type is preferred. To see examples of pole saws and pole pruners, click here
Pole pruners and pole saws are an arborist’s definite “must-have”. They are available in different lengths, but the length that is needed obviously depends on the height of the trees being pruned. If some really tall oak trees need care, standing on a ladder is not an option. It is time to invest in a top-quality long reach pole saw to get to those hard-to-reach branches. Pole saws can be obtained with an ultra-lightweight saw system capable of reaching 33’ (10 meters) or more.
For cutting larger branches, saw blades can be fastened directly to the saw head. Because of the danger of electrocution, pole saws and pole pruners should not be used near utility lines. It is always advisable to contact the local utility line clearance personnel who receive special training to do this trimming.
Manual Pole Saws
Manual pole saws are very productive tools, better for the environment, and have a relatively low cost compared to gas or electric chainsaws. Manual pole saws are ideal for most of the trimming and pruning jobs that the landscape professional user will need to cut.
Gas Chainsaws
Gas chainsaws can be dangerous and injuries often occur due to improper handling of this tool. Gas powered chainsaws are very powerful, and provide good mobility when working in trees. They are also very efficient and fast. The chainsaws can make light and quick work of tree maintenance tasks. However, they produce CO2 and usually require frequent and costly maintenance such as chain sharpening, fueling, and adding lubricating chain oil. And to repeat, chainsaws can be dangerous if not used properly.
Electric Chainsaws
Electric chainsaws are available in cordless and corded types. They are lighter and require less maintenance than gas fuelled chainsaws. They are typically used for light trimming, as well as pruning. The major disadvantage is the limited reach and long extension cords. Maintenance usually consists of sharpening the chain and adding lubricating or vegetable oil to the chain bar.
Additional considerations:
Chainsaw kickback – This is one of the problems that you can have with a gas, and to a lesser extent the electric chainsaw. When using a chainsaw you should never cut the tree branch or trunk with the tip of the saw blade. This can cause kickback which is when the chainsaw blade suddenly leaps upwards in the operator’s direction and this can cause serious injury.
Tangled power cords – Most electric chainsaws have long power cords and these can get in the way as sometimes the operator get tangled in the cord or the cord sometimes ends up somewhere tangled in the tree. Accidentally cutting the cord can cause serious injury to the operator as well as where the cord is plugged in.
It is important to be aware of the dangers of gas and electric chain saws vs a manual pole saw. Regardless of the type of saw being used, make certain that all protections and all safety gear are being used.
Tips for Tool Care
Clean tools are essential, especially when working with multiple trees. Regardless of tool used to prune, it is imperative to disinfect the blade when moving from tree to tree to prevent possible infection spread. Sanitize the blades with household bleach or 70% denatured alcohol after every tree being pruned.
To have good results from pruning, take care of the tools. Most arborists are happy to use their tools to snip, cut, and shear during pruning season, but after that they toss them aside until next time. These tools can last for a long time, provided they receive proper care and not neglect.
Rust is the chief enemy of most pruning tools, and it’s most likely to attack in a high-humidity location. So it is important to keep tools clean and dry. Be sure to remove all sap, moisture, and residue from the tree pole saw, pruners, and tree saw blades.
Sharpen the blades with a whetstone and/or file. Sharp tools give a cleaner cut and require less effort to use, plus this is a lot healthier for the plants and trees. Apply vegetable oil on the blades and the joint of the hedge shears and pole saw after each day’s use, as this will help to keep them snip ready.
To ensure that satisfactory cuts are made and to reduce fatigue, keep your pruning tools sharp and in good working condition. This effort enhances the long term life of the tool.
Source
"All Things Trees Blog”, American Tree Service Supply, 2013.
The test that follows contains 10 questions. Before taking the test be sure you have read the article carefully. The passing grade is 80% on the entire test.
ISA will award .5 CEUs* for a passing grade. SAF members will earn 0.5 Cat. 1-CF for every five passing test scores. The cost for taking this test is $10. If you purchase an annual subscription for 15 credits, the cost per credit is reduced by 50% (see Annual Subscription link below). We will report all passing test scores to ISA and/or SAF. If you are a member of ISA and SAF we will report your passing test scores to both for no additional cost. Please be sure to add both of your certification numbers when you sign in. Tests with passing scores may be submitted only once to each organization.
*Members of ISA may apply the 0.5 CEUs toward Certified Arborist, Utility Specialist, Municipal Specialist, Tree Worker Specialist, Aerial Lift Specialist, or BCMA practice credits.
California UFC members will receive credit for passing the test. Please add your CaUFC number after your ISA and/or SAF certification number.
ASCA members may submit your ISA certification record to the ASCA and receive credits one for one.
MTOA members must follow the ISA instructions indicated above.
To take the test by the pay per test option, click on the 'Pay Now' button below where you can send payment online securely with your credit card or Pay Pal account. After your payment is submitted, click on ‘Return to gibneyCE.com’. That will take you to the test sign in page followed by the test. Members with certifications from both ISA and SAF, please be sure to add both of your certification numbers. These numbers are important for reporting purposes.
To take the test as an annual subscriber with reduced rates, click on Password and enter your test password which will take you to the test sign in page. If you would like to become a subscriber see our Annual Subscription page for details.
When you have finished answering all questions you will be prompted to click ‘next’ to send your answers to gibneyCE.com. You can then click ‘next’ to view your test summary. A test review of your answers is available upon request.
All passing test scores are sent from gibneyCE.com to your organization(s) at the end of every month and they will appear on your certification record 4 to 6 weeks* after that. ISA maintains a record of CEU credits on their website *SAF requires 5 passing test scores before reporting.
Test re-takes are allowed, however you will have to pay for the retake if you are using the pay per test option. You can spend as much time as you would like to take the test but it is important not to leave the test site until you have answered all the questions and see the 'sending your answers' response.
Cultivars of Littleleaf Linden
By Len Phillips
Littleleaf Linden is an attractive shade tree for a lawn or large area, along streets and any place where a quality tree is desired. The description that follows provides a summary of similarities that all the cultivars possess. This information has been gathered from personal observations of the author, living in Massachusetts, Zone 6, and information provided by J. Frank Schmidt & Son.
Botanical Name: Tilia cordata
Common Name: Littleleaf Linden
Family: Tilaceae
Flower: Yellowish, fragrant, July, sometimes have late isolated flowers in autumn
Fruit: Nutlet, covered with gray pubescence
Bark: Brownish gray that become furrowed with age
Habitat: Native to Europe, planted there as a shade tree since ancient times
Culture: Prefers moist, well drained fertile soil
Site Requirements: Full sun
Growth Rate: Medium grower, 10’ in 10 years
Pest Resistance: Aphids and Japanese beetles love these trees
Storm Resistance: Good except for some cultivars that have a tendency to develop narrow crotches that fail in storms
Salt Resistance: Excellent
Planting: Transplant B&B or container, moderately difficult to transplant bare root, suitable for CU-Structural Soil planting
Pruning: Prune at planting and 3 years later to mature form, withstands severe pruning, may only require pruning of basal sprouts and removal of some potential crotch problems
Propagating: Cultivars are budded onto seedling understock
Design Uses: Well suited for street tree planting good as a specimen or in groupings
Chancellor® Linden Tilia cordata ‘Chancole’ – Zone: 3, Height: 35', Spread: 20', Shape: Upright and tightly pyramidal, Foliage: Dark green, Fall Color: Yellowish. Chancellor® produces a tight, symmetrical tree well adapted to use as a street tree. Not well known yet, it is gaining popularity and should become more widely used. Fact Sheet
Corinthian® Linden Tilia cordata ‘Corzam’ – Zone: 3, Height: 45', Spread: 15', Shape: narrowly pyramidal, Foliage: dark green, Fall Color: yellow. This is the narrowest of the linden cultivars. Small, thick, deep green leaves give it a finer textured, more delicate appearance. Fact Sheet
Greenspire® Linden Tilia cordata ‘Greenspire’ – Zone: 4, Height: 40', Spread: 30', Shape: broadly pyramidal, symmetrical, Foliage: dark green, Fall Color: yellowish. Introduced in 1961, this durable cultivar has become
the standard of comparison among the lindens. It has a strong central leader, very uniform branch arrangement and a symmetrical, pyramidal form. Fact Sheet
Harvest Gold Linden Tilia cordata x mongolica ‘Harvest Gold’ – PP12232 – Zone: 3, Height: 40', Spread: 30',
Shape: pyramidal, Foliage: deep green, Fall Color: bright golden yellow. Very hardy and faster growing than other littleleaf linden cultivars, this selection sports deep green, glossy foliage through the summer months. Its name is inspired by a mantle of bright golden yellow autumn leaves. Fact Sheet
Shamrock® Linden Tilia cordata ‘Baileyi’ – Zone: 4, Height: 40’, Spread: 30’, Shape: narrowly pyramidal, symmetrical, Foliage: dark green, Fall Color: yellowish. This is a pyramidal form of linden, similar to Greenspire®, but a little faster growing. It branches more uniformly around the trunk at an earlier age. Fact Sheet
Summer Sprite® Linden Tilia cordata ‘Halka’ – PP 10589 – Zone: 4, Height: 20', Spread: 15', Shape: dense, narrow pyramid, semi-dwarf linden, Foliage: green, Fall Color: yellow. Perfect for confined city spaces, this natural semi-dwarf develops a dense and compact form with a rounded to upright oval shape and a sheared appearance. Fact Sheet
Other older cultivars worth mentioning but are not readily available in nurseries include:
Fairview
Glenleven
June Bride
Morden
Olympic
Prestige
The test that follows contains 10 questions. Before taking the test be sure you have read the article carefully. The passing grade is 80% on the entire test.
ISA will award .5 CEUs* for a passing grade. SAF members will earn 0.5 Cat. 1-CF for every five passing test scores. The cost for taking this test is $10. If you purchase an annual subscription for 15 credits, the cost per credit is reduced by 50% (see Annual Subscription link below). We will report all passing test scores to ISA and/or SAF. If you are a member of ISA and SAF we will report your passing test scores to both for no additional cost. Please be sure to add both of your certification numbers when you sign in. Tests with passing scores may be submitted only once to each organization.
*Members of ISA may apply the 0.5 CEUs toward Certified Arborist, Utility Specialist, Municipal Specialist, Tree Worker Specialist, Aerial Lift Specialist, or BCMA science credits.
California UFC members will receive credit for passing the test. Please add your CaUFC number after your ISA and/or SAF certification number.
ASCA members may submit your ISA certification record to the ASCA and receive credits one for one.
MTOA members must follow the ISA instructions indicated above.
To take the test by the pay per test option, click on the 'Pay Now' button below where you can send payment online securely with your credit card or Pay Pal account. After your payment is submitted, click on ‘Return to gibneyCE.com’. That will take you to the test sign in page followed by the test. Members with certifications from both ISA and SAF, please be sure to add both of your certification numbers. These numbers are important for reporting purposes.
To take the test as an annual subscriber with reduced rates, click on Password and enter your test password which will take you to the test sign in page. If you would like to become a subscriber see our Annual Subscription page for details.
When you have finished answering all questions you will be prompted to click ‘next’ to send your answers to gibneyCE.com. You can then click ‘next’ to view your test summary. A test review of your answers is available upon request.
All passing test scores are sent from gibneyCE.com to your organization(s) at the end of every month and they will appear on your certification record 4 to 6 weeks* after that. ISA maintains a record of CEU credits on their website *SAF requires 5 passing test scores before reporting.
Test re-takes are allowed, however you will have to pay for the retake if you are using the pay per test option. You can spend as much time as you would like to take the test but it is important not to leave the test site until you have answered all the questions and see the 'sending your answers' response.
By Len Phillips
Littleleaf Linden is an attractive shade tree for a lawn or large area, along streets and any place where a quality tree is desired. The description that follows provides a summary of similarities that all the cultivars possess. This information has been gathered from personal observations of the author, living in Massachusetts, Zone 6, and information provided by J. Frank Schmidt & Son.
Botanical Name: Tilia cordata
Common Name: Littleleaf Linden
Family: Tilaceae
Flower: Yellowish, fragrant, July, sometimes have late isolated flowers in autumn
Fruit: Nutlet, covered with gray pubescence
Bark: Brownish gray that become furrowed with age
Habitat: Native to Europe, planted there as a shade tree since ancient times
Culture: Prefers moist, well drained fertile soil
Site Requirements: Full sun
Growth Rate: Medium grower, 10’ in 10 years
Pest Resistance: Aphids and Japanese beetles love these trees
Storm Resistance: Good except for some cultivars that have a tendency to develop narrow crotches that fail in storms
Salt Resistance: Excellent
Planting: Transplant B&B or container, moderately difficult to transplant bare root, suitable for CU-Structural Soil planting
Pruning: Prune at planting and 3 years later to mature form, withstands severe pruning, may only require pruning of basal sprouts and removal of some potential crotch problems
Propagating: Cultivars are budded onto seedling understock
Design Uses: Well suited for street tree planting good as a specimen or in groupings
Chancellor® Linden Tilia cordata ‘Chancole’ – Zone: 3, Height: 35', Spread: 20', Shape: Upright and tightly pyramidal, Foliage: Dark green, Fall Color: Yellowish. Chancellor® produces a tight, symmetrical tree well adapted to use as a street tree. Not well known yet, it is gaining popularity and should become more widely used. Fact Sheet
Corinthian® Linden Tilia cordata ‘Corzam’ – Zone: 3, Height: 45', Spread: 15', Shape: narrowly pyramidal, Foliage: dark green, Fall Color: yellow. This is the narrowest of the linden cultivars. Small, thick, deep green leaves give it a finer textured, more delicate appearance. Fact Sheet
Greenspire® Linden Tilia cordata ‘Greenspire’ – Zone: 4, Height: 40', Spread: 30', Shape: broadly pyramidal, symmetrical, Foliage: dark green, Fall Color: yellowish. Introduced in 1961, this durable cultivar has become
the standard of comparison among the lindens. It has a strong central leader, very uniform branch arrangement and a symmetrical, pyramidal form. Fact Sheet
Harvest Gold Linden Tilia cordata x mongolica ‘Harvest Gold’ – PP12232 – Zone: 3, Height: 40', Spread: 30',
Shape: pyramidal, Foliage: deep green, Fall Color: bright golden yellow. Very hardy and faster growing than other littleleaf linden cultivars, this selection sports deep green, glossy foliage through the summer months. Its name is inspired by a mantle of bright golden yellow autumn leaves. Fact Sheet
Shamrock® Linden Tilia cordata ‘Baileyi’ – Zone: 4, Height: 40’, Spread: 30’, Shape: narrowly pyramidal, symmetrical, Foliage: dark green, Fall Color: yellowish. This is a pyramidal form of linden, similar to Greenspire®, but a little faster growing. It branches more uniformly around the trunk at an earlier age. Fact Sheet
Summer Sprite® Linden Tilia cordata ‘Halka’ – PP 10589 – Zone: 4, Height: 20', Spread: 15', Shape: dense, narrow pyramid, semi-dwarf linden, Foliage: green, Fall Color: yellow. Perfect for confined city spaces, this natural semi-dwarf develops a dense and compact form with a rounded to upright oval shape and a sheared appearance. Fact Sheet
Other older cultivars worth mentioning but are not readily available in nurseries include:
Fairview
Glenleven
June Bride
Morden
Olympic
Prestige
The test that follows contains 10 questions. Before taking the test be sure you have read the article carefully. The passing grade is 80% on the entire test.
ISA will award .5 CEUs* for a passing grade. SAF members will earn 0.5 Cat. 1-CF for every five passing test scores. The cost for taking this test is $10. If you purchase an annual subscription for 15 credits, the cost per credit is reduced by 50% (see Annual Subscription link below). We will report all passing test scores to ISA and/or SAF. If you are a member of ISA and SAF we will report your passing test scores to both for no additional cost. Please be sure to add both of your certification numbers when you sign in. Tests with passing scores may be submitted only once to each organization.
*Members of ISA may apply the 0.5 CEUs toward Certified Arborist, Utility Specialist, Municipal Specialist, Tree Worker Specialist, Aerial Lift Specialist, or BCMA science credits.
California UFC members will receive credit for passing the test. Please add your CaUFC number after your ISA and/or SAF certification number.
ASCA members may submit your ISA certification record to the ASCA and receive credits one for one.
MTOA members must follow the ISA instructions indicated above.
To take the test by the pay per test option, click on the 'Pay Now' button below where you can send payment online securely with your credit card or Pay Pal account. After your payment is submitted, click on ‘Return to gibneyCE.com’. That will take you to the test sign in page followed by the test. Members with certifications from both ISA and SAF, please be sure to add both of your certification numbers. These numbers are important for reporting purposes.
To take the test as an annual subscriber with reduced rates, click on Password and enter your test password which will take you to the test sign in page. If you would like to become a subscriber see our Annual Subscription page for details.
When you have finished answering all questions you will be prompted to click ‘next’ to send your answers to gibneyCE.com. You can then click ‘next’ to view your test summary. A test review of your answers is available upon request.
All passing test scores are sent from gibneyCE.com to your organization(s) at the end of every month and they will appear on your certification record 4 to 6 weeks* after that. ISA maintains a record of CEU credits on their website *SAF requires 5 passing test scores before reporting.
Test re-takes are allowed, however you will have to pay for the retake if you are using the pay per test option. You can spend as much time as you would like to take the test but it is important not to leave the test site until you have answered all the questions and see the 'sending your answers' response.
US National Christmas Tree
Edited by Len Phillips
For the last 50 years, during the holiday season, a beautiful tree has appeared on the west lawn of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. This year the tree is an 80 foot white spruce. The U.S. Forest Service, in partnership with Choose Outdoors and the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwa First Nation People, brought this special gift from Minnesota’s Chippewa National Forest to Washington, D.C. for the 2014 season. The 2014 US National Christmas tree travelled over roads all the way from Minnesota to Washington D.C., stopping at nearly 30 communities along the way to showcase Minnesota’s natural beauty.
The tree was cut during a public ceremony on October 29 and was then moved to Bemidji State University where it was prepared for the nearly 2,000-mile cross-country expedition. This annual tradition provides the opportunity for communities to celebrate the spirit of the season and the forests that connect us all.
U.S. Forest Service
The mission of the U.S. Forest Service is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land; provides assistance to state and private landowners; and maintains the largest forestry research organization in the world. Public lands that the Forest Service manages contribute more than $13 billion to the economy each year through visitor spending alone. Those same lands provide 20% of the nation’s clean water supply, a value estimated at $7.2 billion per year. The agency has either a direct or indirect role in stewardship of about 80% of the 850 million forested acres within the U.S., of which 100 million acres are urban forests where most Americans live. The U.S. Forest Service is in charge of cutting and maintaining the National Christmas tree.
Chippewa National Forest
The Chippewa National Forest was the first national forest established east of the Mississippi River, with nearly 700,000 acres at the River’s headwaters in north-central Minnesota. The Forest shares boundaries with the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwa and contains outstanding cultural resources; premier habitat for aquatic, riparian and terrestrial wildlife and plants, including nesting habitat for the largest breeding population of bald eagles in the lower 48 states; and vast wetland resources.
The Leech Lake Band of Ojibwa
The Leech Lake Band of Ojibwa, also known as the Leech Lake Band of Chippewa Indians or the Leech Lake Band of Minnesota Chippewa Tribe, and as Gaa-zagaskwaajimekaag Ojibweg in the Ojibwa language, is an Ojibwa band located in Minnesota and one of six making up the Minnesota Chippewa Indian Tribe. The Band has over 9,000 tribal members. The Band's land base is the Leech Lake Indian Reservation, comprising eleven communities defined in the tribal constitution.
Choose Outdoors
Choose Outdoors is a coalition for outdoor recreation comprised of people and organizations who are passionate about outdoor recreation, supporting public lands, waters, and the agencies charged with their care.
Minnesota Tree Growers Association
Along with the 2014 US National Christmas Tree, seventy companion trees were provided by the Minnesota Tree Growers Association to decorate the inside of the U.S. Capitol building and other sites throughout Washington, D.C., along with 10,000 handmade ornaments created by children and others from Minnesota communities as a gift from the “Land of 10,000 Lakes”. Best known for the tradition of school pictures, the employee-owned and Minnesota- based Lifetouch Pictures created a book to commemorate the history of the U.S. Capitol Christmas tree.
Tree Lighting
The tree lighting is expected to occur in early December, as determined by the U. S. Rep. John Boehner, Speaker of the House, and will be broadcast on C-SPAN. This is the 52nd year that General Electric (GE) provided the design and lights for the tree. The lighting design features colorful LEDs and some animation. LEDs have exclusively lit the National Christmas tree for the last five years. Round sugar plum lights in bright, traditional, multicolors provide the overall lighting. There is also a garland of warm white twinkling 7-inch LED spherical ornaments to provide visual interest during the day, as well as dramatic light movement at night.
Donations and sponsors covered the cost of transporting the tree across the country.
Source
“US National Christmas Tree for 2014”, USDA Forest Service website, 2014.
The test that follows contains 10 questions. Before taking the test be sure you have read the article carefully. The passing grade is 80% on the entire test.
ISA will award .5 CEUs* for a passing grade. SAF members will earn 0.5 Cat. 1-CF for every five passing test scores. The cost for taking this test is $10. If you purchase an annual subscription for 15 credits, the cost per credit is reduced by 50% (see Annual Subscription link below). We will report all passing test scores to ISA and/or SAF. If you are a member of ISA and SAF we will report your passing test scores to both for no additional cost. Please be sure to add both of your certification numbers when you sign in. Tests with passing scores may be submitted only once to each organization.
*Members of ISA may apply the 0.5 CEUs toward Certified Arborist, Utility Specialist, Municipal Specialist, Tree Worker Specialist, Aerial Lift Specialist, or BCMA management credits.
California UFC members will receive credit for passing the test. Please add your CaUFC number after your ISA and/or SAF certification number.
ASCA members may submit your ISA certification record to the ASCA and receive credits one for one.
MTOA members must follow the ISA instructions indicated above.
To take the test by the pay per test option, click on the 'Pay Now' button below where you can send payment online securely with your credit card or Pay Pal account. After your payment is submitted, click on ‘Return to gibneyCE.com’. That will take you to the test sign in page followed by the test. Members with certifications from both ISA and SAF, please be sure to add both of your certification numbers. These numbers are important for reporting purposes.
To take the test as an annual subscriber with reduced rates, click on Password and enter your test password which will take you to the test sign in page. If you would like to become a subscriber see our Annual Subscription page for details.
When you have finished answering all questions you will be prompted to click ‘next’ to send your answers to gibneyCE.com. You can then click ‘next’ to view your test summary. A test review of your answers is available upon request.
All passing test scores are sent from gibneyCE.com to your organization(s) at the end of every month and they will appear on your certification record 4 to 6 weeks* after that. ISA maintains a record of CEU credits on their website *SAF requires 5 passing test scores before reporting.
Test re-takes are allowed, however you will have to pay for the retake if you are using the pay per test option. You can spend as much time as you would like to take the test but it is important not to leave the test site until you have answered all the questions and see the 'sending your answers' response.
Edited by Len Phillips
For the last 50 years, during the holiday season, a beautiful tree has appeared on the west lawn of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. This year the tree is an 80 foot white spruce. The U.S. Forest Service, in partnership with Choose Outdoors and the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwa First Nation People, brought this special gift from Minnesota’s Chippewa National Forest to Washington, D.C. for the 2014 season. The 2014 US National Christmas tree travelled over roads all the way from Minnesota to Washington D.C., stopping at nearly 30 communities along the way to showcase Minnesota’s natural beauty.
The tree was cut during a public ceremony on October 29 and was then moved to Bemidji State University where it was prepared for the nearly 2,000-mile cross-country expedition. This annual tradition provides the opportunity for communities to celebrate the spirit of the season and the forests that connect us all.
U.S. Forest Service
The mission of the U.S. Forest Service is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land; provides assistance to state and private landowners; and maintains the largest forestry research organization in the world. Public lands that the Forest Service manages contribute more than $13 billion to the economy each year through visitor spending alone. Those same lands provide 20% of the nation’s clean water supply, a value estimated at $7.2 billion per year. The agency has either a direct or indirect role in stewardship of about 80% of the 850 million forested acres within the U.S., of which 100 million acres are urban forests where most Americans live. The U.S. Forest Service is in charge of cutting and maintaining the National Christmas tree.
Chippewa National Forest
The Chippewa National Forest was the first national forest established east of the Mississippi River, with nearly 700,000 acres at the River’s headwaters in north-central Minnesota. The Forest shares boundaries with the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwa and contains outstanding cultural resources; premier habitat for aquatic, riparian and terrestrial wildlife and plants, including nesting habitat for the largest breeding population of bald eagles in the lower 48 states; and vast wetland resources.
The Leech Lake Band of Ojibwa
The Leech Lake Band of Ojibwa, also known as the Leech Lake Band of Chippewa Indians or the Leech Lake Band of Minnesota Chippewa Tribe, and as Gaa-zagaskwaajimekaag Ojibweg in the Ojibwa language, is an Ojibwa band located in Minnesota and one of six making up the Minnesota Chippewa Indian Tribe. The Band has over 9,000 tribal members. The Band's land base is the Leech Lake Indian Reservation, comprising eleven communities defined in the tribal constitution.
Choose Outdoors
Choose Outdoors is a coalition for outdoor recreation comprised of people and organizations who are passionate about outdoor recreation, supporting public lands, waters, and the agencies charged with their care.
Minnesota Tree Growers Association
Along with the 2014 US National Christmas Tree, seventy companion trees were provided by the Minnesota Tree Growers Association to decorate the inside of the U.S. Capitol building and other sites throughout Washington, D.C., along with 10,000 handmade ornaments created by children and others from Minnesota communities as a gift from the “Land of 10,000 Lakes”. Best known for the tradition of school pictures, the employee-owned and Minnesota- based Lifetouch Pictures created a book to commemorate the history of the U.S. Capitol Christmas tree.
Tree Lighting
The tree lighting is expected to occur in early December, as determined by the U. S. Rep. John Boehner, Speaker of the House, and will be broadcast on C-SPAN. This is the 52nd year that General Electric (GE) provided the design and lights for the tree. The lighting design features colorful LEDs and some animation. LEDs have exclusively lit the National Christmas tree for the last five years. Round sugar plum lights in bright, traditional, multicolors provide the overall lighting. There is also a garland of warm white twinkling 7-inch LED spherical ornaments to provide visual interest during the day, as well as dramatic light movement at night.
Donations and sponsors covered the cost of transporting the tree across the country.
Source
“US National Christmas Tree for 2014”, USDA Forest Service website, 2014.
The test that follows contains 10 questions. Before taking the test be sure you have read the article carefully. The passing grade is 80% on the entire test.
ISA will award .5 CEUs* for a passing grade. SAF members will earn 0.5 Cat. 1-CF for every five passing test scores. The cost for taking this test is $10. If you purchase an annual subscription for 15 credits, the cost per credit is reduced by 50% (see Annual Subscription link below). We will report all passing test scores to ISA and/or SAF. If you are a member of ISA and SAF we will report your passing test scores to both for no additional cost. Please be sure to add both of your certification numbers when you sign in. Tests with passing scores may be submitted only once to each organization.
*Members of ISA may apply the 0.5 CEUs toward Certified Arborist, Utility Specialist, Municipal Specialist, Tree Worker Specialist, Aerial Lift Specialist, or BCMA management credits.
California UFC members will receive credit for passing the test. Please add your CaUFC number after your ISA and/or SAF certification number.
ASCA members may submit your ISA certification record to the ASCA and receive credits one for one.
MTOA members must follow the ISA instructions indicated above.
To take the test by the pay per test option, click on the 'Pay Now' button below where you can send payment online securely with your credit card or Pay Pal account. After your payment is submitted, click on ‘Return to gibneyCE.com’. That will take you to the test sign in page followed by the test. Members with certifications from both ISA and SAF, please be sure to add both of your certification numbers. These numbers are important for reporting purposes.
To take the test as an annual subscriber with reduced rates, click on Password and enter your test password which will take you to the test sign in page. If you would like to become a subscriber see our Annual Subscription page for details.
When you have finished answering all questions you will be prompted to click ‘next’ to send your answers to gibneyCE.com. You can then click ‘next’ to view your test summary. A test review of your answers is available upon request.
All passing test scores are sent from gibneyCE.com to your organization(s) at the end of every month and they will appear on your certification record 4 to 6 weeks* after that. ISA maintains a record of CEU credits on their website *SAF requires 5 passing test scores before reporting.
Test re-takes are allowed, however you will have to pay for the retake if you are using the pay per test option. You can spend as much time as you would like to take the test but it is important not to leave the test site until you have answered all the questions and see the 'sending your answers' response.
Trees in Threes #59
Edited by Len Phillips
We now realize that we need a diversity of trees in our urban forests, to guard against pest problems like the Emerald Ash Borer. We need to plant more of the superior trees developed by the nursery industry to improve urban forestry. We have to plan the planting of city trees, and understand the problems and consequences of our actions. However, many cities prefer or have policies to plant the same tree at every suitable location along an entire block. The intention is to provide uniformity to the appearance of the city. But, to avoid monoculture problems in the future, it is clear that plantings like this must be avoided.
Fortunately, it is possible to gain diversity without giving up the aesthetic advantages of uniformity. Through the careful selection and grouping of trees into similar sizes and textures, communities of trees can be created. This provides a genetic diversity while maintaining a visual uniformity. As new pests and diseases inhabit our woody landscapes, species diversity will be a critical key to minimizing their potentially bad impact.
An example combining the best of both worlds might be using Schlesinger Red Maple, His Majesty Cork Tree, and Prospector Elm if you are looking for a row of broadly vase shaped trees that grow 40 – 45 feet high and 35 feet wide and have grayish colored bark.
Schlesinger Maple – Acer rubrum ‘Schlesingeri’
Height: 45'
Spread: 35'
Shape: Broadly vase shaped with a rounded crown
Bark: Light gray in youth, dark gray with age
Zone: 4 – 9
Foliage: Medium green
Fall Color: Orange to orange-red
Flower: Small red flowers very early in the spring, before the leaves
Fruit: Reddish samara
Disease Resistance: Nothing significant
Schlesinger’s form is unusual among the Red Maples in that its’ strong upright spreading branches form a broad vase shaped crown. Also unique is the soft tone of its fall color. Most good red maples’ fall color can be described as brilliant, but Schlesinger is better termed pastel.
His Majesty™ Cork Tree – Phellodendron ‘His Majesty’
Height: 40'
Spread: 35'
Shape: Broadly vase shaped
Bark: Brownish gray with deep furrows
Zone: 3 – 7
Foliage: Medium green all summer.
Fall Color: Yellow
Flower: Small yellowish green flowers in May
Fruit: Generally seedless
Pest Resistance: Good
Fact Sheet
Fast growing, upright spreading and hardy, this seedless selection features a better branching habit than the species. Introduced by Harold Pellett of the University of Minnesota, this cultivar appears to be a hybrid of P. sachalinense and P. amurense.
Prospector Elm – Ulmus wilsoniana ‘Prospector’
Height: 40’
Spread: 30’
Shape: Vase shaped
Bark: Grayish brown
Zone: 4b – 9
Foliage: Deep green, glossy
Fall Color: Yellow
Flower: inconspicuous, mid-summer
Fruit: Small samara
Insect Resistance: Elm leaf beetle
Disease Resistance: Dutch Elm Disease and phloem necrosis
Fact Sheet
This cultivar forms a broadly vase shaped crown at an early age, and provides the form and toughness of the American Elm without its problems. It is widely adaptable to climatic extremes. This National Arboretum
introduction has proven to be widely adaptable to climatic extremes.
The test that follows contains 10 questions. Before taking the test be sure you have read the article carefully. The passing grade is 80% on the entire test.
ISA will award .5 CEUs* for a passing grade. SAF members will earn 0.5 Cat. 1-CF for every five passing test scores. The cost for taking this test is $10. If you purchase an annual subscription for 15 credits, the cost per credit is reduced by 50% (see Annual Subscription link below). We will report all passing test scores to ISA and/or SAF. If you are a member of ISA and SAF we will report your passing test scores to both for no additional cost. Please be sure to add both of your certification numbers when you sign in. Tests with passing scores may be submitted only once to each organization.
*Members of ISA may apply the 0.5 CEUs toward Certified Arborist, Utility Specialist, Municipal Specialist, Tree Worker Specialist, Aerial Lift Specialist, or BCMA management credits.
California UFC members will receive credit for passing the test. Please add your CaUFC number after your ISA and/or SAF certification number.
ASCA members may submit your ISA certification record to the ASCA and receive credits one for one.
MTOA members must follow the ISA instructions indicated above.
To take the test by the pay per test option, click on the 'Pay Now' button below where you can send payment online securely with your credit card or Pay Pal account. After your payment is submitted, click on ‘Return to gibneyCE.com’. That will take you to the test sign in page followed by the test. Members with certifications from both ISA and SAF, please be sure to add both of your certification numbers. These numbers are important for reporting purposes.
To take the test as an annual subscriber with reduced rates, click on Password and enter your test password which will take you to the test sign in page. If you would like to become a subscriber see our Annual Subscription page for details.
When you have finished answering all questions you will be prompted to click ‘next’ to send your answers to gibneyCE.com. You can then click ‘next’ to view your test summary. A test review of your answers is available upon request.
All passing test scores are sent from gibneyCE.com to your organization(s) at the end of every month and they will appear on your certification record 4 to 6 weeks* after that. ISA maintains a record of CEU credits on their website *SAF requires 5 passing test scores before reporting.
Test re-takes are allowed, however you will have to pay for the retake if you are using the pay per test option. You can spend as much time as you would like to take the test but it is important not to leave the test site until you have answered all the questions and see the 'sending your answers' response.
Edited by Len Phillips
We now realize that we need a diversity of trees in our urban forests, to guard against pest problems like the Emerald Ash Borer. We need to plant more of the superior trees developed by the nursery industry to improve urban forestry. We have to plan the planting of city trees, and understand the problems and consequences of our actions. However, many cities prefer or have policies to plant the same tree at every suitable location along an entire block. The intention is to provide uniformity to the appearance of the city. But, to avoid monoculture problems in the future, it is clear that plantings like this must be avoided.
Fortunately, it is possible to gain diversity without giving up the aesthetic advantages of uniformity. Through the careful selection and grouping of trees into similar sizes and textures, communities of trees can be created. This provides a genetic diversity while maintaining a visual uniformity. As new pests and diseases inhabit our woody landscapes, species diversity will be a critical key to minimizing their potentially bad impact.
An example combining the best of both worlds might be using Schlesinger Red Maple, His Majesty Cork Tree, and Prospector Elm if you are looking for a row of broadly vase shaped trees that grow 40 – 45 feet high and 35 feet wide and have grayish colored bark.
Schlesinger Maple – Acer rubrum ‘Schlesingeri’
Height: 45'
Spread: 35'
Shape: Broadly vase shaped with a rounded crown
Bark: Light gray in youth, dark gray with age
Zone: 4 – 9
Foliage: Medium green
Fall Color: Orange to orange-red
Flower: Small red flowers very early in the spring, before the leaves
Fruit: Reddish samara
Disease Resistance: Nothing significant
Schlesinger’s form is unusual among the Red Maples in that its’ strong upright spreading branches form a broad vase shaped crown. Also unique is the soft tone of its fall color. Most good red maples’ fall color can be described as brilliant, but Schlesinger is better termed pastel.
His Majesty™ Cork Tree – Phellodendron ‘His Majesty’
Height: 40'
Spread: 35'
Shape: Broadly vase shaped
Bark: Brownish gray with deep furrows
Zone: 3 – 7
Foliage: Medium green all summer.
Fall Color: Yellow
Flower: Small yellowish green flowers in May
Fruit: Generally seedless
Pest Resistance: Good
Fact Sheet
Fast growing, upright spreading and hardy, this seedless selection features a better branching habit than the species. Introduced by Harold Pellett of the University of Minnesota, this cultivar appears to be a hybrid of P. sachalinense and P. amurense.
Prospector Elm – Ulmus wilsoniana ‘Prospector’
Height: 40’
Spread: 30’
Shape: Vase shaped
Bark: Grayish brown
Zone: 4b – 9
Foliage: Deep green, glossy
Fall Color: Yellow
Flower: inconspicuous, mid-summer
Fruit: Small samara
Insect Resistance: Elm leaf beetle
Disease Resistance: Dutch Elm Disease and phloem necrosis
Fact Sheet
This cultivar forms a broadly vase shaped crown at an early age, and provides the form and toughness of the American Elm without its problems. It is widely adaptable to climatic extremes. This National Arboretum
introduction has proven to be widely adaptable to climatic extremes.
The test that follows contains 10 questions. Before taking the test be sure you have read the article carefully. The passing grade is 80% on the entire test.
ISA will award .5 CEUs* for a passing grade. SAF members will earn 0.5 Cat. 1-CF for every five passing test scores. The cost for taking this test is $10. If you purchase an annual subscription for 15 credits, the cost per credit is reduced by 50% (see Annual Subscription link below). We will report all passing test scores to ISA and/or SAF. If you are a member of ISA and SAF we will report your passing test scores to both for no additional cost. Please be sure to add both of your certification numbers when you sign in. Tests with passing scores may be submitted only once to each organization.
*Members of ISA may apply the 0.5 CEUs toward Certified Arborist, Utility Specialist, Municipal Specialist, Tree Worker Specialist, Aerial Lift Specialist, or BCMA management credits.
California UFC members will receive credit for passing the test. Please add your CaUFC number after your ISA and/or SAF certification number.
ASCA members may submit your ISA certification record to the ASCA and receive credits one for one.
MTOA members must follow the ISA instructions indicated above.
To take the test by the pay per test option, click on the 'Pay Now' button below where you can send payment online securely with your credit card or Pay Pal account. After your payment is submitted, click on ‘Return to gibneyCE.com’. That will take you to the test sign in page followed by the test. Members with certifications from both ISA and SAF, please be sure to add both of your certification numbers. These numbers are important for reporting purposes.
To take the test as an annual subscriber with reduced rates, click on Password and enter your test password which will take you to the test sign in page. If you would like to become a subscriber see our Annual Subscription page for details.
When you have finished answering all questions you will be prompted to click ‘next’ to send your answers to gibneyCE.com. You can then click ‘next’ to view your test summary. A test review of your answers is available upon request.
All passing test scores are sent from gibneyCE.com to your organization(s) at the end of every month and they will appear on your certification record 4 to 6 weeks* after that. ISA maintains a record of CEU credits on their website *SAF requires 5 passing test scores before reporting.
Test re-takes are allowed, however you will have to pay for the retake if you are using the pay per test option. You can spend as much time as you would like to take the test but it is important not to leave the test site until you have answered all the questions and see the 'sending your answers' response.