Seminar #80 from Online Seminars for Municipal Arborists
October - December 2018
Sections Go directly to the section by clicking on the title below
October - December 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.
Knoxville Urban Forestry
By Kasey Krouse
In January 2003, a street tree master plan was adopted by the City of Knoxville, Tennessee to provide guidance for tree planting along Knoxville’s streets and highways. Since then, Knoxville has adopted and followed two updated street tree master plans, and produced one tree management plan. These documents have provided guiding policies, best management practices, and implementation programs for use by the Knoxville Public Service Department in its public tree installation program, management of public trees, and maintenance of these trees.
Tree Installation Program
In Knoxville, tree installations occur on public property, such as improved right-of-ways and parks. Tree lined streets and parks help infiltrate city stormwater, increase home values, and promote vibrant neighborhoods. Selecting and installing trees at the proper location, with adequate planting space and species diversity will maintain the City's investments and benefits associated with the urban forest. The City works with neighborhoods, government departments, and agencies to coordinate tree installations in a proactive, equitable, and sustainable way.
There have been several discussions with different community organizations about potential partnerships. These discussions have resulted in the City partnering with Keep Knoxville Beautiful, Dogwood Arts, Knox County Schools, and several neighborhoods on small local planting projects.
In 2014, the city developed a planting and soil specification recommendation for trees being installed on City property. This information can be found on the City's website.
The City has received significant interest from several citizens about the creation of an edible (fruit and nut trees) urban forest. So, the City is currently installing edible trees along streets and within parks if a proper fruit or nut tree fits the location and will not create additional maintenance costs in the future. The City also helps guide organizations on how to approach a successful edible urban forest project.
Knoxville has been undergoing efforts to control invasive species in the last several years, including the use of goats and herbicides to control kudzu and other invasive species throughout the City.
Urban Forest Inventory and Assessment
Tree inventories and assessments provide the foundation for a systematic and proactive tree management program. These programs are ongoing, help monitor the City’s progress, and improve community relations by linking data to citizen requests for service.
In 2014, the City completed a comprehensive tree canopy study using FGIS and i-Tree canopy. This study shows that the City of Knoxville has 40% tree cover within the City limits.
By December 2016, 65% of city streets and 90% public spaces had been inventoried with the data being collected and added to Treekeeper, a tree management software program. To date the City has 27,000 tree sites of which 16,000 are street trees and potential planting sites, and 11,000 are trees in public spaces. There have been 170 distinct species identified in the City, to date.
The recommended tree list was updated in 2016 by adding recommended trees for screening purposes. This is in addition to the 2015 update with fruit and nut trees recommended for urban areas.
Tree Management
During the winter of 2014, the City of Knoxville conducted the first year of a young tree pruning program. This consisted of structural pruning trees that were installed during the 2011 planting season.
The City continues cooperative efforts with the Knoxville Utilities Board (KUB) to manage and conduct maintenance on trees located under overhead power lines and around underground utilities. KUB continues to have a positive role on the Knoxville Tree Board and KUB at times provides additional maintenance support of trees that conflict with utility lines.
The City treats about a dozen trees for Emerald Ash borer on an annual basis and will continue to educate local neighborhoods and organizations on their ability to identify and report potential pest issues to the authorities. The City has teamed with the Nature Conservancy on their Healthy Trees, Healthy Tennessee campaign to help educate residents about local threats from tree pests.
Currently the City has no systematic tree maintenance program. Tree maintenance is performed on demand by calls and work orders generated by citizen requests. The City is planning to move towards a systematic or cyclical maintenance program where time and money can be saved while improving the health and value of the urban forest. The current condition of the urban forest is in fair condition, and the introduction of proper installation and mulching practices combined with the young tree pruning program will elevate the condition of the urban forest over time.
Urban Forestry Division
In 2012, the City hired its first full time urban forester and in 2013 created a dedicated Urban Forestry Division within the Public Services Department.
The City of Knoxville currently has one bucket truck and a seven person crew which support reactive maintenance throughout the City. In order to manage and care for thousands of trees the City has installed and move towards a proactive management philosophy, the City will need to establish a second management crew. This would require one additional crew member and one additional bucket truck.
The City's urban forester and arborist monitor rainfall daily and assign staff to areas of the City that need to be watered. When appropriate, the City installs trees along an entire neighborhood block side, the section of a median, or a park to minimize travel time and other maintenance costs. The City also utilizes watering bags.
Knoxville provides an annual training for all Horticulture and Urban Forestry crews that conduct pruning throughout the City. Training typically occurs in November before the winter pruning months. In addition, there is
a yearly chainsaw safety course for all of its employees. The City is also working to incorporate the yearly aerial bucket truck inspections with the electrical hazard awareness program for the crews that conduct tree maintenance. The City is looking to partner with other local government agencies, KUB, and local tree care professionals to participate in this training program. The Public Service Department has recently hired an internal planning and safety coordinator to help promote safe working practices. This individual has begun conducting routine safety courses with employees.
The Future
The City has made a commitment to improving the urban forest by installing appropriate trees in proper locations and maintaining and protecting trees by incorporating proper arboriculture and best management practices. The formation of an Urban Forestry Division, within the Public Service Department, has increased benefits associated with trees to a higher level. The City has higher standards for trees installed throughout the City and more oversight with an Urban Forester to ensure trees are properly installed and maintained. The City has a better understanding of its urban forest resource from an ongoing tree inventory and urban canopy assessment. Public Service workers will continue to be more educated and trained on proper arboriculture practices which helps promote a healthier and safer urban forest and extend the life expectancy of trees. The City's residents are being connected to professional arborists through educational events and outreach.
The City’s Urban Forestry Division continues to seek outreach and educational opportunities with private property owners and neighborhoods and work with local partners to promote a healthy urban forest on private property.
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, Tree Worker Specialist, Aerial Lift Specialist, or BCMA management credits.
California UFC members will receive credit for passing the test. Please add your CaUFC number after your ISA and/or SAF certification number.
ASCA members may submit your ISA certification record to the ASCA and receive credits one for one.
MTOA members must follow the ISA instructions indicated above.
To take the test by the pay per test option, click on the 'Pay Now' button below where you can send payment online securely with your credit card or Pay Pal account. After your payment is submitted, click on ‘Return to 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 Kasey Krouse
In January 2003, a street tree master plan was adopted by the City of Knoxville, Tennessee to provide guidance for tree planting along Knoxville’s streets and highways. Since then, Knoxville has adopted and followed two updated street tree master plans, and produced one tree management plan. These documents have provided guiding policies, best management practices, and implementation programs for use by the Knoxville Public Service Department in its public tree installation program, management of public trees, and maintenance of these trees.
Tree Installation Program
In Knoxville, tree installations occur on public property, such as improved right-of-ways and parks. Tree lined streets and parks help infiltrate city stormwater, increase home values, and promote vibrant neighborhoods. Selecting and installing trees at the proper location, with adequate planting space and species diversity will maintain the City's investments and benefits associated with the urban forest. The City works with neighborhoods, government departments, and agencies to coordinate tree installations in a proactive, equitable, and sustainable way.
There have been several discussions with different community organizations about potential partnerships. These discussions have resulted in the City partnering with Keep Knoxville Beautiful, Dogwood Arts, Knox County Schools, and several neighborhoods on small local planting projects.
In 2014, the city developed a planting and soil specification recommendation for trees being installed on City property. This information can be found on the City's website.
The City has received significant interest from several citizens about the creation of an edible (fruit and nut trees) urban forest. So, the City is currently installing edible trees along streets and within parks if a proper fruit or nut tree fits the location and will not create additional maintenance costs in the future. The City also helps guide organizations on how to approach a successful edible urban forest project.
Knoxville has been undergoing efforts to control invasive species in the last several years, including the use of goats and herbicides to control kudzu and other invasive species throughout the City.
Urban Forest Inventory and Assessment
Tree inventories and assessments provide the foundation for a systematic and proactive tree management program. These programs are ongoing, help monitor the City’s progress, and improve community relations by linking data to citizen requests for service.
In 2014, the City completed a comprehensive tree canopy study using FGIS and i-Tree canopy. This study shows that the City of Knoxville has 40% tree cover within the City limits.
By December 2016, 65% of city streets and 90% public spaces had been inventoried with the data being collected and added to Treekeeper, a tree management software program. To date the City has 27,000 tree sites of which 16,000 are street trees and potential planting sites, and 11,000 are trees in public spaces. There have been 170 distinct species identified in the City, to date.
The recommended tree list was updated in 2016 by adding recommended trees for screening purposes. This is in addition to the 2015 update with fruit and nut trees recommended for urban areas.
Tree Management
During the winter of 2014, the City of Knoxville conducted the first year of a young tree pruning program. This consisted of structural pruning trees that were installed during the 2011 planting season.
The City continues cooperative efforts with the Knoxville Utilities Board (KUB) to manage and conduct maintenance on trees located under overhead power lines and around underground utilities. KUB continues to have a positive role on the Knoxville Tree Board and KUB at times provides additional maintenance support of trees that conflict with utility lines.
The City treats about a dozen trees for Emerald Ash borer on an annual basis and will continue to educate local neighborhoods and organizations on their ability to identify and report potential pest issues to the authorities. The City has teamed with the Nature Conservancy on their Healthy Trees, Healthy Tennessee campaign to help educate residents about local threats from tree pests.
Currently the City has no systematic tree maintenance program. Tree maintenance is performed on demand by calls and work orders generated by citizen requests. The City is planning to move towards a systematic or cyclical maintenance program where time and money can be saved while improving the health and value of the urban forest. The current condition of the urban forest is in fair condition, and the introduction of proper installation and mulching practices combined with the young tree pruning program will elevate the condition of the urban forest over time.
Urban Forestry Division
In 2012, the City hired its first full time urban forester and in 2013 created a dedicated Urban Forestry Division within the Public Services Department.
The City of Knoxville currently has one bucket truck and a seven person crew which support reactive maintenance throughout the City. In order to manage and care for thousands of trees the City has installed and move towards a proactive management philosophy, the City will need to establish a second management crew. This would require one additional crew member and one additional bucket truck.
The City's urban forester and arborist monitor rainfall daily and assign staff to areas of the City that need to be watered. When appropriate, the City installs trees along an entire neighborhood block side, the section of a median, or a park to minimize travel time and other maintenance costs. The City also utilizes watering bags.
Knoxville provides an annual training for all Horticulture and Urban Forestry crews that conduct pruning throughout the City. Training typically occurs in November before the winter pruning months. In addition, there is
a yearly chainsaw safety course for all of its employees. The City is also working to incorporate the yearly aerial bucket truck inspections with the electrical hazard awareness program for the crews that conduct tree maintenance. The City is looking to partner with other local government agencies, KUB, and local tree care professionals to participate in this training program. The Public Service Department has recently hired an internal planning and safety coordinator to help promote safe working practices. This individual has begun conducting routine safety courses with employees.
The Future
The City has made a commitment to improving the urban forest by installing appropriate trees in proper locations and maintaining and protecting trees by incorporating proper arboriculture and best management practices. The formation of an Urban Forestry Division, within the Public Service Department, has increased benefits associated with trees to a higher level. The City has higher standards for trees installed throughout the City and more oversight with an Urban Forester to ensure trees are properly installed and maintained. The City has a better understanding of its urban forest resource from an ongoing tree inventory and urban canopy assessment. Public Service workers will continue to be more educated and trained on proper arboriculture practices which helps promote a healthier and safer urban forest and extend the life expectancy of trees. The City's residents are being connected to professional arborists through educational events and outreach.
The City’s Urban Forestry Division continues to seek outreach and educational opportunities with private property owners and neighborhoods and work with local partners to promote a healthy urban forest on private property.
Sources
- City of Knoxville Urban Forestry Program Progress Report, 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, Tree Worker Specialist, Aerial Lift Specialist, or BCMA management credits.
California UFC members will receive credit for passing the test. Please add your CaUFC number after your ISA and/or SAF certification number.
ASCA members may submit your ISA certification record to the ASCA and receive credits one for one.
MTOA members must follow the ISA instructions indicated above.
To take the test by the pay per test option, click on the 'Pay Now' button below where you can send payment online securely with your credit card or Pay Pal account. After your payment is submitted, click on ‘Return to 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 Climbing Therapy
Edited by Len Phillips
Climbing trees can be a form of therapy that provides positive emotions in people regardless of their physical and mental ability. There is an organization in Japan called TreeClimbing Japan, that uses tree climbing as rehabilitation for physically challenged people to overcome pain while improving well-being, mobility, and strength. Climbing gives people physiological and social benefits, and when they climb trees they do not feel pain. People who are depressed have changed when they are climbing a tree. The same applies to those with anxiety issues.
Beginnings
In 1997, TreeClimbing Japan was founded with the desire to help physically disabled people leave their wheelchairs and challenge themselves to climb trees. The organization's mission was to provide fun and a challenging tree friendly exercises for people of all ages and abilities.
Tree climbing isn’t just for able-bodied children and adults. Dr. John Gathright, the founder of TreeClimbing Japan, believes it can be an inclusive form of therapy with the power to foster positive emotions in people of all physical and mental abilities.
The inspiration for this new therapeutic approach for people with disabilities came from a 57-year-old woman named Hikosaka Toshiko. Gathright met her before he was involved in tree climbing. She was physically challenged and used a wheelchair. She told him her dream was to climb the world’s tallest tree and asked for his help. Gathright agreed and in 2000, after three years of preparation, Toshiko was ready to take on a 250-foot tall giant sequoia. It took her over an hour to get a quarter of the way up and three and a half hours to get half way. She continued toward her goal and after five hours, she made it to the top. She radioed back to the ground, ‘I’m here. I’m not a cripple. I’m a challenger.” She had set her goal of reaching the top of the tree and she made it.
At first TreeClimbing Japan encountered many obstacles and challenges from government agencies, concerned doctors, city and park officials, insurance agencies, and many others. So, to prove the value of tree climbing, a study was conducted that monitored brain waves and stress hormones of people climbing a live tree compared to when they climbed a concrete tower in the same forest. The results indicated that climbing a tree had a masking effect on internal pain, and people's emotions were positively enhanced. In contrast, climbing the concrete tower had much lower physical and physiological results.
TreeClimbing Japan appreciates the concern of many people about the worth, validity, and safety of the programs. Those concerns and TreeClimbing Japan's ability to overcome numerous obstacles and challenges directly contributed to its growth.
Today
TreeClimbing Japan has over 265 certified Tree Climbers and Facilitators at seven locations throughout Japan. Through the combined efforts of TreeClimbing Japan they have been able to help almost 10,000 people of all different abilities, climb trees, and participate in forest rejuvenation projects.
TreeClimbing Japan's programs include Rehabilitative Tree Climbing , Tree Climbing Therapy, Forest Hospital Project, Sleeping Tree Project, Rehabilitation for Trees, Barrier Free Hearts, and Forest Families. These programs have helped children cope with mental and physical trauma by creating a connection to nature and allowing trees to tell their story when the children cannot. The program also educates the climbers about tree health and forests, and turn them into advocates for the forest.
TreeClimbing Japan also has a certification program for Tree Climbers and Facilitators. The Facilitators have been trained in Technical Tree Climbing, Adaptive Tree Climbing, First Aid, Risk Management, Tree and Forest Ecology, and Light Dead Branch Pruning. Those who choose to instruct and lead in these programs come to TreeClimbing Japan with additional experience and training pertaining to the special needs of the tree climbing participants.
Beyond Japan, Gathright believes there’s great opportunity for this form of therapy worldwide. “I think it will be huge,” he said. “Look at the demographics: in America alone, 57 million people have a disability. Anxiety disorders — another forty million adults.”
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
Climbing trees can be a form of therapy that provides positive emotions in people regardless of their physical and mental ability. There is an organization in Japan called TreeClimbing Japan, that uses tree climbing as rehabilitation for physically challenged people to overcome pain while improving well-being, mobility, and strength. Climbing gives people physiological and social benefits, and when they climb trees they do not feel pain. People who are depressed have changed when they are climbing a tree. The same applies to those with anxiety issues.
Beginnings
In 1997, TreeClimbing Japan was founded with the desire to help physically disabled people leave their wheelchairs and challenge themselves to climb trees. The organization's mission was to provide fun and a challenging tree friendly exercises for people of all ages and abilities.
Tree climbing isn’t just for able-bodied children and adults. Dr. John Gathright, the founder of TreeClimbing Japan, believes it can be an inclusive form of therapy with the power to foster positive emotions in people of all physical and mental abilities.
The inspiration for this new therapeutic approach for people with disabilities came from a 57-year-old woman named Hikosaka Toshiko. Gathright met her before he was involved in tree climbing. She was physically challenged and used a wheelchair. She told him her dream was to climb the world’s tallest tree and asked for his help. Gathright agreed and in 2000, after three years of preparation, Toshiko was ready to take on a 250-foot tall giant sequoia. It took her over an hour to get a quarter of the way up and three and a half hours to get half way. She continued toward her goal and after five hours, she made it to the top. She radioed back to the ground, ‘I’m here. I’m not a cripple. I’m a challenger.” She had set her goal of reaching the top of the tree and she made it.
At first TreeClimbing Japan encountered many obstacles and challenges from government agencies, concerned doctors, city and park officials, insurance agencies, and many others. So, to prove the value of tree climbing, a study was conducted that monitored brain waves and stress hormones of people climbing a live tree compared to when they climbed a concrete tower in the same forest. The results indicated that climbing a tree had a masking effect on internal pain, and people's emotions were positively enhanced. In contrast, climbing the concrete tower had much lower physical and physiological results.
TreeClimbing Japan appreciates the concern of many people about the worth, validity, and safety of the programs. Those concerns and TreeClimbing Japan's ability to overcome numerous obstacles and challenges directly contributed to its growth.
Today
TreeClimbing Japan has over 265 certified Tree Climbers and Facilitators at seven locations throughout Japan. Through the combined efforts of TreeClimbing Japan they have been able to help almost 10,000 people of all different abilities, climb trees, and participate in forest rejuvenation projects.
TreeClimbing Japan's programs include Rehabilitative Tree Climbing , Tree Climbing Therapy, Forest Hospital Project, Sleeping Tree Project, Rehabilitation for Trees, Barrier Free Hearts, and Forest Families. These programs have helped children cope with mental and physical trauma by creating a connection to nature and allowing trees to tell their story when the children cannot. The program also educates the climbers about tree health and forests, and turn them into advocates for the forest.
TreeClimbing Japan also has a certification program for Tree Climbers and Facilitators. The Facilitators have been trained in Technical Tree Climbing, Adaptive Tree Climbing, First Aid, Risk Management, Tree and Forest Ecology, and Light Dead Branch Pruning. Those who choose to instruct and lead in these programs come to TreeClimbing Japan with additional experience and training pertaining to the special needs of the tree climbing participants.
Beyond Japan, Gathright believes there’s great opportunity for this form of therapy worldwide. “I think it will be huge,” he said. “Look at the demographics: in America alone, 57 million people have a disability. Anxiety disorders — another forty million adults.”
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.
Tree of Seminar #80
By Len Phillips
Cinnamon Girl™ Maple is a vigorous and heat tolerant hybrid that develops wonderful cinnamon colored bark that flakes with age. This hybrid caught the eye of Al Fordham, the accomplished former propagator at the Arnold Arboretum. Al named the tree after his own sweet Cinnamon Girl and wife, Molly.
Botanical Name: Acer griseum x A. maximowiczianum ‘Molly Fordham’
Common Name: Cinnamon Girl™ Maple
Parentage: Hybrid from Paperbark Maple and Nikko Maple
Height: 20' – 30' (6-8 m)
Spread: 15' – 25' (4-7 m)
Form: Vase shaped branching habit, oval form
Bloom Period: Spring
Flower: Sparse, greenish
Fruit: Samaras one inch to one and one half inches long
Spring Foliage: Emerges bronzy green
Summer Foliage: Becomes medium green (with a bluish hint) in summer, trifoliate
Autumn Foliage: Excellent dark red autumn color
Winter Color: Peeling bark provides winter interest, especially the contrast between the bark and snow
Bark: Rich cinnamon brown, peels in large attractive flakes.
Habitat: Introduced in 2008
Culture: Adaptable to wide range of soils and pH, best in moist, acidic, well drained soil, tolerates clay, urban pollution, and dry conditions
Hardiness Zones: Best in 4 – 8 and AHS Heat Zones 8 – 1
Growth Rate: Medium in youth, slowing with age
Pest Problems: None
Storm Resistance: Excellent
Salt Resistance: Excellent
Installation: Transplants easily BR, B&B, and container, well-suited for CU-Soil installation Pruning: Prune at installation and 3 years later to mature form
Propagating: Difficult to propagate by seed, cuttings and tissue culture are somewhat better
Design Uses: Used as a garden specimen, excellent street tree for under wires
Companions: Use with Heuchera or Stachys as groundcovers
Other Comments: Trifoliate leaves maintain their rich, dark green color through the heat of summer and turn to deep crimson and red in autumn. Excellent choice for a street tree.
Photo and Fact Sheet
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 Len Phillips
Cinnamon Girl™ Maple is a vigorous and heat tolerant hybrid that develops wonderful cinnamon colored bark that flakes with age. This hybrid caught the eye of Al Fordham, the accomplished former propagator at the Arnold Arboretum. Al named the tree after his own sweet Cinnamon Girl and wife, Molly.
Botanical Name: Acer griseum x A. maximowiczianum ‘Molly Fordham’
Common Name: Cinnamon Girl™ Maple
Parentage: Hybrid from Paperbark Maple and Nikko Maple
Height: 20' – 30' (6-8 m)
Spread: 15' – 25' (4-7 m)
Form: Vase shaped branching habit, oval form
Bloom Period: Spring
Flower: Sparse, greenish
Fruit: Samaras one inch to one and one half inches long
Spring Foliage: Emerges bronzy green
Summer Foliage: Becomes medium green (with a bluish hint) in summer, trifoliate
Autumn Foliage: Excellent dark red autumn color
Winter Color: Peeling bark provides winter interest, especially the contrast between the bark and snow
Bark: Rich cinnamon brown, peels in large attractive flakes.
Habitat: Introduced in 2008
Culture: Adaptable to wide range of soils and pH, best in moist, acidic, well drained soil, tolerates clay, urban pollution, and dry conditions
Hardiness Zones: Best in 4 – 8 and AHS Heat Zones 8 – 1
Growth Rate: Medium in youth, slowing with age
Pest Problems: None
Storm Resistance: Excellent
Salt Resistance: Excellent
Installation: Transplants easily BR, B&B, and container, well-suited for CU-Soil installation Pruning: Prune at installation and 3 years later to mature form
Propagating: Difficult to propagate by seed, cuttings and tissue culture are somewhat better
Design Uses: Used as a garden specimen, excellent street tree for under wires
Companions: Use with Heuchera or Stachys as groundcovers
Other Comments: Trifoliate leaves maintain their rich, dark green color through the heat of summer and turn to deep crimson and red in autumn. Excellent choice for a street tree.
Photo and Fact Sheet
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.
Riparian Buffers
By Richard H. Miller
A riparian buffer is the stream bank where the land, shrubs, and trees have an effect on the water and the water has an effect on the land and vegetation. It is the area where trees, shrubs, and other plants grow to the water's edge. Riparian buffer widths are important for stream diversity, quality of fish, and the protection of the stream’s ecosystem.
On a local scale, the riparian forest may regulate stream width and form, as well as seasonal water temperature and the energy base. While riparian cover has the most impact in the head water areas, it serves a purpose downstream by providing localized habitats, shade, aesthetics, and to some extent, a sound barrier.
Riparian Forest Health
In the good urban riparian areas one can forget where they are and they do not hear (or at least mentally close out) the harsh sounds of the nearby city. In most cases though, man’s physical and visual impacts, including canopy removal, may overwhelm the capacity of riparian areas to provide buffer effects for stream fauna. In fact, much of the suspended solids and pollutants in streams following storm events may arise from within the stream bed as well as from sheet erosion off the adjacent lands. Drainage system discharges due to human influences may also make natural erosive forces much worse.
Hydraulic alterations to a watershed may overwhelm most influences that local urban riparian forests have on stream life. Conversely, viewing aerial photos of a less urbanized stream such as the Stillwater River, in western Ohio’s corn-belt has its’ riparian zones virtually unbroken. The Stillwater River stream health is good and fishing can be exceptional on this shaded rural fishery.
Fish Populations
Pools and open bank areas support numerous fish species. Streams containing woody debris and associated riparian vegetation support the more desirable fish species. Relative to sport fishing success, when I go fishing along Walnut Creek in populated central Ohio, I generally do not catch the desirable sport fish in the pools along open banks with sparse underwater woody debris.
According to one researcher urban stream buffers are less important to fish diversity because:
Ecologists have shown that the number of endemic and sensitive fish species found in many urban streams are best predicted by the amount of forest cover and the amount of urban-impervious surfaces within the catchment area. An abundance of sensitive species exhibit a striking response to the amount of forest in the riparian network, with virtually no sensitive species found at sites with less than 70% forest.
Riparian Health and Water Quality
Additionally, research shows that the riparian cover in the upstream network is important for maintaining sensitive fishes, while local reductions in riparian forest cover increase the population of tolerant fishes.
This is not to say that riparian vegetation in urban sites is necessary for riparian health and water quality. Overreaching influences of impervious surfaces, field drains, stormwater pipes in urban reaches, and rural catchments drastically affect aquatic systems via non-point-source water quality impairment.
Pristine Streams
Pristine streams have not been seen for hundreds of years and it may not be practical to envision a return to such a complex environment. Even at modest levels of disturbance, deforestation, and the conversion to agriculture, urbanization, and other disturbances have detrimental effects on the water quality of streams.
We have destroyed the natural systems that maintain the watershed. No pollutants appear to have had a more universal or lasting adverse effect upon aquatic life, since the first settlers in 1800, than have the original clays and silts. Plowing the land following the removal of trees increased the erosion of glacial silts and clays also causing adverse effects to the pristine streams.
In addition, stream bank erosion can be viewed as a problem only if it affects man and man's vision of what a stream should be. Stream banks have been eroding and rebuilding at least since glacial times, 10,000 years ago. Stream bank erosion only occurs within the meander pattern of the stream valley. Stream dynamics necessitate knowledge of erosive forces that define stream meander width, structure, and health. Historically, with few exceptions, the streams in Ohio usually were devoid of clayey silts, even during floods. The waters were very transparent or clear, which the pioneers referred to as “fair water,” until at least 1850, when “dirty” or turbid waters began to be mentioned increasingly. Presently we clearly view riparian vegetation as holding stream banks in place albeit in a degraded wider, shallower, and more linear condition than before European settlement.
The Future with Climate Change
Shaded streams, especially head-water areas, are kept cooler in summer by riparian vegetation and definitely have effects on head-water systems. Climatologists are concerned that many fish species will not survive to the end of this century because of climate change and its effect on aquatic environments. Climatologists indicate that as water temperatures rise, tolerant species will dominate and species diversity will decline. Head-water riparian forests will prove to be even more critical to small steam life. Local urban riparian forests are necessary but may not critically control biotic integrity in eastern urban streams. In the extreme view, man-altered linear streams such as those enclosed by concrete banks are not as pleasing, diverse, or as pristine as sinuous tree lined environs. Realistically viewed, the pristine will support a richer diversity of life and desirable fish species and instill a sense of place regardless of the challenges of catchment restoration to mimic a natural pre-disturbance hydrology and canopy to watersheds including opinions of essential widths of urban riparian areas.
Sources
Author Richard H. Miller is with the Urban Forester for the city of Canal Winchester, Ohio
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, Utility 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 Richard H. Miller
A riparian buffer is the stream bank where the land, shrubs, and trees have an effect on the water and the water has an effect on the land and vegetation. It is the area where trees, shrubs, and other plants grow to the water's edge. Riparian buffer widths are important for stream diversity, quality of fish, and the protection of the stream’s ecosystem.
On a local scale, the riparian forest may regulate stream width and form, as well as seasonal water temperature and the energy base. While riparian cover has the most impact in the head water areas, it serves a purpose downstream by providing localized habitats, shade, aesthetics, and to some extent, a sound barrier.
Riparian Forest Health
In the good urban riparian areas one can forget where they are and they do not hear (or at least mentally close out) the harsh sounds of the nearby city. In most cases though, man’s physical and visual impacts, including canopy removal, may overwhelm the capacity of riparian areas to provide buffer effects for stream fauna. In fact, much of the suspended solids and pollutants in streams following storm events may arise from within the stream bed as well as from sheet erosion off the adjacent lands. Drainage system discharges due to human influences may also make natural erosive forces much worse.
Hydraulic alterations to a watershed may overwhelm most influences that local urban riparian forests have on stream life. Conversely, viewing aerial photos of a less urbanized stream such as the Stillwater River, in western Ohio’s corn-belt has its’ riparian zones virtually unbroken. The Stillwater River stream health is good and fishing can be exceptional on this shaded rural fishery.
Fish Populations
Pools and open bank areas support numerous fish species. Streams containing woody debris and associated riparian vegetation support the more desirable fish species. Relative to sport fishing success, when I go fishing along Walnut Creek in populated central Ohio, I generally do not catch the desirable sport fish in the pools along open banks with sparse underwater woody debris.
According to one researcher urban stream buffers are less important to fish diversity because:
- they are often by-passed,
- the impacts of watershed land use overwhelms the capacity of riparian zones to buffer a stream's ecosystem,
- discontinuous riparian buffers will not settle water quality problems because transport through perennial vegetation gaps (agriculture) dominate the discharge in addition to reduced canopy, direct storm sewer discharges, and impervious urban landscapes,
- hydraulic alteration overwhelms any influence of riparian forests on stream biota.
Ecologists have shown that the number of endemic and sensitive fish species found in many urban streams are best predicted by the amount of forest cover and the amount of urban-impervious surfaces within the catchment area. An abundance of sensitive species exhibit a striking response to the amount of forest in the riparian network, with virtually no sensitive species found at sites with less than 70% forest.
Riparian Health and Water Quality
Additionally, research shows that the riparian cover in the upstream network is important for maintaining sensitive fishes, while local reductions in riparian forest cover increase the population of tolerant fishes.
This is not to say that riparian vegetation in urban sites is necessary for riparian health and water quality. Overreaching influences of impervious surfaces, field drains, stormwater pipes in urban reaches, and rural catchments drastically affect aquatic systems via non-point-source water quality impairment.
Pristine Streams
Pristine streams have not been seen for hundreds of years and it may not be practical to envision a return to such a complex environment. Even at modest levels of disturbance, deforestation, and the conversion to agriculture, urbanization, and other disturbances have detrimental effects on the water quality of streams.
We have destroyed the natural systems that maintain the watershed. No pollutants appear to have had a more universal or lasting adverse effect upon aquatic life, since the first settlers in 1800, than have the original clays and silts. Plowing the land following the removal of trees increased the erosion of glacial silts and clays also causing adverse effects to the pristine streams.
In addition, stream bank erosion can be viewed as a problem only if it affects man and man's vision of what a stream should be. Stream banks have been eroding and rebuilding at least since glacial times, 10,000 years ago. Stream bank erosion only occurs within the meander pattern of the stream valley. Stream dynamics necessitate knowledge of erosive forces that define stream meander width, structure, and health. Historically, with few exceptions, the streams in Ohio usually were devoid of clayey silts, even during floods. The waters were very transparent or clear, which the pioneers referred to as “fair water,” until at least 1850, when “dirty” or turbid waters began to be mentioned increasingly. Presently we clearly view riparian vegetation as holding stream banks in place albeit in a degraded wider, shallower, and more linear condition than before European settlement.
The Future with Climate Change
Shaded streams, especially head-water areas, are kept cooler in summer by riparian vegetation and definitely have effects on head-water systems. Climatologists are concerned that many fish species will not survive to the end of this century because of climate change and its effect on aquatic environments. Climatologists indicate that as water temperatures rise, tolerant species will dominate and species diversity will decline. Head-water riparian forests will prove to be even more critical to small steam life. Local urban riparian forests are necessary but may not critically control biotic integrity in eastern urban streams. In the extreme view, man-altered linear streams such as those enclosed by concrete banks are not as pleasing, diverse, or as pristine as sinuous tree lined environs. Realistically viewed, the pristine will support a richer diversity of life and desirable fish species and instill a sense of place regardless of the challenges of catchment restoration to mimic a natural pre-disturbance hydrology and canopy to watersheds including opinions of essential widths of urban riparian areas.
Sources
- Farst S., Unpublished abstract, EMH&T Engineers, Ohio Statewide Floodplain Management Conference, 2012.
- Ohio EPA ,”TMDL for the Walnut Creek Watershed”, (2.3 pg. 8), 2006.
- Roy, A.H., “Can riparian forests mediate Impacts of urbanization on stream fish assemblages?”, Pg. 1-80, 2004.
- Trautman, M.B., “The Ohio Country From 1750 to 1977 A Naturalist’s View”, The Ohio State University, Pg. 1-9, 1977.
Author Richard H. Miller is with the Urban Forester for the city of Canal Winchester, Ohio
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, Utility Specialist, or BCMA science credits.
California UFC members will receive credit for passing the test. Please add your CaUFC number after your ISA and/or SAF certification number.
ASCA members may submit your ISA certification record to the ASCA and receive credits one for one.
MTOA members must follow the ISA instructions indicated above.
To take the test by the pay per test option, click on the 'Pay Now' button below where you can send payment online securely with your credit card or Pay Pal account. After your payment is submitted, click on ‘Return to Merchant' / gibneyCE.com. That will take you to the test sign in page followed by the test. Members with certifications from both ISA and SAF, please be sure to add both of your certification numbers. These numbers are important for reporting purposes.
To take the test as an annual subscriber with reduced rates, click on Password and enter your test password which will take you to the test sign in page. If you would like to become a subscriber see our Annual Subscription page for details.
When you have finished answering all questions you will be prompted to click ‘next’ to send your answers to gibneyCE.com. You can then click ‘next’ to view your test summary. A test review of your answers is available upon request.
All passing test scores are sent from gibneyCE.com to your organization(s) at the end of every month and they will appear on your certification record 4 to 6 weeks* after that. ISA maintains a record of CEU credits on their website.
*SAF requires 5 passing test scores before reporting.
Test re-takes are allowed, however you will have to pay for the retake if you are using the pay per test option. You can spend as much time as you would like to take the test but it is important not to leave the test site until you have answered all the questions and see the 'sending your answers' response.
Tree Diversification
Edited by Len Phillips
A broad diversity of trees is needed in our urban landscape to guard against the possibility of large-scale devastation by natural disasters as well as native and introduced insect pests and diseases.
History
The widespread planting of American elms (Ulmus americana) in the towns and cities of eastern United States by our forefathers was a nice idea. Our early horticulturists were taking advantage of the beauty and adaptability of a native tree that Thomas Jefferson called “nature’s noblest vegetable”. The accidental introduction of Dutch elm disease, and the consequential destruction of millions of elms, served not only to focus attention on the loss of urban forests but also to the qualities of the American elm.
Role of Diversity
We now realize that we need a diversity of trees in our urban forests, not only to guard against disasters like Dutch elm disease, but also to “put the right tree in the right place” as the evolution of our cities and suburbs creates challenges and new settings for tree installation.
Diversity plays an important role in the long-term stability of an ecosystem. When an area has a high diversity of tree species, it is less likely to suffer catastrophic loss from diseases or pests. For example, consider the impact the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) (Agrilus planipennis) has had on ash trees. The EAB, an exotic wood-boring beetle discovered in southeast Michigan in the summer of 2002, has killed more than 10 million trees in southeast Michigan and is now spreading in all directions. Installing a diversity of hardy tree species throughout the urban forest can reduce the vulnerability of the trees to species specific pests.
Age Diversity
Consideration should be given to diversity by age within the urban forest. Planting the entire forest at one time will result in a future collapse of the entire forest at one time. A rule may also apply to age if the age of the existing forest and the number of existing trees are known. By using these two numbers one can prepare an age diversification factor for the tree replacement plan. For example: if the oldest tree in the urban forest died at 100 years of age and the tree inventory indicates a maximum capacity of 30,000 trees in the urban forest, then 300 trees should be planted every year.
Diversity by Shapes
If given enough space to grow, trees have characteristic shapes. Some shapes fit better in a particular space than others. For example, when vase-shaped American elms (Ulmus americana) are planted across the street from each other, their crowns form a cathedral-like arch over the street. A tree with a rounded crown like a maple (Acer sp.) will shade the yard. Pyramidal-shaped trees like linden (Tilia sp.) with dense persistent leaves provide less shade, but are better at breaking the wind speed nearer the ground. A pyramidal-shaped tree also takes up more space near the ground. Trees with a weeping stature provide focal points in a landscape as do columnar trees. Columnar trees are also suitable in locations where space is tight or a tall hedge is desired.
Diversity of Food Value
A diversity of trees with high food value is the single best way to increase wildlife populations. For example:
Keep in mind that every tree must be carefully selected for each location to be sure it is appropriate. For example, do not plant ash if the Emerald Ash Borer is on its way to your city, and sweetgums with their spiny seed balls should not be installed where pedestrians are walking.
A Diversity of Wildlife Habitats
Birds and small animals need concealed spaces for nesting and hiding to protect them from the eyes of predators. Planting conifers in groups, growing hedges with low branches, or using prickly or thorny plants in a few areas are all ways to provide wildlife cover.
The Ten-Percent Rule
The “10% rule” is a reaction to the likelihood that some major insect or disease pest could, at some point in time, wipe out most of the trees in a city. Urban foresters and municipal arborists should use the following guidelines for tree diversity within their areas of jurisdiction:
Individual trees as well as strips or blocks of uniformly planted species, cultivars, or clones with proven adaptability should be scattered throughout the city to achieve spatial as well as biological diversity.
Originally, the rule was considered a safeguard against a “new pest” that might be introduced from a foreign country. The American experience with Dutch elm disease and chestnut blight is sufficient to explain our concern about such epidemics. However, the spread of dogwood anthracnose disease on our native, Cornus florida, has caused great alarm because it did not come from an introduced pathogen. There are also many “native” insect problems that we are aware of and that must considered as potential threats to the urban forest.
Enacting Species Diversity
While the “10% rule” may serve as a target or goal to soothe the consciences of city councils and municipal arborists, it will not solve all potential pest problems nor guarantee the long-term stability and aesthetics of the urban forest. We need to install more of the superior trees developed through genetic research. We need to utilize the practical experience from practitioners of urban forestry. We have to plan the installation of city trees, and understand the problems and potentials of our actions.
Enacting a species diversity plan implies three simple actions:
To achieve each of these elements, a plan containing eight tasks is necessary. The first two tasks focus on evaluating the current and potential tree resources. The remaining six tasks outline a systematic process for establishing thresholds for each species and circulating species on and off of the annual planting list.
Task 1 – Compile and assess data on the current tree population and program. An inventory is the preferred tool for collecting and summarizing this data. Necessary information includes:
Task 2 – Develop a list of all potential species to potentially plant in the area. The list should include everything from small to large; and abundant to obscure. This list can be derived from a number of sources such as:
Task 3 – Establish a target for each species on your current list. To minimize an over emphasis of any one species on the list, a cap for each species should be established. This cap should be a percentage of the total possible number of trees that can be present in the community (existing number of trees plus the number of vacant planting sites).
Task 4 – Develop a short list of species to install each year. This list may have anywhere from five to twenty species. This is the list of species that are going to be emphasized in the current year's planting program. The list should incorporate a variety of species in various sizes.
Task 5 – Create a threshold for each species on your annual planting list. To minimize an over emphasis of any one species on the annual list, a cap for each species should be established. As that threshold is reached, that particular species is taken off of the list for the remainder of the year. A careful balance of all of suggested species for the year will guarantee an even and equitable distribution of the trees.
Task 6 – Establish a planting cycle for each species. Each species stays on the annual list for a few years. The duration is a function of how much emphasis will be placed on that particular species (the current versus the target). For example, a city might have 16 Kentucky Coffeetrees currently and a target of 266, so 250 coffeetrees can be installed in the next few years, before this tree is removed from the tree list. Other cities have chosen to select the trees that the inventory indicates have the highest number, and place a ban on using these trees until the diversification formula has been met.
Task 7 – Rotate species on and off the annual list. Once a species has reached the end of its planting cycle, it is taken off the list for a few years. Other species are then placed on the annual list to encourage their emphasis. This down time is temporary and should last anywhere from three to five years for any one species.
Task 8 – Evaluate the program. No program is complete without the ability to gauge whether or not the program is successful or not. The best way to assess the success or failure of a species diversity program is to compare the change over time to the individual species count and compare that count against the targets you have established for each species. Continue to assess the suitability of species and incorporate changes due to insect/disease, cultural, or other realizations.
Benefits of Diversification
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, Utility 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
A broad diversity of trees is needed in our urban landscape to guard against the possibility of large-scale devastation by natural disasters as well as native and introduced insect pests and diseases.
History
The widespread planting of American elms (Ulmus americana) in the towns and cities of eastern United States by our forefathers was a nice idea. Our early horticulturists were taking advantage of the beauty and adaptability of a native tree that Thomas Jefferson called “nature’s noblest vegetable”. The accidental introduction of Dutch elm disease, and the consequential destruction of millions of elms, served not only to focus attention on the loss of urban forests but also to the qualities of the American elm.
Role of Diversity
We now realize that we need a diversity of trees in our urban forests, not only to guard against disasters like Dutch elm disease, but also to “put the right tree in the right place” as the evolution of our cities and suburbs creates challenges and new settings for tree installation.
Diversity plays an important role in the long-term stability of an ecosystem. When an area has a high diversity of tree species, it is less likely to suffer catastrophic loss from diseases or pests. For example, consider the impact the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) (Agrilus planipennis) has had on ash trees. The EAB, an exotic wood-boring beetle discovered in southeast Michigan in the summer of 2002, has killed more than 10 million trees in southeast Michigan and is now spreading in all directions. Installing a diversity of hardy tree species throughout the urban forest can reduce the vulnerability of the trees to species specific pests.
Age Diversity
Consideration should be given to diversity by age within the urban forest. Planting the entire forest at one time will result in a future collapse of the entire forest at one time. A rule may also apply to age if the age of the existing forest and the number of existing trees are known. By using these two numbers one can prepare an age diversification factor for the tree replacement plan. For example: if the oldest tree in the urban forest died at 100 years of age and the tree inventory indicates a maximum capacity of 30,000 trees in the urban forest, then 300 trees should be planted every year.
Diversity by Shapes
If given enough space to grow, trees have characteristic shapes. Some shapes fit better in a particular space than others. For example, when vase-shaped American elms (Ulmus americana) are planted across the street from each other, their crowns form a cathedral-like arch over the street. A tree with a rounded crown like a maple (Acer sp.) will shade the yard. Pyramidal-shaped trees like linden (Tilia sp.) with dense persistent leaves provide less shade, but are better at breaking the wind speed nearer the ground. A pyramidal-shaped tree also takes up more space near the ground. Trees with a weeping stature provide focal points in a landscape as do columnar trees. Columnar trees are also suitable in locations where space is tight or a tall hedge is desired.
Diversity of Food Value
A diversity of trees with high food value is the single best way to increase wildlife populations. For example:
- summer fruit – cherries, dogwoods, plums, apricots
- fall and winter fruit – apples, crabapples, dogwoods, hackberries, hawthorns, mountain ashes
- seeds – ashes, birches, firs, hemlocks, maples, spruces, sweetgums
- nuts and acorns – butternuts, walnuts, chestnuts, hazelnuts, hickories, oaks, pecans
Keep in mind that every tree must be carefully selected for each location to be sure it is appropriate. For example, do not plant ash if the Emerald Ash Borer is on its way to your city, and sweetgums with their spiny seed balls should not be installed where pedestrians are walking.
A Diversity of Wildlife Habitats
Birds and small animals need concealed spaces for nesting and hiding to protect them from the eyes of predators. Planting conifers in groups, growing hedges with low branches, or using prickly or thorny plants in a few areas are all ways to provide wildlife cover.
The Ten-Percent Rule
The “10% rule” is a reaction to the likelihood that some major insect or disease pest could, at some point in time, wipe out most of the trees in a city. Urban foresters and municipal arborists should use the following guidelines for tree diversity within their areas of jurisdiction:
- install no more than 10% of any species,
- no more than 20% of any genus,
- no more than 30% of any family.
Individual trees as well as strips or blocks of uniformly planted species, cultivars, or clones with proven adaptability should be scattered throughout the city to achieve spatial as well as biological diversity.
Originally, the rule was considered a safeguard against a “new pest” that might be introduced from a foreign country. The American experience with Dutch elm disease and chestnut blight is sufficient to explain our concern about such epidemics. However, the spread of dogwood anthracnose disease on our native, Cornus florida, has caused great alarm because it did not come from an introduced pathogen. There are also many “native” insect problems that we are aware of and that must considered as potential threats to the urban forest.
Enacting Species Diversity
While the “10% rule” may serve as a target or goal to soothe the consciences of city councils and municipal arborists, it will not solve all potential pest problems nor guarantee the long-term stability and aesthetics of the urban forest. We need to install more of the superior trees developed through genetic research. We need to utilize the practical experience from practitioners of urban forestry. We have to plan the installation of city trees, and understand the problems and potentials of our actions.
Enacting a species diversity plan implies three simple actions:
- Minimize planting overused species.
- Increase the planting of underused species.
- Introduce new species into the landscape.
To achieve each of these elements, a plan containing eight tasks is necessary. The first two tasks focus on evaluating the current and potential tree resources. The remaining six tasks outline a systematic process for establishing thresholds for each species and circulating species on and off of the annual planting list.
Task 1 – Compile and assess data on the current tree population and program. An inventory is the preferred tool for collecting and summarizing this data. Necessary information includes:
- species count and percent representation in the population
- number of vacant planting sites in the community
- number of trees planted each year
- number of trees removed each year
- contents of the annual planting list
Task 2 – Develop a list of all potential species to potentially plant in the area. The list should include everything from small to large; and abundant to obscure. This list can be derived from a number of sources such as:
- the current tree population highlighting all the species that currently appear to be doing well,
- planting lists from neighboring communities,
- local arboreta or botanical garden lists,
- tree, shrub, and landscape books,
- nursery catalogs that match zone restrictions for your area.
Task 3 – Establish a target for each species on your current list. To minimize an over emphasis of any one species on the list, a cap for each species should be established. This cap should be a percentage of the total possible number of trees that can be present in the community (existing number of trees plus the number of vacant planting sites).
Task 4 – Develop a short list of species to install each year. This list may have anywhere from five to twenty species. This is the list of species that are going to be emphasized in the current year's planting program. The list should incorporate a variety of species in various sizes.
Task 5 – Create a threshold for each species on your annual planting list. To minimize an over emphasis of any one species on the annual list, a cap for each species should be established. As that threshold is reached, that particular species is taken off of the list for the remainder of the year. A careful balance of all of suggested species for the year will guarantee an even and equitable distribution of the trees.
Task 6 – Establish a planting cycle for each species. Each species stays on the annual list for a few years. The duration is a function of how much emphasis will be placed on that particular species (the current versus the target). For example, a city might have 16 Kentucky Coffeetrees currently and a target of 266, so 250 coffeetrees can be installed in the next few years, before this tree is removed from the tree list. Other cities have chosen to select the trees that the inventory indicates have the highest number, and place a ban on using these trees until the diversification formula has been met.
Task 7 – Rotate species on and off the annual list. Once a species has reached the end of its planting cycle, it is taken off the list for a few years. Other species are then placed on the annual list to encourage their emphasis. This down time is temporary and should last anywhere from three to five years for any one species.
Task 8 – Evaluate the program. No program is complete without the ability to gauge whether or not the program is successful or not. The best way to assess the success or failure of a species diversity program is to compare the change over time to the individual species count and compare that count against the targets you have established for each species. Continue to assess the suitability of species and incorporate changes due to insect/disease, cultural, or other realizations.
Benefits of Diversification
- Diversification will mean making better use of the tree species commonly planted in your city, while ensuring that they are well suited to the site in the context of predicted climate change.
- Take opportunities to use tree species not historically widespread in your city, but which will become more suitable under current climate change predictions.
- Be sure that you have given appropriate consideration to a choice of silvicultural systems when making decisions on species and mixtures.
- Make sure that any group mixtures are of compatible species, and they will meet the long-term management objectives.
- Use existing or expected natural regeneration to diversify stands where the species you expect will be able to meet the set objectives and will remain well suited to the site, even where you are not practicing diversification.
- When thinning or re-spacing, take the opportunity to retain minor species where they will contribute to the long-term objectives of the urban forest.
Sources
- ”A guide for increasing tree species diversity in Wales” Forestry Commission on Wales, November 15, 2010.
- Duntemann, Mark, “Urban Forestry Management Series: Implementing a Species Diversity Program”, Natural Path Urban Forestry Consultants, July, 2004.
- Santamour, Frank S., Jr., “Uniformity and Common Sense”, METRIA 7 Proceedings, 1990.
- National Arbor Day Foundation, “Tree Diversity Activity”, 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, Utility 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.
Outstanding Inventors of Trees
Ed Scanlon
Edited by Len Phillips
After graduating in forestry from University of Michigan, Edward H. "Ed" Scanlon (1903-1976) became an urban tree manager, author, editor, publisher and the “Wandering Arborist”. Ed began his career with urban trees as arborist for the City of Santa Monica, California from 1931 to 1934. He then went to work for the California Division of Highways before serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II, from 1941 to 1945.
After the war, he was appointed Commissioner of Shade Trees for the City of Cleveland, Ohio. Over the next decade, he directed the installation of more than 100 species of trees. The main problem Scanlon found with trees in the residential areas of Cleveland, which was nicknamed “Forest City”, was that they were too big for the narrow tree lawns on which they were installed. Those trees tended to be red and Norway maples, sycamores, pin oaks and other very large varieties. They overshadowed the houses, they cracked the sidewalks, they ruined the grass, and they so obscured the street lights that the thoroughfares were dark and dangerous. When they were toppled in windstorms, or got split by lightning, they would fall on houses, vehicles, or people; and they frequently pulled down the power lines.
In response to these problems, Scanlon worked to get rid of the big trees and replaced them with trees better suited to the spaces available in the tree lawn. Scanlon recommended the ornamental, short trees for city streets and moderate-sized house plots, where telephone or power lines might interfere with the branches of trees taller than twenty-five feet. These taller trees could be planted on the opposite side of the street where height was not a concern.
Tailored Trees
As Ed traveled around Cleveland and eventually the world, as the “Wandering Arborist”, he became a purveyor of distinctive trees or as he called them, “Tailored Trees”. In 1950, he bought a 70-acre farm and started a nursery where he could grow his Tailored Trees. He used his observation skills to select many other exceptional trees that he added to his list of Tailored Trees. Ed amassed an abundance of loyal followers as he developed a widespread legacy with his list, many of which are now growing in cities around the world.
Some of his best Tailored Trees are:
Arboriculture
Scanlon realized that street trees were really crops, not unlike corn and wheat. Therefore, while managing for tree diversity among streets, he usually planted each street with one kind of tree. Scanlon thought, uniformity of trees on a street or street segment made for more efficient tree management, and provided a common denominator for the generally diverse style of houses, and greatly enhanced the street's visual quality. A street planted with diverse species, he felt eclipses the community pride while a uniform row of trees with distinctive traits created a major visual impact.
However, he did know the risk of urban tree monoculture, having had to replace hundreds of Cleveland's elm trees killed by Dutch elm disease. Yet, considering the rarity of these pest invasions, he felt monoculture was reasonable for urban trees, but only on a street-by-street basis.
Most trees, he contended, could be planted 50 ft (15 m) apart but trees like American elm had be planted at least 100 to 125 ft (30 – 38 m) apart. Scanlon disfavored letting homeowners choose the kinds of street trees to be planted in front of their homes. He often used the analogy of a doctor allowing a patient to choose from a potpourri of pills. The professional urban tree manager, he thought, must address many factors, imperceptible to most householders.
Other Activities
Scanlon started publishing Trees Magazine in 1937. It was initially published to express kudos to people he recently met and about trees he had seen as well as reports about his latest travels. This popular magazine about urban trees had no equal and ceased publication upon Scanlon's death in 1976.
Scanlon was a steadfast organizer and supporter of tree-related organizations. In 1933, he helped found the Western Shade Tree Conference that later became the Western Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). He also started a group called the "Plant Propagators' Society". In 1964, he instigated the formation of the Society of Municipal Arborists (SMA) to enhance the role of city arborists. The SMA later became part of the ISA.
Scanlon was also known for his efforts to promote Arbor Day, the day on which people are encouraged to install and care for trees. Sterling Morton, who served as President Grover Cleveland’s secretary of agriculture, is credited with founding Arbor Day in 1872. Scanlon established a Committee for a National Arbor Day, whose goal was to establish the last Friday in April as the National Arbor Day. This committee was successful in securing the passage of either state legislation or governor proclamation in 22 states between 1940 and 1970 when U.S. President Richard Nixon made it official that most states declare the last Friday in April as National Arbor Day.
Not to be overlooked was Scanlon's universal influence against the widespread use of fast-growing trees of immense size at maturity, such as silver maples, elms, and sycamores. Instead he promoted the planting of a wide assortment of medium-sized, lower maintenance trees (his Tailored Trees).
The world was Scanlon's garden and the trees therein were gold nuggets for his camera. What he found was included in his slide-illustrated lectures. Throughout his life, Scanlon crusaded for the use of distinctive trees in cities. He was absorbed with such trees as Vienna's weeping European hornbeam (Carpinus betulus 'Vienna') and used scions he got from it to propagate clones. He planted two of the resulting clones at his home, farm, and nursery, which he called the Rancho, at the Cleveland suburb of Olmsted Falls, Ohio.
For more information read Philip A. Barker's “Edward H. Scanlon - Progenitor of I.P.P.S. and Other Ambitious Endeavors”
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.
Ed Scanlon
Edited by Len Phillips
After graduating in forestry from University of Michigan, Edward H. "Ed" Scanlon (1903-1976) became an urban tree manager, author, editor, publisher and the “Wandering Arborist”. Ed began his career with urban trees as arborist for the City of Santa Monica, California from 1931 to 1934. He then went to work for the California Division of Highways before serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II, from 1941 to 1945.
After the war, he was appointed Commissioner of Shade Trees for the City of Cleveland, Ohio. Over the next decade, he directed the installation of more than 100 species of trees. The main problem Scanlon found with trees in the residential areas of Cleveland, which was nicknamed “Forest City”, was that they were too big for the narrow tree lawns on which they were installed. Those trees tended to be red and Norway maples, sycamores, pin oaks and other very large varieties. They overshadowed the houses, they cracked the sidewalks, they ruined the grass, and they so obscured the street lights that the thoroughfares were dark and dangerous. When they were toppled in windstorms, or got split by lightning, they would fall on houses, vehicles, or people; and they frequently pulled down the power lines.
In response to these problems, Scanlon worked to get rid of the big trees and replaced them with trees better suited to the spaces available in the tree lawn. Scanlon recommended the ornamental, short trees for city streets and moderate-sized house plots, where telephone or power lines might interfere with the branches of trees taller than twenty-five feet. These taller trees could be planted on the opposite side of the street where height was not a concern.
Tailored Trees
As Ed traveled around Cleveland and eventually the world, as the “Wandering Arborist”, he became a purveyor of distinctive trees or as he called them, “Tailored Trees”. In 1950, he bought a 70-acre farm and started a nursery where he could grow his Tailored Trees. He used his observation skills to select many other exceptional trees that he added to his list of Tailored Trees. Ed amassed an abundance of loyal followers as he developed a widespread legacy with his list, many of which are now growing in cities around the world.
Some of his best Tailored Trees are:
- A. rubrum 'Bowhall' - Bowhall maple is a columnar red maple 45 – 50 ft. (14 – 15 m) tall with ascending branches spreading 18 – 25 ft. (6 – 8 m) wide that was found growing at the Bowhall Nursery near Cleveland. Scanlon eventually patented Bowhall (PP. 1722) and sold it as Acer rubrum 'Scanlon' or the Scanlon red maple.
- Acer × freemanii ‘Armstrong’ - As with the Bowhall maple, Scanlon cloned the Armstrong maple. It was found near Cleveland by Newton G. Armstrong. His selection became the popular Armstrong maple, now considered an A. rubrum X A. saccharinum hybrid. This vigorous hybrid boasts the toughness of silver maple with the brilliant fall color of red maple.
- Pyrus calleryana 'Chanticleer' - also known as ‘Cleveland Select’, ‘Select’, ‘Stone Hill’ or ‘Glen’s Form’ was selected in 1956 and is considered to be one of the best of the cultivars available for street tree use. It is a tight, narrow, pyramidal, thornless ornamental pear tree. In April, the branches are profusely covered with white, five-petaled flowers up to an inch in diameter. Not only is Chanticleer the first tree to leaf out in the spring, it is the last tree to lose its leaves in autumn, a useful quality for screening, noise abatement, and softening other urban problems. The tree does not produce any large surface roots that harm pavement like many other street trees. Ed applied for a U.S. Plant Patent and was issued PP# 2,489 on March 23, 1965 for Chanticleer. Chanticleer won the Award of Garden Merit in 2002. Chanticleer was also selected as the 2005 Urban Tree of the Year by a vote from the members of the Society of Municipal Arborists. This tree's popularity comes from being an adaptable shade tree on private property as well as for tree lawns and parking lots.
- Pyrus calleryana ‘Aristocrat’ - Aristocrat callery pear has a leaf with wavy edges, pyramidal form, more resistant to branch breaking, but was later found to be susceptible to fire blight. Its autumn color can be an inconsistent red.
- Pyrus calleryana ‘Autumn Blaze’ - Autumn Blaze callery pear has a consistent early autumn red-purple color, round form, more cold hardy but was also found to be susceptible to fire blight.
- Pyrus calleryana ‘Jack’ - Jack callery pear is short and has a narrow oval form. It turns yellow in autumn, has a formal appearance, and is excellent for installing under utility wires.
- Pyrus calleryana ‘Redspire’ - Redspire callery pear has an autumn color that is more yellow than red. It also has a nice large oval form and is less prone to branch breakage, but it is very susceptible to fire blight.
Arboriculture
Scanlon realized that street trees were really crops, not unlike corn and wheat. Therefore, while managing for tree diversity among streets, he usually planted each street with one kind of tree. Scanlon thought, uniformity of trees on a street or street segment made for more efficient tree management, and provided a common denominator for the generally diverse style of houses, and greatly enhanced the street's visual quality. A street planted with diverse species, he felt eclipses the community pride while a uniform row of trees with distinctive traits created a major visual impact.
However, he did know the risk of urban tree monoculture, having had to replace hundreds of Cleveland's elm trees killed by Dutch elm disease. Yet, considering the rarity of these pest invasions, he felt monoculture was reasonable for urban trees, but only on a street-by-street basis.
Most trees, he contended, could be planted 50 ft (15 m) apart but trees like American elm had be planted at least 100 to 125 ft (30 – 38 m) apart. Scanlon disfavored letting homeowners choose the kinds of street trees to be planted in front of their homes. He often used the analogy of a doctor allowing a patient to choose from a potpourri of pills. The professional urban tree manager, he thought, must address many factors, imperceptible to most householders.
Other Activities
Scanlon started publishing Trees Magazine in 1937. It was initially published to express kudos to people he recently met and about trees he had seen as well as reports about his latest travels. This popular magazine about urban trees had no equal and ceased publication upon Scanlon's death in 1976.
Scanlon was a steadfast organizer and supporter of tree-related organizations. In 1933, he helped found the Western Shade Tree Conference that later became the Western Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). He also started a group called the "Plant Propagators' Society". In 1964, he instigated the formation of the Society of Municipal Arborists (SMA) to enhance the role of city arborists. The SMA later became part of the ISA.
Scanlon was also known for his efforts to promote Arbor Day, the day on which people are encouraged to install and care for trees. Sterling Morton, who served as President Grover Cleveland’s secretary of agriculture, is credited with founding Arbor Day in 1872. Scanlon established a Committee for a National Arbor Day, whose goal was to establish the last Friday in April as the National Arbor Day. This committee was successful in securing the passage of either state legislation or governor proclamation in 22 states between 1940 and 1970 when U.S. President Richard Nixon made it official that most states declare the last Friday in April as National Arbor Day.
Not to be overlooked was Scanlon's universal influence against the widespread use of fast-growing trees of immense size at maturity, such as silver maples, elms, and sycamores. Instead he promoted the planting of a wide assortment of medium-sized, lower maintenance trees (his Tailored Trees).
The world was Scanlon's garden and the trees therein were gold nuggets for his camera. What he found was included in his slide-illustrated lectures. Throughout his life, Scanlon crusaded for the use of distinctive trees in cities. He was absorbed with such trees as Vienna's weeping European hornbeam (Carpinus betulus 'Vienna') and used scions he got from it to propagate clones. He planted two of the resulting clones at his home, farm, and nursery, which he called the Rancho, at the Cleveland suburb of Olmsted Falls, Ohio.
For more information read Philip A. Barker's “Edward H. Scanlon - Progenitor of I.P.P.S. and Other Ambitious Endeavors”
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.
Invasive Plants
Edited by Len Phillips
Arborists and landscape managers should be aware of the invasive plant problem and know what to do when an invasive is found. Invasive plants affect everyone. When settlers in America began gardening, they had a constant struggle to keep the natural ecosystem from invading and overwhelming their small cultivated patches. Today, Americans have so altered the landscape that the reverse is true. Many of the plants we have cultivated have escaped and are now threatening to invade more favorable native plants in conservation and wild areas. Additionally, the U.S. Geological Survey reports that some $20 billion in environmental damage can be linked to invasive trees, plants, and wildlife. This affects not only those making a living from the land, but people everywhere.
Researchers believe there are several factors that contribute to a plant becoming invasive. These include:
Invasive plants are opportunistic plants that take advantage of areas with disturbed soil. They spread rapidly and crowd out desirable native species. They also compete with native species for water, nutrients, sunlight, and space. As a result, invasive species can:
Categories of Invasive Plants
Invasive Prevention
The best defense against invasive plant takeovers is constant surveillance of landscaped and natural areas and continued annual follow-up treatments of all infested sites until the problem is controlled. Early detection and treatments will minimize the costs and efforts that must be dedicated to eliminate invasive plant infestations. The longer the plants are left to establish the more rapidly they spread; the more difficult they are to control; and the more time that is needed for follow-up treatments.
Invasive Plant Control Plan
Early invasive detection and treatment along with an effective control program are the main components of a complete prevention plan. There are a few effective biological agents for invasive plant control, but they are only useful where containment is the objective. For control of heavy plant infestation, herbicides are most often used in combination with other types of control such as mechanical and cultural methods, hand pulling, mowing or cutting, and burning. Mechanical methods may disturb a site and encourage the invasive plants instead of eliminating them. Some southern cities are using goats to control Kudzu and many other communities are using goats to control poison ivy. They have found that not only do the goats eat the plants but their cloven hooves sever the plants root system. Plus the goats are not harmed from eating the poison ivy.
Therefore, herbicides are preferred because they are the least disruptive and the most effective and economical means for invasive plant control. They are often applied as a direct control application method for single and small infestations. Without the use of herbicides, native plants would be the losers and invasive plants would take over.
An effective control plan must begin with training for plant identification; education on the harm of invasive plants to the environment; herbicides and their uses; application techniques; and application timing. All landscape area managers must be able to identify invasive plants so they can be spotted for early control. Adjacent landowners should also be able to identify the plants and be encouraged to report them. Extra employee training cannot be overemphasized whether vegetation management specialists, university experts, county agents, or consultants provide it.
List of Invasive Trees, Shrubs, and Vines
The following list was prepared for Central Illinois and may need to be adapted to your area:
Amur Maple Acer ginnala
Boxelder Acer negundo
Norway Maple Acer platanoides
Porcelain Vine Ampelopsis brevipedunculata
Japanese Barberry Berberis thunbergii
Oriental Bittersweet Celastrus orbiculatus
Autumn-olive Elaeagnus umbellata
Burning Bush Euonymus alatus
European Privet Ligustrum vulgare
Japanese Honeysuckle Lonicera japonica
Amur Honeysuckle Lonicera maackii
White Mulberry Morus alba
Amur Corktree Phellodendron amurense
Common Buckthorn Rhamnus cathartica
Glossy Buckthorn Rhamnus frangula
Black Locust Robinia pseudoacacia
Multiflora Rose Rosa multiflora
Poison Ivy Toxicodendron radicans
Siberian Elm Ulmus pumila
European Cranberry-bush Viburnum opulus
Conclusion
The majority of exotic plants is not problematic and poses no threat to our natural areas. Exotic plants play an important role in modern day landscapes offering tough, resilient, and aesthetically pleasing additions to yards, streets, and urban landscapes. Prevention is obviously a moot point in many areas. While herbicides are one of the most effective and economical ways to control invasives and reclaim areas, think what the outcome would be if herbicides were not used at all.
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, Utility Specialist, or BCMA science credits.
California UFC members will receive credit for passing the test. Please add your CaUFC number after your ISA and/or SAF certification number.
ASCA members may submit your ISA certification record to the ASCA and receive credits one for one.
MTOA members must follow the ISA instructions indicated above.
To take the test by the pay per test option, click on the 'Pay Now' button below where you can send payment online securely with your credit card or Pay Pal account. After your payment is submitted, click on ‘Return to Merchant' / gibneyCE.com. That will take you to the test sign in page followed by the test. Members with certifications from both ISA and SAF, please be sure to add both of your certification numbers. These numbers are important for reporting purposes.
To take the test as an annual subscriber with reduced rates, click on Password and enter your test password which will take you to the test sign in page. If you would like to become a subscriber see our Annual Subscription page for details.
When you have finished answering all questions you will be prompted to click ‘next’ to send your answers to gibneyCE.com. You can then click ‘next’ to view your test summary. A test review of your answers is available upon request.
All passing test scores are sent from gibneyCE.com to your organization(s) at the end of every month and they will appear on your certification record 4 to 6 weeks* after that. ISA maintains a record of CEU credits on their website.
*SAF requires 5 passing test scores before reporting.
Test re-takes are allowed, however you will have to pay for the retake if you are using the pay per test option. You can spend as much time as you would like to take the test but it is important not to leave the test site until you have answered all the questions and see the 'sending your answers' response.
Edited by Len Phillips
Arborists and landscape managers should be aware of the invasive plant problem and know what to do when an invasive is found. Invasive plants affect everyone. When settlers in America began gardening, they had a constant struggle to keep the natural ecosystem from invading and overwhelming their small cultivated patches. Today, Americans have so altered the landscape that the reverse is true. Many of the plants we have cultivated have escaped and are now threatening to invade more favorable native plants in conservation and wild areas. Additionally, the U.S. Geological Survey reports that some $20 billion in environmental damage can be linked to invasive trees, plants, and wildlife. This affects not only those making a living from the land, but people everywhere.
Researchers believe there are several factors that contribute to a plant becoming invasive. These include:
- a fast growth rate
- seeds that germinate quickly in high percentages
- prolific seed production, which begins within the first few years of the invasive plant’s life
- easy seed dispersal by animals, water, and wind
- the ability to reproduce by seed as well as vegetatively, through suckering
- longer flowering and fruiting periods
- an adaptability to a wide range of soil and growing conditions
Invasive plants are opportunistic plants that take advantage of areas with disturbed soil. They spread rapidly and crowd out desirable native species. They also compete with native species for water, nutrients, sunlight, and space. As a result, invasive species can:
- displace native species
- reduce plant diversity and create monocultures
- alter ecosystem processes
- hybridize with native plants, changing their genetic makeup
- destroy and degrade the wildlife habitats that support native animals, insects, and micro-organisms
- create ecosystems that support aggressive, non-native plants, animals, and pathogens
Categories of Invasive Plants
- Exotics — These are primarily European or Asian species that have been accidentally or intentionally introduced to the US for their ornamental value or their ability to provide shade, windbreaks, and erosion control
- Translocators — These are native species that have moved out of their original range into an area that favors their over-production
- Opportunists — These are native colonizing species that previously may have been held in check by natural processes
Invasive Prevention
The best defense against invasive plant takeovers is constant surveillance of landscaped and natural areas and continued annual follow-up treatments of all infested sites until the problem is controlled. Early detection and treatments will minimize the costs and efforts that must be dedicated to eliminate invasive plant infestations. The longer the plants are left to establish the more rapidly they spread; the more difficult they are to control; and the more time that is needed for follow-up treatments.
Invasive Plant Control Plan
Early invasive detection and treatment along with an effective control program are the main components of a complete prevention plan. There are a few effective biological agents for invasive plant control, but they are only useful where containment is the objective. For control of heavy plant infestation, herbicides are most often used in combination with other types of control such as mechanical and cultural methods, hand pulling, mowing or cutting, and burning. Mechanical methods may disturb a site and encourage the invasive plants instead of eliminating them. Some southern cities are using goats to control Kudzu and many other communities are using goats to control poison ivy. They have found that not only do the goats eat the plants but their cloven hooves sever the plants root system. Plus the goats are not harmed from eating the poison ivy.
Therefore, herbicides are preferred because they are the least disruptive and the most effective and economical means for invasive plant control. They are often applied as a direct control application method for single and small infestations. Without the use of herbicides, native plants would be the losers and invasive plants would take over.
An effective control plan must begin with training for plant identification; education on the harm of invasive plants to the environment; herbicides and their uses; application techniques; and application timing. All landscape area managers must be able to identify invasive plants so they can be spotted for early control. Adjacent landowners should also be able to identify the plants and be encouraged to report them. Extra employee training cannot be overemphasized whether vegetation management specialists, university experts, county agents, or consultants provide it.
List of Invasive Trees, Shrubs, and Vines
The following list was prepared for Central Illinois and may need to be adapted to your area:
Amur Maple Acer ginnala
Boxelder Acer negundo
Norway Maple Acer platanoides
Porcelain Vine Ampelopsis brevipedunculata
Japanese Barberry Berberis thunbergii
Oriental Bittersweet Celastrus orbiculatus
Autumn-olive Elaeagnus umbellata
Burning Bush Euonymus alatus
European Privet Ligustrum vulgare
Japanese Honeysuckle Lonicera japonica
Amur Honeysuckle Lonicera maackii
White Mulberry Morus alba
Amur Corktree Phellodendron amurense
Common Buckthorn Rhamnus cathartica
Glossy Buckthorn Rhamnus frangula
Black Locust Robinia pseudoacacia
Multiflora Rose Rosa multiflora
Poison Ivy Toxicodendron radicans
Siberian Elm Ulmus pumila
European Cranberry-bush Viburnum opulus
Conclusion
The majority of exotic plants is not problematic and poses no threat to our natural areas. Exotic plants play an important role in modern day landscapes offering tough, resilient, and aesthetically pleasing additions to yards, streets, and urban landscapes. Prevention is obviously a moot point in many areas. While herbicides are one of the most effective and economical ways to control invasives and reclaim areas, think what the outcome would be if herbicides were not used at all.
Sources
- “Invasive Plants: Weeds of the Global Garden”, Brooklyn Botanic Garden 2009.
- “Invasive Trees, Shrubs, and Vines”, Morton Arboretum, 2012.
- Williamson, Max, "Invasive Q&A", Right of Way Vistas, Dow AgroSciences, Vol. 18. 1, 2005.
- “Wisconsin Manual of Control Recommendations for Ecologically Invasive Plants”, Bureau of Endangered Resources, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, 2012.
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, Utility Specialist, or BCMA science credits.
California UFC members will receive credit for passing the test. Please add your CaUFC number after your ISA and/or SAF certification number.
ASCA members may submit your ISA certification record to the ASCA and receive credits one for one.
MTOA members must follow the ISA instructions indicated above.
To take the test by the pay per test option, click on the 'Pay Now' button below where you can send payment online securely with your credit card or Pay Pal account. After your payment is submitted, click on ‘Return to Merchant' / gibneyCE.com. That will take you to the test sign in page followed by the test. Members with certifications from both ISA and SAF, please be sure to add both of your certification numbers. These numbers are important for reporting purposes.
To take the test as an annual subscriber with reduced rates, click on Password and enter your test password which will take you to the test sign in page. If you would like to become a subscriber see our Annual Subscription page for details.
When you have finished answering all questions you will be prompted to click ‘next’ to send your answers to gibneyCE.com. You can then click ‘next’ to view your test summary. A test review of your answers is available upon request.
All passing test scores are sent from gibneyCE.com to your organization(s) at the end of every month and they will appear on your certification record 4 to 6 weeks* after that. ISA maintains a record of CEU credits on their website.
*SAF requires 5 passing test scores before reporting.
Test re-takes are allowed, however you will have to pay for the retake if you are using the pay per test option. You can spend as much time as you would like to take the test but it is important not to leave the test site until you have answered all the questions and see the 'sending your answers' response.
Tree Inspection Checklist
Edited by Len Phillips
The following items should be reviewed before climbing into a tree for any reason at all. The arborist should examine all elements of the tree as well as the work site and the intended climb, before doing any actual work. Keep in mind that the tree's leaves may hide potential problems.
First – Look at the bottom of the tree.
Second – Walk around the trunk.
Third – Look at the crown.
Fourth – Look at the branches in the crown.
Fifth – Look for the best work and set-up site.
Sixth – Storm damage cleanup.
Source
Jepson, Jeff, “The Tree Climber's Companion”, Second Edition, 2000.
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, Utility Specialist, Tree Worker Specialist, Aerial Lift Specialist, or BCMA management credits.
California UFC members will receive credit for passing the test. Please add your CaUFC number after your ISA and/or SAF certification number.
ASCA members may submit your ISA certification record to the ASCA and receive credits one for one.
MTOA members must follow the ISA instructions indicated above.
To take the test by the pay per test option, click on the 'Pay Now' button below where you can send payment online securely with your credit card or Pay Pal account. After your payment is submitted, click on ‘Return to 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
The following items should be reviewed before climbing into a tree for any reason at all. The arborist should examine all elements of the tree as well as the work site and the intended climb, before doing any actual work. Keep in mind that the tree's leaves may hide potential problems.
First – Look at the bottom of the tree.
- Is the flare visible?
- Be sure the flare is uniform around the trunk and no cracks are visible that might indicate weakness,
- Be sure there are no mushrooms at the base of the tree that might indicate a rot in the tree,
- Are there any areas of raised soil on the opposite side of a leaning tree that might indicate instability?
Second – Walk around the trunk.
- Look under any vines covering the bark for hidden problems,
- Is the bark secure on all sides of the trunk,
- Walk around the trunk with the sounding mallet looking for cracks, loose bark, and hollow areas,
- Are there any hollows or swellings visible on the bark that might indicate weak spots?
Third – Look at the crown.
- Are the leaves healthy over the entire crown?
- Are there any bees or animals visible from the ground that might harm the climber?
- Are there any electrical wires running through the branches in the areas where work is intended?
- Are any weak branches cabled to other branches and do the cables appear sound?
Fourth – Look at the branches in the crown.
- Are there any hangers, dead, or weak branches to look at, before climbing into the tree?
- Look for cracks and splits in the upper trunk and along the branches that might break,
- Look for weak angle crotches to avoid.
Fifth – Look for the best work and set-up site.
- Check the locations of visible sidewalks, buildings, driveways, and vehicles,
- Look for the locations of underground utilities including septic systems and drainage systems,
- Check again for overhead utility lines,
- Has contact been made with the local utility marking service, to locate underground lines?
- Check with homeowners regarding personal property items such as lawn furniture, bird houses and feeders, lawn care equipment, and gardens that all need relocation or protection,
- Look at the land for wet spots, and steep slopes,
- Determine the best location for visibility of the entire tree during the work.
Sixth – Storm damage cleanup.
- Look over the entire site to assess property damage,
- Which trees are considered hazardous?
- Look for hangers that might fall during the cleanup process,
- Be aware of tree parts that may be under tension and could cause problems during the work process
- Be aware of the potential for ice, snow, or wet spots to be slippery to the climber and ground crew.
Source
Jepson, Jeff, “The Tree Climber's Companion”, Second Edition, 2000.
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, Utility Specialist, Tree Worker Specialist, Aerial Lift Specialist, or BCMA management credits.
California UFC members will receive credit for passing the test. Please add your CaUFC number after your ISA and/or SAF certification number.
ASCA members may submit your ISA certification record to the ASCA and receive credits one for one.
MTOA members must follow the ISA instructions indicated above.
To take the test by the pay per test option, click on the 'Pay Now' button below where you can send payment online securely with your credit card or Pay Pal account. After your payment is submitted, click on ‘Return to 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
The Tales
Araucaria araucana, Monkey puzzle is considered a novelty tree in the United States. It is also an ancient tree that was around during the Jurassic period, 200 million years ago, where perhaps its spines protected it from herbivores.
The Spanish explorer Don Francisco Dendariarena was the first European to describe monkey puzzle in 1780 while examining its possibility as a material for shipbuilding. By 1782, it had been identified as Pinus araucaria, but that was later determined to be botanically incorrect. Monkey puzzle is now correctly placed in the family Araucariaceae, along with other species in the genus Araucaria such as the Norfolk Island Pine and Cooks Pine.
The genus name comes from the Araucanian Indians of central Chile to whose territory, Araucaria is native. Monkey puzzle is native and the national tree of Chile. It grows from the Chilean coastal range to high up in the Andes mountains of Argentina and reportedly has the best winter hardiness of any tree native to areas in the world south of the equator. It did not have a common name until a botanist named Charles Austin remarked, "It would puzzle a monkey to climb that tree" and the name, first, "monkey puzzler" and then "monkey puzzle" stuck and is now its official common name. Pehuén is what the tree is called in Chile, where it is sacred to the Pehuenche people. The seeds have been part of their diet, and the tree is also part of their spiritual life.
In 1795, the botanist and naval surgeon Archibald Menzies, on a voyage with George Vancouver, brought the first living plants to the United Kingdom. Menzies was given monkey puzzle seeds when they were served to him as dessert at a dinner he attended. Instead of eating them, he saved them and planted them during the journey back to England, where, upon his arrival, he had five small plants. One of these plants survived at Kew Gardens for 100 years. In Chile and Argentina, monkey puzzle is a long-lived tree, capable of surviving for a thousand years. Slowly, it became a popular tree in Europe.
The Tree
It is typically found growing above 3,000 ft (900 m) elevation. It is best grown in deep, moderately fertile, evenly moist, well-drained soils with abundant rainfall in full sun to partial shade. The tree grows best in Mediterranean-type climates with mild summers and in USDA Hardiness Zone 7 – 11 and AHS Heat Zone 9 – 6. It is by far the hardiest member of its genus, and can grow well in western Europe and the west coast of North America. In colder climates it must be grown in large containers that can be brought inside during cold periods. It will grow to a height of 50 – 80 ft (15 – 24 m) and 20 – 30 ft (6 – 9 m) wide.
Araucaria araucana is a popular garden tree, planted to show off its thick, "reptilian" branches with a very symmetrical appearance. Along its trunk are whorls of thick, tough, scale-like, and triangular, leaves, which are evergreen and are arranged spirally around branches. They are dark green with a sharp, pointed tip. They are dense along the stem with about 24 leaves per inch (2.5 cm). The leaves have an average lifespan of 24 years and so they cover most of the tree except for the oldest branches. The tree has no serious insect or disease problems.
When young, the brown bark is scaly, due to leaves that persist on the trunk. As the tree ages, these leaves disappear and the bark becomes furrowed. At one point, the monkey puzzle was used for timber, its wood being suitable for ladders, piano interiors, and airplanes. Currently, monkey puzzle is on the Endangered List, so logging, long a major threat, was banned in 1990.
Monkey puzzle is dioecious, with male flowers in catkins, 3 – 5 in (7 – 12 cm) long on one tree, and female flowers in large cones, shaped like a pineapple, which mature in two years on a different tree. The seeds are 1.5 in (4 cm) long and half as wide. The seeds will fall out of the fruit as it ripens and begins to fall apart .
Appreciate the monkey puzzle for its very unique flowers, leaves, and appearance. It also has a long and unique history.
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 Len Phillips
The Tales
Araucaria araucana, Monkey puzzle is considered a novelty tree in the United States. It is also an ancient tree that was around during the Jurassic period, 200 million years ago, where perhaps its spines protected it from herbivores.
The Spanish explorer Don Francisco Dendariarena was the first European to describe monkey puzzle in 1780 while examining its possibility as a material for shipbuilding. By 1782, it had been identified as Pinus araucaria, but that was later determined to be botanically incorrect. Monkey puzzle is now correctly placed in the family Araucariaceae, along with other species in the genus Araucaria such as the Norfolk Island Pine and Cooks Pine.
The genus name comes from the Araucanian Indians of central Chile to whose territory, Araucaria is native. Monkey puzzle is native and the national tree of Chile. It grows from the Chilean coastal range to high up in the Andes mountains of Argentina and reportedly has the best winter hardiness of any tree native to areas in the world south of the equator. It did not have a common name until a botanist named Charles Austin remarked, "It would puzzle a monkey to climb that tree" and the name, first, "monkey puzzler" and then "monkey puzzle" stuck and is now its official common name. Pehuén is what the tree is called in Chile, where it is sacred to the Pehuenche people. The seeds have been part of their diet, and the tree is also part of their spiritual life.
In 1795, the botanist and naval surgeon Archibald Menzies, on a voyage with George Vancouver, brought the first living plants to the United Kingdom. Menzies was given monkey puzzle seeds when they were served to him as dessert at a dinner he attended. Instead of eating them, he saved them and planted them during the journey back to England, where, upon his arrival, he had five small plants. One of these plants survived at Kew Gardens for 100 years. In Chile and Argentina, monkey puzzle is a long-lived tree, capable of surviving for a thousand years. Slowly, it became a popular tree in Europe.
The Tree
It is typically found growing above 3,000 ft (900 m) elevation. It is best grown in deep, moderately fertile, evenly moist, well-drained soils with abundant rainfall in full sun to partial shade. The tree grows best in Mediterranean-type climates with mild summers and in USDA Hardiness Zone 7 – 11 and AHS Heat Zone 9 – 6. It is by far the hardiest member of its genus, and can grow well in western Europe and the west coast of North America. In colder climates it must be grown in large containers that can be brought inside during cold periods. It will grow to a height of 50 – 80 ft (15 – 24 m) and 20 – 30 ft (6 – 9 m) wide.
Araucaria araucana is a popular garden tree, planted to show off its thick, "reptilian" branches with a very symmetrical appearance. Along its trunk are whorls of thick, tough, scale-like, and triangular, leaves, which are evergreen and are arranged spirally around branches. They are dark green with a sharp, pointed tip. They are dense along the stem with about 24 leaves per inch (2.5 cm). The leaves have an average lifespan of 24 years and so they cover most of the tree except for the oldest branches. The tree has no serious insect or disease problems.
When young, the brown bark is scaly, due to leaves that persist on the trunk. As the tree ages, these leaves disappear and the bark becomes furrowed. At one point, the monkey puzzle was used for timber, its wood being suitable for ladders, piano interiors, and airplanes. Currently, monkey puzzle is on the Endangered List, so logging, long a major threat, was banned in 1990.
Monkey puzzle is dioecious, with male flowers in catkins, 3 – 5 in (7 – 12 cm) long on one tree, and female flowers in large cones, shaped like a pineapple, which mature in two years on a different tree. The seeds are 1.5 in (4 cm) long and half as wide. The seeds will fall out of the fruit as it ripens and begins to fall apart .
Appreciate the monkey puzzle for its very unique flowers, leaves, and appearance. It also has a long and unique history.
Sources
- Learn 2 Grow, “Araucaria araucana” Plant Search, 2018.
- Missouri Botannical Garden, 'Araucaria araucana'', 2018.
- Wikipedia, 'Araucaria araucana', February 16, 2018.
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.
Six Mulches for City Trees
Edited by Len Phillips
Compaction and topsoil removal associated with site development in the city have left many soils unsuitable for growing urban trees. Consequently, soil organic matter has become much more important for growing trees in urban landscapes. What follows is a comparison of six commonly used soil mulches for growing trees in the small pits set aside in city sidewalks.
What are “biosolid mulches”?
Biosolids are the nutrient-rich organic materials from the treatment of sewage sludge. Biosolids have been used in reclamation of agricultural, forest, and disturbed lands since the 1960s. Studies have found the use of this material promotes increased soil fertility, improved physical properties of the soil, increased tree and forest growth, and increased microbial activity.
Some concerns associated with applying biosolids to soils include, but are not limited to, salinity, heavy metals, organic contaminants, and pathogens, as well as a poor public perception. Consequently, the US EPA requires that wastewater solids be stabilized to minimize odor generation, destroy pathogens, and reduce vector attraction. In addition, the EPA sets the ceiling and pollutant concentration levels for nutrients and metals in biosolids.
Do they work?
The greatest increases in tree growth among the six mulches in this comparison were observed with biosolid treatments. Compared to the other five options, the total tree biomass, leaf biomass, stem biomass, and coarse root biomass were all in the best category. In addition, total organic carbon was greatest with biosolids. In most soils, nitrogen mineralization and microbial respiration were greatest with biosolids along with broad positive impacts on soil’s physical, chemical, and biological properties.
No standards currently exist for biosolid applications to urban trees, but biosolids should be applied as top-dressings or mulches at moderate rates. As a starting point, application rates for these products could be computed based on matching the nitrogen content of the material with the tree’s nitrogen demand.
Biosolids are attractive given the many potential environmental benefits. They are generated from waste products, and land applications would divert materials that may otherwise end up in landfills. More research is required regarding the persistence and toxicity of potential contaminants before implementing a biosolids program for urban trees.
What are “biochar mulches”?
While charcoal is used as a fuel, biochar is used as a soil amendment and was inspired by high fertility and high organic carbon contents found in anthropic soils in the Amazon Basin, referred to as Terra Preta de Indio. Today, biochar is most commonly produced through pyrolysis, which is the burning of woody biomass at 350°C to 800°C under the partial exclusion of oxygen. Biochar is generated from waste wood products and land clearing operations that divert wood materials from ending up in landfills. With products such as woody biomass, pyrolysis creates a material that is highly aromatic with carbon concentrations of 70 – 80% and it has unique properties for nutrient adsorption and stability.
Do they work?
A growing body of research is finding biochar to increase soil quality and plant growth. Biochar is also found to increase water and nutrient retention, along with increased microbial biomass and activity. In the comparison study, the total amount of organic carbon was greatest with biochar compared to the other five amendments and soil types. High amounts of tree growth, and tree biomass were found with biochar. Biochar has the additional potential benefit of carbon sequestration in the soil. No standards currently exist for biochar application to urban trees, but recent research suggests biochar can be applied annually as a top-dressing or mulch at moderate rates.
Nitrogen immobilization is a commonly raised concern with biochar. It should be noted that biochar is relatively recalcitrant, and thus the total carbon and nitrogen content may not accurately reflect what is actually available for microbial metabolism. Studies often report decreases in nutrient leaching with additions of biochar due to its high adsorption capacity. Potential negative impacts of biochar on soil quality include increasing soil pH in alkaline soils.
Urban forestry operations might be well suited for the addition of mobile, fast-pyrolysis equipment that converts urban wood waste into a bio-oil, syngas, or biochar. This equipment could be located near a biomass removal operation to convert low-value urban wood waste into easily stored and transportable fuel to be used for heat, power, and soil amendment purposes. The idea would be to generate biochar instead of creating wood chips.
What are “compost mulches”?
Many studies have demonstrated the value of compost applied as mulch to urban landscapes for improving soil quality and tree growth related to nutrient retention, soil organic matter quality, and microbial activity.
Do they work?
Studies are mixed about whether or not there is an increased tree growth with surface applications of compost. Most of these experiments were field based in nurseries, with larger-sized trees, and were of a long duration. In addition, these studies examined tree growth responses to compost in higher-quality soils, not in degraded soils typical of urban soil conditions. However, compost does increase the total organic carbon in all soils.
Compost should be applied annually as top dressings to the soil and at rates that are considered the current best practices for soil application.
What is “nitrogen/potassium fertilizer”?
Nutrient leaching losses are a concern with both inorganic and organic fertilizers. Inorganic fertilizer salts are soluble, thus nutrients are immediately available for uptake by trees, and also thought to be more prone to leaching losses. However, nutrients may be released from organic materials at times when plant uptake is low. Tree growth is known to be limited by the nitrogen supply, especially on poorly developed soils with low fertility.
Do they work?
Researchers found some increases in tree biomass were observed with the nitrogen/potassium fertilizer relative to the control of no treatments. This finding was expected given that inorganic fertilizers have long been used to supply nutrients for urban landscape trees. Reviews of shade tree fertilization studies, summarize the general consensus of increased tree growth with fertilization and are in agreement with other findings of increase in tree growth with the nitrogen/potassium fertilizer.
The nitrogen/potassium fertilizer (30–0–12) should be diluted with water and applied twice annually. The fertilizer applied in these treatments should be within the range of specifications for nitrogen fertilizer demands required by urban trees.
What are “wood chip” mulches?
Many studies have demonstrated the value of wood chip mulches applied to urban landscapes for improving soil quality and tree growth. Wood chips are applied annually as top dressings to the soil, at rates that are considered the current best practices for soil application.
Do they work?
Recent research has reported beneficial effects of wood chip mulches on soil properties related to increases in nutrient retention, soil organic matter quality, and increases in microbial activity. As expected, wood chips increased total organic carbon in most soils.
What is “aerated compost tea”?
Aerated compost tea is made by aerating compost and microbial food sources in water for approximately 24 hours. Compost teas are applied directly to plants or to soils as drenches or liquid injections. Aerated compost tea is most effective if applied five times annually. The goal of an aerated compost tea program is to culture aerobic, beneficial microorganisms in the tea and then ultimately on the plants and in the soil where they are applied.
Do they work?
For the most part, mixed results have been reported for the effectiveness of compost teas to decrease disease and increase yield on a variety of plants. The aerated compost tea does not affect any soil properties nor make any significant differences in tree biomass. The few studies that have been performed on the effects of aerated compost tea on soil properties have found minimal impacts. One study did find the soil pH is significantly higher after aerated compost tea treatments were made.
Conclusions
It appears that biochar and biosolids are acceptable, and possibly preferable mulching materials compared with more commonly applied materials. Biosolids decreased soil pH and increased tree growth, available nitrogen, nitrogen mineralization, and microbial respiration. Increased tree growth and total organic carbon were found with biochar. Nitrate losses in leachates were minimal with all treatments, in contrast to increases in leachate dissolved organic carbon with biosolids and compost. The nitrogen content in the treatments appears to be an important predictor for tree growth except biochar, suggesting the effects of biochar for soil quality improvement are not limited to nitrogen supply. Biosolids and biochar applied to urban landscapes would divert materials from landfills and improve soil quality and tree growth.
Source
Scharenbroch, Bryant C. et.al. “Biochar and Biosolids Increase Tree Growth and Improve Soil Quality”, 2014.
The test that follows contains 10 questions. Before taking the test be sure you have read the article carefully. The passing grade is 80% on the entire test.
ISA will award .5 CEUs* for a passing grade. SAF members will earn 0.5 Cat. 1-CF for every five passing test scores. The cost for taking this test is $10. If you purchase an annual subscription for 15 credits, the cost per credit is reduced by 50% (see Annual Subscription link below). We will report all passing test scores to ISA and/or SAF. If you are a member of ISA and SAF we will report your passing test scores to both for no additional cost. Please be sure to add both of your certification numbers when you sign in. Tests with passing scores may be submitted only once to each organization.
*Members of ISA may apply the 0.5 CEUs toward Certified Arborist, Municipal Specialist, Tree Worker Specialist, Aerial Lift Specialist, or BCMA management credits.
California UFC members will receive credit for passing the test. Please add your CaUFC number after your ISA and/or SAF certification number.
ASCA members may submit your ISA certification record to the ASCA and receive credits one for one.
MTOA members must follow the ISA instructions indicated above.
To take the test by the pay per test option, click on the 'Pay Now' button below where you can send payment online securely with your credit card or Pay Pal account. After your payment is submitted, click on ‘Return to 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
Compaction and topsoil removal associated with site development in the city have left many soils unsuitable for growing urban trees. Consequently, soil organic matter has become much more important for growing trees in urban landscapes. What follows is a comparison of six commonly used soil mulches for growing trees in the small pits set aside in city sidewalks.
What are “biosolid mulches”?
Biosolids are the nutrient-rich organic materials from the treatment of sewage sludge. Biosolids have been used in reclamation of agricultural, forest, and disturbed lands since the 1960s. Studies have found the use of this material promotes increased soil fertility, improved physical properties of the soil, increased tree and forest growth, and increased microbial activity.
Some concerns associated with applying biosolids to soils include, but are not limited to, salinity, heavy metals, organic contaminants, and pathogens, as well as a poor public perception. Consequently, the US EPA requires that wastewater solids be stabilized to minimize odor generation, destroy pathogens, and reduce vector attraction. In addition, the EPA sets the ceiling and pollutant concentration levels for nutrients and metals in biosolids.
Do they work?
The greatest increases in tree growth among the six mulches in this comparison were observed with biosolid treatments. Compared to the other five options, the total tree biomass, leaf biomass, stem biomass, and coarse root biomass were all in the best category. In addition, total organic carbon was greatest with biosolids. In most soils, nitrogen mineralization and microbial respiration were greatest with biosolids along with broad positive impacts on soil’s physical, chemical, and biological properties.
No standards currently exist for biosolid applications to urban trees, but biosolids should be applied as top-dressings or mulches at moderate rates. As a starting point, application rates for these products could be computed based on matching the nitrogen content of the material with the tree’s nitrogen demand.
Biosolids are attractive given the many potential environmental benefits. They are generated from waste products, and land applications would divert materials that may otherwise end up in landfills. More research is required regarding the persistence and toxicity of potential contaminants before implementing a biosolids program for urban trees.
What are “biochar mulches”?
While charcoal is used as a fuel, biochar is used as a soil amendment and was inspired by high fertility and high organic carbon contents found in anthropic soils in the Amazon Basin, referred to as Terra Preta de Indio. Today, biochar is most commonly produced through pyrolysis, which is the burning of woody biomass at 350°C to 800°C under the partial exclusion of oxygen. Biochar is generated from waste wood products and land clearing operations that divert wood materials from ending up in landfills. With products such as woody biomass, pyrolysis creates a material that is highly aromatic with carbon concentrations of 70 – 80% and it has unique properties for nutrient adsorption and stability.
Do they work?
A growing body of research is finding biochar to increase soil quality and plant growth. Biochar is also found to increase water and nutrient retention, along with increased microbial biomass and activity. In the comparison study, the total amount of organic carbon was greatest with biochar compared to the other five amendments and soil types. High amounts of tree growth, and tree biomass were found with biochar. Biochar has the additional potential benefit of carbon sequestration in the soil. No standards currently exist for biochar application to urban trees, but recent research suggests biochar can be applied annually as a top-dressing or mulch at moderate rates.
Nitrogen immobilization is a commonly raised concern with biochar. It should be noted that biochar is relatively recalcitrant, and thus the total carbon and nitrogen content may not accurately reflect what is actually available for microbial metabolism. Studies often report decreases in nutrient leaching with additions of biochar due to its high adsorption capacity. Potential negative impacts of biochar on soil quality include increasing soil pH in alkaline soils.
Urban forestry operations might be well suited for the addition of mobile, fast-pyrolysis equipment that converts urban wood waste into a bio-oil, syngas, or biochar. This equipment could be located near a biomass removal operation to convert low-value urban wood waste into easily stored and transportable fuel to be used for heat, power, and soil amendment purposes. The idea would be to generate biochar instead of creating wood chips.
What are “compost mulches”?
Many studies have demonstrated the value of compost applied as mulch to urban landscapes for improving soil quality and tree growth related to nutrient retention, soil organic matter quality, and microbial activity.
Do they work?
Studies are mixed about whether or not there is an increased tree growth with surface applications of compost. Most of these experiments were field based in nurseries, with larger-sized trees, and were of a long duration. In addition, these studies examined tree growth responses to compost in higher-quality soils, not in degraded soils typical of urban soil conditions. However, compost does increase the total organic carbon in all soils.
Compost should be applied annually as top dressings to the soil and at rates that are considered the current best practices for soil application.
What is “nitrogen/potassium fertilizer”?
Nutrient leaching losses are a concern with both inorganic and organic fertilizers. Inorganic fertilizer salts are soluble, thus nutrients are immediately available for uptake by trees, and also thought to be more prone to leaching losses. However, nutrients may be released from organic materials at times when plant uptake is low. Tree growth is known to be limited by the nitrogen supply, especially on poorly developed soils with low fertility.
Do they work?
Researchers found some increases in tree biomass were observed with the nitrogen/potassium fertilizer relative to the control of no treatments. This finding was expected given that inorganic fertilizers have long been used to supply nutrients for urban landscape trees. Reviews of shade tree fertilization studies, summarize the general consensus of increased tree growth with fertilization and are in agreement with other findings of increase in tree growth with the nitrogen/potassium fertilizer.
The nitrogen/potassium fertilizer (30–0–12) should be diluted with water and applied twice annually. The fertilizer applied in these treatments should be within the range of specifications for nitrogen fertilizer demands required by urban trees.
What are “wood chip” mulches?
Many studies have demonstrated the value of wood chip mulches applied to urban landscapes for improving soil quality and tree growth. Wood chips are applied annually as top dressings to the soil, at rates that are considered the current best practices for soil application.
Do they work?
Recent research has reported beneficial effects of wood chip mulches on soil properties related to increases in nutrient retention, soil organic matter quality, and increases in microbial activity. As expected, wood chips increased total organic carbon in most soils.
What is “aerated compost tea”?
Aerated compost tea is made by aerating compost and microbial food sources in water for approximately 24 hours. Compost teas are applied directly to plants or to soils as drenches or liquid injections. Aerated compost tea is most effective if applied five times annually. The goal of an aerated compost tea program is to culture aerobic, beneficial microorganisms in the tea and then ultimately on the plants and in the soil where they are applied.
Do they work?
For the most part, mixed results have been reported for the effectiveness of compost teas to decrease disease and increase yield on a variety of plants. The aerated compost tea does not affect any soil properties nor make any significant differences in tree biomass. The few studies that have been performed on the effects of aerated compost tea on soil properties have found minimal impacts. One study did find the soil pH is significantly higher after aerated compost tea treatments were made.
Conclusions
It appears that biochar and biosolids are acceptable, and possibly preferable mulching materials compared with more commonly applied materials. Biosolids decreased soil pH and increased tree growth, available nitrogen, nitrogen mineralization, and microbial respiration. Increased tree growth and total organic carbon were found with biochar. Nitrate losses in leachates were minimal with all treatments, in contrast to increases in leachate dissolved organic carbon with biosolids and compost. The nitrogen content in the treatments appears to be an important predictor for tree growth except biochar, suggesting the effects of biochar for soil quality improvement are not limited to nitrogen supply. Biosolids and biochar applied to urban landscapes would divert materials from landfills and improve soil quality and tree growth.
Source
Scharenbroch, Bryant C. et.al. “Biochar and Biosolids Increase Tree Growth and Improve Soil Quality”, 2014.
The test that follows contains 10 questions. Before taking the test be sure you have read the article carefully. The passing grade is 80% on the entire test.
ISA will award .5 CEUs* for a passing grade. SAF members will earn 0.5 Cat. 1-CF for every five passing test scores. The cost for taking this test is $10. If you purchase an annual subscription for 15 credits, the cost per credit is reduced by 50% (see Annual Subscription link below). We will report all passing test scores to ISA and/or SAF. If you are a member of ISA and SAF we will report your passing test scores to both for no additional cost. Please be sure to add both of your certification numbers when you sign in. Tests with passing scores may be submitted only once to each organization.
*Members of ISA may apply the 0.5 CEUs toward Certified Arborist, Municipal Specialist, Tree Worker Specialist, Aerial Lift Specialist, or BCMA management credits.
California UFC members will receive credit for passing the test. Please add your CaUFC number after your ISA and/or SAF certification number.
ASCA members may submit your ISA certification record to the ASCA and receive credits one for one.
MTOA members must follow the ISA instructions indicated above.
To take the test by the pay per test option, click on the 'Pay Now' button below where you can send payment online securely with your credit card or Pay Pal account. After your payment is submitted, click on ‘Return to 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.