Seminar #77 from Online Seminars for Municipal Arborists
January - March 2018
Sections Go directly to the section by clicking on the title below
January - March 2018
Sections Go directly to the section by clicking on the title below
Note: Click on green text in each section for more information and photos.
Case Study
Tree Valuation
By Ben Gooden
It will be coming to your city soon, if you don't have it already. City councils may have an asset register detailing the value of assets like roads, parks, street furniture, and so on. More and more cities are including trees as quantifiable assets. In the past, it was hard to quantify the value of trees, but today there are a number of methodologies for doing so. One such method, the Burnley Method – developed by Dr. Greg Moore at the Victorian College of Agriculture and Horticulture Limited, Burnley Campus – is now being widely used and accepted.
The City of Melbourne, Australia, are pioneers in valuing their trees and looking after them accordingly. In fact, residents can even send an email to mangers of local trees to raise concerns about their health or express their appreciation and affection for the tree. By putting a monetary value on trees, councils are able to protect them in new and quantifiable ways. For example, if a developer is building near a valuable tree, the council may require them to pay a bond – refunded provided the tree is unharmed after construction is completed. If a developer destroys or removes a tree without permission, the council is able to sue that developer for the value of the tree per their register. All of this is effective and a much-needed motivation to keep our valuable urban trees safe.
A council’s asset register forms a key part of their balance sheet. As the assets degrade over time, there is depreciation. Spend money on their assets, and there is growth. Naturally, councils want to spend money wisely in order to generate the greatest return on investment.
Internationally, providing enough shade in parking lots is a big issue. Not only does shade drastically improve the shopping experience, it also prolongs the life of the pavement.
In the City of Belmont, Perth, the leading soil vault system had a massive impact on the council’s bottom line. In an asphalt parking lot next to an oval, five London Plane (Platanus × acerifolia) trees were installed in narrow islands, with adequate space and soil volume due to the soil cell system beneath the pavement. The cost for installing the five trees (including the soil vault system) was $50,000 or $10,000 per tree.
Four years later, as reported by Council, the trees have grown at an unprecedented rate – from a 3”/75mm trunk diameter at the time of installation, to 10”/250mm. Today, according to the Burnley method, these trees are valued by Council at $17,500 each – an amazing return on investment in just four years, with so much growth (literally and financially) still to come.
As a comparison, the same council has the same species growing in a nearby parking lot using the conventional installation method. The lot was laid, a square cut in the pavement, some curbing placed around the edges, the road base excavated, and soil loaded into the hole. Planted 15 years ago, these trees are valued at only $510 each. Of course, the initial outlay was much less at $250 per tree, but the return on investment does not compare to the trees growing in the soil vault system.
Essentially, using the soil vault system, this innovative Council was able to grow trees worth 34 times as much – in one quarter of the time! As more emphasis is placed on generating return on investment in relation to the value of trees, adopting innovative technology which enables trees to thrive in urban environments must be a priority. Of course, this is not just about improving councils’ bottom lines, but also improving the health and well-being of the communities they serve.
Author Ben Gooden is Managing Director of Citygreen™
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.
Tree Valuation
By Ben Gooden
It will be coming to your city soon, if you don't have it already. City councils may have an asset register detailing the value of assets like roads, parks, street furniture, and so on. More and more cities are including trees as quantifiable assets. In the past, it was hard to quantify the value of trees, but today there are a number of methodologies for doing so. One such method, the Burnley Method – developed by Dr. Greg Moore at the Victorian College of Agriculture and Horticulture Limited, Burnley Campus – is now being widely used and accepted.
The City of Melbourne, Australia, are pioneers in valuing their trees and looking after them accordingly. In fact, residents can even send an email to mangers of local trees to raise concerns about their health or express their appreciation and affection for the tree. By putting a monetary value on trees, councils are able to protect them in new and quantifiable ways. For example, if a developer is building near a valuable tree, the council may require them to pay a bond – refunded provided the tree is unharmed after construction is completed. If a developer destroys or removes a tree without permission, the council is able to sue that developer for the value of the tree per their register. All of this is effective and a much-needed motivation to keep our valuable urban trees safe.
A council’s asset register forms a key part of their balance sheet. As the assets degrade over time, there is depreciation. Spend money on their assets, and there is growth. Naturally, councils want to spend money wisely in order to generate the greatest return on investment.
Internationally, providing enough shade in parking lots is a big issue. Not only does shade drastically improve the shopping experience, it also prolongs the life of the pavement.
In the City of Belmont, Perth, the leading soil vault system had a massive impact on the council’s bottom line. In an asphalt parking lot next to an oval, five London Plane (Platanus × acerifolia) trees were installed in narrow islands, with adequate space and soil volume due to the soil cell system beneath the pavement. The cost for installing the five trees (including the soil vault system) was $50,000 or $10,000 per tree.
Four years later, as reported by Council, the trees have grown at an unprecedented rate – from a 3”/75mm trunk diameter at the time of installation, to 10”/250mm. Today, according to the Burnley method, these trees are valued by Council at $17,500 each – an amazing return on investment in just four years, with so much growth (literally and financially) still to come.
As a comparison, the same council has the same species growing in a nearby parking lot using the conventional installation method. The lot was laid, a square cut in the pavement, some curbing placed around the edges, the road base excavated, and soil loaded into the hole. Planted 15 years ago, these trees are valued at only $510 each. Of course, the initial outlay was much less at $250 per tree, but the return on investment does not compare to the trees growing in the soil vault system.
Essentially, using the soil vault system, this innovative Council was able to grow trees worth 34 times as much – in one quarter of the time! As more emphasis is placed on generating return on investment in relation to the value of trees, adopting innovative technology which enables trees to thrive in urban environments must be a priority. Of course, this is not just about improving councils’ bottom lines, but also improving the health and well-being of the communities they serve.
Author Ben Gooden is Managing Director of Citygreen™
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.
Urban Forestry in Chattanooga
By Gene Hyde
The practice of growing trees in Chattanooga, Tennessee has been around for a long time. The remnants of a turn-of-the-20th century effort are very evident in the older sections of the city where large and stately willow oaks can still be seen. This tradition continued into the 1960's when the Scenic City Beautiful Commission spearheaded the installation of several hundred trees in the downtown area.
The City of Chattanooga initiated a new urban forestry program in 1990 to manage its urban forest resource. Considering that publicly managed trees in Chattanooga occur on almost 1,200 miles of streets, 100 miles of alleys, over 35 parks, two public golf courses, a cemetery, and an extensive greenway trail system, the urban forestry program in Chattanooga is charged with managing a very large resource. The environmental, aesthetic, and economic value and impact of this program to the citizens of Chattanooga is potentially very great.
In 1990, the first edition of the "Tree Ordinance" was passed which created a Tree Advisory Commission and a position of Municipal Forester. In the following year, a computer and software was purchased to track the city's tree inventory and document service requests. Soon after that, an arborist was hired to assist the Municipal Forester along with providing a separate line item budget for the program.
In 1994, a comprehensive urban forestry plan was formulated by a consulting firm. This effort resulted in a three-person Parks Department tree crew who would address the mounting backlog of service requests in the parks and along city streets.
In the following year, a new bucket truck was purchased, and several important publications were produced that provided guidance and plans for the future of the Chattanooga urban forest.
By the year 2000, it became apparent that the position of a Forestry Inspector was needed to review plans, issue permits, and coordinate with various departments, contractors, developers, engineers, and others to insure that City trees were protected. In 2001 the Division of Urban Forestry was transferred to the Department of Public Works.
In 2008, several new initiatives were launched. First came the “Take Root” initiative with the stated goal of increasing the canopy cover in the Central Business District to the desirable goal of 15 percent. This resulted in the installation of over 1,500 trees. This was followed by a STRATUM analysis of trees within the rights-of-way of a three percent random sample of street segments. The results yielded an amazing array of statistics regarding the value of the ecosystems services which is yielded by an estimated population of 205,000 street trees. These actions preceded the development of the Chattanooga Climate Action Plan which provided details and recommending steps for the city to take to reduce the carbon footprint and become more sustainable. Several action items related to canopy goals and ecosystem analyses were identified. During the following year, the GIS inventory of trees was finally finished, and an Urban Forestry Master Plan was completed soon after that.
In 2009 the urban forestry operations were expanded to include the Emergency Department. Also in this same year, the City of Chattanooga received a $200,000 Endowment Grant from the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development for tree installations. The trees purchased and installed with these funds were intended as mitigation plantings to compensate for all of the trees that were removed in 2008 at the new Volkswagen assembly plant in the Enterprise South Industrial Park. These planting funds were shared with the local parks department as well as neighborhood services. The final tally indicated that during the life of the grant a total of 1,693 trees were installed at various streets, neighborhoods, and tree wells around the city. There were a total of 69 species of trees and two species of shrubs utilized in the planting schemes.
In 2013 Emerald Ash Borer was first confirmed in Chattanooga. Although the ash canopy represents less than two percent of the canopy an inventory of high-value ash trees was completed and an Emerald Ash Borer management plan was written.
The Urban Forestry section has enjoyed the annual Arbor Day ceremonies. The goal has been to reach out to diverse neighborhoods and non-profits to aid them in their tree installation efforts. One example of this was the Arbor Day events in 2014. On March 7th and 8th, the annual Arbor Day celebration was held on Glass Street as part of an effort at neighborhood revitalization and community building. This resulted in a total of 18 Trident Maple and ginkgo trees being installed by using over 200 volunteers representing Volkswagen, local schools, and the East Chattanooga neighborhood. Located in East Chattanooga, Glass Street had experienced a period of decline until recent efforts led by the Glass House Collective began to turn things around. As the Collective says on their website, “We gather diverse teams of talent to help revitalize historic Glass Street in Chattanooga”. Their efforts have begun to pay off. Buildings are now being reclaimed, businesses are beginning to move in and signs of new life are springing up everywhere.
In May of 2014 the Parks – Landscape section was temporarily reassigned to the Urban Forestry and Emergency section. This group consists of 17 people. The crews perform daily maintenance on park grounds, playgrounds, and facilities to ensure that they remain attractive, safe, and inviting to residents.
In the late summer of 2014, it became apparent that an unusually high number of Chattanooga's American Elms had died so an in-depth investigation was conducted in 2015. The problem continues to this day. Also in 2015 the city was designated as a “Tree City USA” for the 25th consecutive year.
Today, responding to service requests is the single most time consuming and expensive aspect of the urban forestry operations. These requests pour in from a variety of sources including the 311 center, Fire and Police Departments, the Hamilton County Education Department, sister divisions within City Wide Services, and other City departments. The “Tree Manager” software program has been replaced by “City Works” which is used throughout the entire Department of Public Works as a work order management system. Approximately 1,200 service requests are received each year. During years that are characterized as “very stormy” the number of requests can exceed the 2,500 level.
The Urban Forestry division contains three 3-person crews and a Forestry Supervisor who directs their work. The Emergency Department is on-duty around the clock and is fully integrated with the urban forestry operations. The City Forester reviews all new development plans that could potentially impact city trees and issues a Tree Ordinance Permit to contractors and developers to protect or replace significant trees.
The Urban Forestry program functions as a separate operation within the Urban Forestry and Emergency section of the Chattanooga city government. Its mission is to provide the city with a safe and attractive urban forest, and to educate citizens about the proper care and benefits of trees. It is guided by the nine-member Tree Advisory Commission, appointed by the Mayor. The Forestry section draws on other elements within both Public Works and Parks to assist with tree installation, solving service requests, and other missions. The program’s main operating budget is derived strictly from annual appropriations.
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 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.
By Gene Hyde
The practice of growing trees in Chattanooga, Tennessee has been around for a long time. The remnants of a turn-of-the-20th century effort are very evident in the older sections of the city where large and stately willow oaks can still be seen. This tradition continued into the 1960's when the Scenic City Beautiful Commission spearheaded the installation of several hundred trees in the downtown area.
The City of Chattanooga initiated a new urban forestry program in 1990 to manage its urban forest resource. Considering that publicly managed trees in Chattanooga occur on almost 1,200 miles of streets, 100 miles of alleys, over 35 parks, two public golf courses, a cemetery, and an extensive greenway trail system, the urban forestry program in Chattanooga is charged with managing a very large resource. The environmental, aesthetic, and economic value and impact of this program to the citizens of Chattanooga is potentially very great.
In 1990, the first edition of the "Tree Ordinance" was passed which created a Tree Advisory Commission and a position of Municipal Forester. In the following year, a computer and software was purchased to track the city's tree inventory and document service requests. Soon after that, an arborist was hired to assist the Municipal Forester along with providing a separate line item budget for the program.
In 1994, a comprehensive urban forestry plan was formulated by a consulting firm. This effort resulted in a three-person Parks Department tree crew who would address the mounting backlog of service requests in the parks and along city streets.
In the following year, a new bucket truck was purchased, and several important publications were produced that provided guidance and plans for the future of the Chattanooga urban forest.
By the year 2000, it became apparent that the position of a Forestry Inspector was needed to review plans, issue permits, and coordinate with various departments, contractors, developers, engineers, and others to insure that City trees were protected. In 2001 the Division of Urban Forestry was transferred to the Department of Public Works.
In 2008, several new initiatives were launched. First came the “Take Root” initiative with the stated goal of increasing the canopy cover in the Central Business District to the desirable goal of 15 percent. This resulted in the installation of over 1,500 trees. This was followed by a STRATUM analysis of trees within the rights-of-way of a three percent random sample of street segments. The results yielded an amazing array of statistics regarding the value of the ecosystems services which is yielded by an estimated population of 205,000 street trees. These actions preceded the development of the Chattanooga Climate Action Plan which provided details and recommending steps for the city to take to reduce the carbon footprint and become more sustainable. Several action items related to canopy goals and ecosystem analyses were identified. During the following year, the GIS inventory of trees was finally finished, and an Urban Forestry Master Plan was completed soon after that.
In 2009 the urban forestry operations were expanded to include the Emergency Department. Also in this same year, the City of Chattanooga received a $200,000 Endowment Grant from the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development for tree installations. The trees purchased and installed with these funds were intended as mitigation plantings to compensate for all of the trees that were removed in 2008 at the new Volkswagen assembly plant in the Enterprise South Industrial Park. These planting funds were shared with the local parks department as well as neighborhood services. The final tally indicated that during the life of the grant a total of 1,693 trees were installed at various streets, neighborhoods, and tree wells around the city. There were a total of 69 species of trees and two species of shrubs utilized in the planting schemes.
In 2013 Emerald Ash Borer was first confirmed in Chattanooga. Although the ash canopy represents less than two percent of the canopy an inventory of high-value ash trees was completed and an Emerald Ash Borer management plan was written.
The Urban Forestry section has enjoyed the annual Arbor Day ceremonies. The goal has been to reach out to diverse neighborhoods and non-profits to aid them in their tree installation efforts. One example of this was the Arbor Day events in 2014. On March 7th and 8th, the annual Arbor Day celebration was held on Glass Street as part of an effort at neighborhood revitalization and community building. This resulted in a total of 18 Trident Maple and ginkgo trees being installed by using over 200 volunteers representing Volkswagen, local schools, and the East Chattanooga neighborhood. Located in East Chattanooga, Glass Street had experienced a period of decline until recent efforts led by the Glass House Collective began to turn things around. As the Collective says on their website, “We gather diverse teams of talent to help revitalize historic Glass Street in Chattanooga”. Their efforts have begun to pay off. Buildings are now being reclaimed, businesses are beginning to move in and signs of new life are springing up everywhere.
In May of 2014 the Parks – Landscape section was temporarily reassigned to the Urban Forestry and Emergency section. This group consists of 17 people. The crews perform daily maintenance on park grounds, playgrounds, and facilities to ensure that they remain attractive, safe, and inviting to residents.
In the late summer of 2014, it became apparent that an unusually high number of Chattanooga's American Elms had died so an in-depth investigation was conducted in 2015. The problem continues to this day. Also in 2015 the city was designated as a “Tree City USA” for the 25th consecutive year.
Today, responding to service requests is the single most time consuming and expensive aspect of the urban forestry operations. These requests pour in from a variety of sources including the 311 center, Fire and Police Departments, the Hamilton County Education Department, sister divisions within City Wide Services, and other City departments. The “Tree Manager” software program has been replaced by “City Works” which is used throughout the entire Department of Public Works as a work order management system. Approximately 1,200 service requests are received each year. During years that are characterized as “very stormy” the number of requests can exceed the 2,500 level.
The Urban Forestry division contains three 3-person crews and a Forestry Supervisor who directs their work. The Emergency Department is on-duty around the clock and is fully integrated with the urban forestry operations. The City Forester reviews all new development plans that could potentially impact city trees and issues a Tree Ordinance Permit to contractors and developers to protect or replace significant trees.
The Urban Forestry program functions as a separate operation within the Urban Forestry and Emergency section of the Chattanooga city government. Its mission is to provide the city with a safe and attractive urban forest, and to educate citizens about the proper care and benefits of trees. It is guided by the nine-member Tree Advisory Commission, appointed by the Mayor. The Forestry section draws on other elements within both Public Works and Parks to assist with tree installation, solving service requests, and other missions. The program’s main operating budget is derived strictly from annual appropriations.
Sources
- City of Chattanooga 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, 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.
Tree of the Seminar #77
By Len Phillips
A catalpa as a street tree?? Yes, check this one out! Heartland® Catalpa was selected for its tolerance of tough climate conditions, especially heat and drought. It is easier to grow than the species. It is also it is more suitable for most landscape and street uses than seedling-grown trees of the species. Might I suggest you grow this tree as an experiment to see how well it does in your city?
Trade Name: Heartland® Catalpa
Botanical Name: Catalpa speciosa ‘Hiawatha 2’
Family: Bignoniaceae
Parentage: Selection of the native Northern Catalpa Catalpa speciosa
USDA Hardiness Zone: 4 – 8
AHS Heat Zone: 8 - 1
Height: 50' – 60'
Spread: 20' – 30'
Growth Rate: Moderate to fast, 15 ft. in 7 – 8 years
Form: Upright narrow oval, uniform branching
Flower: White, in large clusters
Fruit: Capsule, green changing to brown, 8 to 20 inches long
Summer Foliage: Dark green, large leaves
Autumn Color: Yellow-green
Bark: Grayish brown on older sections of the trunk with ridges and furrows
Habitat: Species found in Eastern and Midwest states, Heartland will grow most anywhere
Culture: Tolerates most soils, does well in full sun, and is a drought and heat tolerant tree
Pest Resistance: Some pest and disease problems
Storm Resistance: Susceptible to small branch drop in storms
Planting: Transplant B&B
Pruning: Seldom needs pruning Propagating: Hardwood cuttings
Design Uses: Excellent for street tree use, moderate tree for landscapes
Companions: Best with shade tolerant groundcovers
Site Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
Photo
Sources
This information has been gathered from personal observations of the author, living in Massachusetts, Zone 6 and information provided by J. Frank Schmidt & Son.
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
A catalpa as a street tree?? Yes, check this one out! Heartland® Catalpa was selected for its tolerance of tough climate conditions, especially heat and drought. It is easier to grow than the species. It is also it is more suitable for most landscape and street uses than seedling-grown trees of the species. Might I suggest you grow this tree as an experiment to see how well it does in your city?
Trade Name: Heartland® Catalpa
Botanical Name: Catalpa speciosa ‘Hiawatha 2’
Family: Bignoniaceae
Parentage: Selection of the native Northern Catalpa Catalpa speciosa
USDA Hardiness Zone: 4 – 8
AHS Heat Zone: 8 - 1
Height: 50' – 60'
Spread: 20' – 30'
Growth Rate: Moderate to fast, 15 ft. in 7 – 8 years
Form: Upright narrow oval, uniform branching
Flower: White, in large clusters
Fruit: Capsule, green changing to brown, 8 to 20 inches long
Summer Foliage: Dark green, large leaves
Autumn Color: Yellow-green
Bark: Grayish brown on older sections of the trunk with ridges and furrows
Habitat: Species found in Eastern and Midwest states, Heartland will grow most anywhere
Culture: Tolerates most soils, does well in full sun, and is a drought and heat tolerant tree
Pest Resistance: Some pest and disease problems
Storm Resistance: Susceptible to small branch drop in storms
Planting: Transplant B&B
Pruning: Seldom needs pruning Propagating: Hardwood cuttings
Design Uses: Excellent for street tree use, moderate tree for landscapes
Companions: Best with shade tolerant groundcovers
Site Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
Photo
Sources
This information has been gathered from personal observations of the author, living in Massachusetts, Zone 6 and information provided by J. Frank Schmidt & Son.
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.
Managing Winter Injury to Trees
Edited By Len Phillips
In autumn, it is often necessary to provide extra attention to newly installed trees to help them survive over-winter and start spring growth in peak condition. Potential winter damage can be divided into three categories:
1. Desiccation
Several environmental factors can influence desiccation. Desiccation is a significant cause of damage, particularly on evergreens when water transpires from the tree faster than it is taken up by the roots in frozen soil. In addition, if the autumn has been particularly dry, there may be insufficient ground moisture to supply the roots with adequate water.
Solution: Proper watering is a critical factor in winterizing trees especially newly installed ones. Give trees a deep soaking that will supply water to the entire root system before the ground freezes. This practice is especially important for evergreens. Watering during warm days during the winter months is also important along with mulching for erosion control and loss of water by transpiration. A two-inch (5 cm) layer of mulch will help maintain uniform soil moisture around the roots. It also reduces the amouand nt of alternate freezing and thawing of the soil which causes frost heaving of newly installed root balls..
Anti-desiccant compounds are typically sprayed onto leaves and are sold in many garden centers and supply catalogs for the purpose of slowing the rate of transpiration. However, research has shown that these compounds degrade rapidly and are of little value for preventing desiccation.
2. Freezing
Frost heaving occurs when alternate freezing and thawing of the soil pushes small, shallow-rooted trees out of the ground. This prevents the trees from having firm contact with the soil and exposes the roots to wind desiccation. If a tree has been heaved from the ground, dig it up and replant the tree as soon as the soil thaws.
New growth that has been stimulated in early autumn by a late summer fertilization or a pruning that may not have had time to harden off sufficiently, may not survive sudden temperature drops to below freezing. In these situations, ice crystals will rupture cell walls and result in dead branches and branch tips.
Solution: Avoid late summer or early autumn fertilization while trees are still active, as this stimulates growth, which is easily killed by cold temperatures. A sharp temperature change between day and night may freeze the water within the trunk of a tree, causing it to explode or split open in a symptom called bark split or frost cracking. If not severe, these cracks seem to close when warm weather arrives in late spring or early summer, although the wood fibers within the tree may not grow back together. This is sometimes called southwest injury because it is commonly found on the southwest side of trees where warm afternoon sun creates further extremes in the day and night temperatures. In most cases trees close over the cracks adequately, with no treatment being necessary.
Wrapping trunks with burlap strips or commercial tree wrap, adding white paint, or even shading the trunk with a board leaning against the trunk may prevent bark splitting. All of these methods reflect sunlight and reduce the buildup of heat during the day, thus reducing the temperature fluctuations that cause splitting. Any wraps should be removed after one season, to prevent insect or moisture damage.
The sun can also prematurely stimulate the opening of flowers or leaf buds in the spring. Freezing night temperatures might kill the flower buds, although the leaf buds usually survive. Even with good management, injury to young growth may still occur as a result of unusual weather patterns.
Root injury may occur in containers and planters, or balled and burlapped (B&B) stock that has been left exposed during the winter. Lethal root temperatures can start at 28°F (– 2°C) on some species. Tender trees should be placed in protected areas, sunk into the ground, grouped together, or heavily mulched to avoid low temperature injury to roots.
3. Breakage
Breakage of branches in winter is usually related to damage by the weight of snow and ice and by careless snow removal. High winds can compound the damage done to ice-covered trees. Damage may take the form of misshapen trees, broken branches, and split trunks.
Solution: Proper pruning at an appropriate time throughout the year is effective in reducing potential damage by ice and snow. Particularly important is the removal of any weak, narrow-angled, V-shaped crotches. Avoid late-summer pruning that stimulates new, tender growth that also reduces the supply of nutrients available to the tree through the winter.
Snow that has collected on newly installed or weak branched shrubs should be removed with a broom. Always sweep upward with the broom to lift snow off. When the branches are frozen and brittle, avoid disturbing them until a warm day or until the ice naturally melts away.
Plan Ahead to Avoid Damage
Much of the disappointment and frustration of winter-damaged trees can be avoided by planning ahead.
Dealing with Winter Injury
After a particularly severe winter, many trees may show substantial injury such as discolored, burned evergreen needles or leaves, heaved root systems, and dead or broken branch tips and branches. The extent of winter damage can best be determined after new growth starts in the spring. At that time, prune all dead twigs or branches back to within one quarter of an inch above a live bud, or to the branch collar of the nearest live branch. Do not remove branches if scraping the outer bark reveals a green layer underneath.
If discoloration on narrow-leafed evergreen needles is not too severe, they may regain their color or develop new foliage. Broad-leaved evergreens showing leaf damage will usually produce new leaves if the leaf buds have not been too severely injured. Prune to remove badly damaged or broken branches, to shape the tree, and to stimulate new growth.
After testing the soil, an application of fertilizer around winter-damaged trees, accompanied by adequate watering, will usually induce new growth to compensate for winter injuries.
Special care should be given to trees injured by the cold. The dry summer months can be particularly damaging, as the trees are weak and often unable to survive the stress of drought.
Rodent Damage
In winter, mice may chew off the bark at ground level or below and can completely girdle a tree, causing it to die. Since most of this damage takes place during winter, keep the mulch pulled away from the base of the tree and examine it frequently for the presence of mice. In many situations placing poison bait in their runways and according to directions, controls mice. Mice may also be controlled by trapping.
Rabbits can also chew the bark off young trees right at ground level. Where rabbits are a common problem, a satisfactory method of preventing damage is the use of a mechanical guard around the tree trunk. Tree wraps can also be used, but must be removed in the early spring to prevent damage to the tree. Rabbit repellents under various trade names are also available. Squirrels also like to strip the bark off certain trees. Repellents seem to be the best answer for the squirrel problem.
Road Salt Damage to Trees
Road salt contains dissolved salts that injure the trees but also can change the structure of the soil, causing it to change in texture. Although the salt is applied throughout the winter, most damage occurs when trees are beginning active growth. The primary symptom of salt damage is marginal scorch on leaf edges. (see Salt Tolerant and Salt Sensitive Species below)
Solution: During the winter, the goal is to prevent salt from reaching the trees, and to wash it off the trees with copious amounts of water. Do not pile snow containing salt around trees or put it where runoff will flow over root zones. Where runoff is unavoidable, flush the area around the trees in early spring by applying 2" of water over a 2-3 hour period and repeat 3 days later. This will leach much of the salt from the soil. Sometimes two heavy spring rains will provide the same result.
During the summer, incorporate large quantities of organic materials into salt damaged soil to enhance its texture and to increase its water and nutrient holding capacity. Trees that are already stressed by salt will do better if no other stresses are added to them.
Salt Tolerant Species
White oak Quercus alba
Honey locust Gleditsia sp.
Scots pine Pinus sylvestris
Red oak Quercus rubra
Junipers Juniperus sp.
Roses Rosa sp.
Salt Sensitive Species
Red pine Pinus resinosa
White pine Pinus strobus
Black walnut Juglans nigra
Red maple Acer rubrum
Sugar maple Acer saccharum
Source
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.
Edited By Len Phillips
In autumn, it is often necessary to provide extra attention to newly installed trees to help them survive over-winter and start spring growth in peak condition. Potential winter damage can be divided into three categories:
- Desiccation
- Freezing
- Breakage
1. Desiccation
Several environmental factors can influence desiccation. Desiccation is a significant cause of damage, particularly on evergreens when water transpires from the tree faster than it is taken up by the roots in frozen soil. In addition, if the autumn has been particularly dry, there may be insufficient ground moisture to supply the roots with adequate water.
Solution: Proper watering is a critical factor in winterizing trees especially newly installed ones. Give trees a deep soaking that will supply water to the entire root system before the ground freezes. This practice is especially important for evergreens. Watering during warm days during the winter months is also important along with mulching for erosion control and loss of water by transpiration. A two-inch (5 cm) layer of mulch will help maintain uniform soil moisture around the roots. It also reduces the amouand nt of alternate freezing and thawing of the soil which causes frost heaving of newly installed root balls..
Anti-desiccant compounds are typically sprayed onto leaves and are sold in many garden centers and supply catalogs for the purpose of slowing the rate of transpiration. However, research has shown that these compounds degrade rapidly and are of little value for preventing desiccation.
2. Freezing
Frost heaving occurs when alternate freezing and thawing of the soil pushes small, shallow-rooted trees out of the ground. This prevents the trees from having firm contact with the soil and exposes the roots to wind desiccation. If a tree has been heaved from the ground, dig it up and replant the tree as soon as the soil thaws.
New growth that has been stimulated in early autumn by a late summer fertilization or a pruning that may not have had time to harden off sufficiently, may not survive sudden temperature drops to below freezing. In these situations, ice crystals will rupture cell walls and result in dead branches and branch tips.
Solution: Avoid late summer or early autumn fertilization while trees are still active, as this stimulates growth, which is easily killed by cold temperatures. A sharp temperature change between day and night may freeze the water within the trunk of a tree, causing it to explode or split open in a symptom called bark split or frost cracking. If not severe, these cracks seem to close when warm weather arrives in late spring or early summer, although the wood fibers within the tree may not grow back together. This is sometimes called southwest injury because it is commonly found on the southwest side of trees where warm afternoon sun creates further extremes in the day and night temperatures. In most cases trees close over the cracks adequately, with no treatment being necessary.
Wrapping trunks with burlap strips or commercial tree wrap, adding white paint, or even shading the trunk with a board leaning against the trunk may prevent bark splitting. All of these methods reflect sunlight and reduce the buildup of heat during the day, thus reducing the temperature fluctuations that cause splitting. Any wraps should be removed after one season, to prevent insect or moisture damage.
The sun can also prematurely stimulate the opening of flowers or leaf buds in the spring. Freezing night temperatures might kill the flower buds, although the leaf buds usually survive. Even with good management, injury to young growth may still occur as a result of unusual weather patterns.
Root injury may occur in containers and planters, or balled and burlapped (B&B) stock that has been left exposed during the winter. Lethal root temperatures can start at 28°F (– 2°C) on some species. Tender trees should be placed in protected areas, sunk into the ground, grouped together, or heavily mulched to avoid low temperature injury to roots.
3. Breakage
Breakage of branches in winter is usually related to damage by the weight of snow and ice and by careless snow removal. High winds can compound the damage done to ice-covered trees. Damage may take the form of misshapen trees, broken branches, and split trunks.
Solution: Proper pruning at an appropriate time throughout the year is effective in reducing potential damage by ice and snow. Particularly important is the removal of any weak, narrow-angled, V-shaped crotches. Avoid late-summer pruning that stimulates new, tender growth that also reduces the supply of nutrients available to the tree through the winter.
Snow that has collected on newly installed or weak branched shrubs should be removed with a broom. Always sweep upward with the broom to lift snow off. When the branches are frozen and brittle, avoid disturbing them until a warm day or until the ice naturally melts away.
Plan Ahead to Avoid Damage
Much of the disappointment and frustration of winter-damaged trees can be avoided by planning ahead.
- Select Hardy Trees – Install trees that are known to be winter hardy in your area.
- Select an Appropriate Site – When installing trees that are known to be easily injured, select a location where they will be protected from prevailing winds and intense winter sun. These exposures will also delay spring growth, thus preventing late spring frost injury to new flower growth.
- Avoid Low Spots and Roof Overhangs – Avoid sites that are likely to experience rapid fluctuations in temperature and heavy snow and ice loads.
- Promote Healthy Trees – Do not install trees that are diseased or deficient in nutrients.
- Treating Winter Injury – Many trees have protective mechanisms such as shedding leaves, positioning their leaves flat against their stems, rolling their leaves downward or the margins inward; and wilted-looking leaves. The red, purple, bronze, and brown winter color of some evergreens should not be confused with winter injury.
Dealing with Winter Injury
After a particularly severe winter, many trees may show substantial injury such as discolored, burned evergreen needles or leaves, heaved root systems, and dead or broken branch tips and branches. The extent of winter damage can best be determined after new growth starts in the spring. At that time, prune all dead twigs or branches back to within one quarter of an inch above a live bud, or to the branch collar of the nearest live branch. Do not remove branches if scraping the outer bark reveals a green layer underneath.
If discoloration on narrow-leafed evergreen needles is not too severe, they may regain their color or develop new foliage. Broad-leaved evergreens showing leaf damage will usually produce new leaves if the leaf buds have not been too severely injured. Prune to remove badly damaged or broken branches, to shape the tree, and to stimulate new growth.
After testing the soil, an application of fertilizer around winter-damaged trees, accompanied by adequate watering, will usually induce new growth to compensate for winter injuries.
Special care should be given to trees injured by the cold. The dry summer months can be particularly damaging, as the trees are weak and often unable to survive the stress of drought.
Rodent Damage
In winter, mice may chew off the bark at ground level or below and can completely girdle a tree, causing it to die. Since most of this damage takes place during winter, keep the mulch pulled away from the base of the tree and examine it frequently for the presence of mice. In many situations placing poison bait in their runways and according to directions, controls mice. Mice may also be controlled by trapping.
Rabbits can also chew the bark off young trees right at ground level. Where rabbits are a common problem, a satisfactory method of preventing damage is the use of a mechanical guard around the tree trunk. Tree wraps can also be used, but must be removed in the early spring to prevent damage to the tree. Rabbit repellents under various trade names are also available. Squirrels also like to strip the bark off certain trees. Repellents seem to be the best answer for the squirrel problem.
Road Salt Damage to Trees
Road salt contains dissolved salts that injure the trees but also can change the structure of the soil, causing it to change in texture. Although the salt is applied throughout the winter, most damage occurs when trees are beginning active growth. The primary symptom of salt damage is marginal scorch on leaf edges. (see Salt Tolerant and Salt Sensitive Species below)
Solution: During the winter, the goal is to prevent salt from reaching the trees, and to wash it off the trees with copious amounts of water. Do not pile snow containing salt around trees or put it where runoff will flow over root zones. Where runoff is unavoidable, flush the area around the trees in early spring by applying 2" of water over a 2-3 hour period and repeat 3 days later. This will leach much of the salt from the soil. Sometimes two heavy spring rains will provide the same result.
During the summer, incorporate large quantities of organic materials into salt damaged soil to enhance its texture and to increase its water and nutrient holding capacity. Trees that are already stressed by salt will do better if no other stresses are added to them.
Salt Tolerant Species
White oak Quercus alba
Honey locust Gleditsia sp.
Scots pine Pinus sylvestris
Red oak Quercus rubra
Junipers Juniperus sp.
Roses Rosa sp.
Salt Sensitive Species
Red pine Pinus resinosa
White pine Pinus strobus
Black walnut Juglans nigra
Red maple Acer rubrum
Sugar maple Acer saccharum
Source
- Relf, Diane, and Bonnie Appleton, “Managing Winter Injury to Trees and Shrubs”, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech, and Virginia State University, May 1, 2009.
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.
The Bark of a Tree
By Mark Webber
When you hear the word “bark” in reference to a tree, you may know it as an area on the outside of tree trunk or the covering of tree branches. This important covering performs many important functions in woody plants.
Bark formation is complex and is initiated by the process of cell division in the cambium, which produces:
Phloem tissue contains:
As subsequent layers of phloem are laid down year after year, the outer layers become crushed and compressed, and the sieve elements and similar structures collapse. This tissue then ceases to take part in active physiological processes and is transformed into the relatively inert, dark outer bark that comprises the bulk of most tree barks.
Periderm, or cork, is produced by this cork cambium and contributes appreciably to the structure of the outer bark. The innermost layer of periderm is normally considered as the boundary between the inner and outer bark. A number of other types of auxiliary tissues, (e.g. lignified sclerynchyma and medullary ray parenchyma), are also found in the bark.
This brief description clearly demonstrates that the bark of woody plants is a highly complex, heterogeneous material composed mainly of a thin, physiologically active inner layer and a complex, relatively inert outer layer. Bark's principal function is to protect the cambium and prevent the loss of water. More so, the bark tissue that covers woody plant stems has many uses in human history and our future needs.
Bark Products
The process of bark formation in itself produces many unique chemical compounds and unique fibers. Each species of woody plant in the world produces its own unique by-products. Bark has a long history of utility ranging from the native American’s birch-bark canoes to the tapa cloth of the South Pacific native peoples. Cork, fiber, tannin, dye, gum, resin, latex material, food/drink flavoring, antibiotic and medicinal products can all be derived from bark. Among some of the varied products obtained from bark are the spice - cinnamon; the antimalarial drug – quinine; the powerful aphrodisiac – yohimbine used by natives and animal breeders; the cocktail ingredient – Angostura bitters, and the root beer flavoring – sassafras. Bark from trees can be used as a soil conditioner or mulch for landscape beds. Douglas-fir bark powder can be used alone as a thermo-setting, water-resistant adhesive for plywood since it flows under heat and pressure. Experimental work has also been done with the incorporation of Douglas-fir bark fiber into plastics as a reinforcement for molded products.
The tremendous range of products obtainable from bark is a reflection not only of the complexity of bark itself but also of the extreme differences between barks of different species. A most interesting utilization of bark is a source of chemical extracts with medicinal or physiological properties.
Our Future in Tree Bark
Research on the use of bark as a mulch and in particleboard and on the extraction of terpenes and polyphenols is currently being conducted. It is well known that deer sometimes browse on the bark of aspen trees when other food is not available in hard winters. Research is being carried on at the U.S. Forest Products Laboratory in cooperation with three land grant universities on the possibility of including certain barks in feeds for domesticated ruminate animals. Preliminary findings suggest that the inner bark of certain hardwoods should be readily digested by these animals.
The bark of trees provides many vital functions to woody plants and its unique traits also provides many uses to humanity well after the tree has lost all of its biological function.
Author Mark A. Webber is an ISA Board-Certified Master Arborist in Ohio.
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 0.5 CEUs toward Certified Arborist 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 Mark Webber
When you hear the word “bark” in reference to a tree, you may know it as an area on the outside of tree trunk or the covering of tree branches. This important covering performs many important functions in woody plants.
Bark formation is complex and is initiated by the process of cell division in the cambium, which produces:
- phloem, the primary bark tissue, on the exterior or the bark side.
- xylem, on the woody side (inside).
Phloem tissue contains:
- Phloem parenchyma – also called inner bark, are tissues that transport energy containing substances made in leaves that move toward non-woody absorbing roots. They are located just outside the cambium zone and inside the phellogen and the outer bark.
- Bast fibers – elongated, tapering, thick-walled cells that provide strength to wood.
- Companion cells – specialized cells in the angiosperm phloem derived from the same parent cells as the closely associated, immediately adjacent sieve-tube member.
- Sieve cells or sieve tubes – the main function of the sieve tube is the transport of carbohydrates, primarily sucrose, in the plant.
- Inner bark – the layer of physiologically active tissue adjacent to the cambium that is relatively thin and light colored.
As subsequent layers of phloem are laid down year after year, the outer layers become crushed and compressed, and the sieve elements and similar structures collapse. This tissue then ceases to take part in active physiological processes and is transformed into the relatively inert, dark outer bark that comprises the bulk of most tree barks.
- Rhytidome – is the rifted or scaly outermost layer of such bark on mature trees.
- Phellogen or cork cambium – is a second cambial layer within the bark that complicates the structure of bark.
Periderm, or cork, is produced by this cork cambium and contributes appreciably to the structure of the outer bark. The innermost layer of periderm is normally considered as the boundary between the inner and outer bark. A number of other types of auxiliary tissues, (e.g. lignified sclerynchyma and medullary ray parenchyma), are also found in the bark.
This brief description clearly demonstrates that the bark of woody plants is a highly complex, heterogeneous material composed mainly of a thin, physiologically active inner layer and a complex, relatively inert outer layer. Bark's principal function is to protect the cambium and prevent the loss of water. More so, the bark tissue that covers woody plant stems has many uses in human history and our future needs.
Bark Products
The process of bark formation in itself produces many unique chemical compounds and unique fibers. Each species of woody plant in the world produces its own unique by-products. Bark has a long history of utility ranging from the native American’s birch-bark canoes to the tapa cloth of the South Pacific native peoples. Cork, fiber, tannin, dye, gum, resin, latex material, food/drink flavoring, antibiotic and medicinal products can all be derived from bark. Among some of the varied products obtained from bark are the spice - cinnamon; the antimalarial drug – quinine; the powerful aphrodisiac – yohimbine used by natives and animal breeders; the cocktail ingredient – Angostura bitters, and the root beer flavoring – sassafras. Bark from trees can be used as a soil conditioner or mulch for landscape beds. Douglas-fir bark powder can be used alone as a thermo-setting, water-resistant adhesive for plywood since it flows under heat and pressure. Experimental work has also been done with the incorporation of Douglas-fir bark fiber into plastics as a reinforcement for molded products.
The tremendous range of products obtainable from bark is a reflection not only of the complexity of bark itself but also of the extreme differences between barks of different species. A most interesting utilization of bark is a source of chemical extracts with medicinal or physiological properties.
Our Future in Tree Bark
Research on the use of bark as a mulch and in particleboard and on the extraction of terpenes and polyphenols is currently being conducted. It is well known that deer sometimes browse on the bark of aspen trees when other food is not available in hard winters. Research is being carried on at the U.S. Forest Products Laboratory in cooperation with three land grant universities on the possibility of including certain barks in feeds for domesticated ruminate animals. Preliminary findings suggest that the inner bark of certain hardwoods should be readily digested by these animals.
The bark of trees provides many vital functions to woody plants and its unique traits also provides many uses to humanity well after the tree has lost all of its biological function.
Author Mark A. Webber is an ISA Board-Certified Master Arborist in Ohio.
Sources
- Biggs, A. R. “Suberized boundary zones and the chronology of wound response in tree bark.” Phytopathology 75.11 (1985): 1191-1195.
- Demeyer, Alex, JC Voundi Nkana, and M. G. Verloo. “Characteristics of wood ash and influence on soil properties and nutrient uptake: an overview.” Bioresource technology 77.3 (2001): 287-295.
- Hengst, Gretel E., and Jeffrey O. Dawson. “Bark properties and fire resistance of selected tree species from the central hardwood region of North America.” Canadian Journal of Forest Research 24.4 (1994): 688-696.
- Plomion, Christophe, Grégoire Leprovost, and Alexia Stokes. “Wood formation in trees.” Plant physiology 127.4 (2001): 1513-1523.
- Prance, Ghillean T. “Bark: the formation characteristics, and uses of bark around the world.” No. 582.047 P899. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (RU), 1993.
- Tsoumis, George. “Science and technology of wood: structure, properties, utilization.” Vol. 115. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1991.
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 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.
Arborist Rigging Operations
By Ken Palmer
There are many decisions to make both prior to and during a rigging operation. Arborists not only have to deal with the forces of falling branches, equipment strength properties, crew communications, and work flow, we must also assess the tree for it’s overall stability as well as the stability of potential anchor and rigging points.
Working safely, productively, and professionally, while carrying out many of the diverse procedures that today’s arborists are faced with, truly requires a solid understanding of basic physics and terminology. Educated decision-making ability as well as the skills to carry out complex procedures, are both expected and required to practice modern arboriculture as a profession today.
The rigging techniques presented will provide a general overview of basic rigging methods and an introduction of rigging terminology to assist with communication among the crew. This article is not meant to be a substitute for a systematic training process that educates the practitioner as to why the best practices must be observed. Arborists also need “hands-on” systematic training on how to develop the skills to safely and productively carry out rigging operations.
Basic Principals
The basic principle of rigging in a tree is to tie off the limb or section of wood being removed with a rigging line that is run through a rigging point somewhere in the tree and/or in a nearby tree. Friction, somewhere in the system is typically used to assist a worker on the ground to manage the force that will be generated, to control the descent and many times to decelerate the piece after it is cut from the tree.
There are many ways to tie a rigging sling to a tree in order to attach rigging equipment, and many ways to attach a rigging line or tag line onto the section of tree being removed. The only correct way is to choose a knot specifically for its ability to perform a given task and to tie, dress, and set the knot correctly.
However, there is a default method, and it goes like this: “if you really don’t know the right knot, just tie any knot.” It sounds like a joke but many of us are familiar with the default method and it is neither safe nor is it professional. Arborists must not only know the ropes, they must know the knots!
Butt Line
A butt line is a rigging line tied near the point of the cut. If a butt line is used alone, the tip end of the limb will drop when the cut is made. Tip-tying the limb will cause the butt end to drop when the cut is made. Either method will cause the limb to swing so the climber and ground crew must make sure that they will be able to control the cut piece so as to not injure the climber or damage obstacles below.
Tying the rope at the balance point of the limb can allow the limb to be lowered horizontally with less swing. However, it is difficult to judge the balance point, and the climber could create a battering ram if not careful. It should be noted that there are other more advanced techniques and tools that can be used to balance limbs.
Double Hitch
A Double Hitch is a combination of a tip tie and a butt line. This technique is sometimes called a drift line or load transfer line when the lines are rigged between two trees and far enough apart to for the load to be “drifted' or “transferred” away from its original position. The two lines must be carefully chosen to minimize swing or maximize control with no tangling. However, a limb that is double hitched is generally safer and easier to control, though it may require two workers to handle the rigging lines.
Tip Tie and Lift
Tip Tie and Lift is a method of lifting a limb to a vertical position before lowering it. In order to minimize the potential of the limb swinging out of control, the rigging anchor point must be set as directly over the cut as possible. A face notch and back cut is made that will allow the hinge to work until the limb is almost vertical before it closes and breaks off. Mastering the cutting method allows the climber or bucket operator to move away before the limb is lifted, greatly enhancing the operation safety.
Tag Line
A tag line can be used in combination with each of these methods. The tag line does not support the weight of the piece and it is not rigged through the tree. It is only tied to the limb to help ground workers either break the piece off (sometimes called a pull rope), control the direction of swing, and assist in landing the piece safely.
Removing a Section of Wood
When a limb or section of wood is rigged for removal, the climber must be able to use the appropriate method of cutting it off. A top cut alone will create an indefinite hinging type effect. Depending on the species and condition of the tree, this can cause a limb to peel beyond the branch collar. A top cut with an undercut will minimize the risk of an uncontrolled swing or peeling, but the limb may not drop free in one smooth motion. This can create a significant jolt to the climber and the tree when the limb releases from the tree. A notched cut or face notch with a top cut (back cut) will allow for more control on the drop in many situations, with less chance of limb barber chairing (splitting of the limb), or rotating on the cut.
Slide-Lining/Speed-Lining Method
Another technique worth being familiar with is slide-lining/speed-lining method. In its most basic application, slide-lining is a method of attaching limbs or logs with rigging equipment such as slings and pulleys to a line that is tied high in a tree on one end and low to another tree or anchor point some distance away from the tree being worked on. The climber cuts the section and allows it to slide down the rope to the ground. One end of the line is controlled by a ground worker in order to land the piece after it is cut. The purpose is to remove sections while avoiding obstacles below the tree while possibility moving the sections closer to the truck and or chipper. Once again, it should be noted that there are many more advanced methods of setting up a slide-line that can give more control over the piece being removed.
Removal Strategy
The strategy for dismantling a tree will depend on the circumstances. The climber should plan a systematic order of removal to avoid being left with a limb that is too difficult or dangerous to remove without a suitable rigging point aloft. Removing the easiest limbs first could eliminate potential rigging points that would be very useful later in the removal process.
Trunk Removal
One of the most difficult and dangerous aspects of tree removal is chunking out trunk sections that are rigged vertically upon themselves (blocking down wood). Safety, as always, is the primary concern. An arborist block should be tied under the point of the cut with a rigging sling that is at least twice as strong as the rigging line being used because the force that the rigging point will experience is often twice that which the rigging point will experience. The face notch and kerf cuts below the hinge should then be made before tying off the section of wood to avoid cutting the rope with the chain saw.
After passing through the arborist block, the rigging line is often tied to the section with a half hitch tied above the cut, and a running bowline is tied higher on the section. The important thing to remember is that whenever possible, dynamic forces and shock loading can be greatly reduced by letting the line run so as to gradually decelerate the load. The ground worker running the rigging line should take an adequate number of wraps on the friction device in order to control the load while standing well clear of the drop zone. The rigging line should be held loosely in the hands at first then pressure is applied to the rope in order to slow it gradually. This technique needs to be practiced in a non-critical situation before the first time on the job.
Never try to rig a section of tree that is too big. Never add a weak link and/or an unnecessary connecting link to your rigging system. Always consider what could happen if any component of the system should fail. ‘Fail safe’ means that if something were to fail, everyone would be safe!
The key to arborist rigging operations is a sound understanding of the potential forces, the structural integrity of the tree, the right equipment for the job that is able to handle the highest potential forces with an acceptable factor of safety and a large mental toolbox.
Author Ken Palmer is president of ArborMaster® which provides safety, skill, and productivity training for people and organizations who work with, in, and around trees.
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 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 Ken Palmer
There are many decisions to make both prior to and during a rigging operation. Arborists not only have to deal with the forces of falling branches, equipment strength properties, crew communications, and work flow, we must also assess the tree for it’s overall stability as well as the stability of potential anchor and rigging points.
Working safely, productively, and professionally, while carrying out many of the diverse procedures that today’s arborists are faced with, truly requires a solid understanding of basic physics and terminology. Educated decision-making ability as well as the skills to carry out complex procedures, are both expected and required to practice modern arboriculture as a profession today.
The rigging techniques presented will provide a general overview of basic rigging methods and an introduction of rigging terminology to assist with communication among the crew. This article is not meant to be a substitute for a systematic training process that educates the practitioner as to why the best practices must be observed. Arborists also need “hands-on” systematic training on how to develop the skills to safely and productively carry out rigging operations.
Basic Principals
The basic principle of rigging in a tree is to tie off the limb or section of wood being removed with a rigging line that is run through a rigging point somewhere in the tree and/or in a nearby tree. Friction, somewhere in the system is typically used to assist a worker on the ground to manage the force that will be generated, to control the descent and many times to decelerate the piece after it is cut from the tree.
There are many ways to tie a rigging sling to a tree in order to attach rigging equipment, and many ways to attach a rigging line or tag line onto the section of tree being removed. The only correct way is to choose a knot specifically for its ability to perform a given task and to tie, dress, and set the knot correctly.
However, there is a default method, and it goes like this: “if you really don’t know the right knot, just tie any knot.” It sounds like a joke but many of us are familiar with the default method and it is neither safe nor is it professional. Arborists must not only know the ropes, they must know the knots!
Butt Line
A butt line is a rigging line tied near the point of the cut. If a butt line is used alone, the tip end of the limb will drop when the cut is made. Tip-tying the limb will cause the butt end to drop when the cut is made. Either method will cause the limb to swing so the climber and ground crew must make sure that they will be able to control the cut piece so as to not injure the climber or damage obstacles below.
Tying the rope at the balance point of the limb can allow the limb to be lowered horizontally with less swing. However, it is difficult to judge the balance point, and the climber could create a battering ram if not careful. It should be noted that there are other more advanced techniques and tools that can be used to balance limbs.
Double Hitch
A Double Hitch is a combination of a tip tie and a butt line. This technique is sometimes called a drift line or load transfer line when the lines are rigged between two trees and far enough apart to for the load to be “drifted' or “transferred” away from its original position. The two lines must be carefully chosen to minimize swing or maximize control with no tangling. However, a limb that is double hitched is generally safer and easier to control, though it may require two workers to handle the rigging lines.
Tip Tie and Lift
Tip Tie and Lift is a method of lifting a limb to a vertical position before lowering it. In order to minimize the potential of the limb swinging out of control, the rigging anchor point must be set as directly over the cut as possible. A face notch and back cut is made that will allow the hinge to work until the limb is almost vertical before it closes and breaks off. Mastering the cutting method allows the climber or bucket operator to move away before the limb is lifted, greatly enhancing the operation safety.
Tag Line
A tag line can be used in combination with each of these methods. The tag line does not support the weight of the piece and it is not rigged through the tree. It is only tied to the limb to help ground workers either break the piece off (sometimes called a pull rope), control the direction of swing, and assist in landing the piece safely.
Removing a Section of Wood
When a limb or section of wood is rigged for removal, the climber must be able to use the appropriate method of cutting it off. A top cut alone will create an indefinite hinging type effect. Depending on the species and condition of the tree, this can cause a limb to peel beyond the branch collar. A top cut with an undercut will minimize the risk of an uncontrolled swing or peeling, but the limb may not drop free in one smooth motion. This can create a significant jolt to the climber and the tree when the limb releases from the tree. A notched cut or face notch with a top cut (back cut) will allow for more control on the drop in many situations, with less chance of limb barber chairing (splitting of the limb), or rotating on the cut.
Slide-Lining/Speed-Lining Method
Another technique worth being familiar with is slide-lining/speed-lining method. In its most basic application, slide-lining is a method of attaching limbs or logs with rigging equipment such as slings and pulleys to a line that is tied high in a tree on one end and low to another tree or anchor point some distance away from the tree being worked on. The climber cuts the section and allows it to slide down the rope to the ground. One end of the line is controlled by a ground worker in order to land the piece after it is cut. The purpose is to remove sections while avoiding obstacles below the tree while possibility moving the sections closer to the truck and or chipper. Once again, it should be noted that there are many more advanced methods of setting up a slide-line that can give more control over the piece being removed.
Removal Strategy
The strategy for dismantling a tree will depend on the circumstances. The climber should plan a systematic order of removal to avoid being left with a limb that is too difficult or dangerous to remove without a suitable rigging point aloft. Removing the easiest limbs first could eliminate potential rigging points that would be very useful later in the removal process.
Trunk Removal
One of the most difficult and dangerous aspects of tree removal is chunking out trunk sections that are rigged vertically upon themselves (blocking down wood). Safety, as always, is the primary concern. An arborist block should be tied under the point of the cut with a rigging sling that is at least twice as strong as the rigging line being used because the force that the rigging point will experience is often twice that which the rigging point will experience. The face notch and kerf cuts below the hinge should then be made before tying off the section of wood to avoid cutting the rope with the chain saw.
After passing through the arborist block, the rigging line is often tied to the section with a half hitch tied above the cut, and a running bowline is tied higher on the section. The important thing to remember is that whenever possible, dynamic forces and shock loading can be greatly reduced by letting the line run so as to gradually decelerate the load. The ground worker running the rigging line should take an adequate number of wraps on the friction device in order to control the load while standing well clear of the drop zone. The rigging line should be held loosely in the hands at first then pressure is applied to the rope in order to slow it gradually. This technique needs to be practiced in a non-critical situation before the first time on the job.
Never try to rig a section of tree that is too big. Never add a weak link and/or an unnecessary connecting link to your rigging system. Always consider what could happen if any component of the system should fail. ‘Fail safe’ means that if something were to fail, everyone would be safe!
The key to arborist rigging operations is a sound understanding of the potential forces, the structural integrity of the tree, the right equipment for the job that is able to handle the highest potential forces with an acceptable factor of safety and a large mental toolbox.
Author Ken Palmer is president of ArborMaster® which provides safety, skill, and productivity training for people and organizations who work with, in, and around trees.
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 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.
Mobile Considerations for Tree Data Mapping
By Ian Hanou
These days, we use tablets and smartphones for everything from email to games to reviewing report documents.
As an arborist or forester, why not also map, measure, assess, manage, and share information on urban tree
data from your mobile device? Whether it’s communicating externally with clients or residents, or internally with
work crews, you can accomplish a lot more work on smart devices than you probably realize, even if you're not
technically-minded.
This article introduces mobile hardware/software considerations and tips for usage by arborists and foresters.
Without going into specific workflows, this generally applies to conducting tree inventories or risk assessment,
managing tree and client data, updating maintenance work or plant health care treatments, querying information,
producing reports, and even basic communications. The concepts below builds on an article I wrote in the
May/June Seminar #74 about the basics of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) for arborists and foresters.
Getting Started
Before we “talk tech”, begin by looking across your operation and asking, what do we want to do more efficiently
in the field and in the office? Who works at their desk vs. mainly in the field? What is our budget for mobile smart devices and cellular data plans? Will there be access to an internet connection where your projects, clients, and work are located? If you are mapping, what are the accuracy requirements? And lastly, how will you query, sort, and report on the information you collect and manage?
Software, Hardware, and Connectivity Considerations
Chances are, many of you already have a smartphone and/or tablet or Toughbook type device. If you’re looking
for a tree and work management software application (app), there are two broad categories to consider.
The first type is called a native app which is built specifically for Apple (iOS), Android, or Windows operating
systems. These require a download and installation onto your smart devices. Alternatively, the second type of
app includes web browser apps which do not require a download or installation because they are accessed on
any device via a website URL and your choice of web browser. The primary web browsers are Google Chrome,
Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, and Microsoft Internet Explorer or Edge for Windows 10. They can even be used
offline for data entry and then data can be synced to the cloud when back online.
New mobile GIS and GPS technologies work directly in native apps or in a web browser with or without third
party software (e.g. Esri ArcGIS, ArcPad, etc.). This makes web-based mapping of tree information or scheduling job sites easier and accessible more than ever before. In addition, websites and web browser software use “responsive design”, where the layout of menus, the size of buttons, and even entire tools can change or turn off depending on the size of the screen.
Now, of course the use of this technology depends on your connection to the internet (and your staff or crews’
connection). One option is to set your smart phone as a hot spot and “tether” your tablet to the phone’s cell
signal like you do with WiFi. If you don’t have a data plan on a phone or tablet, there are other options. The most popular are mobile hot spot devices, no bigger than the size of a hockey puck. These provide a WiFi connection in the field from cell towers and are added to your cellular service at roughly US $20/month. One benefit is you can connect to more than one device at a time. So for example, members of a crew could access a software app on their own tablet if they are within 50-100 feet of the hot spot. When considering a hot spot, ask about 4G speed and if the device has the ability to downgrade itself to LTE or 3G speeds when the signal isn’t as strong. Understanding a software’s offline capabilities is also important.
Before hitting the field, look into the battery life (hours) of your smart device. A second battery may be a good
idea if you’re collecting and sending data all day long. Also, consider a stylus for more precise mapping and data entry. Check if your tablet will work with an S-pen or other type of soft-tipped stylus, as this tends to vary
between Android, iOS, and Windows devices.
Tips from the Field
Like you, our tree inventory technicians and arborists work in varying conditions, from scorching sun and humidity to frigid winter temps and howling winds. When that doesn’t send you running indoors, there are many
useful tips for using mobile apps in the field.
On sunny days, our arborists crank up the brightness on their tablet screen and have a backup battery handy.
They also look for shade, not only because it’s cooler but it’s easier to work in darker areas with software such
as aerial photography base maps. Data entry forms that are lighter in color tend to be much easier to work
with, in direct sun. One example for street tree inventory projects in particular: our arborist technicians will map
the location of a tree and enter the attributes, then before walking to the next tree, they will add its location to the
map. Once the data entry form opens up, which has a lighter background, they begin entering attributes
(species, location info, etc.) as they walk up to the next tree, maximizing their time and efficiency. In cold temps, a stylus will allow you to work with gloves on. There are even gloves now with fingers tips that allow for tapping the screen of your device. Aside from that, bundle up!
Mapping
For any mapping work such as tree inventories, risk assessment, or generating bid estimates on a site, GPS isn’t
the only game in town anymore, though it still has its place and purpose. Locations (X/Y or Latitude/Longitude
coordinates) can be added into mobile mapping software apps by simply using base maps such as Google Maps
or Bing Maps. Rather than using satellites to triangulate the location of a tree, you can simply zoom into a base
map and add a point using basic aerial photo interpretation skills.
That said, there are three main reasons why using GPS can be the preferred method.
For many cases such as street or park trees, mapping tree locations using GIS instead of GPS is sufficiently
accurate, fast, and easy. One alternative for GPS hardware to consider is a Bluetooth GPS receiver which
connects directly to smart devices. With a moderate-to-low learning curve on the setup and at well under $1,000, some units offer 3-4 foot (1-1.5 meter) positional accuracy at just 10% of the price of a sub-meter GPS unit.
Another option is to map tree locations from your office. In some cases (but certainly not all), with GIS systems
utilizing aerial maps you may be faster and more comfortable mapping tree locations at the desk, entering
certain attributes (location, address, land use, etc.), and then completing other data fields from the field.
Discussion: Yes, You Can
Many previous barriers to tree mapping and mobile data management have been removed with modern
technologies including smartphones, tablets, and web-based mapping. This allows for greater access to update
and manage data, create new jobs, bids, work orders, and is reducing paper or email communications, not just
for mapping and inventorying trees.
Additional benefits include the ability to attach photos or PDF documents/drawings to data fields in your map,
allowing you to access these files at the office or in the field. These efficiencies reduce drive-time, mileage and
labor expenses, and improve response time to residents or clients.
How will you leverage mobile and mapping technologies to improve arboriculture and urban forestry?
Author Ian Hanou is the CEO & Founder of Plan-It Geo and has been working in GIS, project management, Tree Plotter software development, and urban forest management for over 16 years.
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.
By Ian Hanou
These days, we use tablets and smartphones for everything from email to games to reviewing report documents.
As an arborist or forester, why not also map, measure, assess, manage, and share information on urban tree
data from your mobile device? Whether it’s communicating externally with clients or residents, or internally with
work crews, you can accomplish a lot more work on smart devices than you probably realize, even if you're not
technically-minded.
This article introduces mobile hardware/software considerations and tips for usage by arborists and foresters.
Without going into specific workflows, this generally applies to conducting tree inventories or risk assessment,
managing tree and client data, updating maintenance work or plant health care treatments, querying information,
producing reports, and even basic communications. The concepts below builds on an article I wrote in the
May/June Seminar #74 about the basics of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) for arborists and foresters.
Getting Started
Before we “talk tech”, begin by looking across your operation and asking, what do we want to do more efficiently
in the field and in the office? Who works at their desk vs. mainly in the field? What is our budget for mobile smart devices and cellular data plans? Will there be access to an internet connection where your projects, clients, and work are located? If you are mapping, what are the accuracy requirements? And lastly, how will you query, sort, and report on the information you collect and manage?
Software, Hardware, and Connectivity Considerations
Chances are, many of you already have a smartphone and/or tablet or Toughbook type device. If you’re looking
for a tree and work management software application (app), there are two broad categories to consider.
The first type is called a native app which is built specifically for Apple (iOS), Android, or Windows operating
systems. These require a download and installation onto your smart devices. Alternatively, the second type of
app includes web browser apps which do not require a download or installation because they are accessed on
any device via a website URL and your choice of web browser. The primary web browsers are Google Chrome,
Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, and Microsoft Internet Explorer or Edge for Windows 10. They can even be used
offline for data entry and then data can be synced to the cloud when back online.
New mobile GIS and GPS technologies work directly in native apps or in a web browser with or without third
party software (e.g. Esri ArcGIS, ArcPad, etc.). This makes web-based mapping of tree information or scheduling job sites easier and accessible more than ever before. In addition, websites and web browser software use “responsive design”, where the layout of menus, the size of buttons, and even entire tools can change or turn off depending on the size of the screen.
Now, of course the use of this technology depends on your connection to the internet (and your staff or crews’
connection). One option is to set your smart phone as a hot spot and “tether” your tablet to the phone’s cell
signal like you do with WiFi. If you don’t have a data plan on a phone or tablet, there are other options. The most popular are mobile hot spot devices, no bigger than the size of a hockey puck. These provide a WiFi connection in the field from cell towers and are added to your cellular service at roughly US $20/month. One benefit is you can connect to more than one device at a time. So for example, members of a crew could access a software app on their own tablet if they are within 50-100 feet of the hot spot. When considering a hot spot, ask about 4G speed and if the device has the ability to downgrade itself to LTE or 3G speeds when the signal isn’t as strong. Understanding a software’s offline capabilities is also important.
Before hitting the field, look into the battery life (hours) of your smart device. A second battery may be a good
idea if you’re collecting and sending data all day long. Also, consider a stylus for more precise mapping and data entry. Check if your tablet will work with an S-pen or other type of soft-tipped stylus, as this tends to vary
between Android, iOS, and Windows devices.
Tips from the Field
Like you, our tree inventory technicians and arborists work in varying conditions, from scorching sun and humidity to frigid winter temps and howling winds. When that doesn’t send you running indoors, there are many
useful tips for using mobile apps in the field.
On sunny days, our arborists crank up the brightness on their tablet screen and have a backup battery handy.
They also look for shade, not only because it’s cooler but it’s easier to work in darker areas with software such
as aerial photography base maps. Data entry forms that are lighter in color tend to be much easier to work
with, in direct sun. One example for street tree inventory projects in particular: our arborist technicians will map
the location of a tree and enter the attributes, then before walking to the next tree, they will add its location to the
map. Once the data entry form opens up, which has a lighter background, they begin entering attributes
(species, location info, etc.) as they walk up to the next tree, maximizing their time and efficiency. In cold temps, a stylus will allow you to work with gloves on. There are even gloves now with fingers tips that allow for tapping the screen of your device. Aside from that, bundle up!
Mapping
For any mapping work such as tree inventories, risk assessment, or generating bid estimates on a site, GPS isn’t
the only game in town anymore, though it still has its place and purpose. Locations (X/Y or Latitude/Longitude
coordinates) can be added into mobile mapping software apps by simply using base maps such as Google Maps
or Bing Maps. Rather than using satellites to triangulate the location of a tree, you can simply zoom into a base
map and add a point using basic aerial photo interpretation skills.
That said, there are three main reasons why using GPS can be the preferred method.
- One is accuracy and precision, especially where accuracy is strictly required.
- The second is in moderately dense-canopied areas where it is difficult or impossible to identify and map the base of a tree from an aerial image.
- The third is in newly developed areas where aerial imagery doesn’t reflect the current conditions. Mapping newly planted trees at a construction site can be more challenging in this case.
For many cases such as street or park trees, mapping tree locations using GIS instead of GPS is sufficiently
accurate, fast, and easy. One alternative for GPS hardware to consider is a Bluetooth GPS receiver which
connects directly to smart devices. With a moderate-to-low learning curve on the setup and at well under $1,000, some units offer 3-4 foot (1-1.5 meter) positional accuracy at just 10% of the price of a sub-meter GPS unit.
Another option is to map tree locations from your office. In some cases (but certainly not all), with GIS systems
utilizing aerial maps you may be faster and more comfortable mapping tree locations at the desk, entering
certain attributes (location, address, land use, etc.), and then completing other data fields from the field.
Discussion: Yes, You Can
Many previous barriers to tree mapping and mobile data management have been removed with modern
technologies including smartphones, tablets, and web-based mapping. This allows for greater access to update
and manage data, create new jobs, bids, work orders, and is reducing paper or email communications, not just
for mapping and inventorying trees.
Additional benefits include the ability to attach photos or PDF documents/drawings to data fields in your map,
allowing you to access these files at the office or in the field. These efficiencies reduce drive-time, mileage and
labor expenses, and improve response time to residents or clients.
How will you leverage mobile and mapping technologies to improve arboriculture and urban forestry?
Author Ian Hanou is the CEO & Founder of Plan-It Geo and has been working in GIS, project management, Tree Plotter software development, and urban forest management for over 16 years.
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.
Trees and Deer
Edited by Len Philllps
An average deer consumes 6 pounds of food a day, amounting to over a ton of plant material a year. They can quickly destroy trees and shrubs in their search for food. In one night, a small herd of deer can decimate a lot of decorative trees in an unprotected landscape.
To make matters worse, deer are hosts for ticks, providing transport and food for ticks carrying Lyme disease, babesiosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Researchers estimate that a single deer can introduce 450,000 larval ticks a year into its territory. So, if you spot deer in your location, the odds are that ticks are there too.
Buck rub is another type of deer damage. In autumn, male deer damage young trees with their antlers, scraping bark from the trunks. This involves much more than removing velvet from the antlers, it is a territory marker during breeding season. Each buck damages hundreds of trees.
Deer seem to roam over neighborhood landscapes with impunity, foraging and browsing on trees and shrubs that people value the most. Fortunately, deer can be taught what is right or wrong; or in this case, what we don’t want them eating from what they may eat without protest. The main goal for any good deer management program is to reduce feeding damage to valuable plants. What is difficult to understand is that the trees, shrubs, and plants that most deer will pass by in the woods as undesirable, are often in the same family as the plants that deer will prefer in the landscape. So, how do we keep deer from eating the desirable landscape plants?
Deterrents
There are a number of deterrents such as deer fencing and physical barriers, as well as taste and smell deterrents that let people “train” the deer to leave decorative trees and plants alone.
For summer treatments, use products that leave no visible residue but require more frequent applications. Natural-based products provide a high degree of reliability to consumers who prefer organic programs for their landscape. Testing has determined that not all repellents are created equal. The arborist should check the percentage level of a product to determine the active ingredient levels because heavily diluted products do not work as well. Also, for safety sake, the arborist should always use an EPA or EPA exempt registered product. When applying these products, be sure to check your state regulations because the states can supersede federal laws.
How Commercial Sprays Work
When deterrents are sprayed on the plants, the product will dry, and lock in the animal proteins for a taste that deer will find repulsive. For example, DeerPro and Bobbex products are deterrents that are specifically formulated to erode off the plants over time. Rain and snow are supposed to reactivate the product to continue its effectiveness. Since most of these products are designed to last 6-8 weeks per application, one application will not cover an entire season. Using a product that lasts longer than 8 weeks requires fewer applications, but can interfere with the plants transpiration, making it difficult for the plant to breath, causing damage to the plant. Multiple applications are then necessary to protect the longevity of the plant protection.
Application Times
There are two seasons for applications, summer and late season. Late season applications begin in early September and end in March while April through August is the standard summer application. The application percentages are different in winter and summer, as it is necessary to allow the natural plant growth to take place in summer.
In the springtime, trees and plants grow very quickly. It important to cover the new growth because deer will continue to ‘test’ plants. However, most summer formulas are thinner and last a shorter duration in order to not interfere with plant growth and flowering.
Combination Approaches
In recent years, many arborists have started to use a combination of repellents by incorporating a spray program along with fencing. Although this requires maintenance of the systems, it helps ensure protection throughout the year. Many retail garden center outlets have an extensive supply of fencing and repellent alternatives.
Please remember some repellent sprays can damage a tree or plant during their growing season by interfering with their transpiration. It is also important to note that geography also plays a part in what deer will eat, so it is essential to cover plants that are known to be deer favorites, regardless of its location or time of year. If you are unsure of what to treat, local universities are great places to do research.
Although most deer repellent sprays do provide adequate protection, the sprays that seem to work the best are the ones that have a multitude of deterrents such as taste and smell.
Sources
Editor's Note: The mention of product names is for information only. Online Seminars does not endorse one product over another.
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.
Edited by Len Philllps
An average deer consumes 6 pounds of food a day, amounting to over a ton of plant material a year. They can quickly destroy trees and shrubs in their search for food. In one night, a small herd of deer can decimate a lot of decorative trees in an unprotected landscape.
To make matters worse, deer are hosts for ticks, providing transport and food for ticks carrying Lyme disease, babesiosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Researchers estimate that a single deer can introduce 450,000 larval ticks a year into its territory. So, if you spot deer in your location, the odds are that ticks are there too.
Buck rub is another type of deer damage. In autumn, male deer damage young trees with their antlers, scraping bark from the trunks. This involves much more than removing velvet from the antlers, it is a territory marker during breeding season. Each buck damages hundreds of trees.
Deer seem to roam over neighborhood landscapes with impunity, foraging and browsing on trees and shrubs that people value the most. Fortunately, deer can be taught what is right or wrong; or in this case, what we don’t want them eating from what they may eat without protest. The main goal for any good deer management program is to reduce feeding damage to valuable plants. What is difficult to understand is that the trees, shrubs, and plants that most deer will pass by in the woods as undesirable, are often in the same family as the plants that deer will prefer in the landscape. So, how do we keep deer from eating the desirable landscape plants?
Deterrents
There are a number of deterrents such as deer fencing and physical barriers, as well as taste and smell deterrents that let people “train” the deer to leave decorative trees and plants alone.
- Fencing: Fences or barriers (netting) exclude deer effectively, especially for high value plantings near large deer populations. Fencing does not have to be tall or unattractive to discourage deer from entering a property. However, When you use a fencing product, you limit access to the plant for people as well as the deer. Furthermore, even the strongest fence may be damaged by weather or deer if they try to jump over it. A heavy snowfall or ice can bring a fence down pretty quickly, and deer that get too close to a fence can snag hooves and/or antlers fairly easily which quickly results in major damage to the fence. One day of a compromised fence can undo months of diligent effort by the arborist as deer move into an area and devastate many desirable trees and shrubs in one night.
- Taste repellents: Most repellent programs use different products depending on the time of year, amount of deer susceptibility and consumer preferences. Products such as capsaicin and chemicals like denatonium benzoate or denatonium saccharide have been incorporated into many of the currently available deterrent blends. Some examples include Golden Grow Guardian and Repellex. Both are systemic, which means they are drawn up through the roots causing the plant to taste foul once the deer bites into the leaf or needle.
- Smell deterrents: Lately, herbs that have a strong smell, such as garlic and cinnamon, are being used as a deterrent. Most of these deterrents are certified by the Organic Materials Review Institute and can be sprayed on fruit trees.
- Blend repellents: Arborists have used anti-desiccants for years to protect plants from dry conditions and frosts as well as diseases and insects. Some examples include Transfilm and Wilt Pruf. In recent years, anti-desiccants blended with animal protein, such as dried egg, have been used to curb deer browse on trees. Everguard® is an example of this type of product.
- Temperature Factors: It is important to remember with these approaches that temperature becomes a factor when mixing the ingredients. In the winter, freezing is the obvious main factor as water makes up 75% of most of these mixtures. In the summer, an animal protein in the mixture needs to be stabilized to prevent bacteria that will start growing within hours.
- Commercial Sprays: This is the most reliable, safe, and proven method of application control. Most commercial sprays such as Everguard® and Deer Away offer a five-gallon container of concentrate which not only makes up to thirty-five gallons of finished product, but are very economical. With a spray deterrent, it is possible to “train” deer to bypass treated plants completely. Typically, a doe will nibble on a treated plant and then decide it does not smell or taste good. So, the next time she comes into the landscape, she will ignore these plants and teach her fawns to ignore them as well.
For summer treatments, use products that leave no visible residue but require more frequent applications. Natural-based products provide a high degree of reliability to consumers who prefer organic programs for their landscape. Testing has determined that not all repellents are created equal. The arborist should check the percentage level of a product to determine the active ingredient levels because heavily diluted products do not work as well. Also, for safety sake, the arborist should always use an EPA or EPA exempt registered product. When applying these products, be sure to check your state regulations because the states can supersede federal laws.
How Commercial Sprays Work
When deterrents are sprayed on the plants, the product will dry, and lock in the animal proteins for a taste that deer will find repulsive. For example, DeerPro and Bobbex products are deterrents that are specifically formulated to erode off the plants over time. Rain and snow are supposed to reactivate the product to continue its effectiveness. Since most of these products are designed to last 6-8 weeks per application, one application will not cover an entire season. Using a product that lasts longer than 8 weeks requires fewer applications, but can interfere with the plants transpiration, making it difficult for the plant to breath, causing damage to the plant. Multiple applications are then necessary to protect the longevity of the plant protection.
Application Times
There are two seasons for applications, summer and late season. Late season applications begin in early September and end in March while April through August is the standard summer application. The application percentages are different in winter and summer, as it is necessary to allow the natural plant growth to take place in summer.
In the springtime, trees and plants grow very quickly. It important to cover the new growth because deer will continue to ‘test’ plants. However, most summer formulas are thinner and last a shorter duration in order to not interfere with plant growth and flowering.
Combination Approaches
In recent years, many arborists have started to use a combination of repellents by incorporating a spray program along with fencing. Although this requires maintenance of the systems, it helps ensure protection throughout the year. Many retail garden center outlets have an extensive supply of fencing and repellent alternatives.
Please remember some repellent sprays can damage a tree or plant during their growing season by interfering with their transpiration. It is also important to note that geography also plays a part in what deer will eat, so it is essential to cover plants that are known to be deer favorites, regardless of its location or time of year. If you are unsure of what to treat, local universities are great places to do research.
Although most deer repellent sprays do provide adequate protection, the sprays that seem to work the best are the ones that have a multitude of deterrents such as taste and smell.
Sources
- Bartlett Tree Experts, “Deer Management Programs”, 2017
- Gaunya, Mike, “Trees, Children, and Deer”, Online Seminars for Municipal Arborists #43. Owner of American Deer Proofing Company.
Editor's Note: The mention of product names is for information only. Online Seminars does not endorse one product over another.
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.
Trees with Tales
By Len Phillips
Dawn Redwood
Metasequoia glyptostroboides, commonly called dawn redwood was first described as a fossil from the Mesozoic Era in 1941. It was thought to have gone extinct 5 million years ago. Meanwhile, in 1944, in an area of only about 232 square miles in Lichuan county in Hubei province, China, which is a rural, mountainous area, some unusual trees were being studied to try to find an identity. However, because of World War II, the unidentified trees were not studied further until 1946. At that time, Professor Cheng of the National Central University, China, sent an expedition to the remote village of Mo-tao-chi in Szechuan province to collect a complete set of specimens from a stand of these recently discovered, unidentified trees. But it was not until 1948, that Dr Hu, China’s leading dendrologist, realized that the trees belonged to the genus Metasequoia, known only from fossil evidence dating back 100 million years. Before the discovery of the live trees in China, dawn redwood was believed to be extinct.
According to fossil records, dawn redwood are known to have grown in many areas in the Northern Hemisphere. Three fossil species of Metasequoia were named but only glyptostroboides is known today. The trees are well known from strata created between 5 and 75 million years ago, but no fossils are known in the past 5 million years.
From 33 to 60 million years ago extensive forests of dawn redwood were growing in the higher elevations of northern Canada. Because the higher elevations during this time period were warm and tropical, it is hypothesized that the evergreen habit of dawn redwood evolved to become deciduous in response to the unusual light availability patterns in northern Canada. Instead of major seasonal variations in temperature the trees experienced three months of the summer when the sun would shine continuously, while during the three months of the winter the trees would be in complete darkness and the leaves would be useless. It is also hypothesized that the change from evergreen to deciduous occurred before colonizing the high latitudes and this was the reason that Metasequoia was able to become dominant in the north.
In 1948, the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University Director, Professor Elmer D. Merrill sent an expedition to collect seeds from the dawn redwood in China. After germinating the seeds, dawn redwood seedlings were distributed for growth trials to various universities and arboreta worldwide. Since this introduction, dawn redwood has become a very popular ornamental tree all over the world. The seedling at the Arnold has grown to have a 91 inch (220 cm) dbh in 2017.
At Cambridge University in England, a dawn redwood tree was installed on the south-western edge of a lake. It was judged one of the 50 Great British Trees in honor of Queen Elizabeth’s Golden Jubilee in 2002 and was featured in Thomas Pakenham’s Meetings with Remarkable Trees (1996). The site was perfect for the tree because it grew very fast and was 5 feet ((1.5m) tall at the time of the accession of Queen Elizabeth II to the throne in 1952, 55 feet (17 meters) by the time of her Silver Jubilee in 1977, and was approaching 90 feet (23 meters) during the Golden Jubilee year of 2002.
Features
Dawn redwood Metasequoia glyptostroboides is a monotypic species like the dove tree Davidia involucrata, Katsura tree Cercidophyllum japonicum, and Ginkgo Ginkgo biloba, as trees that are the only species within their genus. Dawn redwood is a fast-growing tree and is one of three present day species of conifers commonly known as redwoods. It is related to and closely resembles bald cypress (Taxodium) and California redwood (Sequoia). Although dawn redwood grows to 70 – 200 feet (18 – 60 meters) in height, it is the shortest of these three redwood cousins.
Dubbed a ‘living fossil’, this coniferous tree grows with an orange-brown, thick, tapering trunk, and older specimens form wide impressive buttresses on the lower trunk, which some people find aestheically objectionalble. While the bark and foliage are similar to the closely related redwood genus Sequoia, Dawn redwood differs from the California redwood which is deciduous like Taxodium distichum (bald cypress).
The dawn redwood leaves are opposite, 0.4-1.25 inches (1–3 cm) long, and emerge light green in spring, mature to deep green in summer and turn red-bronze in autumn. The needles are linear, feathery, and fern-like that are soft to the touch. The twigs, needles, and cone scales are in opposite pairs.
Dawn redwoods are monoecious, producing oval, light brown female cones that are 3/4” long (2 cm) and pendant globose male cones 1/2” long (1.3 cm). The pollen cones are 0.25 inch (6 mm) long, produced on long spikes in early spring. They are only produced on trees growing in regions with hot summers.
Dawn redwoods remain healthy because most of the pests and diseases that attacked them, disappeared millions of years ago when this tree was thought to have become extinct and its pests died off with the loss of the host trees.
Appreciate this tree because it will probably continue to survive global warming while its taller redwood relatives in California will decline in the heat and mankind will have to resort to artificial or colored “redwood” lumber.
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 0.5 CEUs toward Certified Arborist, Tree Worker Specialist, Aerial Lift Specialist, 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.
By Len Phillips
Dawn Redwood
Metasequoia glyptostroboides, commonly called dawn redwood was first described as a fossil from the Mesozoic Era in 1941. It was thought to have gone extinct 5 million years ago. Meanwhile, in 1944, in an area of only about 232 square miles in Lichuan county in Hubei province, China, which is a rural, mountainous area, some unusual trees were being studied to try to find an identity. However, because of World War II, the unidentified trees were not studied further until 1946. At that time, Professor Cheng of the National Central University, China, sent an expedition to the remote village of Mo-tao-chi in Szechuan province to collect a complete set of specimens from a stand of these recently discovered, unidentified trees. But it was not until 1948, that Dr Hu, China’s leading dendrologist, realized that the trees belonged to the genus Metasequoia, known only from fossil evidence dating back 100 million years. Before the discovery of the live trees in China, dawn redwood was believed to be extinct.
According to fossil records, dawn redwood are known to have grown in many areas in the Northern Hemisphere. Three fossil species of Metasequoia were named but only glyptostroboides is known today. The trees are well known from strata created between 5 and 75 million years ago, but no fossils are known in the past 5 million years.
From 33 to 60 million years ago extensive forests of dawn redwood were growing in the higher elevations of northern Canada. Because the higher elevations during this time period were warm and tropical, it is hypothesized that the evergreen habit of dawn redwood evolved to become deciduous in response to the unusual light availability patterns in northern Canada. Instead of major seasonal variations in temperature the trees experienced three months of the summer when the sun would shine continuously, while during the three months of the winter the trees would be in complete darkness and the leaves would be useless. It is also hypothesized that the change from evergreen to deciduous occurred before colonizing the high latitudes and this was the reason that Metasequoia was able to become dominant in the north.
In 1948, the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University Director, Professor Elmer D. Merrill sent an expedition to collect seeds from the dawn redwood in China. After germinating the seeds, dawn redwood seedlings were distributed for growth trials to various universities and arboreta worldwide. Since this introduction, dawn redwood has become a very popular ornamental tree all over the world. The seedling at the Arnold has grown to have a 91 inch (220 cm) dbh in 2017.
At Cambridge University in England, a dawn redwood tree was installed on the south-western edge of a lake. It was judged one of the 50 Great British Trees in honor of Queen Elizabeth’s Golden Jubilee in 2002 and was featured in Thomas Pakenham’s Meetings with Remarkable Trees (1996). The site was perfect for the tree because it grew very fast and was 5 feet ((1.5m) tall at the time of the accession of Queen Elizabeth II to the throne in 1952, 55 feet (17 meters) by the time of her Silver Jubilee in 1977, and was approaching 90 feet (23 meters) during the Golden Jubilee year of 2002.
Features
Dawn redwood Metasequoia glyptostroboides is a monotypic species like the dove tree Davidia involucrata, Katsura tree Cercidophyllum japonicum, and Ginkgo Ginkgo biloba, as trees that are the only species within their genus. Dawn redwood is a fast-growing tree and is one of three present day species of conifers commonly known as redwoods. It is related to and closely resembles bald cypress (Taxodium) and California redwood (Sequoia). Although dawn redwood grows to 70 – 200 feet (18 – 60 meters) in height, it is the shortest of these three redwood cousins.
Dubbed a ‘living fossil’, this coniferous tree grows with an orange-brown, thick, tapering trunk, and older specimens form wide impressive buttresses on the lower trunk, which some people find aestheically objectionalble. While the bark and foliage are similar to the closely related redwood genus Sequoia, Dawn redwood differs from the California redwood which is deciduous like Taxodium distichum (bald cypress).
The dawn redwood leaves are opposite, 0.4-1.25 inches (1–3 cm) long, and emerge light green in spring, mature to deep green in summer and turn red-bronze in autumn. The needles are linear, feathery, and fern-like that are soft to the touch. The twigs, needles, and cone scales are in opposite pairs.
Dawn redwoods are monoecious, producing oval, light brown female cones that are 3/4” long (2 cm) and pendant globose male cones 1/2” long (1.3 cm). The pollen cones are 0.25 inch (6 mm) long, produced on long spikes in early spring. They are only produced on trees growing in regions with hot summers.
Dawn redwoods remain healthy because most of the pests and diseases that attacked them, disappeared millions of years ago when this tree was thought to have become extinct and its pests died off with the loss of the host trees.
Appreciate this tree because it will probably continue to survive global warming while its taller redwood relatives in California will decline in the heat and mankind will have to resort to artificial or colored “redwood” lumber.
Sources
- Hu & W.C. Cheng, “Metasequoia glyptostroboides”, The Gymnosperm Database, 1984.
- Missouri Botanical Garden, “Metasequoia glyptostroboides”, Plant Finder,
- Wikipedia, “Metasequoia glyptostroboides”, 7 April 2017
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, 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.
Carbon-Neutral Trees
Edited by Len Phillips
Trees provide us with so many benefits including controlling stormwater runoff, reducing urban temperatures, and most importantly, sequestering carbon. But, do they? There are carbon footprints involved in their production, installation, pruning, and ultimate removal. Trees play the long game because it takes decades before they provide the ecosystem services that we plant them for. The way we work with trees can increase or decrease the time before they become “carbon neutral” and lengthen the number of years they can provide vital ecosystem services to us all.
Two studies have analyzed this issue:
1. The U.S. Forest Service study of 2014 looked at the Million Trees Los Angeles program (MTLA). The Forest Service study found that the MTLA trees using various species, would become net carbon reducers after 40 years, assuming they remain alive for 100 years.
2. The more recent study How Green Are Trees? funded by the Horticultural Research Institute (HRI) that examined the life cycle of red maple (Acer rubrum) in the Chicago area. Both studies looked at the carbon emissions used in nursery production, delivery and installation, pruning, and removal of street trees. The HRI study was slightly more optimistic, projecting a range of 26-33 years to carbon neutrality for Red Maple in the Chicago area.
One of the main differences between the studies is that the Forest Service considered mulch and root decomposition as part of the emissions associated with tree work and the HRI study did not. The Forest Service Study also used longer transport distances and more intensive irrigation in their model as appropriate for the Los Angeles setting. It is typical in California to irrigate new trees for several years, compared to one year of irrigation in Chicago where rainy days are more common.
While the studies differ, both conclude that reducing emissions associated with tree maintenance reduces the number of years after installation before the tree attains carbon neutrality and prevents the urban forest from actually becoming a carbon emitter.
Emission Reductions
Some strategies for reducing emissions recommended by the two studies are listed below. No municipality or organization can incorporate them all, but we can certainly make improvements in some areas of our operations:
After reading both studies, some additional recommendations come to mind.
It is important to be aware that everything we do has an environmental impact, even when it’s “good” work. If we are lucky, we will live long enough to stand in the shade of the trees we have installed, and breathe the clean air they provide us.
Source:
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
Trees provide us with so many benefits including controlling stormwater runoff, reducing urban temperatures, and most importantly, sequestering carbon. But, do they? There are carbon footprints involved in their production, installation, pruning, and ultimate removal. Trees play the long game because it takes decades before they provide the ecosystem services that we plant them for. The way we work with trees can increase or decrease the time before they become “carbon neutral” and lengthen the number of years they can provide vital ecosystem services to us all.
Two studies have analyzed this issue:
1. The U.S. Forest Service study of 2014 looked at the Million Trees Los Angeles program (MTLA). The Forest Service study found that the MTLA trees using various species, would become net carbon reducers after 40 years, assuming they remain alive for 100 years.
2. The more recent study How Green Are Trees? funded by the Horticultural Research Institute (HRI) that examined the life cycle of red maple (Acer rubrum) in the Chicago area. Both studies looked at the carbon emissions used in nursery production, delivery and installation, pruning, and removal of street trees. The HRI study was slightly more optimistic, projecting a range of 26-33 years to carbon neutrality for Red Maple in the Chicago area.
One of the main differences between the studies is that the Forest Service considered mulch and root decomposition as part of the emissions associated with tree work and the HRI study did not. The Forest Service Study also used longer transport distances and more intensive irrigation in their model as appropriate for the Los Angeles setting. It is typical in California to irrigate new trees for several years, compared to one year of irrigation in Chicago where rainy days are more common.
While the studies differ, both conclude that reducing emissions associated with tree maintenance reduces the number of years after installation before the tree attains carbon neutrality and prevents the urban forest from actually becoming a carbon emitter.
Emission Reductions
Some strategies for reducing emissions recommended by the two studies are listed below. No municipality or organization can incorporate them all, but we can certainly make improvements in some areas of our operations:
- When selecting a tree, choose a species that attains a large mature size, but not larger than the space warrants.
- Grow trees at a moderate rate (slow growers take longer to become carbon-neutral, fast growers may need more pruning and often have shorter lifespans).
- Select trees that are climate-adapted and drought-tolerant.
- Select trees from nurseries close to the installation site to reduce travel time.
- Using smaller, fuel-efficient maintenance trucks or trucks that use lower-carbon fuels.
- Organize the daily work schedule so the minimum amount of driving is necessary for tree maintenance on any given day.
- Use equipment with the minimum horsepower required for the job and reduce idling time, or use battery-operated equipment.
- Provide a very hospitable soil environment for root growth so trees can reach their maximum size as soon as possible. This may include using structural soils or soil cells on new developments and providing larger openings in the pavement for sidewalk trees.
- Installation and backfilling of new trees manually rather than using mechanized methods and equipment.
- Minimal or no tree staking, use root stabilization instead of staking, if needed.
- Recycling tree root stabilizer materials through thoughtful installation and removal techniques.
- Minimal irrigation by using an irrigation bag instead a water truck. If using a water truck, turn off the engine when loading and discharging the water.
- Conduct a structural pruning cycle on 3 to 5-year old trees and minimal pruning after that.
- Conduct periodic “windshield” surveys using a hybrid vehicle, setting up a system of public feedback, or merging surveying activities with other activities to reduce visits and emissions.
- Utilize waste wood from tree removal and stump grinding, either by using the wood itself to make furniture or structures, or by using it as feedstock for biopower production.
After reading both studies, some additional recommendations come to mind.
- Utilize the labor of community volunteers – insurance requirements and individual skill levels generally necessitate manual rather than mechanized work.
- Installing smaller or bare root specimens that are easier to move and plant by hand and also require less water to establish.
- Installation at the correct time of year for the region to reduce irrigation time. In California, installation in autumn at the beginning of the rainy season is preferred.
- Structural pruning in the first 5 years after installation to minimize pruning and reduce the risk of failure, lengthens the useful life of the tree.
- Tougher tree protection ordinances – preserving existing trees is much “greener” than removal and replacement.
It is important to be aware that everything we do has an environmental impact, even when it’s “good” work. If we are lucky, we will live long enough to stand in the shade of the trees we have installed, and breathe the clean air they provide us.
Source:
- Shea, Ellen, “Shades of Green: The Hidden Carbon Cost of Tree Planting and Care”, Deeproot, August 14, 2017
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.