Seminar #71 from Online Seminars for Municipal Arborists – November / December 2016
Sections Go directly to the section by clicking on the title below
Sections Go directly to the section by clicking on the title below
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Case Study
Trees on the Toronto Waterfront
Edited by Len Phillips
The City of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, has been undergoing a massive effort to refurbish the City's shoreline on Lake Ontario. It is one of the largest waterfront revitalization efforts ever undertaken in the world. The work has been divided into 8 separate projects consisting of street reconstructions, park developments, new buildings, and most importantly, new trees. The projects all required that trees be provided soil areas that will meet the city's minimum soil volume requirements to ensure the long term growth of the urban trees. The high water table, near the Lake, was also a problem that was solved by providing adequate soil volume over a wider area, rather than the deeper area that is normal. The projects were also intended to improve the quality of groundwater, reduce flooding, improve the beaches, provide shady areas, and encourage recreation uses on the waterfront.
Soil Cell Testing
Soil cells provided the answer to many of these concerns. Soil cells are used in many cities as a system to provide large volumes of un-compacted planting soil for trees in the dense urban center. Lesser known, but equally important, is that most, but not all soil cells have the ability to manage stormwater runoff as the source control .
The Queensway
Toronto Water, the city’s water authority, wanted to test the soil cells' capacity to manage surface water runoff. So in the spring of 2008, the city installed a proof-of-concept installation on the Queensway, a commercial street in the east end of the city - see Photo. The soil cell contractor excavated trenches for two soil cell systems, each two cells wide and with spots for two tree openings. Each soil cell system straddled the sidewalk and parking bays - see Photo.
The soil cells were filled with a bioretention soil mix that has a 20% water holding capacity. All of the rainwater runoff is collected in the city’s standard stormwater catch basin. In effect, the soil cell is being used to create a giant rain garden underneath the sidewalks and parking bays that serves two purposes: one, to reduce peak-flow runoff and the second, to filter out pollutants. The soil cell system selected by the City provided more soil and water holding capacity than other types of soil cells.
A typical rain event in Toronto is 0.09 - 0.12 in. (2 - 3 mm) in 24 hours, and 50% of Toronto’s annual precipitation events are less than 0.19 in. (5 mm). The soil cell system was laid out and sized to manage the runoff from a 2 in. (5 cm) per 24 hour rain event.
An 8 in. (20 cm) PVC pipe runs from the street catch basin into the top layer of the soil cell system, delivering all of the surface runoff from the roadway and adjacent sidewalks into the bioretention soil. A perforated PVC pipe then distributes the surface runoff evenly throughout the soil, and the water infiltrates through the soil until it reaches the bottom of the system where a perforated drain line carries any excess overflow into the existing stormwater system - see Photo. Depending on the site, the runoff that percolates to the bottom of the soil cell system can be infiltrated into the subsoil to help replenish the aquifer. All of the runoff water is cleansed and detained by the bioretention soil.
The system also meets AASHTO H-20 loading requirements to support parking on the surface over the root zone. The entire project took three days to completely install and provides a total of almost 600 cubic feet (16 cubic meters) of soil per tree.
Stormwater Flow and Quality
Just before the Queensway project began, the City decided it wanted to track the volume of infiltration and quality of water in and out of the soil cells. To do this, the trees were planted in pairs. After four years, one set of trees were disconnected from the associated catch basin so it only receives whatever surface water that happens to flow into the tree opening. This created a control. The other tree was left connected. The pollutant reduction concentration results, and well as other interim findings, will be included in a report issued by the city. The system will continue to be monitored throughout 2016, and a full report should be completed later this next year. The preliminary reports show significant peak flow reductions and as well as increased water quality.
As the two trees in each of the trenches mature, they significantly increase the efficiency of the system, by transpiring large volumes of rainwater out of the soil through their roots systems and evaporating much of the rainfall with their canopies.
Queens Quay-Revitalizing Toronto’s Waterfront
Following the success of the Queensway project, the City undertook the construction of several other projects using the soil cell system that worked out so well on The Queensway. One typical project was a different street called the Queens Quay which is located on the waterfront. Stormwater bioretention was a major factor in this project because of its proximity to the Lake and past flooding issues.
Queens Quay, Toronto’s main waterfront street, stretches over 1 mi (1.7km). Before this reconstruction, the street was defined by four lanes of vehicle traffic with narrow sidewalks, and outdated public transit facilities. Dominated by delivery vehicles and used primarily as a loading zone for the businesses and condominiums that lined the street, Queens Quay acted as a barrier to the City’s waterfront.
The revitalization of Queens Quay consisted of transforming the busy roadway into a pedestrian promenade and was one of the most complex street reconstruction projects in Toronto’s history - see Photo. The project has transformed the central waterfront into a vibrant new landmark and destination for the City. The re-envisioned Queens Quay now serves as a linear park connecting various parts of the city - see Photo.
A key element of the design is the 232 new trees that line the north and south sides of the street and the Martin Goodman Trail, a multi-use recreational trail that is now, for the first time, continuous along the full length of the City’s waterfront - see Photo.
On the north side of the street, a mix of maples (Acer), honey locusts (Gleditsia), elms (Ulmus), and lindens (Tilia) are planted in continuous trenches with 4 ft. (1.2m) diameter sidewalk openings, meeting the city’s standard requirement of 500 cu. ft. (15 cu. m.) of soil per tree - see Photo. The promenade trees on the south side of the street are London plane (Platanus) trees arranged in two alternating rows with 5 ft. (1.5m) diameter openings, planted within wide continuous trenches - see Photo. The soil cells were used to allow the soil volume to span beneath the Martin Goodman Trail and were essential in meeting and exceeding the city’s target soil volume of 1,000 cu. ft. (30 cu. m.) per tree.
Stormwater is also being managed on-site. While the use of soil cells and the collection of stormwater was initially designed with tree growth in mind, early in the design process, the design team recognized that the system had the potential to manage stormwater on a broader scale through interception, absorption, and evapo-transpiration. The design for the irrigation system was fully integrated into the storm water system for the street, with input from the City, to ensure that performance and maintenance requirements were met - see Photo.
Prior to the reconstruction, the existing storm system on the street surcharged and flooding was an issue during major rain events. The new integrated system showed important positive impacts on the overall stormwater calculations for the site. Surface water runoff from the Martin Goodman Trail, and boulevard surfaces, now enters the system via custom designed catch basins that capture and store the first flush of runoff, and allows stormwater to enter the soil cells through a network of perforated pipes that passively irrigate the trees. In total, 47% of all surface runoff is being diverted into the soil cells and the entire system is designed to handle a 100-year rain event. The stormwater results achieved on these projects are directly related to the specific type of soil cell used. Not all soil cells have stormwater capabilities and will not necessarily provide the same results.
In addition to the low-impact features of the site, landscape materials were selected to be sustainable, robust, and durable. The granite cobbles that pave the street with a maple leaf mosaic hail from Quebec and the yellow cedar (Cupressus nootkatensis) for the custom wood street light poles are harvested sustainably in British Columbia. Wood benches line the promenade and add a splash of color with their bright red cast aluminum supports that also sport the abstracted maple leaf. The project as a whole comes together as a street that welcomes not only residents of the City, but visitors from around the country, and the world.
People look at this street as a long public square, according to Michael James of DeepRoot Canada Corp. who supplied the soil cells. The street now has all the amenities of a central, public square with transit stops, places to sit, eat, and shop, and places where things slow down and become pedestrian in scale. And it is much easier to connect to and enjoy the waterfront.
Sources
· Special thanks to Michael James, General Manager of DeepRoot Canada.
· Silva Cell Case Studies, “Revitalizing Toronto’s Waterfront Along Queens Quay”, The Queensway Toronto, ON, 2016.
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, Municipal 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 Merchant' / 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 on the Toronto Waterfront
Edited by Len Phillips
The City of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, has been undergoing a massive effort to refurbish the City's shoreline on Lake Ontario. It is one of the largest waterfront revitalization efforts ever undertaken in the world. The work has been divided into 8 separate projects consisting of street reconstructions, park developments, new buildings, and most importantly, new trees. The projects all required that trees be provided soil areas that will meet the city's minimum soil volume requirements to ensure the long term growth of the urban trees. The high water table, near the Lake, was also a problem that was solved by providing adequate soil volume over a wider area, rather than the deeper area that is normal. The projects were also intended to improve the quality of groundwater, reduce flooding, improve the beaches, provide shady areas, and encourage recreation uses on the waterfront.
Soil Cell Testing
Soil cells provided the answer to many of these concerns. Soil cells are used in many cities as a system to provide large volumes of un-compacted planting soil for trees in the dense urban center. Lesser known, but equally important, is that most, but not all soil cells have the ability to manage stormwater runoff as the source control .
The Queensway
Toronto Water, the city’s water authority, wanted to test the soil cells' capacity to manage surface water runoff. So in the spring of 2008, the city installed a proof-of-concept installation on the Queensway, a commercial street in the east end of the city - see Photo. The soil cell contractor excavated trenches for two soil cell systems, each two cells wide and with spots for two tree openings. Each soil cell system straddled the sidewalk and parking bays - see Photo.
The soil cells were filled with a bioretention soil mix that has a 20% water holding capacity. All of the rainwater runoff is collected in the city’s standard stormwater catch basin. In effect, the soil cell is being used to create a giant rain garden underneath the sidewalks and parking bays that serves two purposes: one, to reduce peak-flow runoff and the second, to filter out pollutants. The soil cell system selected by the City provided more soil and water holding capacity than other types of soil cells.
A typical rain event in Toronto is 0.09 - 0.12 in. (2 - 3 mm) in 24 hours, and 50% of Toronto’s annual precipitation events are less than 0.19 in. (5 mm). The soil cell system was laid out and sized to manage the runoff from a 2 in. (5 cm) per 24 hour rain event.
An 8 in. (20 cm) PVC pipe runs from the street catch basin into the top layer of the soil cell system, delivering all of the surface runoff from the roadway and adjacent sidewalks into the bioretention soil. A perforated PVC pipe then distributes the surface runoff evenly throughout the soil, and the water infiltrates through the soil until it reaches the bottom of the system where a perforated drain line carries any excess overflow into the existing stormwater system - see Photo. Depending on the site, the runoff that percolates to the bottom of the soil cell system can be infiltrated into the subsoil to help replenish the aquifer. All of the runoff water is cleansed and detained by the bioretention soil.
The system also meets AASHTO H-20 loading requirements to support parking on the surface over the root zone. The entire project took three days to completely install and provides a total of almost 600 cubic feet (16 cubic meters) of soil per tree.
Stormwater Flow and Quality
Just before the Queensway project began, the City decided it wanted to track the volume of infiltration and quality of water in and out of the soil cells. To do this, the trees were planted in pairs. After four years, one set of trees were disconnected from the associated catch basin so it only receives whatever surface water that happens to flow into the tree opening. This created a control. The other tree was left connected. The pollutant reduction concentration results, and well as other interim findings, will be included in a report issued by the city. The system will continue to be monitored throughout 2016, and a full report should be completed later this next year. The preliminary reports show significant peak flow reductions and as well as increased water quality.
As the two trees in each of the trenches mature, they significantly increase the efficiency of the system, by transpiring large volumes of rainwater out of the soil through their roots systems and evaporating much of the rainfall with their canopies.
Queens Quay-Revitalizing Toronto’s Waterfront
Following the success of the Queensway project, the City undertook the construction of several other projects using the soil cell system that worked out so well on The Queensway. One typical project was a different street called the Queens Quay which is located on the waterfront. Stormwater bioretention was a major factor in this project because of its proximity to the Lake and past flooding issues.
Queens Quay, Toronto’s main waterfront street, stretches over 1 mi (1.7km). Before this reconstruction, the street was defined by four lanes of vehicle traffic with narrow sidewalks, and outdated public transit facilities. Dominated by delivery vehicles and used primarily as a loading zone for the businesses and condominiums that lined the street, Queens Quay acted as a barrier to the City’s waterfront.
The revitalization of Queens Quay consisted of transforming the busy roadway into a pedestrian promenade and was one of the most complex street reconstruction projects in Toronto’s history - see Photo. The project has transformed the central waterfront into a vibrant new landmark and destination for the City. The re-envisioned Queens Quay now serves as a linear park connecting various parts of the city - see Photo.
A key element of the design is the 232 new trees that line the north and south sides of the street and the Martin Goodman Trail, a multi-use recreational trail that is now, for the first time, continuous along the full length of the City’s waterfront - see Photo.
On the north side of the street, a mix of maples (Acer), honey locusts (Gleditsia), elms (Ulmus), and lindens (Tilia) are planted in continuous trenches with 4 ft. (1.2m) diameter sidewalk openings, meeting the city’s standard requirement of 500 cu. ft. (15 cu. m.) of soil per tree - see Photo. The promenade trees on the south side of the street are London plane (Platanus) trees arranged in two alternating rows with 5 ft. (1.5m) diameter openings, planted within wide continuous trenches - see Photo. The soil cells were used to allow the soil volume to span beneath the Martin Goodman Trail and were essential in meeting and exceeding the city’s target soil volume of 1,000 cu. ft. (30 cu. m.) per tree.
Stormwater is also being managed on-site. While the use of soil cells and the collection of stormwater was initially designed with tree growth in mind, early in the design process, the design team recognized that the system had the potential to manage stormwater on a broader scale through interception, absorption, and evapo-transpiration. The design for the irrigation system was fully integrated into the storm water system for the street, with input from the City, to ensure that performance and maintenance requirements were met - see Photo.
Prior to the reconstruction, the existing storm system on the street surcharged and flooding was an issue during major rain events. The new integrated system showed important positive impacts on the overall stormwater calculations for the site. Surface water runoff from the Martin Goodman Trail, and boulevard surfaces, now enters the system via custom designed catch basins that capture and store the first flush of runoff, and allows stormwater to enter the soil cells through a network of perforated pipes that passively irrigate the trees. In total, 47% of all surface runoff is being diverted into the soil cells and the entire system is designed to handle a 100-year rain event. The stormwater results achieved on these projects are directly related to the specific type of soil cell used. Not all soil cells have stormwater capabilities and will not necessarily provide the same results.
In addition to the low-impact features of the site, landscape materials were selected to be sustainable, robust, and durable. The granite cobbles that pave the street with a maple leaf mosaic hail from Quebec and the yellow cedar (Cupressus nootkatensis) for the custom wood street light poles are harvested sustainably in British Columbia. Wood benches line the promenade and add a splash of color with their bright red cast aluminum supports that also sport the abstracted maple leaf. The project as a whole comes together as a street that welcomes not only residents of the City, but visitors from around the country, and the world.
People look at this street as a long public square, according to Michael James of DeepRoot Canada Corp. who supplied the soil cells. The street now has all the amenities of a central, public square with transit stops, places to sit, eat, and shop, and places where things slow down and become pedestrian in scale. And it is much easier to connect to and enjoy the waterfront.
Sources
· Special thanks to Michael James, General Manager of DeepRoot Canada.
· Silva Cell Case Studies, “Revitalizing Toronto’s Waterfront Along Queens Quay”, The Queensway Toronto, ON, 2016.
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, Municipal 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 Merchant' / 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.
Wetland Delineation
Edited by Len Phillips
Wetland delineation is the unseen line of transition between aquatic ecosystems and the abutting uplands. Any development or modification to a site will require wetland delineation prior to the beginning of construction. Due to backlog of requests and long waits, many landowners find it desirable to hire an arborist, landscape architect, or wetlands consultant to delineate wetland boundaries within the proposed construction site. This delineation is then submitted with the construction permit, and is subject to a possible field check of the boundary by local authorities.
Wetlands are characterized by the saturation of the soil, by the trees and plants able to grow in saturated conditions, and by soils subject to periodic flooding. Wetlands generally include swamps, marshes, bogs, and similar areas. The term wetland “delineation” is usually used to refer to the determination of precise boundaries on the ground through field surveys. A wetland delineator uses the local city's wetland regulatory definition and any supplementary criteria. The delineator also uses wetland or other available maps and field observations of hydrology, vegetation, and soils to draw this line on the ground.
However, scientists disagree about how to characterize a wetland and the range of soil characteristics found with wetlands. These differences of opinion result in dozens of slightly different wetland definitions used by scientists, local governments, states, federal agencies, and others.
Wetlands must have the following attributes:
Climate, of course, varies from one region to another. Rainfall varies in the U.S. from over 120 inches a year in some areas of the Northwest to less than 7 inches per year in New Mexico. However, infrequent wet areas along rivers and streams in the Southwest may have similar ecological functions to much wetter areas in the Northwest.
Wetland Maps
Wetland definitions typically contain a broad criteria for identification on the ground. For example – saturation, soil type, trees, and plants are all used to identify the edge of a wetland. Federal, state, and local government agencies administering these regulations have often adopted more specific criteria, based on local conditions. These criteria are then applied through air photo interpretation and other sources of information to prepare wetland maps. The criteria are also applied in on-site field delineation to determine the wetland boundaries.
Wetland maps usually indicate wetland type and other characteristics as well as the wetland boundaries. Wetland maps may contain soils information, topographic features, flood limits, surface water features, and other types of information.
A number of state regulatory agencies such as in New York, Massachusetts, and Wisconsin, have prepared their own wetland maps for wetland regulatory and management purposes. Many other states are using the National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) maps or a state version of these maps. Some local governments have also prepared their own wetland maps or have incorporated a variation of the NWI maps into their GIS systems.
Indicators
Wetland scientists and regulators use three types of wetland characteristics in defining, mapping, and delineating wetlands:
Wetland Determination
One or more indicators of wetland vegetation, wetland hydrology, and wetland soils must be present for an area to be declared a wetland. If you observe definite indicators of any of these three characteristics, you should make a wetland determination or seek assistance from a wetlands specialist.
Sources of Information
Most wetland maps are based primarily upon air photo interpretations. Wetland boundaries on air photos are drawn based upon vegetation and observed standing water. On-the-ground field surveys may also be used to check air photos and other information sources. Some detailed local wetland mapping efforts may be based primarily upon field surveys of vegetation, soils, and hydrology instead of air photos.
Wetland maps are useful in suggesting whether a property is located in a wetland, the type of wetland, and the overall wetland boundary. However, maps may be inaccurate and unable to locate detailed wetland boundaries on the ground. In these cases field delineations utilizing wetland indicators are used to refine boundaries. Surveys to determine the wetland boundary involve a detailed examination of vegetation, soil borings, and a search for hydrologic indicators such as ground water depth and flood water marks on trees. In rare instances more detailed hydrologic studies over time may be required. During this process, the boundaries are “red flagged” on the ground and the boundaries are more precisely identified.
Wetland boundaries are more difficult to identify where slopes are gradual and where inundation or saturation occurs only during a portion of the year. These sites are common in flats and some low gradient wetlands such as an infrequently flooded coastal flat, estuary, lake fringe, and a shoreline wetland. Wetland boundaries are also often difficult to delineate in highly altered areas that have been partially drained or filled. Here, the combination of all trees, plants, soils, and hydrologic indicators must be used to delineate boundaries.
Delineators
Wetland boundaries may be identified by a landowner for frequently flooded or saturated wetlands and for wetlands with relatively steep slopes. However, landowners often need expert assistance for infrequently flooded or saturated areas, low gradient areas, and highly altered land. Some state and local regulatory programs will carry out delineations for landowners.
Trees that Tolerate Wet Soil
The following deciduous trees are tolerant of poorly drained and flooded sites and therefore are likely to be indicators of wetlands.
Boxelder (Acer negundo)
Red maple (Acer rubrum)
Red Sunset maple (Acer r. saccharinum)
Silver maple (Acer saccharinum)
Ohio buckeye (Aesculus glabra)
Black alder (Alnus glutinosa)
White alder (Alnus incana)
Speckled alder (Alnus rugosa)
River birch (Betula nigra)
Paper birch (Betula papyrifera)
Northern catalpa (Catalpa speciosa)
Common hackberry (Celtis occidentalis)
Pagoda dogwood (Cornus alternifolia)
Tamarack (Larix laricina)
European larch (Larix decidua)
Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis)
Eastern cottonwood (Populus deltoides)
Bigtooth aspen (Populus grandidentata)
Waferash (Ptelea trifoliata)
Bicolor oak (Quercus bicolor)
Bur oak (Quercus macrocarpa)
Eastern pin oak (Quercus palustris)
Peachleaf willow (Salix amygdaloides)
White willow (Salix alba)
Black willow (Salix nigra)
Showy Mountain-ash (Sorbus decora)
Baldcypress (Taxodium distichum)
American elm (Ulmus americana)
The following evergreen trees are also tolerant of poorly drained and flooded sites and therefore are likely to be indicators of wetlands.
White spruce (Picea glauca)
Black spruce (Picea mariana)
Northern white-cedar (Thuja occidentalis)
Canadian hemlock (Tsuga canadensis)
Sources:
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, Municipal 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 Merchant' / 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
Wetland delineation is the unseen line of transition between aquatic ecosystems and the abutting uplands. Any development or modification to a site will require wetland delineation prior to the beginning of construction. Due to backlog of requests and long waits, many landowners find it desirable to hire an arborist, landscape architect, or wetlands consultant to delineate wetland boundaries within the proposed construction site. This delineation is then submitted with the construction permit, and is subject to a possible field check of the boundary by local authorities.
Wetlands are characterized by the saturation of the soil, by the trees and plants able to grow in saturated conditions, and by soils subject to periodic flooding. Wetlands generally include swamps, marshes, bogs, and similar areas. The term wetland “delineation” is usually used to refer to the determination of precise boundaries on the ground through field surveys. A wetland delineator uses the local city's wetland regulatory definition and any supplementary criteria. The delineator also uses wetland or other available maps and field observations of hydrology, vegetation, and soils to draw this line on the ground.
However, scientists disagree about how to characterize a wetland and the range of soil characteristics found with wetlands. These differences of opinion result in dozens of slightly different wetland definitions used by scientists, local governments, states, federal agencies, and others.
Wetlands must have the following attributes:
- the soil is predominantly poorly drained,
- the soil is saturated or covered by shallow water at some time during the growing season.
Climate, of course, varies from one region to another. Rainfall varies in the U.S. from over 120 inches a year in some areas of the Northwest to less than 7 inches per year in New Mexico. However, infrequent wet areas along rivers and streams in the Southwest may have similar ecological functions to much wetter areas in the Northwest.
Wetland Maps
Wetland definitions typically contain a broad criteria for identification on the ground. For example – saturation, soil type, trees, and plants are all used to identify the edge of a wetland. Federal, state, and local government agencies administering these regulations have often adopted more specific criteria, based on local conditions. These criteria are then applied through air photo interpretation and other sources of information to prepare wetland maps. The criteria are also applied in on-site field delineation to determine the wetland boundaries.
Wetland maps usually indicate wetland type and other characteristics as well as the wetland boundaries. Wetland maps may contain soils information, topographic features, flood limits, surface water features, and other types of information.
A number of state regulatory agencies such as in New York, Massachusetts, and Wisconsin, have prepared their own wetland maps for wetland regulatory and management purposes. Many other states are using the National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) maps or a state version of these maps. Some local governments have also prepared their own wetland maps or have incorporated a variation of the NWI maps into their GIS systems.
Indicators
Wetland scientists and regulators use three types of wetland characteristics in defining, mapping, and delineating wetlands:
- Wetland Vegetation – The species of trees and plants that can live in wetlands are determined by the depth and duration of flooding and saturation. Vegetative cover is the most common parameter used in defining, mapping, and delineating wetlands. There are over 7,000 trees and plants that may grow in wetlands in the U.S. A much smaller number, about 25%, are species which grow only in wetlands and are strong indicators of wetlands. Other trees and plants grow in both wetlands and uplands and are a less desirable indicators but are useful when combined with soils and hydrologic information. Examples include: the trees listed at the end of this article plus wetland areas such as: sphagnum bogs, cypress-gum swamps, and tule marshes; along with plants such as cordgrass, cattails, sedges, arrowheads, rushes, and water plantains.
- Wetland Hydrology – Water depth, as well as the extent and period of inundation determine other wetland characteristics. However, hydrology is often not easily assessed. Often water can be observed at the surface only part of the year for many wetlands. Other evidence may include flood records and flood maps, debris lines and evidence of flooding on trees and other vegetation, evidence of scour, and wetland soils. Where there are uncertainties and disputes, field measurements of vegetation and soils may be taken during the growing season.
- Wetland Soils – Wetland soils often contain large amounts of organic matter. They develop in conditions where soil oxygen is limited by the presence of saturated soil for long periods during the growing season. Soils in wetland areas contain peats and mucks and are useful in identifying wetlands, even where trees and plants have been disturbed or during periods of drought. Wetland soil has a bluish gray or gray color below the surface and is dull. Sometimes wetland soil has the odor of rotten eggs.
Wetland Determination
One or more indicators of wetland vegetation, wetland hydrology, and wetland soils must be present for an area to be declared a wetland. If you observe definite indicators of any of these three characteristics, you should make a wetland determination or seek assistance from a wetlands specialist.
Sources of Information
Most wetland maps are based primarily upon air photo interpretations. Wetland boundaries on air photos are drawn based upon vegetation and observed standing water. On-the-ground field surveys may also be used to check air photos and other information sources. Some detailed local wetland mapping efforts may be based primarily upon field surveys of vegetation, soils, and hydrology instead of air photos.
Wetland maps are useful in suggesting whether a property is located in a wetland, the type of wetland, and the overall wetland boundary. However, maps may be inaccurate and unable to locate detailed wetland boundaries on the ground. In these cases field delineations utilizing wetland indicators are used to refine boundaries. Surveys to determine the wetland boundary involve a detailed examination of vegetation, soil borings, and a search for hydrologic indicators such as ground water depth and flood water marks on trees. In rare instances more detailed hydrologic studies over time may be required. During this process, the boundaries are “red flagged” on the ground and the boundaries are more precisely identified.
Wetland boundaries are more difficult to identify where slopes are gradual and where inundation or saturation occurs only during a portion of the year. These sites are common in flats and some low gradient wetlands such as an infrequently flooded coastal flat, estuary, lake fringe, and a shoreline wetland. Wetland boundaries are also often difficult to delineate in highly altered areas that have been partially drained or filled. Here, the combination of all trees, plants, soils, and hydrologic indicators must be used to delineate boundaries.
Delineators
Wetland boundaries may be identified by a landowner for frequently flooded or saturated wetlands and for wetlands with relatively steep slopes. However, landowners often need expert assistance for infrequently flooded or saturated areas, low gradient areas, and highly altered land. Some state and local regulatory programs will carry out delineations for landowners.
Trees that Tolerate Wet Soil
The following deciduous trees are tolerant of poorly drained and flooded sites and therefore are likely to be indicators of wetlands.
Boxelder (Acer negundo)
Red maple (Acer rubrum)
Red Sunset maple (Acer r. saccharinum)
Silver maple (Acer saccharinum)
Ohio buckeye (Aesculus glabra)
Black alder (Alnus glutinosa)
White alder (Alnus incana)
Speckled alder (Alnus rugosa)
River birch (Betula nigra)
Paper birch (Betula papyrifera)
Northern catalpa (Catalpa speciosa)
Common hackberry (Celtis occidentalis)
Pagoda dogwood (Cornus alternifolia)
Tamarack (Larix laricina)
European larch (Larix decidua)
Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis)
Eastern cottonwood (Populus deltoides)
Bigtooth aspen (Populus grandidentata)
Waferash (Ptelea trifoliata)
Bicolor oak (Quercus bicolor)
Bur oak (Quercus macrocarpa)
Eastern pin oak (Quercus palustris)
Peachleaf willow (Salix amygdaloides)
White willow (Salix alba)
Black willow (Salix nigra)
Showy Mountain-ash (Sorbus decora)
Baldcypress (Taxodium distichum)
American elm (Ulmus americana)
The following evergreen trees are also tolerant of poorly drained and flooded sites and therefore are likely to be indicators of wetlands.
White spruce (Picea glauca)
Black spruce (Picea mariana)
Northern white-cedar (Thuja occidentalis)
Canadian hemlock (Tsuga canadensis)
Sources:
- Kusler, Jon, “Wetland Definition, Delineation, and Mapping”, Association of State Wetland Managers, Inc. June, 2006.
- Online Seminars – Trees that Survive Floods, Topic #13
- Kusler, Jon, "Wetland Definition, Delineation, and Mapping", Association of State
Wetland Managers, Inc. June 2006.
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, Municipal 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 Merchant' / 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
By Peter Thurman
The California Buckeye is a tree of subtle elegance and evocative presence. It is lovely as a stand-alone specimen but is usually found in drifts or thickets filling winter-cool swales or rippling across rolling hillsides and bursting out of deep and craggy canyons.
Trade Name: California Buckeye or California Horse chestnut
Botanical Name: Aesculus californica
Family: Formerly Hippocastanaceae – now Sapindaceae
Parentage: Native to California and now becoming popular as an ornamental in Europe
Height: Large shrub or small tree, up 40 ft. (12 m) in height (in Europe)
Spread: Up 40 ft. (12 m)
Form: It is typically a multi-stemmed small tree in the wild
Bloom Period: June to August and a rich nectar source for many insects.
Flower: Beautiful and long lasting flowers are sweetly scented, white to pale pink, borne on erect 6 inches (15–20 cm) long panicles
Fruit: The massive orange-brown poisonous seeds are enclosed in a fig-shaped, spineless capsule or husk.
Foliage: The leaves that flush from sticky buds are finely toothed, dark green, and palmate with five leaflets.
Bark: Grayish bark, similar to beech (Fagus)
Habitat: Widely distributed throughout California, growing along the central coastline and in the lower elevations of the Sierra Nevada and Cascade mountain ranges, then extending to the foothills of the Siskiyou Mountains in Oregon.
Hardiness Zone: 7 - 8
Site Requirements: It can be found growing in a wide range of conditions from crowded, moist, semi-shaded canyon bases to dry south-facing slopes and hilltops. Often on its own or with native oaks.
Growth Rate: The “California buckeye” is long-lived up to 300 years in California
Pest Problems: It does not appear to be susceptible to Pseudomonas syringae pv. aesculi, various Phytophthora spp, Cameraria ohridella or Guignardia aesculi – all serious pathogens of horse chestnuts in Europe
Storm Resistance: Average for the species
Salt Tolerance: Average for the species
Planting: Transplants BR and B&B easily, suitable for CU-Structural Soil planting
Pruning: Prune broken and dead branches at planting and as necessary to improve structure
Propagating: Seed
Design Uses: Excellent in parks, residential areas, use in wide planting area as it tends to be low branched
Companions: Use with native plants and ferns
Other Comments: The bark, leaves, and fruits contain the neurotoxic glycoside aesculin, which causes rupturing of red blood cells in animals and people.
Photo
Sources:
This information has been gathered from personal observations of the author, living in the UK and from numerous book references. He is an Arboricultural and Horticultural Consultant and a Landscape Designer.
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, 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 Merchant' / 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 Peter Thurman
The California Buckeye is a tree of subtle elegance and evocative presence. It is lovely as a stand-alone specimen but is usually found in drifts or thickets filling winter-cool swales or rippling across rolling hillsides and bursting out of deep and craggy canyons.
Trade Name: California Buckeye or California Horse chestnut
Botanical Name: Aesculus californica
Family: Formerly Hippocastanaceae – now Sapindaceae
Parentage: Native to California and now becoming popular as an ornamental in Europe
Height: Large shrub or small tree, up 40 ft. (12 m) in height (in Europe)
Spread: Up 40 ft. (12 m)
Form: It is typically a multi-stemmed small tree in the wild
Bloom Period: June to August and a rich nectar source for many insects.
Flower: Beautiful and long lasting flowers are sweetly scented, white to pale pink, borne on erect 6 inches (15–20 cm) long panicles
Fruit: The massive orange-brown poisonous seeds are enclosed in a fig-shaped, spineless capsule or husk.
Foliage: The leaves that flush from sticky buds are finely toothed, dark green, and palmate with five leaflets.
Bark: Grayish bark, similar to beech (Fagus)
Habitat: Widely distributed throughout California, growing along the central coastline and in the lower elevations of the Sierra Nevada and Cascade mountain ranges, then extending to the foothills of the Siskiyou Mountains in Oregon.
Hardiness Zone: 7 - 8
Site Requirements: It can be found growing in a wide range of conditions from crowded, moist, semi-shaded canyon bases to dry south-facing slopes and hilltops. Often on its own or with native oaks.
Growth Rate: The “California buckeye” is long-lived up to 300 years in California
Pest Problems: It does not appear to be susceptible to Pseudomonas syringae pv. aesculi, various Phytophthora spp, Cameraria ohridella or Guignardia aesculi – all serious pathogens of horse chestnuts in Europe
Storm Resistance: Average for the species
Salt Tolerance: Average for the species
Planting: Transplants BR and B&B easily, suitable for CU-Structural Soil planting
Pruning: Prune broken and dead branches at planting and as necessary to improve structure
Propagating: Seed
Design Uses: Excellent in parks, residential areas, use in wide planting area as it tends to be low branched
Companions: Use with native plants and ferns
Other Comments: The bark, leaves, and fruits contain the neurotoxic glycoside aesculin, which causes rupturing of red blood cells in animals and people.
Photo
Sources:
This information has been gathered from personal observations of the author, living in the UK and from numerous book references. He is an Arboricultural and Horticultural Consultant and a Landscape Designer.
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, 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 Merchant' / 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.
Ethanol Fuel
Edited by Len Phillips
Ethanol fuel is harmful to small gasoline engines found in outdoor power equipment. This includes most of the equipment tree and landscape professionals commonly use for maintaining trees and landscapes. The equipment affected include: chain saws, mowers, garden tractors, boats, snow throwers, trimmers, ATVs, power washers, blowers, chippers, grinders, generators, jaws of life, concrete saws and other compact construction equipment, as well as small gas engine applications such as water pumps for irrigation systems.
Fuels containing more than 10% ethanol may void product warranties, and by federal law, it is illegal to use higher-ethanol fuel blends, specifically E15 (15% ethanol), in outdoor power equipment.
Look Before You Pump
The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), an international trade association representing 100 small engine, utility vehicle and outdoor power equipment manufacturers and suppliers, announced a national ethanol education and consumer protection campaign, called ‘Look Before You Pump.’
The ‘Look Before You Pump’ education campaign cautions consumers that it is harmful and illegal to use higher than 10% ethanol gas in any outdoor power equipment and other small engine products.
The urgency of the industry’s campaign comes from research that shows high-ethanol blends of gasoline can damage or destroy small engines not designed to handle it. A recent study shows the vast majority of Americans (71%) are “not at all sure” if it is illegal or legal to put high level ethanol gas (i.e. anything higher than 10% ethanol) into engines such as those in boats, mowers, chain saws, snow mobiles, generators and other gas engine products.
The ‘Look Before You Pump’ campaign reaches consumers through radio and video public service announcements (PSA), fact sheets, in-store displays, labeling, and product hang-tags. A prominent, red warning hand indicating ‘OK’ for 10% ethanol and ‘No’ for mid-level ethanol blends (such as E15, E30, E85) is the campaign’s main graphic.
OPEI, through its “Look Before You Pump” outreach, continues to remind consumers not to use gasoline fuels with more than 10% ethanol, E10.
Ethanol Problems
Many consumers are determined to buy the least expensive gasoline, while they still assume that the same fuel can go in their car as well as their mower, chain saw, or generator. This points to a huge awareness gap and dire need for education. A Department of Energy study several years ago found that E15 caused hotter operating temperatures in small engines, erratic starting and engine part failure. But, the study also found that even E10 damages small engines. Ethanol settles out of gasoline, attracts moisture and, in sufficient quantities, corrodes engine parts.
OPEI (Outdoor Power Equipment Institute) reinvigorated that message late last year when it learned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is requiring 18.11 billion gallons of renewable fuels (i.e. ethanol) in 2016 as part of its Renewable Fuels Standard. This is a 7 percent increase over the 16.93 billion gallons required for 2015, and 11 percent more than for 2014. The OPEI is concerned the seemingly ever-growing amount of ethanol being mandated by the government will end up in mid-level ethanol fuels.
The OPEI represents the interests of more than 100 power equipment, engine and utility manufacturers and suppliers – and, in a real sense, the people who use the equipment they manufacture and sell. A mandated fuel of greater than 10% ethanol ignores the fueling requirements of the 400 million legacy engine products in use today.
Rather than risk hard starting and engine failures that could lead to lost production or engine damage, many landscape pros now regularly use a fuel additive to protect engines from ethanol. At a recent GIE+EXPO, five companies offered fuel additive products, not just for gasoline, but for diesel engines as well.
Choosing The Right Gas Can
Gas belongs in a gas can. Yes, that’s quite obvious, but many people are tempted to store gas in milk jugs, water bottles, and other unapproved containers. Containers like these are at a high risk of leaking gasoline or exploding due to pressure. You are not reading this and asking for a lecture, but please, store your gas in OSHA-approved containers.
Not all gas cans are the same, however, and using your typical plastic red gas can on the job could be against the law. OSHA standards state, "Only approved containers and portable tanks shall be used for storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids. Approved safety cans or Department of Transportation-approved containers shall be used for the handling and use of flammable liquids in quantities of 5 gallons or less.”
What are your options? DOT approved cans are required by OSHA standards, and the DOT does not approve the use of cheap plastic gas cans. A safe and effective choice is a metal gas can with a flame arrestor. Flame arrestors prevent sparks from traveling up the nozzle into the store of liquid gas, adding an extra layer of protection when you handle gasoline.
Filling a Gas Can Correctly
Being smart with gasoline begins with filling your gas can. Each of the following measures reduces the risk of a static electric spark which can potentially ignite the gas inside your gas can.
· Don’t fill your gas can inside your car or truck bed. The build-up in static electricity from a car carpet or plastic truck bed liner is enough to cause a spark that can set your gas can on fire. This can occur with both plastic and metal cans.
· Touch the container with the gas dispenser nozzle before removing the container lid.
· Keeping the nozzle in contact with the gas can inlet to reduce the risk of static shock during filling.
Never fill your gas can more than 95% full. Gasoline expands, and an overly full gas can is at a greater risk for leaking and exploding. If you do happen to spill gas during filling, wait for gas to evaporate before loading it into your vehicle.
Safely Moving a Gas Can
Transporting gasoline presents its own set of challenges. Gas fumes can be harmful, so keep gas cans away from passenger areas in your vehicle as much as possible. The top rack or bed of your truck may be a good place to secure gas cans away from people riding in your vehicle.
Empty gas cans can also produce fumes. Treat empty cans with the same amount of caution as you would a full gas can. If you have to transport gas cans in your car or in the cab of your truck, remove them as soon as you possibly can.
Always remember to secure gas cans in an upright position to prevent spillage while you’re moving them.
Storing a Gas Can
Gas cans (empty or full) should not be stored in your vehicle. So, despite the transient nature of tree and landscaping work, you’ll need a permanent location to store the gasoline required for your equipment.
The safest option for large amounts of gas is a flammable liquid storage cabinet. This kind of cabinet may even be required by law depending on the quantity of gas you keep on hand. Any cabinet you use to store gas should be made of non-reactive metal and clearly labeled. Its doors should never be blocked and items should not be stored on top of the cabinet.
Gasoline in storage should always be kept at room temperature. Keep gas at least 50 feet away from sources of ignition, like pilot lights. Also keep gas cans away from electronics, which could expose the gas to a static electric spark.
Handling Gas Safely
As a green industry employee, make sure you know how to keep yourself safe when handling gas. Just as you learn how to use your equipment safely and protect yourself from the elements while at work, educate yourself on the potential risks of filling, transporting, and storing gas cans.
Sources
· Hall, Ron, “Ethanol is No Friend of Your Engines” Turf Magazine, March 2015
· Outdoor Power Equipment Institute website
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, 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 Merchant' / 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
Ethanol fuel is harmful to small gasoline engines found in outdoor power equipment. This includes most of the equipment tree and landscape professionals commonly use for maintaining trees and landscapes. The equipment affected include: chain saws, mowers, garden tractors, boats, snow throwers, trimmers, ATVs, power washers, blowers, chippers, grinders, generators, jaws of life, concrete saws and other compact construction equipment, as well as small gas engine applications such as water pumps for irrigation systems.
Fuels containing more than 10% ethanol may void product warranties, and by federal law, it is illegal to use higher-ethanol fuel blends, specifically E15 (15% ethanol), in outdoor power equipment.
Look Before You Pump
The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), an international trade association representing 100 small engine, utility vehicle and outdoor power equipment manufacturers and suppliers, announced a national ethanol education and consumer protection campaign, called ‘Look Before You Pump.’
The ‘Look Before You Pump’ education campaign cautions consumers that it is harmful and illegal to use higher than 10% ethanol gas in any outdoor power equipment and other small engine products.
The urgency of the industry’s campaign comes from research that shows high-ethanol blends of gasoline can damage or destroy small engines not designed to handle it. A recent study shows the vast majority of Americans (71%) are “not at all sure” if it is illegal or legal to put high level ethanol gas (i.e. anything higher than 10% ethanol) into engines such as those in boats, mowers, chain saws, snow mobiles, generators and other gas engine products.
The ‘Look Before You Pump’ campaign reaches consumers through radio and video public service announcements (PSA), fact sheets, in-store displays, labeling, and product hang-tags. A prominent, red warning hand indicating ‘OK’ for 10% ethanol and ‘No’ for mid-level ethanol blends (such as E15, E30, E85) is the campaign’s main graphic.
OPEI, through its “Look Before You Pump” outreach, continues to remind consumers not to use gasoline fuels with more than 10% ethanol, E10.
Ethanol Problems
Many consumers are determined to buy the least expensive gasoline, while they still assume that the same fuel can go in their car as well as their mower, chain saw, or generator. This points to a huge awareness gap and dire need for education. A Department of Energy study several years ago found that E15 caused hotter operating temperatures in small engines, erratic starting and engine part failure. But, the study also found that even E10 damages small engines. Ethanol settles out of gasoline, attracts moisture and, in sufficient quantities, corrodes engine parts.
OPEI (Outdoor Power Equipment Institute) reinvigorated that message late last year when it learned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is requiring 18.11 billion gallons of renewable fuels (i.e. ethanol) in 2016 as part of its Renewable Fuels Standard. This is a 7 percent increase over the 16.93 billion gallons required for 2015, and 11 percent more than for 2014. The OPEI is concerned the seemingly ever-growing amount of ethanol being mandated by the government will end up in mid-level ethanol fuels.
The OPEI represents the interests of more than 100 power equipment, engine and utility manufacturers and suppliers – and, in a real sense, the people who use the equipment they manufacture and sell. A mandated fuel of greater than 10% ethanol ignores the fueling requirements of the 400 million legacy engine products in use today.
Rather than risk hard starting and engine failures that could lead to lost production or engine damage, many landscape pros now regularly use a fuel additive to protect engines from ethanol. At a recent GIE+EXPO, five companies offered fuel additive products, not just for gasoline, but for diesel engines as well.
Choosing The Right Gas Can
Gas belongs in a gas can. Yes, that’s quite obvious, but many people are tempted to store gas in milk jugs, water bottles, and other unapproved containers. Containers like these are at a high risk of leaking gasoline or exploding due to pressure. You are not reading this and asking for a lecture, but please, store your gas in OSHA-approved containers.
Not all gas cans are the same, however, and using your typical plastic red gas can on the job could be against the law. OSHA standards state, "Only approved containers and portable tanks shall be used for storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids. Approved safety cans or Department of Transportation-approved containers shall be used for the handling and use of flammable liquids in quantities of 5 gallons or less.”
What are your options? DOT approved cans are required by OSHA standards, and the DOT does not approve the use of cheap plastic gas cans. A safe and effective choice is a metal gas can with a flame arrestor. Flame arrestors prevent sparks from traveling up the nozzle into the store of liquid gas, adding an extra layer of protection when you handle gasoline.
Filling a Gas Can Correctly
Being smart with gasoline begins with filling your gas can. Each of the following measures reduces the risk of a static electric spark which can potentially ignite the gas inside your gas can.
· Don’t fill your gas can inside your car or truck bed. The build-up in static electricity from a car carpet or plastic truck bed liner is enough to cause a spark that can set your gas can on fire. This can occur with both plastic and metal cans.
· Touch the container with the gas dispenser nozzle before removing the container lid.
· Keeping the nozzle in contact with the gas can inlet to reduce the risk of static shock during filling.
Never fill your gas can more than 95% full. Gasoline expands, and an overly full gas can is at a greater risk for leaking and exploding. If you do happen to spill gas during filling, wait for gas to evaporate before loading it into your vehicle.
Safely Moving a Gas Can
Transporting gasoline presents its own set of challenges. Gas fumes can be harmful, so keep gas cans away from passenger areas in your vehicle as much as possible. The top rack or bed of your truck may be a good place to secure gas cans away from people riding in your vehicle.
Empty gas cans can also produce fumes. Treat empty cans with the same amount of caution as you would a full gas can. If you have to transport gas cans in your car or in the cab of your truck, remove them as soon as you possibly can.
Always remember to secure gas cans in an upright position to prevent spillage while you’re moving them.
Storing a Gas Can
Gas cans (empty or full) should not be stored in your vehicle. So, despite the transient nature of tree and landscaping work, you’ll need a permanent location to store the gasoline required for your equipment.
The safest option for large amounts of gas is a flammable liquid storage cabinet. This kind of cabinet may even be required by law depending on the quantity of gas you keep on hand. Any cabinet you use to store gas should be made of non-reactive metal and clearly labeled. Its doors should never be blocked and items should not be stored on top of the cabinet.
Gasoline in storage should always be kept at room temperature. Keep gas at least 50 feet away from sources of ignition, like pilot lights. Also keep gas cans away from electronics, which could expose the gas to a static electric spark.
Handling Gas Safely
As a green industry employee, make sure you know how to keep yourself safe when handling gas. Just as you learn how to use your equipment safely and protect yourself from the elements while at work, educate yourself on the potential risks of filling, transporting, and storing gas cans.
Sources
· Hall, Ron, “Ethanol is No Friend of Your Engines” Turf Magazine, March 2015
· Outdoor Power Equipment Institute website
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, 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 Merchant' / 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.
Imidacloprid
Edited by Len Phillips
Imidacloprid is an insecticide that is commonly used in arboriculture and commercial landscape maintenance. It is currently the most widely used insecticide in the world. Imidacloprid (pronunced im′-id-dă-clō′-prid) is a systemic insecticide which belongs to a class of chemicals called the neonicotinoid class (neo +nicotine +oid) which act on the central nervous system of insects, with much lower toxicity to mammals. Dinotefuran is a similar insecticide of the neonicotinoid class and is used for control of insect pests such as aphids, whiteflies, thrips, leafhoppers, sawflies, mole crickets, white grubs, lacebugs, billbugs, beetles, mealybugs, and cockroaches on leafy vegetables, in residential and commercial buildings, and for professional turf management. Both insecticides should be used according to the label to manage pests and prevent groundwater contamination from runoff. Imidacloprid can move easily through soil to the underlying groundwater. For this reason, arborists as well as the entire commercial landscape industry need to exercise careful environmental stewardship when using this insecticide.
How it Works
The chemical works by interfering with the transmission of stimuli in the insect's nervous system. Specifically, it causes a blockage of impulses between nerves, resulting in the insect's paralysis and eventual death. It is effective on contact and via stomach action. Because imidacloprid binds much more strongly to insect neuron receptors than to mammal neuron receptors, this insecticide is more toxic to insects than to mammals.
Although it is now off-patent, the primary manufacturer of this chemical is Bayer CropScience. It is sold under many names such as Admire, Advantage (Advocate), Centerfire 75, Criterion, Confidor, Conguard, Gaucho, Hachikusan, Intercept, InVict, Kohinor, Mallet, Maxforce Quantum, Merit, Nuprid, Optrol, Premise, Prothor, Provado, Turfthor, Temprid (Bayer), Winner, Zenith, and Xytect. It can be applied by soil injection, tree injection, application to the surface of a plant, ground application as a granular or liquid formulation, or as a pesticide-coated seed treatment.
Recent research suggests that widespread agricultural and landscape use of the neonicotinoids may be mis-used, therefore contributing to the honey bee colony collapse disorder, which is the decline of honey bee colonies in Europe and North America observed since 2006. As a result, several countries, states, provinces and cities as well as the European Union and United Kingdom have restricted use of imidacloprid and other similar products. Despite the efforts to reduce the honey bee colony decline, the decline is still continuing in 2016.
Best Management Practice
The product label allows for a range of rates when making soil applications so use the lowest label rate when applying imidacloprid as a soil treatment. Although residual activity may be reduced, the lower rates can still provide acceptable control especially for small trees.
Imidacloprid treatment is likely to be most effective when applied in mid-spring or early fall. Summer applications may not be translocated to where it is needed. Foliar applications should not be made to trees when they are in bloom. If trees are located within or near lawns or flowering plants then care should be taken to avoid applications when bees or other beneficial insects are present. Lawns may be mowed before an application to reduce the presence of flowering weeds such as dandelion and clover and to discourage the presence of bees. This effort is necessary to protect the beneficial pollinators. Foliar applications should be made only when pests are present at potentially damaging levels. Avoid making applications when heavy rain is predicted within 24 hours, where soil is frozen or saturated, or in areas with shallow water tables. Take care to avoid runoff and drift in all locations.
Integrated Pest Management Practices
If not sure of the pest or cause of a plant problem submit samples to a diagnostic laboratory for identification. The following pests are easily controlled with imidacloprid. However, before the imidacloprid is applied, non-pesticide practices should be used first.
Boxwood leaf miner: Boxwood (Buxus) are often infested with this leaf miner. The best control is to use resistant varieties such as ‘Vardar Valley,’ ‘Newport Blue,’ or ‘Suffruticosa’. Annual insecticide treatments are not usually necessary because boxwoods appear to tolerate some infestation.
Hemlock woolly adelgid: To avoid use of imidacloprid, lower the concentrated nitrogen fertilizer around roots of infested hemlock trees and prune out small infestations. An alternative material is insecticidal soap which contain potassium salts of fatty acids or Treeazin which contains neem tree seed extracts azadirachtin A and B.
Japanese beetle: Where possible, remove adult beetles by hand and use traps for attracting the beetles. Silver linden (Tilia tomentosa) is somewhat resistant. An alternative is beetleGONE!® tlc based on a new beetle active strain of B. thuringiensis galleriae.
Aphids: This pest is easily dislodged with jet of water. Populations of aphids are often tolerable if they are not causing noticeable damage or distortion. Avoid the use of concentrated nitrogen fertilizer around the roots of infested plants. An alternative is Botanigard ES based on an insect active fungus Beauvaria bassiana.
Bronze birch borer: This pest is best controlled by planting resistant species of birch such as river birch cultivars, (Betula nigra). However for prized specimens, imidacloprid should be applied.
Viburnum leaf beetle: Remove adults, larvae by hand. Prune off twigs with eggs before spring. However, the best treatment is to plant resistant varieties of Viburnum such as the following:
V. bodnantense, dawn viburnum
V. carlesii, Koreanspice viburnum
V. davidii*, David viburnum
V. x juddii, Judd viburnum
V. plicatum, doublefile viburnum
V. plicatum var. tomentosum, doublefile viburnum
V. rhytidophyllum, leatherleaf viburnum
V. setigerum, tea viburnum
V. sieboldii, Siebold viburnum
Pine and other sawfly larvae: Remove by hand, prune off infested terminals on pines.
Soft and armored scale insects: Dislodge scales on bark with a jet of water. Check for natural enemies. In some years scale-killing fungi or other natural enemies cause high mortality. An alternative is Treeazin which contains neem tree seed extracts azadirachtin A and B.
Sources:
Editor's Note: Trade names used in this article are for convenience of the reader. No endorsement of products is intended, nor is criticism of unnamed products implied.
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, Municipal Specialist, or BCMA practice credits. 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.
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 Merchant' / 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
Imidacloprid is an insecticide that is commonly used in arboriculture and commercial landscape maintenance. It is currently the most widely used insecticide in the world. Imidacloprid (pronunced im′-id-dă-clō′-prid) is a systemic insecticide which belongs to a class of chemicals called the neonicotinoid class (neo +nicotine +oid) which act on the central nervous system of insects, with much lower toxicity to mammals. Dinotefuran is a similar insecticide of the neonicotinoid class and is used for control of insect pests such as aphids, whiteflies, thrips, leafhoppers, sawflies, mole crickets, white grubs, lacebugs, billbugs, beetles, mealybugs, and cockroaches on leafy vegetables, in residential and commercial buildings, and for professional turf management. Both insecticides should be used according to the label to manage pests and prevent groundwater contamination from runoff. Imidacloprid can move easily through soil to the underlying groundwater. For this reason, arborists as well as the entire commercial landscape industry need to exercise careful environmental stewardship when using this insecticide.
How it Works
The chemical works by interfering with the transmission of stimuli in the insect's nervous system. Specifically, it causes a blockage of impulses between nerves, resulting in the insect's paralysis and eventual death. It is effective on contact and via stomach action. Because imidacloprid binds much more strongly to insect neuron receptors than to mammal neuron receptors, this insecticide is more toxic to insects than to mammals.
Although it is now off-patent, the primary manufacturer of this chemical is Bayer CropScience. It is sold under many names such as Admire, Advantage (Advocate), Centerfire 75, Criterion, Confidor, Conguard, Gaucho, Hachikusan, Intercept, InVict, Kohinor, Mallet, Maxforce Quantum, Merit, Nuprid, Optrol, Premise, Prothor, Provado, Turfthor, Temprid (Bayer), Winner, Zenith, and Xytect. It can be applied by soil injection, tree injection, application to the surface of a plant, ground application as a granular or liquid formulation, or as a pesticide-coated seed treatment.
Recent research suggests that widespread agricultural and landscape use of the neonicotinoids may be mis-used, therefore contributing to the honey bee colony collapse disorder, which is the decline of honey bee colonies in Europe and North America observed since 2006. As a result, several countries, states, provinces and cities as well as the European Union and United Kingdom have restricted use of imidacloprid and other similar products. Despite the efforts to reduce the honey bee colony decline, the decline is still continuing in 2016.
Best Management Practice
The product label allows for a range of rates when making soil applications so use the lowest label rate when applying imidacloprid as a soil treatment. Although residual activity may be reduced, the lower rates can still provide acceptable control especially for small trees.
Imidacloprid treatment is likely to be most effective when applied in mid-spring or early fall. Summer applications may not be translocated to where it is needed. Foliar applications should not be made to trees when they are in bloom. If trees are located within or near lawns or flowering plants then care should be taken to avoid applications when bees or other beneficial insects are present. Lawns may be mowed before an application to reduce the presence of flowering weeds such as dandelion and clover and to discourage the presence of bees. This effort is necessary to protect the beneficial pollinators. Foliar applications should be made only when pests are present at potentially damaging levels. Avoid making applications when heavy rain is predicted within 24 hours, where soil is frozen or saturated, or in areas with shallow water tables. Take care to avoid runoff and drift in all locations.
Integrated Pest Management Practices
If not sure of the pest or cause of a plant problem submit samples to a diagnostic laboratory for identification. The following pests are easily controlled with imidacloprid. However, before the imidacloprid is applied, non-pesticide practices should be used first.
Boxwood leaf miner: Boxwood (Buxus) are often infested with this leaf miner. The best control is to use resistant varieties such as ‘Vardar Valley,’ ‘Newport Blue,’ or ‘Suffruticosa’. Annual insecticide treatments are not usually necessary because boxwoods appear to tolerate some infestation.
Hemlock woolly adelgid: To avoid use of imidacloprid, lower the concentrated nitrogen fertilizer around roots of infested hemlock trees and prune out small infestations. An alternative material is insecticidal soap which contain potassium salts of fatty acids or Treeazin which contains neem tree seed extracts azadirachtin A and B.
Japanese beetle: Where possible, remove adult beetles by hand and use traps for attracting the beetles. Silver linden (Tilia tomentosa) is somewhat resistant. An alternative is beetleGONE!® tlc based on a new beetle active strain of B. thuringiensis galleriae.
Aphids: This pest is easily dislodged with jet of water. Populations of aphids are often tolerable if they are not causing noticeable damage or distortion. Avoid the use of concentrated nitrogen fertilizer around the roots of infested plants. An alternative is Botanigard ES based on an insect active fungus Beauvaria bassiana.
Bronze birch borer: This pest is best controlled by planting resistant species of birch such as river birch cultivars, (Betula nigra). However for prized specimens, imidacloprid should be applied.
Viburnum leaf beetle: Remove adults, larvae by hand. Prune off twigs with eggs before spring. However, the best treatment is to plant resistant varieties of Viburnum such as the following:
V. bodnantense, dawn viburnum
V. carlesii, Koreanspice viburnum
V. davidii*, David viburnum
V. x juddii, Judd viburnum
V. plicatum, doublefile viburnum
V. plicatum var. tomentosum, doublefile viburnum
V. rhytidophyllum, leatherleaf viburnum
V. setigerum, tea viburnum
V. sieboldii, Siebold viburnum
Pine and other sawfly larvae: Remove by hand, prune off infested terminals on pines.
Soft and armored scale insects: Dislodge scales on bark with a jet of water. Check for natural enemies. In some years scale-killing fungi or other natural enemies cause high mortality. An alternative is Treeazin which contains neem tree seed extracts azadirachtin A and B.
Sources:
- Personal communication with Kurt Schwartau, owner of Bioscience Strategies, LLC
- Cowles, Richard S. Ph.D., “White Grubs”, Connecticut Gardener, CAES Valley Lab, July/August 2015.
- Gilrein, Daniel, “Imidacloprid”, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County, 2015.
Editor's Note: Trade names used in this article are for convenience of the reader. No endorsement of products is intended, nor is criticism of unnamed products implied.
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, Municipal Specialist, or BCMA practice credits. 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.
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 Merchant' / 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 Silver Linden
By Len Phillips
Silver Linden Tilia tomentosa is a tall, pyramidal tree well suited for urban sites. It has good disease resistance, and dark green leaves that are silvery white underneath. These cultivars also have resistance to beetles, such as the Japanese beetle and gypsy moth because of their tomentose, or hairy, leaf underside that inhibits beetle feeding. The following description provides the similar characteristics of all cultivars of Silver Linden.
Family: Tiliaceae
Height: 45' (except as noted below)
Spread: 35' (except as noted below)
Form: Broad pyramidal shape
Bloom Period: Late June to early July
Flower: Yellowish white, fragrant, pendulous
Fruit: 1/3" nutlet, persistent and dry on the tree
Summer Foliage: Very dark green above, silvery white and pubescent below, shimmer in the wind, 2"-4" long
Autumn Foliage: Bright yellow in the autumn
Winter Color: Bark provides winter interest
Bark: Straight leader, gray, handsome
Habitat: Southeast Europe and western Asia
Culture: Rich medium loam, well-drained, full sun to partial shade, tolerates any pH, heat, drought, and air pollution
Hardiness Zone: 5 – 8 (except as noted below)
Growth Rate: Faster than other lindens, 45' after 30 years, up to 2’ a year
Pest Resistance: Resistant to most linden problems including aphids and Japanese beetle feeding
Storm Resistance: Excellent
Salt Resistance: Excellent
Planting: B&B transplants easily, moderately difficult to transplant bare root, quick recovery, suitable for CU-Structural Soil planting
Pruning: Prune broken branches at planting and 3 years later to mature form, withstands severe pruning, may only require pruning of basal sprouts and removal of some potential acute crotch problems
Propagating: Budded onto T. tomentosa understock
Design Uses: Well suited for street tree planting
Companions: Use with ground covers such as Vinca and Pachysandra, its dense shade limits the quality of grass for a ground cover.
Other Comments: Handsome form, may only require pruning of basal sprouts, desirable for the urban environment, dense branching.
Currently available cultivars include:
Green Mountain® Linden – Tilia tomentosa ‘PNI 6051’
Upright, symmetrical growth habit forming a dense canopy. Wind causes a shimmering effect as it ruffles the dark green leaves to reveal the silvery white undersides. Photo
Satin Shadow Linden – Tilia tomentosa 'Sashazam' – Height: 60', Spread: 40', Hardiness Zone: 4 – 7.
Selected for its symmetrical branching structure and naturally uniform crown, this tree also features the bright silver undersides to the leaves that sparkle and shimmer in the wind and become golden-yellow in fall. It has highly fragrant, light yellow flowers that honey bees love. A popular street tree. Photo
Sterling Linden – Tilia tomentosa ‘Sterling’
A vigorous growing tree with a very neat and symmetrical shape. The tree has handsome grayish bark and uniform winter appearance. Tomentose leaves make it resistant to Japanese beetle feeding. Photo
A couple of other cultivars are good choices but may be very hard to find in local nurseries.
Brabant Silver Linden – Tilia tomentosa 'Brabant'
'Brabant' has a strong central stem and a symmetrical conical crown. Photo
Erecta Silver Linden – Tilia tomentosa 'Erecta'
Erecta is an excellent choice for a street or shade tree. It is especially hardy, tolerant of alkaline soils, visited by few destructive insects and exhibits a natural, pyramidal shape that requires little pruning. Photo
Sources:
This information has been gathered from personal observations of the author, living in Massachusetts, Zone 6, and information provided by the following: J. Frank Schmidt & Son and CU-Structural Soil.
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, 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 Merchant' / 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
Silver Linden Tilia tomentosa is a tall, pyramidal tree well suited for urban sites. It has good disease resistance, and dark green leaves that are silvery white underneath. These cultivars also have resistance to beetles, such as the Japanese beetle and gypsy moth because of their tomentose, or hairy, leaf underside that inhibits beetle feeding. The following description provides the similar characteristics of all cultivars of Silver Linden.
Family: Tiliaceae
Height: 45' (except as noted below)
Spread: 35' (except as noted below)
Form: Broad pyramidal shape
Bloom Period: Late June to early July
Flower: Yellowish white, fragrant, pendulous
Fruit: 1/3" nutlet, persistent and dry on the tree
Summer Foliage: Very dark green above, silvery white and pubescent below, shimmer in the wind, 2"-4" long
Autumn Foliage: Bright yellow in the autumn
Winter Color: Bark provides winter interest
Bark: Straight leader, gray, handsome
Habitat: Southeast Europe and western Asia
Culture: Rich medium loam, well-drained, full sun to partial shade, tolerates any pH, heat, drought, and air pollution
Hardiness Zone: 5 – 8 (except as noted below)
Growth Rate: Faster than other lindens, 45' after 30 years, up to 2’ a year
Pest Resistance: Resistant to most linden problems including aphids and Japanese beetle feeding
Storm Resistance: Excellent
Salt Resistance: Excellent
Planting: B&B transplants easily, moderately difficult to transplant bare root, quick recovery, suitable for CU-Structural Soil planting
Pruning: Prune broken branches at planting and 3 years later to mature form, withstands severe pruning, may only require pruning of basal sprouts and removal of some potential acute crotch problems
Propagating: Budded onto T. tomentosa understock
Design Uses: Well suited for street tree planting
Companions: Use with ground covers such as Vinca and Pachysandra, its dense shade limits the quality of grass for a ground cover.
Other Comments: Handsome form, may only require pruning of basal sprouts, desirable for the urban environment, dense branching.
Currently available cultivars include:
Green Mountain® Linden – Tilia tomentosa ‘PNI 6051’
Upright, symmetrical growth habit forming a dense canopy. Wind causes a shimmering effect as it ruffles the dark green leaves to reveal the silvery white undersides. Photo
Satin Shadow Linden – Tilia tomentosa 'Sashazam' – Height: 60', Spread: 40', Hardiness Zone: 4 – 7.
Selected for its symmetrical branching structure and naturally uniform crown, this tree also features the bright silver undersides to the leaves that sparkle and shimmer in the wind and become golden-yellow in fall. It has highly fragrant, light yellow flowers that honey bees love. A popular street tree. Photo
Sterling Linden – Tilia tomentosa ‘Sterling’
A vigorous growing tree with a very neat and symmetrical shape. The tree has handsome grayish bark and uniform winter appearance. Tomentose leaves make it resistant to Japanese beetle feeding. Photo
A couple of other cultivars are good choices but may be very hard to find in local nurseries.
Brabant Silver Linden – Tilia tomentosa 'Brabant'
'Brabant' has a strong central stem and a symmetrical conical crown. Photo
Erecta Silver Linden – Tilia tomentosa 'Erecta'
Erecta is an excellent choice for a street or shade tree. It is especially hardy, tolerant of alkaline soils, visited by few destructive insects and exhibits a natural, pyramidal shape that requires little pruning. Photo
Sources:
This information has been gathered from personal observations of the author, living in Massachusetts, Zone 6, and information provided by the following: J. Frank Schmidt & Son and CU-Structural Soil.
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, 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 Merchant' / 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.
Soil Volume for Trees
By Len Phillips
Trees need appropriate amounts of loose, moist, well-aerated, and non-compacted soil in order to mature in the urban environment. These conditions enable the tree’s roots to obtain nutrients, oxygen, and water that are all essential for healthy tree growth for the life of the tree.
In addition to the nutrients that trees obtain from soil through their roots, they also need the oxygen and water that occupy the voids between soil particles. These voids are abundant in non-compacted soil. However, the soil in urban areas is usually compacted to provide structural integrity for structures and paved surfaces, thus making void spaces between soil particles minimal to non-existent.
Urban Soil Conditions
By understanding the soil conditions that urban trees need to reach maturity, tree care professionals can take the required steps in specifying the systems and best practice procedures that will ensure the success of the urban tree survival.
Trees planted in city sidewalks are usually surrounded by soil that was compacted during the sidewalk construction. Furthermore, the little bit of moisture that is present in the soil will often migrate toward the surface by capillary action. But this moisture is trapped by the concrete slab. This often leads tree roots to seek out this space where air and water are present. This causes pavement heaving and breakage as the root increases its diameter during growth.
If tree roots can’t grow into any surrounding soil, they continue to grow slowly until they have filled the all the root-friendly space that is available and the heaving and breaking sidewalk becomes a hazard. When a tree’s need for nutrients, water, and air can no longer be met, the health of the tree suffers and begins to decline and eventually it will die. Trees grown in these conditions hardly ever reach maturity and do not provide the many benefits that healthy trees are suppose to offer to the city and its residents.
This challenge creates a fundamental conflict for trees in paved areas. Therefore, before planting a tree, careful consideration needs to be taken regarding the above and below ground space to ensure that each tree has what it requires to reach maturity. The traditional method of providing a tree pit area the size of the pavement opening is clearly insufficient and results in a short lifetime of costly pavement repairs and replacing a soon-to-be-dead tree.
Minimum Soil Area Calculation Options
How much suitable soil do trees need to be healthy and reach maturity? The following are some of the various methods have been developed by researchers to determine the required soil volume necessary for a tree to develop a healthy root system. The choice of method is up to the arborist in charge of the planting:
Trees that grow 30 to 50 ft tall or spread need 1,200 cu ft of soil.
Trees that grow larger than 50 ft tall or spread need 2,700 cu ft of soil.
Trees that are to grow in structural soils or under suspended pavements need 1,500 cu ft of soil.
Trees that are to be used as screens, shelter belts, or group plantings need 20 ft of canopy spread x 3 ft deep or 400 cu ft per tree. (The number for group plantings is low because trees in this growing situation will share the available root space.)
Small Tree: 175 – 550 cu ft (5-15 cu m) of soil
Medium Tree: 700 – 1500 cu ft (20-40 cu m) of soil
Large Tree: 1800+ cu ft (50+ cu m) of soil
· Parking Lot Standard – A minimum of 1,000 cubic feet (30 cu. meters) of soil is required for any tree to thrive in a parking lot.
In all options, suitable soil should be at least 30 inches (0.75 m.) deep.
Source:
Phillips, Len, “Stats for a Tree”, Online Seminars #62, 2015.
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, Municipal 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 Merchant' - 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
Trees need appropriate amounts of loose, moist, well-aerated, and non-compacted soil in order to mature in the urban environment. These conditions enable the tree’s roots to obtain nutrients, oxygen, and water that are all essential for healthy tree growth for the life of the tree.
In addition to the nutrients that trees obtain from soil through their roots, they also need the oxygen and water that occupy the voids between soil particles. These voids are abundant in non-compacted soil. However, the soil in urban areas is usually compacted to provide structural integrity for structures and paved surfaces, thus making void spaces between soil particles minimal to non-existent.
Urban Soil Conditions
By understanding the soil conditions that urban trees need to reach maturity, tree care professionals can take the required steps in specifying the systems and best practice procedures that will ensure the success of the urban tree survival.
Trees planted in city sidewalks are usually surrounded by soil that was compacted during the sidewalk construction. Furthermore, the little bit of moisture that is present in the soil will often migrate toward the surface by capillary action. But this moisture is trapped by the concrete slab. This often leads tree roots to seek out this space where air and water are present. This causes pavement heaving and breakage as the root increases its diameter during growth.
If tree roots can’t grow into any surrounding soil, they continue to grow slowly until they have filled the all the root-friendly space that is available and the heaving and breaking sidewalk becomes a hazard. When a tree’s need for nutrients, water, and air can no longer be met, the health of the tree suffers and begins to decline and eventually it will die. Trees grown in these conditions hardly ever reach maturity and do not provide the many benefits that healthy trees are suppose to offer to the city and its residents.
This challenge creates a fundamental conflict for trees in paved areas. Therefore, before planting a tree, careful consideration needs to be taken regarding the above and below ground space to ensure that each tree has what it requires to reach maturity. The traditional method of providing a tree pit area the size of the pavement opening is clearly insufficient and results in a short lifetime of costly pavement repairs and replacing a soon-to-be-dead tree.
Minimum Soil Area Calculation Options
How much suitable soil do trees need to be healthy and reach maturity? The following are some of the various methods have been developed by researchers to determine the required soil volume necessary for a tree to develop a healthy root system. The choice of method is up to the arborist in charge of the planting:
- Mature Canopy Method – one simple method of calculating soil volume is estimating the projected area of the mature tree canopy calculated from the area of its branch spread (usually provided by nursery catalogs) and multiply it by a depth of 2 ft.
- Average Method – allow the following based on the growth of an average city tree. For example:
Trees that grow 30 to 50 ft tall or spread need 1,200 cu ft of soil.
Trees that grow larger than 50 ft tall or spread need 2,700 cu ft of soil.
Trees that are to grow in structural soils or under suspended pavements need 1,500 cu ft of soil.
Trees that are to be used as screens, shelter belts, or group plantings need 20 ft of canopy spread x 3 ft deep or 400 cu ft per tree. (The number for group plantings is low because trees in this growing situation will share the available root space.)
- Mature Trunk Caliper Method – allow the trunk diameter to predict the root spread. (This calculation is appropriate for columnar trees.) Since this calculation will change as the tree grows in size, providing an adequate amount of soil at planting time requires knowledge of the trunk size at maturity. Allow 3 sq ft (0.45 sq meters) of soil area for each square inch (6.5 s. cm.) of trunk diameter.
- Minimum Method – the minimum recommended soil volumes are:
Small Tree: 175 – 550 cu ft (5-15 cu m) of soil
Medium Tree: 700 – 1500 cu ft (20-40 cu m) of soil
Large Tree: 1800+ cu ft (50+ cu m) of soil
· Parking Lot Standard – A minimum of 1,000 cubic feet (30 cu. meters) of soil is required for any tree to thrive in a parking lot.
In all options, suitable soil should be at least 30 inches (0.75 m.) deep.
Source:
Phillips, Len, “Stats for a Tree”, Online Seminars #62, 2015.
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, Municipal 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 Merchant' - 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.
Therapy of the Forest
Edited by Len Phillips
What happens to people who spend time among the trees of a forest? Some researchers wanted to see if something special and clinically therapeutic happens when people spend time with nature, and how could it be proven to be a legitimate therapy. The researchers conducted surveys from people who spent time in the forest compared to those who did not.
Here are some results of what they found:
These results have inspired a new recommendation that people take strolls in the woods for better health. This practice has been proven to lower stress and induces a state of physiologic relaxation. The therapeutic benefits of forest bathing may be difficult to fully explain with only phytoncides, but most likely, the green scenery, soothing sounds of streams and waterfalls, and natural aromas of wood, plants and flowers in these complex ecosystems all play a part. Forest therapy is a good example of how our own health is dependent on the health of our natural environment.
Source:
Forest Therapy Association of the Americas, “The Power of Phytoncides”, 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, Municipal 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 Merchant' / 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
What happens to people who spend time among the trees of a forest? Some researchers wanted to see if something special and clinically therapeutic happens when people spend time with nature, and how could it be proven to be a legitimate therapy. The researchers conducted surveys from people who spent time in the forest compared to those who did not.
Here are some results of what they found:
- People who spend 40 minutes a week walking in a forest, have lower levels of the stress hormone – cortisol. This is indicated by slower heart rates, lower blood pressure, and a higher immune-system function when compared to people who took a similar 40 minute walk indoors. There was also a greater activity of the parasympathetic nerves that promote relaxation, and reduced activity of sympathetic nerves associated with “fight or flight” reactions to stress.
- Trees and plants emit aromatic compounds called phytonicides that, when inhaled can spur healthy biological changes in a manner similar to aromatherapy. (Phytonicides are essential oils released by trees and plants to defend against insects, animals, and decomposition. It also refers to the aroma of the forest.) When people walk through a forest their blood composition changes to provide protection against cancer, to develop better immunity, and to lower their blood pressure.
- Healthy volunteers participated in three two-hour sessions of walking in a forest. Researchers measured the number and activity of natural immune cells that destroy cancerous cells in the body. They also measured levels of phytonicides in the forest air. Compared to control measurements taken on normal working days, forest walking significantly decreased levels of stress hormones, increased anti-cancer proteins, and increased the number and activity of natural killer cells. The study also suggested that monthly forest walks could be an important lifestyle factor in the prevention of cancer as well as helpful therapy for people diagnosed with cancer.
- Researchers believed that the forest essential oils were at least partially responsible for the positive effects of forest air. Separate studies have further investigated phytonicides in laboratory settings and confirmed that they can increase anti-cancer proteins and enhance natural killer cell activity.
- The quiet atmosphere, beautiful scenery, good smells, and fresh, clean air in forests contribute to relief from heart disease, depression, cancer, anxiety, and attention disorders.
- People with high blood pressure could get their hypertension under control with just 30 minutes or more in a park each week. This is because air pollution has been linked to a higher risk for heart attacks in city dwellers and tree leaves filter out air pollutants in the park.
- People who spend one minute a day looking up at towering trees in awe were more likely to help other people than people who looked at a building in awe. People in awe feel less entitled, less selfish, and behave in a more generous and helpful way.
- Inside a forest, participants reported feeling significantly less depression and hostility. They felt significantly more lively. The greater the level of stress that individuals experienced, the greater the positive effects of forest bathing (or taking in the forest atmosphere). Researchers concluded that forests are “therapeutic landscapes” and that forest bathing may decrease the risk of stress-related diseases.
- Another study of forest bathing measured fluctuations in salivary amylase, an indicator of changes in sympathetic nervous activity, and also concluded that forests were associated with less environmental stress.
- Researchers studied the relationship between natural scenery and sounds, and pain perception. Viewing a scene of nature and listening to nature sounds is a safe and inexpensive way to reduce pain.
- Plants and trees release compounds that protect them from pests. When humans inhale those plant compounds, it promotes healthy biological changes.
- Forest therapy may also help control blood sugar. A study followed adults diagnosed with type-two diabetes. During this study, some participants walked in a forest. At the end of the study, researchers found that the forest walkers had lower blood sugar, improved insulin sensitivity, and decreased levels of hemoglobin, an indicator of how well blood glucose has been controlled during the study.
- A study in 44 cities found that urban areas with more parks and trees gave people opportunity to socialize and be active with their neighbors resulting in better health, more energy, and a sense of well being. Vandalism and reports of violence were lower in the treed neighborhoods than in the tree-less neighborhoods.
- Research in the United States has investigated the effects of outdoor green spaces on symptoms of attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. After 20-minute walks in a city park, children experienced substantially improved concentration compared to 20-minute walks in downtown and residential settings. Researchers concluded that the positive results were comparable to the effects of Ritalin.
These results have inspired a new recommendation that people take strolls in the woods for better health. This practice has been proven to lower stress and induces a state of physiologic relaxation. The therapeutic benefits of forest bathing may be difficult to fully explain with only phytoncides, but most likely, the green scenery, soothing sounds of streams and waterfalls, and natural aromas of wood, plants and flowers in these complex ecosystems all play a part. Forest therapy is a good example of how our own health is dependent on the health of our natural environment.
Source:
Forest Therapy Association of the Americas, “The Power of Phytoncides”, 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, Municipal 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 Merchant' / 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.