Seminar #90 from Online Seminars for Municipal Arborists
April - June 2021
Sections Go directly to the section by clicking on the title below
April - June 2021
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.
Purchasing Trees
Cheaper than Bidding
By Len Phillips
According to a survey conducted by LinkedIn's Urban Forestry Discussion Group, urban forestry programs in cities around the country, average a C- in their city tree management programs. One exception to this survey was Wellesley, Massachusetts, where the Park and Tree Division within the Public Works Department is responsible for installing new city trees. Most of the new trees are planted on private property with public funds. Some local and State laws allow communities to install public trees between the sidewalk and 20 feet from the edge of the public way and Wellesley had adopted this law as a policy. This setback practice has resulted in healthier trees that grow better, faster, and live longer than trees planted next to the street curb. Setback trees receive less damage from exhaust fumes, road salt, and car doors. Plus, their lower branches do not get hit by tall trucks; their upper branches do not grow into the utility wires; and their roots have plenty of good soil to grow in.
Throughout most of time from 1974 into the 1990's, Wellesley set aside up to $25,000 each year for the installation of new trees. The funds were sufficient for installing an average of 300 trees every year. The trees were required to be an average of 2 inches (5 cm) in trunk diameter. Bare root was required because they were half the cost of the same tree B&B, so twice the number of trees could be installed for the funds available.
Tree Selection Process
The ordering of trees for spring planting begins in the autumn prior to the spring installation. The municipal arborist prepares a list of trees to be considered for the next season. The list contains a 50 - 50 mix of flowering trees and shade trees with one evergreen species. Half the trees mature at a large size for street tree installations and the other half were under 25 feet (7m) in height, for installing in combination with large trees or on the side of the street where overhead wires could be a potential problem.
The program placed a great emphasis on selecting and installing the trees bare root. The cost of contracted labor to do the actual installation was also very low because the holes could be dug smaller and the time to install the bare root tree was more than half of the time needed to install a tree B&B. No heavy equipment was needed to place the tree in the hole and the tree roots were stapled to the bottom of the hole, so no time-consuming staking was required. However, on some years, the contractor brought along a backhoe tractor to dig nice saucer shaped holes in one scoop.
All the trees that were selected for installation each year were species known to do well in the urban New England environment. The trees selected did not require much maintenance, they were pest and disease resistant, the soils were matched to tree preference which allows the roots to grow with a minimum of effort, and the trees were cold and heat tolerant to ensure long-term survival. Every year up to ten new introductions or trees we wanted to test in our location were added to the list so we could use the best-performing trees in the future.
Obtaining Quotes
Once a plant list was prepared, it was sent to 6 – 8 nurseries known to offer high quality trees, to obtain availability and pricing information for delivery the following spring. Most of the trees were to be quoted at 2" diameter or less and bare root, if possible. A minimum quantity of 10 trees per species was requested to take advantage of quantity discounts. Substitution of size and species or cultivar was allowed at this time only. The nurseries responded with what they expected to have available the following spring. Using this information, the list was revised according to size, price, species, and quantity of available trees. The revised list was sent back to the nurseries for a final quote. Generally, 3 – 4 nurseries were selected for specific trees. Upon return of the quotes, purchase orders were placed with each nursery. Since so many nurseries were involved, none of the orders exceed the $10,000 threshold above which the state required competitive bidding. Therefore, the timely and expensive bidding process was avoided, and a quote system was permitted.
The same process was undertaken for selecting tree-planting contractors. At least 6 – 7 contractors known to be skilled and knowledgeable in installation techniques for bare root trees were sent quote sheets for installing a given number of trees at each of the sizes indicated on the list of trees selected. The contractors were asked to provide a unit price for installing each size tree. Again, because of the number of contractors and low costs per tree size, none of the contractors exceed the bid limit. In situations where the contractors quote the same price on the same size tree, both were awarded the contract and they split the number of plantings in that size.
With this process completed in the autumn, the budget was set and the orders were placed long before the spring rush, avoiding problems and disappointment with orders that were incomplete or not as desired.
Bidding versus Quotes
On average, the $25,000 budget purchased 300 trees. The average quoted cost of $53 for each tree plus the average quoted cost of $30 to install, totals $83 per bare root tree. (The one year that bidding was required by the city comptroller, only 75 trees could be purchased for the $25,000. The vendors doing the bidding required a fee for program management; they specified expensive B&B trees, 2" diameter minimum size, and union labor contractors to do the installation. Less than ten trees of each species or cultivar were ordered. The average cost per tree in the ground was $333.)
The Wellesley finance director decided that obtaining quotes to purchase different tree species or cultivars as separate items and the installation of different size trees as separate items, rather than bidding the entire package did not violate the bidding laws. He was convinced of this once he saw how the available dollars installed so many more trees by competitive quotes, than the competitive bidding process would allow.
(This idea was borrowed from the vehicle maintenance garage. They also had to put the purchase of nuts and bolts out to bid until the director indicated that there was no way the number of nuts and bolts needed each year could be predicted. The competitive quotes for each size nut and bolt did not violate the State bidding laws.)
Planting Plans
Since these trees were installed on private property, the Park and Tree Division's landscape architect consulted with the homeowner to be sure the trees were installed in the right place to enhance the beauty of the tree and the landscape design of the street and the residence. They also believed the homeowner should have a choice of what tree was installed in their yard, so they would develop pride in the tree and feel a part of the entire tree installation program. For the funds available, as many as 30 different tree species were ordered. This gives the resident a wide variety of trees from which to select the tree they wanted in their yard. The program was developed with resident participation as a central goal, along with assurance that the investment in trees would not be wasted. Any left-over trees were planted on public properties such as the parks, schools, conservation areas, streets with no abutting homes, and public buildings.
The Process
The program starts with a list of residents who have heard about the program and would like trees installed on their property. The residents on this waiting list get the first choice of trees each year. The second level of priority occurs along selected streets. Each year the Tree Advisory Committee sets a priority of streets that should get new trees. These streets are then given to the Park and Tree Division who conducts an inventory of the existing trees and selected locations where trees could possibly be installed. The Division prepares planting plans to indicate the potential installation sites.
Once the waiting list was finalized and the planting plans were accepted by the Tree Advisory Committee, the arborist contacts each homeowner to see if they were interested in having a tree installed in their front yard. If they are, the arborist makes an appointment to visit with them a couple of months prior to the installation and works with the homeowners regarding tree selection and the front yard location for each new tree. The arborist brings a book of photographs and descriptions of each of the trees that will be available. This information helps the owner select trees for their yard that they may not be familiar with. The locations are marked on the lawn with stakes or spray paint. The locations and species were also noted on the street tree plan in case the stake disappears or the spray paint fades.
Installation
When this process was completed, the utility locations were marked, and the trees were delivered to the central maintenance yard where they were stored in wood chip mulch and kept watered in a manner similar to the Missouri Gravel Bed program. When weather conditions were right, the installation contractors were notified to begin. Each day they take only those bare root trees needed for the day and they would plant their trees according to the planting plans. Close supervision was essential to be sure the trees were located and installed correctly. The arborist tells the contractors that “if the tree's bare roots are exposed to sun and wind for 30 seconds, the root hairs will die”. This ensures prompt attention by the contractor when making delivery of the trees to the site as well as during the installation process. The tree roots were kept covered with wood chips or wet canvas on the delivery trucks, covered while the holes were being dug, and watered during and immediately after installation. Once the installation was completed, the trees were mulched, and a few days later the final inspection was made by the arborist. At this inspection, the homeowner was given a letter with the name of the tree and a description of the care the tree should receive. Only once did I find a tree (dogwood) dug up the evening after its instillation near the street and moved by the homeowner to a location near the home's dining room window where the bracts could be seen and appreciated every spring day at meal time. Because of the appreciation the homeowner felt for the tree, I did not insist that the tree be put back toward the street.
The installation practice follows the most recent recommendations for tree installation techniques. All trees were maintained primarily with watering for two years (by the home owner), pruning at installation time to remove only dead or diseased branches and three years later for structural pruning by the arborist, and sometimes an optional fertilizer treatment after the roots were established. Wellesley's research has shown that the tree survival rate was 98% after one year and 95% after 5 years. Survival beyond five years was nearly 100% as the trees grew on to reach maturity. Tree removal records indicate that most of the trees on private property survive for 75 – 100 years while those next to the street survive only 40 years on average, in Wellesley.
Program Summary
The major drawback to this program was that it required the arborist to spend a considerable amount of time making plans, selecting trees, meeting the land owners, supervising the installation process, and follow-up with the land owner. The chart below illustrates the average amount of time necessary for the installation of 300 trees.
Tree Installation Program Time Requirements
Item Average Arborist Labor Hours
Prepare tree planting list 6
Obtain quotes 9
Prepare Purchase Orders 2
Prepare tree description pages 5
Prepare & check proposed plans 6
Phone for appointments 40
Attend appointments 104
Records & plans update 40
Mark & remark planting sites 20
Call Dig Safe – utility marking 2
Supervise tree installation 71
Close out 8
Total labor hours 313
Total # of trees installed 302
Budget $25,000
All of this effort indicates Wellesley's commitment to its trees, its environment, and to improving the urban landscape within the community with a fiscally sound positive program. In fact, the program was so popular with Wellesley residents that the Finance Committee continually asked the Park and Tree Division to accept more than the $25,000 each year, so more trees could be installed. However, the gesture was declined, because the arborist did not have the time to install more than 300 new trees.
Notes:
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 4.0 CEUs toward Certified Arborist, Tree Worker Specialist, Municipal Specialist, Aerial Lift Specialist, or BCMA science credits.
California UFC members will receive credit for passing the test. Please add your CaUFC number after your ISA and/or SAF certification number.
ASCA members may submit your ISA certification record to the ASCA and receive credits one for one.
MTOA members must follow the ISA instructions indicated above.
To take the test by the pay per test option, click on the 'Pay Now' button below where you can send payment online securely with your credit card or Pay Pal account. After your payment is submitted, click on ‘Return to Merchant' / gibneyCE.com. That will take you to the test sign in page followed by the test. Members with certifications from both ISA and SAF, please be sure to add both of your certification numbers. These numbers are important for reporting purposes.
To take the test as an annual subscriber with reduced rates, click on Password and enter your test password which will take you to the test sign in page. If you would like to become a subscriber see our Annual Subscription page for details.
When you have finished answering all questions you will be prompted to click ‘next’ to send your answers to gibneyCE.com. You can then click ‘next’ to view your test summary. A test review of your answers is available upon request.
All passing test scores are sent from gibneyCE.com to your organization(s) at the end of every month and they will appear on your certification record 4 to 6 weeks* after that. ISA maintains a record of CEU credits on their website.
*SAF requires 5 passing test scores before reporting.
Test re-takes are allowed, however you will have to pay for the retake if you are using the pay per test option. You can spend as much time as you would like to take the test but it is important not to leave the test site until you have answered all the questions and see the 'sending your answers' response.
Cheaper than Bidding
By Len Phillips
According to a survey conducted by LinkedIn's Urban Forestry Discussion Group, urban forestry programs in cities around the country, average a C- in their city tree management programs. One exception to this survey was Wellesley, Massachusetts, where the Park and Tree Division within the Public Works Department is responsible for installing new city trees. Most of the new trees are planted on private property with public funds. Some local and State laws allow communities to install public trees between the sidewalk and 20 feet from the edge of the public way and Wellesley had adopted this law as a policy. This setback practice has resulted in healthier trees that grow better, faster, and live longer than trees planted next to the street curb. Setback trees receive less damage from exhaust fumes, road salt, and car doors. Plus, their lower branches do not get hit by tall trucks; their upper branches do not grow into the utility wires; and their roots have plenty of good soil to grow in.
Throughout most of time from 1974 into the 1990's, Wellesley set aside up to $25,000 each year for the installation of new trees. The funds were sufficient for installing an average of 300 trees every year. The trees were required to be an average of 2 inches (5 cm) in trunk diameter. Bare root was required because they were half the cost of the same tree B&B, so twice the number of trees could be installed for the funds available.
Tree Selection Process
The ordering of trees for spring planting begins in the autumn prior to the spring installation. The municipal arborist prepares a list of trees to be considered for the next season. The list contains a 50 - 50 mix of flowering trees and shade trees with one evergreen species. Half the trees mature at a large size for street tree installations and the other half were under 25 feet (7m) in height, for installing in combination with large trees or on the side of the street where overhead wires could be a potential problem.
The program placed a great emphasis on selecting and installing the trees bare root. The cost of contracted labor to do the actual installation was also very low because the holes could be dug smaller and the time to install the bare root tree was more than half of the time needed to install a tree B&B. No heavy equipment was needed to place the tree in the hole and the tree roots were stapled to the bottom of the hole, so no time-consuming staking was required. However, on some years, the contractor brought along a backhoe tractor to dig nice saucer shaped holes in one scoop.
All the trees that were selected for installation each year were species known to do well in the urban New England environment. The trees selected did not require much maintenance, they were pest and disease resistant, the soils were matched to tree preference which allows the roots to grow with a minimum of effort, and the trees were cold and heat tolerant to ensure long-term survival. Every year up to ten new introductions or trees we wanted to test in our location were added to the list so we could use the best-performing trees in the future.
Obtaining Quotes
Once a plant list was prepared, it was sent to 6 – 8 nurseries known to offer high quality trees, to obtain availability and pricing information for delivery the following spring. Most of the trees were to be quoted at 2" diameter or less and bare root, if possible. A minimum quantity of 10 trees per species was requested to take advantage of quantity discounts. Substitution of size and species or cultivar was allowed at this time only. The nurseries responded with what they expected to have available the following spring. Using this information, the list was revised according to size, price, species, and quantity of available trees. The revised list was sent back to the nurseries for a final quote. Generally, 3 – 4 nurseries were selected for specific trees. Upon return of the quotes, purchase orders were placed with each nursery. Since so many nurseries were involved, none of the orders exceed the $10,000 threshold above which the state required competitive bidding. Therefore, the timely and expensive bidding process was avoided, and a quote system was permitted.
The same process was undertaken for selecting tree-planting contractors. At least 6 – 7 contractors known to be skilled and knowledgeable in installation techniques for bare root trees were sent quote sheets for installing a given number of trees at each of the sizes indicated on the list of trees selected. The contractors were asked to provide a unit price for installing each size tree. Again, because of the number of contractors and low costs per tree size, none of the contractors exceed the bid limit. In situations where the contractors quote the same price on the same size tree, both were awarded the contract and they split the number of plantings in that size.
With this process completed in the autumn, the budget was set and the orders were placed long before the spring rush, avoiding problems and disappointment with orders that were incomplete or not as desired.
Bidding versus Quotes
On average, the $25,000 budget purchased 300 trees. The average quoted cost of $53 for each tree plus the average quoted cost of $30 to install, totals $83 per bare root tree. (The one year that bidding was required by the city comptroller, only 75 trees could be purchased for the $25,000. The vendors doing the bidding required a fee for program management; they specified expensive B&B trees, 2" diameter minimum size, and union labor contractors to do the installation. Less than ten trees of each species or cultivar were ordered. The average cost per tree in the ground was $333.)
The Wellesley finance director decided that obtaining quotes to purchase different tree species or cultivars as separate items and the installation of different size trees as separate items, rather than bidding the entire package did not violate the bidding laws. He was convinced of this once he saw how the available dollars installed so many more trees by competitive quotes, than the competitive bidding process would allow.
(This idea was borrowed from the vehicle maintenance garage. They also had to put the purchase of nuts and bolts out to bid until the director indicated that there was no way the number of nuts and bolts needed each year could be predicted. The competitive quotes for each size nut and bolt did not violate the State bidding laws.)
Planting Plans
Since these trees were installed on private property, the Park and Tree Division's landscape architect consulted with the homeowner to be sure the trees were installed in the right place to enhance the beauty of the tree and the landscape design of the street and the residence. They also believed the homeowner should have a choice of what tree was installed in their yard, so they would develop pride in the tree and feel a part of the entire tree installation program. For the funds available, as many as 30 different tree species were ordered. This gives the resident a wide variety of trees from which to select the tree they wanted in their yard. The program was developed with resident participation as a central goal, along with assurance that the investment in trees would not be wasted. Any left-over trees were planted on public properties such as the parks, schools, conservation areas, streets with no abutting homes, and public buildings.
The Process
The program starts with a list of residents who have heard about the program and would like trees installed on their property. The residents on this waiting list get the first choice of trees each year. The second level of priority occurs along selected streets. Each year the Tree Advisory Committee sets a priority of streets that should get new trees. These streets are then given to the Park and Tree Division who conducts an inventory of the existing trees and selected locations where trees could possibly be installed. The Division prepares planting plans to indicate the potential installation sites.
Once the waiting list was finalized and the planting plans were accepted by the Tree Advisory Committee, the arborist contacts each homeowner to see if they were interested in having a tree installed in their front yard. If they are, the arborist makes an appointment to visit with them a couple of months prior to the installation and works with the homeowners regarding tree selection and the front yard location for each new tree. The arborist brings a book of photographs and descriptions of each of the trees that will be available. This information helps the owner select trees for their yard that they may not be familiar with. The locations are marked on the lawn with stakes or spray paint. The locations and species were also noted on the street tree plan in case the stake disappears or the spray paint fades.
Installation
When this process was completed, the utility locations were marked, and the trees were delivered to the central maintenance yard where they were stored in wood chip mulch and kept watered in a manner similar to the Missouri Gravel Bed program. When weather conditions were right, the installation contractors were notified to begin. Each day they take only those bare root trees needed for the day and they would plant their trees according to the planting plans. Close supervision was essential to be sure the trees were located and installed correctly. The arborist tells the contractors that “if the tree's bare roots are exposed to sun and wind for 30 seconds, the root hairs will die”. This ensures prompt attention by the contractor when making delivery of the trees to the site as well as during the installation process. The tree roots were kept covered with wood chips or wet canvas on the delivery trucks, covered while the holes were being dug, and watered during and immediately after installation. Once the installation was completed, the trees were mulched, and a few days later the final inspection was made by the arborist. At this inspection, the homeowner was given a letter with the name of the tree and a description of the care the tree should receive. Only once did I find a tree (dogwood) dug up the evening after its instillation near the street and moved by the homeowner to a location near the home's dining room window where the bracts could be seen and appreciated every spring day at meal time. Because of the appreciation the homeowner felt for the tree, I did not insist that the tree be put back toward the street.
The installation practice follows the most recent recommendations for tree installation techniques. All trees were maintained primarily with watering for two years (by the home owner), pruning at installation time to remove only dead or diseased branches and three years later for structural pruning by the arborist, and sometimes an optional fertilizer treatment after the roots were established. Wellesley's research has shown that the tree survival rate was 98% after one year and 95% after 5 years. Survival beyond five years was nearly 100% as the trees grew on to reach maturity. Tree removal records indicate that most of the trees on private property survive for 75 – 100 years while those next to the street survive only 40 years on average, in Wellesley.
Program Summary
The major drawback to this program was that it required the arborist to spend a considerable amount of time making plans, selecting trees, meeting the land owners, supervising the installation process, and follow-up with the land owner. The chart below illustrates the average amount of time necessary for the installation of 300 trees.
Tree Installation Program Time Requirements
Item Average Arborist Labor Hours
Prepare tree planting list 6
Obtain quotes 9
Prepare Purchase Orders 2
Prepare tree description pages 5
Prepare & check proposed plans 6
Phone for appointments 40
Attend appointments 104
Records & plans update 40
Mark & remark planting sites 20
Call Dig Safe – utility marking 2
Supervise tree installation 71
Close out 8
Total labor hours 313
Total # of trees installed 302
Budget $25,000
All of this effort indicates Wellesley's commitment to its trees, its environment, and to improving the urban landscape within the community with a fiscally sound positive program. In fact, the program was so popular with Wellesley residents that the Finance Committee continually asked the Park and Tree Division to accept more than the $25,000 each year, so more trees could be installed. However, the gesture was declined, because the arborist did not have the time to install more than 300 new trees.
Notes:
- The planting list should vary every year to maintain a good diversification.
- Tree descriptions presented to homeowners should have colored photos of all the trees being offered,
- After each tree selection, notes should be made on the plan AND on a separate list to keep track of the number of trees and their location,
- Each appointment averages ½ hour plus travel time in the beginning of the season, and ½ hour including travel time by the end of the season when there were fewer pre-ordered trees to describe,
- If locations were marked with spray paint, they must be remarked every 2 – 3 weeks. Stakes last many more weeks but cannot be used if the ground is frozen when the tree selection is made,
- All contractors should be supervised to be sure they were installing the trees correctly, to be sure the trees were in the right location, to make adjustments at the planting location if needed, and to answer any questions they may have. Coffee breaks must be between installations.
- Close-out includes getting all the bills paid and preparing a route map so all trees can be efficiently watered and checked periodically during the summer months,
- The number of trees installed each year varies depending on the tree sizes and associated costs.
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 4.0 CEUs toward Certified Arborist, Tree Worker Specialist, Municipal Specialist, Aerial Lift Specialist, or BCMA science credits.
California UFC members will receive credit for passing the test. Please add your CaUFC number after your ISA and/or SAF certification number.
ASCA members may submit your ISA certification record to the ASCA and receive credits one for one.
MTOA members must follow the ISA instructions indicated above.
To take the test by the pay per test option, click on the 'Pay Now' button below where you can send payment online securely with your credit card or Pay Pal account. After your payment is submitted, click on ‘Return to Merchant' / gibneyCE.com. That will take you to the test sign in page followed by the test. Members with certifications from both ISA and SAF, please be sure to add both of your certification numbers. These numbers are important for reporting purposes.
To take the test as an annual subscriber with reduced rates, click on Password and enter your test password which will take you to the test sign in page. If you would like to become a subscriber see our Annual Subscription page for details.
When you have finished answering all questions you will be prompted to click ‘next’ to send your answers to gibneyCE.com. You can then click ‘next’ to view your test summary. A test review of your answers is available upon request.
All passing test scores are sent from gibneyCE.com to your organization(s) at the end of every month and they will appear on your certification record 4 to 6 weeks* after that. ISA maintains a record of CEU credits on their website.
*SAF requires 5 passing test scores before reporting.
Test re-takes are allowed, however you will have to pay for the retake if you are using the pay per test option. You can spend as much time as you would like to take the test but it is important not to leave the test site until you have answered all the questions and see the 'sending your answers' response.
John Davey
The Founder of Davey Tree
By Len Phillips
In 1846, John Davey was born in Somersetshire, England. During his youth in England, John devoted himself to the intense study of agriculture. At the age of 4 he wanted to plant a potato garden. His father showed him how to do it and told him “Do it right or not at all.” He never forgot those words and they led him to success throughout the rest of his life.
At the age of 13, when his mother died, his father sent him to work on a nearby farm. By age 21 he moved to Torquay, with its famous gardens and greenhouses to be an apprentice and master of horticulture, floriculture, and landscaping.
He emigrated from England to America in 1873, at the age of 27, with his wife and their first child and began work as the superintendent of Standing Rock Cemetery in Kent, Ohio. It was here that he continued his studies of trees and plants. He could often be found suspended from ropes high up in the branches, studying about how trees grow, how to prune deadwood and apply special salves. His efforts rejuvenated the neglected mature trees in this overgrown burial ground. The public responded and flocked to the cemetery to enjoy the lovely grounds and vigorous trees.
John founded The Davey Tree Expert Company on the basis of his research and his practical applications of tree surgery. John believed the health of a tree, like that of a human being, could be maintained through scientific means. Throughout his entire life, he nurtured trees and harbored the deepest respect for them. He was appalled at the senseless waste of trees that went on in his adopted country. Trees were treated almost like an enemy that had to be destroyed.
As he continued to study trees, John’s research demonstrated that certain trees, by reason of their branching patterns, were structurally weak. To preserve these trees, such as stately elms, Davey invented steel bracing and cabling methods that served as protection from the stress and strain associated with heavy winds and storms. The bracing allowed urban areas to avoid property damage due to falling limbs and trees. It also served to ensure the safety of pedestrians and homeowners walking under the trees.
Since 1880, Davey has set industry standards for tree care and his company became one of the largest tree care companies in North America. As Davey Tree has grown, so too has its commitment to its clients, employees, and the environment.
In 1901 John self-published his landmark studies on tree care. “The Tree Doctor” was a book which helped educate the general public on the concept of caring for, maintaining, and saving trees. The methods outlined and illustrated in John’s book would help give rise to the industry of arboriculture and it cemented his position as “The Father of Modern Tree Surgery.” His methods are still used to this day.
The business grew as large estate owners in the East, particularly in New York, contracted with Davey Tree to care for their sprawling landscapes. Demand for Davey Tree care services grew so quickly that, in 1909, the company founded the Davey Institute of Tree Surgery to train arborists in the Davey method of tree care. Hundreds soon graduated from the school and applied John’s many patented methods in caring for trees. Davey received wide acclaim among the influential thinkers of his day. His recognition as the leader in tree science came through his company being retained by the United States and Canadian governments and scions of industry to protect, preserve, and restore their precious trees.
John Davey’s inventions in the field of tree surgery were numerous, and included tree cavity filling, tree cabling and bracing, large tree moving and innovations in fertilization and disease prevention. He was the named inventor, joined by two sons, on two patents, and developed the research leading to twelve other inventions patented by family members and employees of The Davey Tree Expert Company.
John Davey developed the concept of tree surgery, the idea that the health of a tree could be maintained like that of a human being. Among his most enduring innovations, now revised, was his theory of proper tree pruning. John Davey hypothesized that, just as a wooden house needs paint or waterproofing protection, tree wounds need to be sterilized and waterproofed to heal and remain impervious to decay. He had also noted that improperly pruned trees were unable to heal themselves. He thus became an early advocate of proper pruning techniques, including an angled cut to conform to a tree’s natural physiological processes. This proper pruning innovation was radical for the times and has only been adopted as the industry standard within the past 25 years.
Davey observed that hollow trees often fell victim to wounds beginning as an exterior callous and inflicting decay inwardly on either side of the cavity. In response, he invented a cavity-filling process to replace the supporting surface artificially and to induce the callus to heal naturally over the face of the cavity. Again, analogizing tree science to the medical profession, Davey determined that tree experts, like dentists, could effectively fill a tree cavity with a special substance, disinfect it, and then apply a sealer to protect the wound. The tree’s natural growth process would cover the cavity filling, preventing further damage and, most importantly, preserving a healthy tree. Cavity filling is now considered to be damaging and is not part of modern arboriculture; avoidance of making large wounds is the modern approach, which entails avoiding interference with the natural decay compartmentalization processes.
Davey became the first to prove that tree root growth is shallow and lateral, as opposed to deep and vertical which was the view common among Davey’s contemporaries. This discovery led to the development of root fertilization and watering techniques designed to stimulate the growth of the tree.
John, the “Father of Tree Surgery,” started training the world’s first tree surgeons – predecessors of the modern-day arborists. Today, the employee-owners of Davey Tree are committed to using their knowledge and expertise to deliver unmatched excellence in client experience. And they are dedicated to furthering John Davey’s mission of caring for trees. One famous quote from John was, “Nature does not form those beautiful and health-giving leaves of shade trees to be cut to pieces to furnish beer money for Tree Fools”. John remained active in his company, serving as president until his death in 1923.
In 1953, bucket trucks and brush hogs were introduced to the Davey crews. These advancements came on the heels of the advent of the power chainsaw, brush chipper, chemical brush control and mist blowing. In 1979, Davey Tree became employee owned as the employees of the Davey Resource Group acquired Davey Tree from the family. In 2006 Davey partnered with the USDA and others to begin development of the i-Tree software suite to quantify the benefits of trees.
Today, Davey employs 9,000 arborists across North America with total annual revenues reaching $1 billion. Davey Resource Group provides an array of services to clients, including natural resource consulting, tree inventories, utility vegetation management and more. All of this is quite a legacy to John Davey.
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 4.0 CEUs toward Certified Arborist, Tree Worker Specialist, Municipal Specialist, Aerial Lift Specialist, or BCMA science credits.
California UFC members will receive credit for passing the test. Please add your CaUFC number after your ISA and/or SAF certification number.
ASCA members may submit your ISA certification record to the ASCA and receive credits one for one.
MTOA members must follow the ISA instructions indicated above.
To take the test by the pay per test option, click on the 'Pay Now' button below where you can send payment online securely with your credit card or Pay Pal account. After your payment is submitted, click on ‘Return to Merchant' / gibneyCE.com. That will take you to the test sign in page followed by the test. Members with certifications from both ISA and SAF, please be sure to add both of your certification numbers. These numbers are important for reporting purposes.
To take the test as an annual subscriber with reduced rates, click on Password and enter your test password which will take you to the test sign in page. If you would like to become a subscriber see our Annual Subscription page for details.
When you have finished answering all questions you will be prompted to click ‘next’ to send your answers to gibneyCE.com. You can then click ‘next’ to view your test summary. A test review of your answers is available upon request.
All passing test scores are sent from gibneyCE.com to your organization(s) at the end of every month and they will appear on your certification record 4 to 6 weeks* after that. ISA maintains a record of CEU credits on their website.
*SAF requires 5 passing test scores before reporting.
Test re-takes are allowed, however you will have to pay for the retake if you are using the pay per test option. You can spend as much time as you would like to take the test but it is important not to leave the test site until you have answered all the questions and see the 'sending your answers' response.
The Founder of Davey Tree
By Len Phillips
In 1846, John Davey was born in Somersetshire, England. During his youth in England, John devoted himself to the intense study of agriculture. At the age of 4 he wanted to plant a potato garden. His father showed him how to do it and told him “Do it right or not at all.” He never forgot those words and they led him to success throughout the rest of his life.
At the age of 13, when his mother died, his father sent him to work on a nearby farm. By age 21 he moved to Torquay, with its famous gardens and greenhouses to be an apprentice and master of horticulture, floriculture, and landscaping.
He emigrated from England to America in 1873, at the age of 27, with his wife and their first child and began work as the superintendent of Standing Rock Cemetery in Kent, Ohio. It was here that he continued his studies of trees and plants. He could often be found suspended from ropes high up in the branches, studying about how trees grow, how to prune deadwood and apply special salves. His efforts rejuvenated the neglected mature trees in this overgrown burial ground. The public responded and flocked to the cemetery to enjoy the lovely grounds and vigorous trees.
John founded The Davey Tree Expert Company on the basis of his research and his practical applications of tree surgery. John believed the health of a tree, like that of a human being, could be maintained through scientific means. Throughout his entire life, he nurtured trees and harbored the deepest respect for them. He was appalled at the senseless waste of trees that went on in his adopted country. Trees were treated almost like an enemy that had to be destroyed.
As he continued to study trees, John’s research demonstrated that certain trees, by reason of their branching patterns, were structurally weak. To preserve these trees, such as stately elms, Davey invented steel bracing and cabling methods that served as protection from the stress and strain associated with heavy winds and storms. The bracing allowed urban areas to avoid property damage due to falling limbs and trees. It also served to ensure the safety of pedestrians and homeowners walking under the trees.
Since 1880, Davey has set industry standards for tree care and his company became one of the largest tree care companies in North America. As Davey Tree has grown, so too has its commitment to its clients, employees, and the environment.
In 1901 John self-published his landmark studies on tree care. “The Tree Doctor” was a book which helped educate the general public on the concept of caring for, maintaining, and saving trees. The methods outlined and illustrated in John’s book would help give rise to the industry of arboriculture and it cemented his position as “The Father of Modern Tree Surgery.” His methods are still used to this day.
The business grew as large estate owners in the East, particularly in New York, contracted with Davey Tree to care for their sprawling landscapes. Demand for Davey Tree care services grew so quickly that, in 1909, the company founded the Davey Institute of Tree Surgery to train arborists in the Davey method of tree care. Hundreds soon graduated from the school and applied John’s many patented methods in caring for trees. Davey received wide acclaim among the influential thinkers of his day. His recognition as the leader in tree science came through his company being retained by the United States and Canadian governments and scions of industry to protect, preserve, and restore their precious trees.
John Davey’s inventions in the field of tree surgery were numerous, and included tree cavity filling, tree cabling and bracing, large tree moving and innovations in fertilization and disease prevention. He was the named inventor, joined by two sons, on two patents, and developed the research leading to twelve other inventions patented by family members and employees of The Davey Tree Expert Company.
John Davey developed the concept of tree surgery, the idea that the health of a tree could be maintained like that of a human being. Among his most enduring innovations, now revised, was his theory of proper tree pruning. John Davey hypothesized that, just as a wooden house needs paint or waterproofing protection, tree wounds need to be sterilized and waterproofed to heal and remain impervious to decay. He had also noted that improperly pruned trees were unable to heal themselves. He thus became an early advocate of proper pruning techniques, including an angled cut to conform to a tree’s natural physiological processes. This proper pruning innovation was radical for the times and has only been adopted as the industry standard within the past 25 years.
Davey observed that hollow trees often fell victim to wounds beginning as an exterior callous and inflicting decay inwardly on either side of the cavity. In response, he invented a cavity-filling process to replace the supporting surface artificially and to induce the callus to heal naturally over the face of the cavity. Again, analogizing tree science to the medical profession, Davey determined that tree experts, like dentists, could effectively fill a tree cavity with a special substance, disinfect it, and then apply a sealer to protect the wound. The tree’s natural growth process would cover the cavity filling, preventing further damage and, most importantly, preserving a healthy tree. Cavity filling is now considered to be damaging and is not part of modern arboriculture; avoidance of making large wounds is the modern approach, which entails avoiding interference with the natural decay compartmentalization processes.
Davey became the first to prove that tree root growth is shallow and lateral, as opposed to deep and vertical which was the view common among Davey’s contemporaries. This discovery led to the development of root fertilization and watering techniques designed to stimulate the growth of the tree.
John, the “Father of Tree Surgery,” started training the world’s first tree surgeons – predecessors of the modern-day arborists. Today, the employee-owners of Davey Tree are committed to using their knowledge and expertise to deliver unmatched excellence in client experience. And they are dedicated to furthering John Davey’s mission of caring for trees. One famous quote from John was, “Nature does not form those beautiful and health-giving leaves of shade trees to be cut to pieces to furnish beer money for Tree Fools”. John remained active in his company, serving as president until his death in 1923.
In 1953, bucket trucks and brush hogs were introduced to the Davey crews. These advancements came on the heels of the advent of the power chainsaw, brush chipper, chemical brush control and mist blowing. In 1979, Davey Tree became employee owned as the employees of the Davey Resource Group acquired Davey Tree from the family. In 2006 Davey partnered with the USDA and others to begin development of the i-Tree software suite to quantify the benefits of trees.
Today, Davey employs 9,000 arborists across North America with total annual revenues reaching $1 billion. Davey Resource Group provides an array of services to clients, including natural resource consulting, tree inventories, utility vegetation management and more. All of this is quite a legacy to John Davey.
Sources
- Davey Resource Group website, 2020
- Jonnes, Jill, “Urban Forests”, Penguin Books, 2016.
- Wikipedia, “ John Davey”, June 24, 2020.
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 4.0 CEUs toward Certified Arborist, Tree Worker Specialist, Municipal Specialist, Aerial Lift Specialist, or BCMA science credits.
California UFC members will receive credit for passing the test. Please add your CaUFC number after your ISA and/or SAF certification number.
ASCA members may submit your ISA certification record to the ASCA and receive credits one for one.
MTOA members must follow the ISA instructions indicated above.
To take the test by the pay per test option, click on the 'Pay Now' button below where you can send payment online securely with your credit card or Pay Pal account. After your payment is submitted, click on ‘Return to Merchant' / gibneyCE.com. That will take you to the test sign in page followed by the test. Members with certifications from both ISA and SAF, please be sure to add both of your certification numbers. These numbers are important for reporting purposes.
To take the test as an annual subscriber with reduced rates, click on Password and enter your test password which will take you to the test sign in page. If you would like to become a subscriber see our Annual Subscription page for details.
When you have finished answering all questions you will be prompted to click ‘next’ to send your answers to gibneyCE.com. You can then click ‘next’ to view your test summary. A test review of your answers is available upon request.
All passing test scores are sent from gibneyCE.com to your organization(s) at the end of every month and they will appear on your certification record 4 to 6 weeks* after that. ISA maintains a record of CEU credits on their website.
*SAF requires 5 passing test scores before reporting.
Test re-takes are allowed, however you will have to pay for the retake if you are using the pay per test option. You can spend as much time as you would like to take the test but it is important not to leave the test site until you have answered all the questions and see the 'sending your answers' response.
Tree of the Seminar
Autumn Blaze Maple
Acer × freemanii 'Jeffersred', commonly called Autumn Blaze Maple is a hybrid of red maple (A. rubrum) and silver maple (A. saccharinum). There are two dozen plus hybrids of red and silver maples, and they are now classified as Freeman maples. Many of these hybrids and cultivars are commonly sold in commerce today and they combine some of the best features of both parents. Freeman maples prefer full-sun and well-drained, moist soil which is slightly acidic. They are fast growers and develop drought tolerance after they become well established.
Autumn Blaze maple is an upright, fast-growing, deciduous tree that will typically grow 40 to 60 feet (12 to 18 m) tall and spread 30 to 40 feet (10 to12 m) wide with ascending branching and a dense, broad-oval crown composed of narrow crotch angles that unfortunately lead to potential storm breakage. Fruit and flowers on this hybrid are very sparse.
The leaves of the Autumn Blaze maple tree resemble the leaves of the silver maple parent, being opposite, simple, and five-lobed with toothy margins. Leaf sizes range from 3 to 4 inches (8 to 10 cm) wide and long. The deep red veins of the leaves are derived from the red maple. The summer color of the Autumn Blaze maple tree is a rich medium green, which turns into a blaze of orange-red and crimson in autumn. The autumn leaves of the Acer × freemanii 'Jeffersred' will also last longer on the branch than those of other maple trees.
Because of its fast growth, Acer × freemanii 'Jeffersred' requires some pruning to preserve its oval form. The fast growth and somewhat soft wood can cause breakage of occasional branches in strong winds, but otherwise this tree has a very low requirement for maintenance.
It has no serious insect or disease problems including leaf-hopper tolerance to which other maples are susceptible. Autumn Blaze is not as susceptible to storm damage as the silver maple because it has superior union angles and branch habit. The Acer × freemanii 'Jeffersred' works perfectly as a specimen tree for the lawn, a street tree, a shade tree in a park or other public areas and the ideal tree to be growing in a bio-retention rain garden. It can also be grown in clusters or groves of trees.
Acer × freemanii 'Jeffersred' is known for its superior autumn color, excellent growth rates, and the adaptability to tolerate an extremely wide range of climate and soil conditions. Autumn Blaze maple, which is listed by 36 nurseries and growers, is more popular than any other maple according to the Oregon Association of Nurseries Guide. The Autumn Blaze maple tree has recently become one of the most requested trees in the United States and is growing in popularity in other countries as well. It is especially asked for because it has the adaptability and vigor of the silver maple, as well as the strength and beauty of the red maple.
Freeman maples are unique because they occur in nature as well as by man-made hybrids. The tree occurs with some frequency in nature where the ranges of red, Freeman, and silver maple overlap throughout Northeastern US and into Canada. These trees have varying degrees of mixed appearance. The length of the samara wings seems to be a very good indicator of the overall degree of silver vs. red maple genetics. The longest samara wings look and act much like a silver maple, while the red maple has the shortest samara wings. The Freeman wings are in-between.
Oliver M. Freeman of the U.S. National Arboretum, made the first controlled crosses between red maple and silver maple in 1933. ‘Jeffersred’, sold under the trade name of Autumn Blaze, is an older cultivar that was discovered and patented by the late nurseryman Glenn Jeffers of Jeffers Nursery in North Central Ohio in the late 1960s. The U.S. Plant Patent # 4864 was issued on July 6, 1982.
Autumn Blaze Maple was selected “Tree of the Year” in 1997 by the Iowa Nursery & Landscape Assoc
and “Urban Tree of the Year” by the Society of Municipal Arborists in 2003. This selection was based on responses to an annual survey in the journal City Trees.
Appreciate Autumn Blaze Maple as a tough, fast growing hybrid that is drought tolerant and has a very bright red autumn color that are the hallmarks of this popular and proven performer with few problems.
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/Climber, Tree Worker/Aerial Lift, or BCMA management, science, 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.
Autumn Blaze Maple
Acer × freemanii 'Jeffersred', commonly called Autumn Blaze Maple is a hybrid of red maple (A. rubrum) and silver maple (A. saccharinum). There are two dozen plus hybrids of red and silver maples, and they are now classified as Freeman maples. Many of these hybrids and cultivars are commonly sold in commerce today and they combine some of the best features of both parents. Freeman maples prefer full-sun and well-drained, moist soil which is slightly acidic. They are fast growers and develop drought tolerance after they become well established.
Autumn Blaze maple is an upright, fast-growing, deciduous tree that will typically grow 40 to 60 feet (12 to 18 m) tall and spread 30 to 40 feet (10 to12 m) wide with ascending branching and a dense, broad-oval crown composed of narrow crotch angles that unfortunately lead to potential storm breakage. Fruit and flowers on this hybrid are very sparse.
The leaves of the Autumn Blaze maple tree resemble the leaves of the silver maple parent, being opposite, simple, and five-lobed with toothy margins. Leaf sizes range from 3 to 4 inches (8 to 10 cm) wide and long. The deep red veins of the leaves are derived from the red maple. The summer color of the Autumn Blaze maple tree is a rich medium green, which turns into a blaze of orange-red and crimson in autumn. The autumn leaves of the Acer × freemanii 'Jeffersred' will also last longer on the branch than those of other maple trees.
Because of its fast growth, Acer × freemanii 'Jeffersred' requires some pruning to preserve its oval form. The fast growth and somewhat soft wood can cause breakage of occasional branches in strong winds, but otherwise this tree has a very low requirement for maintenance.
It has no serious insect or disease problems including leaf-hopper tolerance to which other maples are susceptible. Autumn Blaze is not as susceptible to storm damage as the silver maple because it has superior union angles and branch habit. The Acer × freemanii 'Jeffersred' works perfectly as a specimen tree for the lawn, a street tree, a shade tree in a park or other public areas and the ideal tree to be growing in a bio-retention rain garden. It can also be grown in clusters or groves of trees.
Acer × freemanii 'Jeffersred' is known for its superior autumn color, excellent growth rates, and the adaptability to tolerate an extremely wide range of climate and soil conditions. Autumn Blaze maple, which is listed by 36 nurseries and growers, is more popular than any other maple according to the Oregon Association of Nurseries Guide. The Autumn Blaze maple tree has recently become one of the most requested trees in the United States and is growing in popularity in other countries as well. It is especially asked for because it has the adaptability and vigor of the silver maple, as well as the strength and beauty of the red maple.
Freeman maples are unique because they occur in nature as well as by man-made hybrids. The tree occurs with some frequency in nature where the ranges of red, Freeman, and silver maple overlap throughout Northeastern US and into Canada. These trees have varying degrees of mixed appearance. The length of the samara wings seems to be a very good indicator of the overall degree of silver vs. red maple genetics. The longest samara wings look and act much like a silver maple, while the red maple has the shortest samara wings. The Freeman wings are in-between.
Oliver M. Freeman of the U.S. National Arboretum, made the first controlled crosses between red maple and silver maple in 1933. ‘Jeffersred’, sold under the trade name of Autumn Blaze, is an older cultivar that was discovered and patented by the late nurseryman Glenn Jeffers of Jeffers Nursery in North Central Ohio in the late 1960s. The U.S. Plant Patent # 4864 was issued on July 6, 1982.
Autumn Blaze Maple was selected “Tree of the Year” in 1997 by the Iowa Nursery & Landscape Assoc
and “Urban Tree of the Year” by the Society of Municipal Arborists in 2003. This selection was based on responses to an annual survey in the journal City Trees.
Appreciate Autumn Blaze Maple as a tough, fast growing hybrid that is drought tolerant and has a very bright red autumn color that are the hallmarks of this popular and proven performer with few problems.
Sources
- Dirr, Michael A. and Keith S. Warren, “The Tree Book”, Timber Press, 2019.
- J. Frank Schmidt & Son Nursery photo, Autumn Blaze Maple
- Learn 2 Grow, “Acer × freemanii” Plant Search, 2017.
- Missouri Botannical Garden, Acer × freemanii 'Jeffersred', 2017
- U.S. Patent Office, Acer×freemanii (A. rubrum×A. saccharinum) named `Autumn Blaze`, 1982
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/Climber, Tree Worker/Aerial Lift, or BCMA management, science, practice credits.
California UFC members will receive credit for passing the test. Please add your CaUFC number after your ISA and/or SAF certification number.
ASCA members may submit your ISA certification record to the ASCA and receive credits one for one.
MTOA members must follow the ISA instructions indicated above.
To take the test by the pay per test option, click on the 'Pay Now' button below where you can send payment online securely with your credit card or Pay Pal account. After your payment is submitted, click on ‘Return to Merchant' / gibneyCE.com. That will take you to the test sign in page followed by the test. Members with certifications from both ISA and SAF, please be sure to add both of your certification numbers. These numbers are important for reporting purposes.
To take the test as an annual subscriber with reduced rates, click on Password and enter your test password which will take you to the test sign in page. If you would like to become a subscriber see our Annual Subscription page for details.
When you have finished answering all questions you will be prompted to click ‘next’ to send your answers to gibneyCE.com. You can then click ‘next’ to view your test summary. A test review of your answers is available upon request.
All passing test scores are sent from gibneyCE.com to your organization(s) at the end of every month and they will appear on your certification record 4 to 6 weeks* after that. ISA maintains a record of CEU credits on their website.
*SAF requires 5 passing test scores before reporting.
Test re-takes are allowed, however you will have to pay for the retake if you are using the pay per test option. You can spend as much time as you would like to take the test but it is important not to leave the test site until you have answered all the questions and see the 'sending your answers' response.
The Survivor Tree
From 9/11
On September 11, 2001 (9/11) terrorists attacked the United States and New York City with two airplanes filled with passengers that were flown into the twin towers at the World Trade Center. During the day of the attacks and throughout the recovery, hundreds of thousands of responders and survivors, workers, and residents, were exposed to hazards and toxins in the air, at and around the World Trade Center site. This resulted in chronic illnesses and death. Responders and workers at all three attack sites, including the Pentagon and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, were affected. For the injured, sick, and dying, and for their families and friends, 9/11 has remained an all-too-present reality.
In the aftermath of the attacks, tens of thousands of men and women from across the nation and around the world responded. Facing a mountainous landscape of mangled and jagged steel at Ground Zero, and despite fires that burned for 100 days, rescuers and recovery workers toiled night and day for nine months. What began as a rescue operation turned into the grim work of recovering those who had been killed. Workers also had to remove nearly two million tons of debris. Through sheer determination, they paved the way for rebuilding.
In October 2001, almost a month after the 9/11 attacks, a survivor was found in the ruins. Extensively damaged with its roots and limbs snapped and its trunk blackened and burned, rescue and recovery workers from Bartlett Tree pulled a Callery pear branch about 5 feet (1.5 m) long on a jagged stump and a few green leaves from the rubble and placed it in the care of the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation where it was nursed back to health. The tree had been about 30 ft. (10 m) tall and had been growing there since the Towers opened in 1976.
On December 21, 2010 the tree was brought back to the 9/11 Memorial site with a Bartlett Tree crew and a large flatbed truck. It is now known as the Survivor Tree. Today the tree stands next to the South Pool as a living reminder of resilience, survival, and hope. New, smooth limbs extended from the gnarled stump, creating a visible demarcation between the tree’s past and its present.
In 2013, in partnership with Bartlett Tree Experts and John Bowne High School in the Flushing neighborhood of Queens, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum launched the Survivor Tree Seedling Program. Each year, the 9/11 Memorial gives Callery pear seedlings from the Survivor Tree to three communities that have endured tragedy in recent years. Each of these communities has faced the unimaginable.
Callery pear seedlings have been donated:
Each recipient has committed to nurture their Survivor Tree seedlings so that one day, they too will stand as beacons of resilience and hope in their community. The Callery pear seedlings are a reminder that healing is possible with time, hope and unity. Embodying our nation’s spirit and strength, this one-of-a-kind tree stands out from the rest of the trees on the 9/11 Memorial. In the spring, the Callery pear is the first to bud and the last to lose its leaves in autumn.
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/Climber, Tree Worker/Aerial Lift, or BCMA management, science, 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.
From 9/11
On September 11, 2001 (9/11) terrorists attacked the United States and New York City with two airplanes filled with passengers that were flown into the twin towers at the World Trade Center. During the day of the attacks and throughout the recovery, hundreds of thousands of responders and survivors, workers, and residents, were exposed to hazards and toxins in the air, at and around the World Trade Center site. This resulted in chronic illnesses and death. Responders and workers at all three attack sites, including the Pentagon and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, were affected. For the injured, sick, and dying, and for their families and friends, 9/11 has remained an all-too-present reality.
In the aftermath of the attacks, tens of thousands of men and women from across the nation and around the world responded. Facing a mountainous landscape of mangled and jagged steel at Ground Zero, and despite fires that burned for 100 days, rescuers and recovery workers toiled night and day for nine months. What began as a rescue operation turned into the grim work of recovering those who had been killed. Workers also had to remove nearly two million tons of debris. Through sheer determination, they paved the way for rebuilding.
In October 2001, almost a month after the 9/11 attacks, a survivor was found in the ruins. Extensively damaged with its roots and limbs snapped and its trunk blackened and burned, rescue and recovery workers from Bartlett Tree pulled a Callery pear branch about 5 feet (1.5 m) long on a jagged stump and a few green leaves from the rubble and placed it in the care of the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation where it was nursed back to health. The tree had been about 30 ft. (10 m) tall and had been growing there since the Towers opened in 1976.
On December 21, 2010 the tree was brought back to the 9/11 Memorial site with a Bartlett Tree crew and a large flatbed truck. It is now known as the Survivor Tree. Today the tree stands next to the South Pool as a living reminder of resilience, survival, and hope. New, smooth limbs extended from the gnarled stump, creating a visible demarcation between the tree’s past and its present.
In 2013, in partnership with Bartlett Tree Experts and John Bowne High School in the Flushing neighborhood of Queens, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum launched the Survivor Tree Seedling Program. Each year, the 9/11 Memorial gives Callery pear seedlings from the Survivor Tree to three communities that have endured tragedy in recent years. Each of these communities has faced the unimaginable.
Callery pear seedlings have been donated:
- to Parkland, Fla., where a gunman killed 17 people in February 2018, including students and staff members at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School;
- to London in memory of those who lost their lives, and on behalf of the bereaved, survivors and all those affected by the tragic Grenfell Tower fire;
- to Puerto Rico, after the catastrophic Hurricane Maria left an estimated 2,975 people dead in its wake.
- to Orlando, Fla. where they planted their Callery pear seedling at the Harry P. Leu Gardens in memory of the 49 people killed and 58 injured at Pulse Nightclub on June 12, 2016.
Each recipient has committed to nurture their Survivor Tree seedlings so that one day, they too will stand as beacons of resilience and hope in their community. The Callery pear seedlings are a reminder that healing is possible with time, hope and unity. Embodying our nation’s spirit and strength, this one-of-a-kind tree stands out from the rest of the trees on the 9/11 Memorial. In the spring, the Callery pear is the first to bud and the last to lose its leaves in autumn.
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/Climber, Tree Worker/Aerial Lift, or BCMA management, science, 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.
Reducing Air Pollution
Edited by Len Phillips
It is well known that urban trees reduce high temperatures, noise, and provide many other benefits to improve the urban environment. But when it comes to cutting pollution, all trees are not created equal. So, which species do the best job?
Recent research suggests that tiny hairs on tree leaves play a big role in trapping the solid and liquid particles that make up particulate matter (PM). PM is the term for a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air. Some particles, such as dust, dirt, soot, or smoke, are large or dark enough to be seen with the naked eye. Others are so small they can only be detected using an electron microscope. PM's are responsible, by one estimate, for many illnesses and 4.1 million deaths a year globally. These particles come in many sizes and shapes and can be made up of hundreds of different chemicals. Some are emitted directly from a source, such as construction sites, unpaved roads, fields, smokestacks or fires. However, most particles form in the atmosphere as a result of complex reactions of chemicals like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide, which are pollutants emitted from power plants, industries and most often from automobiles.
Particulate matter contains microscopic solids or liquid droplets that are so small that they can be inhaled and cause serious health problems. Some particles less than 10 micrometers in diameter can get deep into your lungs and some may even get into your bloodstream. Of these, particles less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter, also known as fine particles or PM2.5, pose the greatest risk to human health. Fine particles are also the main cause of reduced visibility or haze in parts of the United States.
What is being done to reduce particulate matter?
The Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) national and regional rules to reduce emissions of pollutants that form PM will help state and local governments meet the Agency’s national air quality standards. The EPA regulates inhalable particles. Particles of sand and large dust, which are larger than 10 micrometers, are not regulated by EPA. The EPA’s national and regional rules to reduce emissions of pollutants that form PM will help the state and local governments meet the Agency’s national air quality standards.
In one recent study from the University of Lancaster in the United Kingdom, researchers tested the ability of nine tree species to capture PM in wind-tunnel experiments. Silver birch (Betula pendula ), yew (Taxus sp.) and boxelder trees (Acer negundo) were the most effective at capturing particles, with the hairs of their leaves contributing to reduction rates of 79%, 71% and 70% respectively. In contrast, nettles (Urtica dioica) emerged as the least useful of the species studied, though they still captured a respectable 32%. Conifers, like pines and cypresses, are also good natural purifiers.
Ultimately though, it is context that determines if a species is beneficial or detrimental. Even ‘best-performing trees’ may not work in some cases,” says Prashant Kumar, Founding Director of the Global Centre for Clean Air Research at the University of Surrey. “For example, we would not recommend planting yew (Taxus ) near school playgrounds because the attractive red fruits are considered poisonous.”
Some designers tend to think in terms of objects rather than the whole complex ecological system. But without a holistic understanding of urban ecosystems, the risk is to do more harm than good. In that sense, tree planting to tackle pollution is like many other aspects of urban design – the key to success lies in understanding local and environmental nuances. This is what determines whether urban trees are a breath of fresh air or a major headache.
Caution: the following list of trees with fuzzy leaf surfaces and good air cleaning properties may have problems with pests and/or weak wood so the planting location requires very careful consideration before installing them only for the purpose of improving air quality.
Acer negundo Boxelder
Acer pseudoplatanus Sycamore
Acer Norway
Betula pendula Silver birch
Catalpa sp. Catalpa
Conocarpus erectus var. sericeus Silver buttonwood
Cupressaceae Cypress family
Fraxinus Ash
Larix Larch
Mimosa sp. Mimosa
Morus alba Mulberry
Paulownia tomentosa Empress tree
Picea sp. Spruce
Pinus Scots Pine
Platanus occidentalis American Sycamore
Quercus sp. some oaks
Rhododendron sp. Rhododendron
Taxus sp. yew
Tilia americana American Linden or basswood
Viburnum lantana Wayfaring-tree
Viburnum rhytidophyllum Leatherleaf viburnum
Viburnum sp. most others
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/Climber, Tree Worker/Aerial Lift, or BCMA management, science, 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
It is well known that urban trees reduce high temperatures, noise, and provide many other benefits to improve the urban environment. But when it comes to cutting pollution, all trees are not created equal. So, which species do the best job?
Recent research suggests that tiny hairs on tree leaves play a big role in trapping the solid and liquid particles that make up particulate matter (PM). PM is the term for a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air. Some particles, such as dust, dirt, soot, or smoke, are large or dark enough to be seen with the naked eye. Others are so small they can only be detected using an electron microscope. PM's are responsible, by one estimate, for many illnesses and 4.1 million deaths a year globally. These particles come in many sizes and shapes and can be made up of hundreds of different chemicals. Some are emitted directly from a source, such as construction sites, unpaved roads, fields, smokestacks or fires. However, most particles form in the atmosphere as a result of complex reactions of chemicals like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide, which are pollutants emitted from power plants, industries and most often from automobiles.
Particulate matter contains microscopic solids or liquid droplets that are so small that they can be inhaled and cause serious health problems. Some particles less than 10 micrometers in diameter can get deep into your lungs and some may even get into your bloodstream. Of these, particles less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter, also known as fine particles or PM2.5, pose the greatest risk to human health. Fine particles are also the main cause of reduced visibility or haze in parts of the United States.
What is being done to reduce particulate matter?
The Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) national and regional rules to reduce emissions of pollutants that form PM will help state and local governments meet the Agency’s national air quality standards. The EPA regulates inhalable particles. Particles of sand and large dust, which are larger than 10 micrometers, are not regulated by EPA. The EPA’s national and regional rules to reduce emissions of pollutants that form PM will help the state and local governments meet the Agency’s national air quality standards.
In one recent study from the University of Lancaster in the United Kingdom, researchers tested the ability of nine tree species to capture PM in wind-tunnel experiments. Silver birch (Betula pendula ), yew (Taxus sp.) and boxelder trees (Acer negundo) were the most effective at capturing particles, with the hairs of their leaves contributing to reduction rates of 79%, 71% and 70% respectively. In contrast, nettles (Urtica dioica) emerged as the least useful of the species studied, though they still captured a respectable 32%. Conifers, like pines and cypresses, are also good natural purifiers.
Ultimately though, it is context that determines if a species is beneficial or detrimental. Even ‘best-performing trees’ may not work in some cases,” says Prashant Kumar, Founding Director of the Global Centre for Clean Air Research at the University of Surrey. “For example, we would not recommend planting yew (Taxus ) near school playgrounds because the attractive red fruits are considered poisonous.”
Some designers tend to think in terms of objects rather than the whole complex ecological system. But without a holistic understanding of urban ecosystems, the risk is to do more harm than good. In that sense, tree planting to tackle pollution is like many other aspects of urban design – the key to success lies in understanding local and environmental nuances. This is what determines whether urban trees are a breath of fresh air or a major headache.
Caution: the following list of trees with fuzzy leaf surfaces and good air cleaning properties may have problems with pests and/or weak wood so the planting location requires very careful consideration before installing them only for the purpose of improving air quality.
Acer negundo Boxelder
Acer pseudoplatanus Sycamore
Acer Norway
Betula pendula Silver birch
Catalpa sp. Catalpa
Conocarpus erectus var. sericeus Silver buttonwood
Cupressaceae Cypress family
Fraxinus Ash
Larix Larch
Mimosa sp. Mimosa
Morus alba Mulberry
Paulownia tomentosa Empress tree
Picea sp. Spruce
Pinus Scots Pine
Platanus occidentalis American Sycamore
Quercus sp. some oaks
Rhododendron sp. Rhododendron
Taxus sp. yew
Tilia americana American Linden or basswood
Viburnum lantana Wayfaring-tree
Viburnum rhytidophyllum Leatherleaf viburnum
Viburnum sp. most others
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/Climber, Tree Worker/Aerial Lift, or BCMA management, science, 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.
A Forest in Louisville
A Collection of Zelkova
The largest city in Kentucky, Louisville, was founded on the Ohio River in 1778 and named in honor of the French King Louis XVI as a thank you for the French support during the American Revolution of independence from Great Britain. The city is known for having the largest collection of cast-iron building facades outside of New York City. The city is also known as the home of legendary boxer Muhammad Ali, the Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), the University of Louisville, the Louisville Cardinals baseball team, Louisville Slugger baseball bats, and Kentucky's six Fortune 500 companies.
With its Midwestern sensibilities and Southern hospitality, Louisville is the regional economic hub and the cultural and artistic heart of Kentucky and Southern Indiana. In order to maintain its importance to the region, Louisville's urban tree canopy has become very important.
The Division of Community Forestry is responsible for overseeing the planting and maintenance of street trees on public property, parks, and parkways. An analysis of the Urban Tree Canopy (UTC) since 2004 has shown a steady decrease in canopy cover, declining by 7% over the eight-year period. This equates to a loss of over 6,500 acres of canopy or 54,000 trees lost per year. At the same time, impervious surfaces like roads, buildings, parking lots, and sidewalks have grown steadily, increasing by 9% between 2004 and 2012. If current trends hold and factoring in the loss of ash trees from EAB, Louisville's UTC is projected to decrease to 31-35% in the next ten years and to as low as 21% over the next forty years.
Trees Louisville, a nonprofit organization is dedicated to raising public awareness of Louisville's canopy loss and planting needs and it is attempting to reverse the decline of the Louisville tree canopy. There are twice as many planting spaces for middle sized canopy trees as large canopy trees in Louisville, so the middle-sized trees are essential to regain canopy.
One particular planting project brought the city a great deal of attention. The Jefferson Street exit ramp off I-65 in the heart of Louisville is a planting site that does not get much tougher. It is a very large site with a sloping embankment leading to the city streets from the highway exit ramp. In addition, Louisville could not afford to fix the poor soil conditions on this site. Any trees planted here would have to be very tough.
Forestry leaders in the City solved this problem site by selecting several Zelkova cultivars for installation beside the exit ramp. Zelkovas come in many forms, gracefully arching, tall and skinny or short and stout. There is a Zelkova tailor-made for just about any landscape setting and soil condition. While most arborists are familiar with the classic upright arching vase-shaped tree, there are several newer cultivars that fill the bill for restricted planting spaces - be they small, narrow, or with impaired overhead clearance. In general, Zelkova is a great street tree and cultivars offer predictable performance, shape, and mature size, making a great fit for challenging landscape spaces like the Jefferson Street exit.
Trees on this project were planted 10 feet apart and meant to grow together to shade the grass and weeds beneath them to reduce mowing. The smaller size of City Sprite® Zelkova, (Zelkova serrata 'JFS-KW1') made it a very useful tree on this street ramp. This little charmer has bright green, fine textured foliage and short internodes that contribute to its dense canopy that is a good fit for tight urban spaces. Oval to vase-shaped, it grows to a height and spread of approximately 24 x 18 ft.
Wireless® Zelkova (Zelkova serrata ‘Schmidtlow’) was also selected for its low height and broad spreading shape. This Zelkova was tailor-made for street plantings beneath the utility lines. Its broadly spreading vase shape reaches a mature height of about 24 feet and a spread of about 36 feet. Its red autumn color was an added bonus.
The Musashino Columnar Zelkova (Zelkova serrata ‘Musashino’) was a proven urban tree in Japan prior to its introduction to the US in the year 2000. This narrow selection was tailored for tight places and narrow street tree planting sites. The upright branches and tightly columnar form accommodated the passing vehicles and pedestrians. It has small, fine-textured leaves that are medium green and turn an attractive yellowish red to rusty red in autumn. The mature height and spread are about 45’ x 15’. This tree was perfect for the street at the end of the exit ramp and along the sidewalk.
Green Vase® Zelkova, (Zelkova serrata ‘Green Vase’) is another tree that has a very interesting history. It was selected and introduced by Princeton Nurseries of New Jersey in 1985. This vase-shaped selection has become the standard of comparison for Zelkova serrata cultivars. It is faster growing and narrower than Village Green™, it is appreciated for its symmetrical vase shaped, American elm-like mature form.
Village Green™ Zelkova, (Zelkova serrata ‘Village Green’) was interspersed with Green Vase along the sidewalk end of the ramp property. This tree came from pioneering plantsman William Flemer III who foresaw the enduring value of this cultivar when he introduced it in 1964. The Princeton Nursery introduction remains popular today, thanks to its vigorous growth and vase-shaped canopy that reaches a height and spread of approximately 40’x40’ in 30 years. Broader spreading than Green Vase®, its dense, dark green foliage turns rusty red in autumn.
Planting sites don’t get much tougher than a sloping embankment on an Interstate highway exit ramp. That’s why Zelkova trees were chosen by Plantsman Mike Hayman and Trees Louisville for the exit ramp in the heart of Louisville. The dense planting is part of an effort to improve air quality while reducing elevated summer temperatures created by the extraordinary urban heat island effect in the city. According to Hayman, Project Manager for Trees Louisville, dense plantings installed by the non-profit organization are among the coordinated efforts underway to improve public health in the city by aiming for a tree canopy cover goal of 45% by 2050.
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/Climber, Tree Worker/Aerial Lift, or BCMA management, science, 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.
A Collection of Zelkova
The largest city in Kentucky, Louisville, was founded on the Ohio River in 1778 and named in honor of the French King Louis XVI as a thank you for the French support during the American Revolution of independence from Great Britain. The city is known for having the largest collection of cast-iron building facades outside of New York City. The city is also known as the home of legendary boxer Muhammad Ali, the Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), the University of Louisville, the Louisville Cardinals baseball team, Louisville Slugger baseball bats, and Kentucky's six Fortune 500 companies.
With its Midwestern sensibilities and Southern hospitality, Louisville is the regional economic hub and the cultural and artistic heart of Kentucky and Southern Indiana. In order to maintain its importance to the region, Louisville's urban tree canopy has become very important.
The Division of Community Forestry is responsible for overseeing the planting and maintenance of street trees on public property, parks, and parkways. An analysis of the Urban Tree Canopy (UTC) since 2004 has shown a steady decrease in canopy cover, declining by 7% over the eight-year period. This equates to a loss of over 6,500 acres of canopy or 54,000 trees lost per year. At the same time, impervious surfaces like roads, buildings, parking lots, and sidewalks have grown steadily, increasing by 9% between 2004 and 2012. If current trends hold and factoring in the loss of ash trees from EAB, Louisville's UTC is projected to decrease to 31-35% in the next ten years and to as low as 21% over the next forty years.
Trees Louisville, a nonprofit organization is dedicated to raising public awareness of Louisville's canopy loss and planting needs and it is attempting to reverse the decline of the Louisville tree canopy. There are twice as many planting spaces for middle sized canopy trees as large canopy trees in Louisville, so the middle-sized trees are essential to regain canopy.
One particular planting project brought the city a great deal of attention. The Jefferson Street exit ramp off I-65 in the heart of Louisville is a planting site that does not get much tougher. It is a very large site with a sloping embankment leading to the city streets from the highway exit ramp. In addition, Louisville could not afford to fix the poor soil conditions on this site. Any trees planted here would have to be very tough.
Forestry leaders in the City solved this problem site by selecting several Zelkova cultivars for installation beside the exit ramp. Zelkovas come in many forms, gracefully arching, tall and skinny or short and stout. There is a Zelkova tailor-made for just about any landscape setting and soil condition. While most arborists are familiar with the classic upright arching vase-shaped tree, there are several newer cultivars that fill the bill for restricted planting spaces - be they small, narrow, or with impaired overhead clearance. In general, Zelkova is a great street tree and cultivars offer predictable performance, shape, and mature size, making a great fit for challenging landscape spaces like the Jefferson Street exit.
Trees on this project were planted 10 feet apart and meant to grow together to shade the grass and weeds beneath them to reduce mowing. The smaller size of City Sprite® Zelkova, (Zelkova serrata 'JFS-KW1') made it a very useful tree on this street ramp. This little charmer has bright green, fine textured foliage and short internodes that contribute to its dense canopy that is a good fit for tight urban spaces. Oval to vase-shaped, it grows to a height and spread of approximately 24 x 18 ft.
Wireless® Zelkova (Zelkova serrata ‘Schmidtlow’) was also selected for its low height and broad spreading shape. This Zelkova was tailor-made for street plantings beneath the utility lines. Its broadly spreading vase shape reaches a mature height of about 24 feet and a spread of about 36 feet. Its red autumn color was an added bonus.
The Musashino Columnar Zelkova (Zelkova serrata ‘Musashino’) was a proven urban tree in Japan prior to its introduction to the US in the year 2000. This narrow selection was tailored for tight places and narrow street tree planting sites. The upright branches and tightly columnar form accommodated the passing vehicles and pedestrians. It has small, fine-textured leaves that are medium green and turn an attractive yellowish red to rusty red in autumn. The mature height and spread are about 45’ x 15’. This tree was perfect for the street at the end of the exit ramp and along the sidewalk.
Green Vase® Zelkova, (Zelkova serrata ‘Green Vase’) is another tree that has a very interesting history. It was selected and introduced by Princeton Nurseries of New Jersey in 1985. This vase-shaped selection has become the standard of comparison for Zelkova serrata cultivars. It is faster growing and narrower than Village Green™, it is appreciated for its symmetrical vase shaped, American elm-like mature form.
Village Green™ Zelkova, (Zelkova serrata ‘Village Green’) was interspersed with Green Vase along the sidewalk end of the ramp property. This tree came from pioneering plantsman William Flemer III who foresaw the enduring value of this cultivar when he introduced it in 1964. The Princeton Nursery introduction remains popular today, thanks to its vigorous growth and vase-shaped canopy that reaches a height and spread of approximately 40’x40’ in 30 years. Broader spreading than Green Vase®, its dense, dark green foliage turns rusty red in autumn.
Planting sites don’t get much tougher than a sloping embankment on an Interstate highway exit ramp. That’s why Zelkova trees were chosen by Plantsman Mike Hayman and Trees Louisville for the exit ramp in the heart of Louisville. The dense planting is part of an effort to improve air quality while reducing elevated summer temperatures created by the extraordinary urban heat island effect in the city. According to Hayman, Project Manager for Trees Louisville, dense plantings installed by the non-profit organization are among the coordinated efforts underway to improve public health in the city by aiming for a tree canopy cover goal of 45% by 2050.
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/Climber, Tree Worker/Aerial Lift, or BCMA management, science, 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.
Ralph Sievert
A Baby Boomer’s Urban Forestry Career
After graduating with a BS degree in 1976, Ralph Sievert returned to The Ohio State University to pursue a master’s degree. At that time urban forestry majors were almost nonexistent. Working with his advisor, Ralph put together an urban forestry curriculum and wrote his thesis entitled “Urban Forestry in Selected Midwest Cities”. This was Ohio State’s first MS degree with an urban forestry focus.
In 1979 Ralph was hired as one of the first Urban Foresters at the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry. He provided consultation services to municipalities in over 15 counties of northeast and east central Ohio. He also served as the chairperson for the tree commission where he lived. During his time with the DNR, Ralph helped establish enough Tree City USA communities to make Ohio the national leader of municipalities with this designation. Because of Ralph’s hard work Ohio still holds this distinction today.
In 1986, Cleveland, Ohio hired Ralph as their City Forester. When he took the job, the city was still dealing with the corrupt activities of his predecessor and supervisor. Ralph worked to develop a professional urban forestry program. He partnered with the local utility company to start the North Coast Urban Forestry Conference. He established the city’s first functional tree inventory as well as a tree advisory board. A strong believer in outreach, Ralph regularly attended the meetings of neighborhood organizations to explain the city’s tree program. He developed “Arnie the Arborist”, a costumed mascot that promoted the benefits of tree care. During new tree planting, Ralph championed species diversity. He successfully campaigned to bring the International Society of Arboriculture’s annual conference to Cleveland. His biggest accomplishment was improving the organizational structure which improved operational efficiencies.
In 1994, Ralph left Ohio to become the Director of Forestry in Minneapolis, MN. His duties require overseeing the Forestry Department which operates within the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board (MPRB). Established in 1883, the MPRB oversees a renowned urban park system spanning 6,800 acres of parkland and water. Featured among its 180 park properties are 55 miles of parkways, 102 miles of Grand Rounds biking and walking paths, 22 lakes, 12 formal gardens, seven golf courses and 49 recreation centers. Altogether, MPRB properties receive about 23 million visits annually.
The Forestry Department is responsible for all of the trees on City owned property. His department boasts an annual budget of approximately $10 million and a staff of over 70 full-time employees, most of whom are Certified Arborists. Ralph is proud of the fact that his crews perform only arboricultural services. They do not get sidetracked on other activities such as plowing snow or installing holiday lighting. This work includes caring for nearly 200,000 boulevard (street) trees on 1,100 miles of roadway, 400,000 park trees on more than 6,000 acres of land and trees on other city properties, such as police and fire stations, stormwater retention ponds, and Public Works facilities.
Ralph inherited a strong program that grew from his predecessor’s decisive response to Dutch Elm Disease (DED). When DED was ravaging the Twin Cities in the 1970’s, former Director Dave DeVoto initiated response protocols. DeVoto recognized that the key to slowing the spread of the fatal fungus was to remove infected trees as quickly as possible. This program, called Sanitation Removal, is still in use today. By slowing the spread of DED, the MPRB was able to plant new trees while elms were being removed. This made it possible, over time, to convert the public urban forest from mostly American Elms to a diverse population of new tree types. Dealing with DED, Sterling Linden became ingrained into the Forestry Department’s standard operating procedures. Species diversity was achieved by assigning specific tree types to specific blocks. As a result, Minneapolis went from over 90% elms to a diverse mix of trees none of which was over 25% of the total population.
This approach worked well until the discovery of Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) in 2010. During the first few years following the discovery, Minneapolis struggled with the best management strategies to date. Environmentalists were concerned that treating ash trees with pesticides would endanger pollinators. Ralph researched other municipalities and learned that those that were treating trees did so to control losses. Since the population of EAB was not yet high enough to kill large numbers of trees in Minneapolis, he decided that a phased approach to removing and replacing ash trees would mean never reaching the point where pesticide treatments were necessary. As a result, in 2014, Minneapolis adopted an 8 year-long Ash Canopy Replacement Plan (ACRP). Knowing that there were approximately 40,000 public ash trees to begin with, the ACRP divided removal and replacements to 5000 ash trees annually. Ralph has guided the ACRP along the way. This meant convincing the public that it was necessary to preemptively remove what appeared to be healthy ash trees. To kick things off Ralph and his staff hosted six public meetings. He personally attended numerous neighborhood meetings. At the end of 2021, all 40,000 ash will have been removed with the final replanting taking place in 2022.
A vital component of the ACRP was changing the approach to species diversity. With the planting of 8000 to 10,000 new trees each year it no longer made sense to plant one tree type on each block of a street. Ralph’s commitment to maintaining a diverse population of trees led to the creation of New Tree Planting Guidelines. In residential areas, the Forestry Department now plants two or more tree species on each block of street. At a neighborhood level no one tree types can exceed 10% of the total neighborhood public tree population. Consideration is also given to limiting the tree types that are susceptible to Asian Longhorned Beetle. Having a quantifiable approach to species diversity is helping reduce the losses that will occur from invasive pests in the future.
A major improvement within the Forestry Department that was championed by Ralph pertained to operational efficiencies. During an economic downturn in the early 2010’s, the MPRB hired a consultant to look for ways to improve operations in the Forestry Department. Ralph recognized that this was an opportunity to make improvements that had been needed for a long time. Working closely with the consultant, key changes were implemented. One of these involved tree debris that is generated while pruning or removing trees. Instead of manually chipping tree debris, log loaders were purchased to haul the debris to a wood processing site. Aerial lift trucks which had only been operated by Mobile Equipment Operators in the Teamsters Union could now be operated by Arborists. Small articulated loaders called Avants, were incorporated into clean-up work. The result of these changes was a reduction in occupational injuries and long-term harm to employees, a reduction in workers compensation costs, an increase in tree pruning productivity and no elimination of positions.
Ralph has brought his enthusiasm for outreach and engagement to Minneapolis. Each year the MPRB hosts an Arbor Day Celebration. Volunteers assist Forestry staff by planting over 100 trees during the event. The celebration draws approximately 1000 visitors and features the Arborator Band, lawn games, bucket truck rides, tree climbing, food trucks, nature play, a fun-run, and a beer garden.
Elmer the Elm Tree, the MPRB’s costumed mascot, is sure to be found at Arbor Day Celebrations. Ralph makes sure that Elmer attends neighborhood festivals, school carnivals and parades. He regularly visits schools where student involvement means helping plant trees. It is estimated that Elmer’s message of tree care has reached over ½ million residents since 1978. In addition to assorted conferences and ceremonies, Elmer is a regular at the Twin Cities Marathon Mascot Race, Minnesota Twins Mascot Softball Game, University of Minnesota Homecoming Parade, and the Minnesota State Fair. Ralph notes that there is nothing like wearing the Elmer costume on a 90-degree summer day.
Attending to issues involving racial equity has become an expectation at the MPRB. Ralph addressed this subject before it was expected or required. He made sure that the Arborists assigned to Arbor Day activities, especially those involving children, were representative of the participating communities. When he arrived in Minneapolis, residents were required to request a tree before one could be planted. Ralph recognized that requesting a tree, even after one had been removed, was not a high priority in some of the neighborhoods that included racially concentrated areas of poverty. Today, a tree is automatically replanted and does not require a request. During the ACRP, some ash trees were being removed from woodland areas. In these instances, it is not always possible to replant due to vegetative competition. Because the Forestry Department replaces the trees it removes, such trees are being relocated to neighborhoods that include racially concentrated areas of poverty.
During his tenure in Minneapolis, Ralph has worked closely with the University of Minnesota’s Department of Forest Resources (UMN) on valuable research initiatives. To formalize the relationship with the UMN, Ralph put in place a research agreement in 2010 that funds tree related research in Minneapolis. As part of the agreement, the MPRB receives trees that are used and/or studied. The agreement, which has been expanded to include outreach support, is approved by the elected MPRB Commissioners. It is currently in place through 2025.
One of the highlights of Ralph’s career has been the creation of a Forestry Preservation Coordinator (FPC) position in the Forestry Department. When a 2013 storm caused the loss of thousands of street trees, it was apparent that most of the trees that failed had sidewalk repairs done next to them. Ralph recognized a perfect opportunity for research. The UMN spent considerable time looking into the event and determined that a street tree that is adjacent to a repaired sidewalk was more than twice as likely to fail during a storm. As part of the research results, Ralph made sure that a FPC position was part of the recommendations. To add clout to the need for the position, Ralph worked with the Minneapolis Tree Advisory Commission (MTAC) to have it included as a recommendation in their annual report. Because the position works closely with the City Department of Public Works, they agreed to provide partial funding for the position. Today the FPC works to ensure that tree preservation practices are being observed by the City, private companies and MPRB during infrastructure improvement projects.
Ralph is unapologetic about the self-promotion of the Forestry Department. He regularly submits articles with photos for the monthly MPRB newsletter. This helps at budget time because elected officials have been informed of Forestry Department work. When American Forests included Minneapolis as one of the Top 10 Cities for Urban Forests, Ralph made sure this was announced to local media. In 2006, he brought the International Society of Arboriculture’s annual conference to Minneapolis and served as Co-Chair. During storm response or when ash trees are being removed in large numbers, Ralph enjoys taking on the role of media spokesperson for Forestry activities.
While serving as Director of Forestry, Ralph has made nominations to the Arbor Day Foundation which resulted in Minneapolis receiving 3 of their prestigious annual awards. He regularly applies for and receives local awards that are offered by the Minnesota urban forestry community. Having been recognized as a Tree City USA since 1979, he makes sure that Minneapolis re-certifies annually. Ralph has also applied for the Tree City USA Growth Award every year he has worked in Minneapolis. Ralph currently is working with the MTAC to achieve the goal of establishing a new position called Forestry Outreach Coordinator. This position would implement outreach and engagement activities throughout the city.
It should be noted that during his career Ralph has demonstrated a strong commitment to professional involvement. He served for 12 years representing Minnesota on the International Society of Arboriculture’s Board of Directors. While serving as president of the Municipal Arborists and Urban Foresters Society, Ralph orchestrated a merger with the Society of Municipal Arborists (SMA). In the 20+ years since, the SMA has more than doubled in membership and dramatically increased member services and contributions to the industry.
For Ralph Sievert, urban forestry is a profession that has a direct effect on the residents of a city. When asked what his department does, he describes it as “Improving people’s lives by planting and caring for trees”. Not many professions can see a direct connection like this.
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/Climber, Tree Worker/Aerial Lift, or BCMA management, science, 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.
A Baby Boomer’s Urban Forestry Career
After graduating with a BS degree in 1976, Ralph Sievert returned to The Ohio State University to pursue a master’s degree. At that time urban forestry majors were almost nonexistent. Working with his advisor, Ralph put together an urban forestry curriculum and wrote his thesis entitled “Urban Forestry in Selected Midwest Cities”. This was Ohio State’s first MS degree with an urban forestry focus.
In 1979 Ralph was hired as one of the first Urban Foresters at the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry. He provided consultation services to municipalities in over 15 counties of northeast and east central Ohio. He also served as the chairperson for the tree commission where he lived. During his time with the DNR, Ralph helped establish enough Tree City USA communities to make Ohio the national leader of municipalities with this designation. Because of Ralph’s hard work Ohio still holds this distinction today.
In 1986, Cleveland, Ohio hired Ralph as their City Forester. When he took the job, the city was still dealing with the corrupt activities of his predecessor and supervisor. Ralph worked to develop a professional urban forestry program. He partnered with the local utility company to start the North Coast Urban Forestry Conference. He established the city’s first functional tree inventory as well as a tree advisory board. A strong believer in outreach, Ralph regularly attended the meetings of neighborhood organizations to explain the city’s tree program. He developed “Arnie the Arborist”, a costumed mascot that promoted the benefits of tree care. During new tree planting, Ralph championed species diversity. He successfully campaigned to bring the International Society of Arboriculture’s annual conference to Cleveland. His biggest accomplishment was improving the organizational structure which improved operational efficiencies.
In 1994, Ralph left Ohio to become the Director of Forestry in Minneapolis, MN. His duties require overseeing the Forestry Department which operates within the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board (MPRB). Established in 1883, the MPRB oversees a renowned urban park system spanning 6,800 acres of parkland and water. Featured among its 180 park properties are 55 miles of parkways, 102 miles of Grand Rounds biking and walking paths, 22 lakes, 12 formal gardens, seven golf courses and 49 recreation centers. Altogether, MPRB properties receive about 23 million visits annually.
The Forestry Department is responsible for all of the trees on City owned property. His department boasts an annual budget of approximately $10 million and a staff of over 70 full-time employees, most of whom are Certified Arborists. Ralph is proud of the fact that his crews perform only arboricultural services. They do not get sidetracked on other activities such as plowing snow or installing holiday lighting. This work includes caring for nearly 200,000 boulevard (street) trees on 1,100 miles of roadway, 400,000 park trees on more than 6,000 acres of land and trees on other city properties, such as police and fire stations, stormwater retention ponds, and Public Works facilities.
Ralph inherited a strong program that grew from his predecessor’s decisive response to Dutch Elm Disease (DED). When DED was ravaging the Twin Cities in the 1970’s, former Director Dave DeVoto initiated response protocols. DeVoto recognized that the key to slowing the spread of the fatal fungus was to remove infected trees as quickly as possible. This program, called Sanitation Removal, is still in use today. By slowing the spread of DED, the MPRB was able to plant new trees while elms were being removed. This made it possible, over time, to convert the public urban forest from mostly American Elms to a diverse population of new tree types. Dealing with DED, Sterling Linden became ingrained into the Forestry Department’s standard operating procedures. Species diversity was achieved by assigning specific tree types to specific blocks. As a result, Minneapolis went from over 90% elms to a diverse mix of trees none of which was over 25% of the total population.
This approach worked well until the discovery of Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) in 2010. During the first few years following the discovery, Minneapolis struggled with the best management strategies to date. Environmentalists were concerned that treating ash trees with pesticides would endanger pollinators. Ralph researched other municipalities and learned that those that were treating trees did so to control losses. Since the population of EAB was not yet high enough to kill large numbers of trees in Minneapolis, he decided that a phased approach to removing and replacing ash trees would mean never reaching the point where pesticide treatments were necessary. As a result, in 2014, Minneapolis adopted an 8 year-long Ash Canopy Replacement Plan (ACRP). Knowing that there were approximately 40,000 public ash trees to begin with, the ACRP divided removal and replacements to 5000 ash trees annually. Ralph has guided the ACRP along the way. This meant convincing the public that it was necessary to preemptively remove what appeared to be healthy ash trees. To kick things off Ralph and his staff hosted six public meetings. He personally attended numerous neighborhood meetings. At the end of 2021, all 40,000 ash will have been removed with the final replanting taking place in 2022.
A vital component of the ACRP was changing the approach to species diversity. With the planting of 8000 to 10,000 new trees each year it no longer made sense to plant one tree type on each block of a street. Ralph’s commitment to maintaining a diverse population of trees led to the creation of New Tree Planting Guidelines. In residential areas, the Forestry Department now plants two or more tree species on each block of street. At a neighborhood level no one tree types can exceed 10% of the total neighborhood public tree population. Consideration is also given to limiting the tree types that are susceptible to Asian Longhorned Beetle. Having a quantifiable approach to species diversity is helping reduce the losses that will occur from invasive pests in the future.
A major improvement within the Forestry Department that was championed by Ralph pertained to operational efficiencies. During an economic downturn in the early 2010’s, the MPRB hired a consultant to look for ways to improve operations in the Forestry Department. Ralph recognized that this was an opportunity to make improvements that had been needed for a long time. Working closely with the consultant, key changes were implemented. One of these involved tree debris that is generated while pruning or removing trees. Instead of manually chipping tree debris, log loaders were purchased to haul the debris to a wood processing site. Aerial lift trucks which had only been operated by Mobile Equipment Operators in the Teamsters Union could now be operated by Arborists. Small articulated loaders called Avants, were incorporated into clean-up work. The result of these changes was a reduction in occupational injuries and long-term harm to employees, a reduction in workers compensation costs, an increase in tree pruning productivity and no elimination of positions.
Ralph has brought his enthusiasm for outreach and engagement to Minneapolis. Each year the MPRB hosts an Arbor Day Celebration. Volunteers assist Forestry staff by planting over 100 trees during the event. The celebration draws approximately 1000 visitors and features the Arborator Band, lawn games, bucket truck rides, tree climbing, food trucks, nature play, a fun-run, and a beer garden.
Elmer the Elm Tree, the MPRB’s costumed mascot, is sure to be found at Arbor Day Celebrations. Ralph makes sure that Elmer attends neighborhood festivals, school carnivals and parades. He regularly visits schools where student involvement means helping plant trees. It is estimated that Elmer’s message of tree care has reached over ½ million residents since 1978. In addition to assorted conferences and ceremonies, Elmer is a regular at the Twin Cities Marathon Mascot Race, Minnesota Twins Mascot Softball Game, University of Minnesota Homecoming Parade, and the Minnesota State Fair. Ralph notes that there is nothing like wearing the Elmer costume on a 90-degree summer day.
Attending to issues involving racial equity has become an expectation at the MPRB. Ralph addressed this subject before it was expected or required. He made sure that the Arborists assigned to Arbor Day activities, especially those involving children, were representative of the participating communities. When he arrived in Minneapolis, residents were required to request a tree before one could be planted. Ralph recognized that requesting a tree, even after one had been removed, was not a high priority in some of the neighborhoods that included racially concentrated areas of poverty. Today, a tree is automatically replanted and does not require a request. During the ACRP, some ash trees were being removed from woodland areas. In these instances, it is not always possible to replant due to vegetative competition. Because the Forestry Department replaces the trees it removes, such trees are being relocated to neighborhoods that include racially concentrated areas of poverty.
During his tenure in Minneapolis, Ralph has worked closely with the University of Minnesota’s Department of Forest Resources (UMN) on valuable research initiatives. To formalize the relationship with the UMN, Ralph put in place a research agreement in 2010 that funds tree related research in Minneapolis. As part of the agreement, the MPRB receives trees that are used and/or studied. The agreement, which has been expanded to include outreach support, is approved by the elected MPRB Commissioners. It is currently in place through 2025.
One of the highlights of Ralph’s career has been the creation of a Forestry Preservation Coordinator (FPC) position in the Forestry Department. When a 2013 storm caused the loss of thousands of street trees, it was apparent that most of the trees that failed had sidewalk repairs done next to them. Ralph recognized a perfect opportunity for research. The UMN spent considerable time looking into the event and determined that a street tree that is adjacent to a repaired sidewalk was more than twice as likely to fail during a storm. As part of the research results, Ralph made sure that a FPC position was part of the recommendations. To add clout to the need for the position, Ralph worked with the Minneapolis Tree Advisory Commission (MTAC) to have it included as a recommendation in their annual report. Because the position works closely with the City Department of Public Works, they agreed to provide partial funding for the position. Today the FPC works to ensure that tree preservation practices are being observed by the City, private companies and MPRB during infrastructure improvement projects.
Ralph is unapologetic about the self-promotion of the Forestry Department. He regularly submits articles with photos for the monthly MPRB newsletter. This helps at budget time because elected officials have been informed of Forestry Department work. When American Forests included Minneapolis as one of the Top 10 Cities for Urban Forests, Ralph made sure this was announced to local media. In 2006, he brought the International Society of Arboriculture’s annual conference to Minneapolis and served as Co-Chair. During storm response or when ash trees are being removed in large numbers, Ralph enjoys taking on the role of media spokesperson for Forestry activities.
While serving as Director of Forestry, Ralph has made nominations to the Arbor Day Foundation which resulted in Minneapolis receiving 3 of their prestigious annual awards. He regularly applies for and receives local awards that are offered by the Minnesota urban forestry community. Having been recognized as a Tree City USA since 1979, he makes sure that Minneapolis re-certifies annually. Ralph has also applied for the Tree City USA Growth Award every year he has worked in Minneapolis. Ralph currently is working with the MTAC to achieve the goal of establishing a new position called Forestry Outreach Coordinator. This position would implement outreach and engagement activities throughout the city.
It should be noted that during his career Ralph has demonstrated a strong commitment to professional involvement. He served for 12 years representing Minnesota on the International Society of Arboriculture’s Board of Directors. While serving as president of the Municipal Arborists and Urban Foresters Society, Ralph orchestrated a merger with the Society of Municipal Arborists (SMA). In the 20+ years since, the SMA has more than doubled in membership and dramatically increased member services and contributions to the industry.
For Ralph Sievert, urban forestry is a profession that has a direct effect on the residents of a city. When asked what his department does, he describes it as “Improving people’s lives by planting and caring for trees”. Not many professions can see a direct connection like this.
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/Climber, Tree Worker/Aerial Lift, or BCMA management, science, practice credits.
California UFC members will receive credit for passing the test. Please add your CaUFC number after your ISA and/or SAF certification number.
ASCA members may submit your ISA certification record to the ASCA and receive credits one for one.
MTOA members must follow the ISA instructions indicated above.
To take the test by the pay per test option, click on the 'Pay Now' button below where you can send payment online securely with your credit card or Pay Pal account. After your payment is submitted, click on ‘Return to Merchant' / gibneyCE.com. That will take you to the test sign in page followed by the test. Members with certifications from both ISA and SAF, please be sure to add both of your certification numbers. These numbers are important for reporting purposes.
To take the test as an annual subscriber with reduced rates, click on Password and enter your test password which will take you to the test sign in page. If you would like to become a subscriber see our Annual Subscription page for details.
When you have finished answering all questions you will be prompted to click ‘next’ to send your answers to gibneyCE.com. You can then click ‘next’ to view your test summary. A test review of your answers is available upon request.
All passing test scores are sent from gibneyCE.com to your organization(s) at the end of every month and they will appear on your certification record 4 to 6 weeks* after that. ISA maintains a record of CEU credits on their website.
*SAF requires 5 passing test scores before reporting.
Test re-takes are allowed, however you will have to pay for the retake if you are using the pay per test option. You can spend as much time as you would like to take the test but it is important not to leave the test site until you have answered all the questions and see the 'sending your answers' response.
Trees with Tales
The Camperdown Elm
The Tree
Ulmus glabra 'Camperdownii', commonly called Camperdown Elm is a tree that slowly develops a broad, flat head that may eventually grow as tall as 13 feet (4 m), and an equally wide crown and a weeping habit. It grows best in USDA Zones 5 – 7.
Its chief diagnostic feature is its contorted branching. 'Camperdownii' is susceptible to Dutch elm disease. However, it often avoids detection by the elm bark beetles because of the tree's short height and the beetles fly over it. In North America it often escapes infection because these beetles do not feed on wych elm.
The Tales
Sometime between 1835 and 1840, the Earl of Camperdown’s head forester, David Taylor, discovered a young contorted elm tree with its branches growing across the forest floor at the Camperdown House, in Dundee, Scotland. The young tree was lifted and replanted within the gardens of Camperdown House where it remains to this day. The original tree was grafted onto a wych elm (Ulmus glabra) which is pronounced “witch” and is less than 9 feet (3 m) tall, with a weeping habit and contorted branch structure. The wych elm, also called Scot's elm, is the only species that a Camperdown cutting will accept as stock.
In fact, if the forester had not spotted this contorted tree growing on the forest floor, this tree may never have come into exisitence. The Camperdown Elm is a mutant cultivar which can only be reproduced by grafting. It can not exist without mankind performing a cutting and a grafting of the cutting to a wych elm. Every Camperdown Elm in the world, and there are thousands of them, is descended from this single tree.
Camperdown Elm originated as a single contorted tree but is never able to have seeds or reproduce like other trees. The romance of the Camperdown elms, despite not being able to reproduce by seed, adds to their charm. During the Victorian era throughout Great Britain, high society people were looking for unusual specimens to grow in their gardens and landscapes, and the Camperdown elm became “the tree” to have and most important Victorian gardens had at least one. From there, the popularity spread around the world including huge numbers of Camperdown elms in the U.S. The Camperdown elm in the U.S. may just as well wear a sign saying “historic Victorian era home” because it was so popular at fine old homes and gardens built in the late 1800's.
The Camperdown elms are being protected and preserved by tree lovers everywhere. For example, four historic elms on the grounds of the Oregon State Capitol have been saved and relocated from a construction project, and despite the high cost, no one had to raise a fuss.
They are often chosen to add a feminine touch in the landscaping around a stark, square building. The Camperdown elms are often singled out as being among the trees that immediately attract your attention. When their leaves drop, a tangled web of twisted branches is revealed which adds even more interest to this tree.
Locations of Outstanding Examples
Perhaps there is a Camperdown elm near you.
Appreciate the Camperdown Elm for its unique beauty, popularity, and chance acceptance at birth.
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/Climber, Tree Worker/Aerial Lift, or BCMA management, science, practice credits.
California UFC members will receive credit for passing the test. Please add your CaUFC number after your ISA and/or SAF certification number.
ASCA members may submit your ISA certification record to the ASCA and receive credits one for one.
MTOA members must follow the ISA instructions indicated above.
To take the test by the pay per test option, click on the 'Pay Now' button below where you can send payment online securely with your credit card or Pay Pal account. After your payment is submitted, click on ‘Return to Merchant' / gibneyCE.com. That will take you to the test sign in page followed by the test. Members with certifications from both ISA and SAF, please be sure to add both of your certification numbers. These numbers are important for reporting purposes.
To take the test as an annual subscriber with reduced rates, click on Password and enter your test password which will take you to the test sign in page. If you would like to become a subscriber see our Annual Subscription page for details.
When you have finished answering all questions you will be prompted to click ‘next’ to send your answers to gibneyCE.com. You can then click ‘next’ to view your test summary. A test review of your answers is available upon request.
All passing test scores are sent from gibneyCE.com to your organization(s) at the end of every month and they will appear on your certification record 4 to 6 weeks* after that. ISA maintains a record of CEU credits on their website.
*SAF requires 5 passing test scores before reporting.
Test re-takes are allowed, however you will have to pay for the retake if you are using the pay per test option. You can spend as much time as you would like to take the test but it is important not to leave the test site until you have answered all the questions and see the 'sending your answers' response.
The Camperdown Elm
The Tree
Ulmus glabra 'Camperdownii', commonly called Camperdown Elm is a tree that slowly develops a broad, flat head that may eventually grow as tall as 13 feet (4 m), and an equally wide crown and a weeping habit. It grows best in USDA Zones 5 – 7.
Its chief diagnostic feature is its contorted branching. 'Camperdownii' is susceptible to Dutch elm disease. However, it often avoids detection by the elm bark beetles because of the tree's short height and the beetles fly over it. In North America it often escapes infection because these beetles do not feed on wych elm.
The Tales
Sometime between 1835 and 1840, the Earl of Camperdown’s head forester, David Taylor, discovered a young contorted elm tree with its branches growing across the forest floor at the Camperdown House, in Dundee, Scotland. The young tree was lifted and replanted within the gardens of Camperdown House where it remains to this day. The original tree was grafted onto a wych elm (Ulmus glabra) which is pronounced “witch” and is less than 9 feet (3 m) tall, with a weeping habit and contorted branch structure. The wych elm, also called Scot's elm, is the only species that a Camperdown cutting will accept as stock.
In fact, if the forester had not spotted this contorted tree growing on the forest floor, this tree may never have come into exisitence. The Camperdown Elm is a mutant cultivar which can only be reproduced by grafting. It can not exist without mankind performing a cutting and a grafting of the cutting to a wych elm. Every Camperdown Elm in the world, and there are thousands of them, is descended from this single tree.
Camperdown Elm originated as a single contorted tree but is never able to have seeds or reproduce like other trees. The romance of the Camperdown elms, despite not being able to reproduce by seed, adds to their charm. During the Victorian era throughout Great Britain, high society people were looking for unusual specimens to grow in their gardens and landscapes, and the Camperdown elm became “the tree” to have and most important Victorian gardens had at least one. From there, the popularity spread around the world including huge numbers of Camperdown elms in the U.S. The Camperdown elm in the U.S. may just as well wear a sign saying “historic Victorian era home” because it was so popular at fine old homes and gardens built in the late 1800's.
The Camperdown elms are being protected and preserved by tree lovers everywhere. For example, four historic elms on the grounds of the Oregon State Capitol have been saved and relocated from a construction project, and despite the high cost, no one had to raise a fuss.
They are often chosen to add a feminine touch in the landscaping around a stark, square building. The Camperdown elms are often singled out as being among the trees that immediately attract your attention. When their leaves drop, a tangled web of twisted branches is revealed which adds even more interest to this tree.
Locations of Outstanding Examples
Perhaps there is a Camperdown elm near you.
- Constitution Terrace in the Crescents Conservation Area Dundee, Scotland . The trees are likely to have been installed around 1850.
- Prospect Park Boat House, in Brooklyn, New York
- Halifax Public Gardens Boer War Memorial fountain, in Halifax, Nova Scotia
- Parker Street, in Gardner, Massachusetts
- DK Warren House, in Warrenton, Oregon
- Walker-Ames House, in Port Gamble, Washington
- Alfred University, in Alfred, NY
- High Street and Shackford Street, in Eastport, Maine
- Chinese Tea House in the Marble House Estate, Newport, Rhode Island
- The Brewster Inn Cazenovia, in New York
- Red Head Road, in Saint John, New Brunswick
- Seacliff Drive, in Leamington, Ontario
- 315 Eureka Street, in Ballarat, Victoria, Australia
- Arnold Arboretum, in Boston, MA
- Bartlett Tree Experts, in Stamford, Connecticut
- Brooklyn Botanic Garden, in New York
- Chicago Botanic Garden, in Glencoe, Illinois.
- Dominion Arboretum, in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Detroit Institute of Art, in Detroit, Michigan.
- Eisenhower Park, in Newport, RI
- Filoli Estate & Gardens, in Woodside, California
- Gilman Park Arboretum, in Pierce, Nebraska
- Hoyt Arboretum, in Portland OR
- Longwood Gardens, in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania
- New York Botanical Garden, in New York City, NY
- Scott Arboretum, Swarthmore College, in Swarthmore, PA
- Smith College, in Amherst, MA
- University of Idaho, in Moscow, Idaho
- Washington Park Arboretum, in Seattle, WA
Appreciate the Camperdown Elm for its unique beauty, popularity, and chance acceptance at birth.
Sources
- Conversations with members of LinkedIn's Urban Forestry discussion group.
- Dirr, Michael A. and Keith S. Warren, “The Tree Book", Timber Press, 2019.
- Spengler, Ted, “What Is A Camperdown Elm Tree“, November 2, 2016.
- Wikipedia, Ulmus 'Camperdownii', 17 May 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/Climber, Tree Worker/Aerial Lift, or BCMA management, science, practice credits.
California UFC members will receive credit for passing the test. Please add your CaUFC number after your ISA and/or SAF certification number.
ASCA members may submit your ISA certification record to the ASCA and receive credits one for one.
MTOA members must follow the ISA instructions indicated above.
To take the test by the pay per test option, click on the 'Pay Now' button below where you can send payment online securely with your credit card or Pay Pal account. After your payment is submitted, click on ‘Return to Merchant' / gibneyCE.com. That will take you to the test sign in page followed by the test. Members with certifications from both ISA and SAF, please be sure to add both of your certification numbers. These numbers are important for reporting purposes.
To take the test as an annual subscriber with reduced rates, click on Password and enter your test password which will take you to the test sign in page. If you would like to become a subscriber see our Annual Subscription page for details.
When you have finished answering all questions you will be prompted to click ‘next’ to send your answers to gibneyCE.com. You can then click ‘next’ to view your test summary. A test review of your answers is available upon request.
All passing test scores are sent from gibneyCE.com to your organization(s) at the end of every month and they will appear on your certification record 4 to 6 weeks* after that. ISA maintains a record of CEU credits on their website.
*SAF requires 5 passing test scores before reporting.
Test re-takes are allowed, however you will have to pay for the retake if you are using the pay per test option. You can spend as much time as you would like to take the test but it is important not to leave the test site until you have answered all the questions and see the 'sending your answers' response.
The Shelterbelt Program
1935–1942
Edited by Len Philips
The Great Plains Shelterbelt was a project intended to create windbreaks in the midwestern region of the United States. The Great Plains Shelterbelt* was allowed under the 1924 Clarke–McNary Act and was carried out by the Works Progress Administration (WPA). The intent was to provide valuable work for the many unemployed people during the Great Depression. President Franklin D. Roosevelt initiated the project in response to the severe dust storms in the Midwestern Dust Bowl, which resulted in high winds causing significant soil erosion and drought. The United States Forest Service (USFS) believed that planting trees on the perimeters of farm fields to create hedgerows around the fields would reduce wind velocity and lessen evaporation of moisture from the soil. This was an ambitious plan to modify weather and prevent soil erosion in all of the Great Plains states. The project was estimated to cost $75 million (in 1924 dollars) over 12 years. However, a dispute arose over funding sources because the project was considered to be a long-term strategy and therefore ineligible for emergency relief funds. To solve this issue, FDR transferred the program to the WPA and the project proceeded.
The project called for large-scale planting of trees across the Great Plains, stretching in a 100-mile wide zone from Canada to the northern Texas panhandle, to protect the land from wind erosion. Project headquarters were in Lincoln, Nebraska and Raphael Zon served as the technical director. The USFS and Civilian Conservation Corps assisted the WPA with labor to plant the trees.
The first tree was an Austrian pine (Pinus nigra) planted on the H.E. Curtis farm near Willow, Oklahoma, on March 18, 1934. The "Number One Shelterbelt" was located in Greer County, in southwestern Oklahoma. Oklahoma's first State Forester, George R. Phillips had the distinction of planting the very first tree in the federal program's very first shelterbelt, completed in 1935.
Popular native trees, such as red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) and green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica), were planted along the fence rows separating properties and fields within properties, and farmers were paid to plant and cultivate them. Another very popular tree used in this project was the hedge apple or osage orange (Maclura pomifera). This very tough tree became popular as one of the primary trees grown in the Great Plains Shelterbelt project. It was also especially useful when the settlers were looking for fenceposts to prevent their animals from wandering off the farm. The wood of osage orange is very hard and rot resistant.
By 1942, 220 million trees had been planted into 30,233 shelterbelts, stretching out 18,600 miles (29,900 km) in a 100-mile-wide zone from Canada to the Texas panhandle at the Brazos River in north Texas. The federal response to the Dust Bowl, including the Prairie States Forestry Project, which planted the Great Plains Shelterbelt and led to the creation of the Soil Erosion Service which represents the largest and most-focused effort of the U.S. government to address an environmental problem. The plan worked and local farmers began to work the land. As the trees grew the dust storms declined and groundwater did not evaporate out of the land, but instead was used by the crops.
However, by 2004, in Nebraska and most of the other states in the Great Plains, the growth and vigor of many of the trees had declined due to close spacing, old age, and invasion of undesirable, short-lived trees. The Nebraska Forest Service and the Upper Elkhorn Natural Resource District, in cooperation with the Schleusener family, established two demonstration areas within a windbreak to show methods of improving the condition of the remaining trees and to encourage new growth and establishment of more desirable trees. The area closest to the roadway remain unaltered as a living reminder of the Prairie States Forestry Project and the efforts of Nebraskans to protect the valuable farmland.
Despite hopes for the future in Nebraska, by 2010, it was determined that many shelterbelts throughout the central Great Plains were old and are no longer providing the benefits that they were intended to do. These shelterbelts had been very successful in curbing soil erosion and modifying the weather. Unfortunately, because of the declining shelterbelts, the farmers today are now removing these old, useless trees to provide extra space for growing a couple more rows of cash crops. Due to the high cost of the land, the equipment and materials, today's farmers are strapped for cash and need all the land to be as productive as possible.
In response, federal grants were made available for shelterbelt maintenance and restoration in Kansas, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Nebraska as part of the Central Great Plains Shelterbelt Renovation and the Central Great Plains Forested Riparian Buffer CCPI (Cooperative Conservation Partnership Initiative) proposals. But it is not likely that these grants will serve the farmer or serve the land.
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/Climber, Tree Worker/Aerial Lift, or BCMA management, science, 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.
1935–1942
Edited by Len Philips
The Great Plains Shelterbelt was a project intended to create windbreaks in the midwestern region of the United States. The Great Plains Shelterbelt* was allowed under the 1924 Clarke–McNary Act and was carried out by the Works Progress Administration (WPA). The intent was to provide valuable work for the many unemployed people during the Great Depression. President Franklin D. Roosevelt initiated the project in response to the severe dust storms in the Midwestern Dust Bowl, which resulted in high winds causing significant soil erosion and drought. The United States Forest Service (USFS) believed that planting trees on the perimeters of farm fields to create hedgerows around the fields would reduce wind velocity and lessen evaporation of moisture from the soil. This was an ambitious plan to modify weather and prevent soil erosion in all of the Great Plains states. The project was estimated to cost $75 million (in 1924 dollars) over 12 years. However, a dispute arose over funding sources because the project was considered to be a long-term strategy and therefore ineligible for emergency relief funds. To solve this issue, FDR transferred the program to the WPA and the project proceeded.
The project called for large-scale planting of trees across the Great Plains, stretching in a 100-mile wide zone from Canada to the northern Texas panhandle, to protect the land from wind erosion. Project headquarters were in Lincoln, Nebraska and Raphael Zon served as the technical director. The USFS and Civilian Conservation Corps assisted the WPA with labor to plant the trees.
The first tree was an Austrian pine (Pinus nigra) planted on the H.E. Curtis farm near Willow, Oklahoma, on March 18, 1934. The "Number One Shelterbelt" was located in Greer County, in southwestern Oklahoma. Oklahoma's first State Forester, George R. Phillips had the distinction of planting the very first tree in the federal program's very first shelterbelt, completed in 1935.
Popular native trees, such as red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) and green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica), were planted along the fence rows separating properties and fields within properties, and farmers were paid to plant and cultivate them. Another very popular tree used in this project was the hedge apple or osage orange (Maclura pomifera). This very tough tree became popular as one of the primary trees grown in the Great Plains Shelterbelt project. It was also especially useful when the settlers were looking for fenceposts to prevent their animals from wandering off the farm. The wood of osage orange is very hard and rot resistant.
By 1942, 220 million trees had been planted into 30,233 shelterbelts, stretching out 18,600 miles (29,900 km) in a 100-mile-wide zone from Canada to the Texas panhandle at the Brazos River in north Texas. The federal response to the Dust Bowl, including the Prairie States Forestry Project, which planted the Great Plains Shelterbelt and led to the creation of the Soil Erosion Service which represents the largest and most-focused effort of the U.S. government to address an environmental problem. The plan worked and local farmers began to work the land. As the trees grew the dust storms declined and groundwater did not evaporate out of the land, but instead was used by the crops.
However, by 2004, in Nebraska and most of the other states in the Great Plains, the growth and vigor of many of the trees had declined due to close spacing, old age, and invasion of undesirable, short-lived trees. The Nebraska Forest Service and the Upper Elkhorn Natural Resource District, in cooperation with the Schleusener family, established two demonstration areas within a windbreak to show methods of improving the condition of the remaining trees and to encourage new growth and establishment of more desirable trees. The area closest to the roadway remain unaltered as a living reminder of the Prairie States Forestry Project and the efforts of Nebraskans to protect the valuable farmland.
Despite hopes for the future in Nebraska, by 2010, it was determined that many shelterbelts throughout the central Great Plains were old and are no longer providing the benefits that they were intended to do. These shelterbelts had been very successful in curbing soil erosion and modifying the weather. Unfortunately, because of the declining shelterbelts, the farmers today are now removing these old, useless trees to provide extra space for growing a couple more rows of cash crops. Due to the high cost of the land, the equipment and materials, today's farmers are strapped for cash and need all the land to be as productive as possible.
In response, federal grants were made available for shelterbelt maintenance and restoration in Kansas, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Nebraska as part of the Central Great Plains Shelterbelt Renovation and the Central Great Plains Forested Riparian Buffer CCPI (Cooperative Conservation Partnership Initiative) proposals. But it is not likely that these grants will serve the farmer or serve the land.
Sources
- Wikipedia, “Great Plains Shelterbelt”, 13 January 2021
- Wikipedia, “Maclura pomifera”, 19 March 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/Climber, Tree Worker/Aerial Lift, or BCMA management, science, practice credits.
California UFC members will receive credit for passing the test. Please add your CaUFC number after your ISA and/or SAF certification number.
ASCA members may submit your ISA certification record to the ASCA and receive credits one for one.
MTOA members must follow the ISA instructions indicated above.
To take the test by the pay per test option, click on the 'Pay Now' button below where you can send payment online securely with your credit card or Pay Pal account. After your payment is submitted, click on ‘Return to Merchant' / gibneyCE.com. That will take you to the test sign in page followed by the test. Members with certifications from both ISA and SAF, please be sure to add both of your certification numbers. These numbers are important for reporting purposes.
To take the test as an annual subscriber with reduced rates, click on Password and enter your test password which will take you to the test sign in page. If you would like to become a subscriber see our Annual Subscription page for details.
When you have finished answering all questions you will be prompted to click ‘next’ to send your answers to gibneyCE.com. You can then click ‘next’ to view your test summary. A test review of your answers is available upon request.
All passing test scores are sent from gibneyCE.com to your organization(s) at the end of every month and they will appear on your certification record 4 to 6 weeks* after that. ISA maintains a record of CEU credits on their website.
*SAF requires 5 passing test scores before reporting.
Test re-takes are allowed, however you will have to pay for the retake if you are using the pay per test option. You can spend as much time as you would like to take the test but it is important not to leave the test site until you have answered all the questions and see the 'sending your answers' response.
The Ribbon of Green
With 65 Names
By Len Phillips
Is it time to rethink the purpose of that piece of grass or ribbon of green between your city sidewalk and the street?
First of all, no one knows what to call it because in a survey of people belonging to LinkedIn's Urban Forestry group, I was given over 65 names for it. Most people call it a verge but others call it an alley, berm, beside walk, boulevard, boulevard strip, city grass, city right-of-way, city strip, curb lawn, curb strip, devil strip, easement, extension, Face of Curb (FOC), flower border, garden strip, government grass, grass bay, grass plot, grass verge, green belt, green space, green strip. green surface, hell strip, island strip, kill strip, landscape strip, lawn extension, median, nature strip, neutral ground, out lawn, park strip, parking, parking strip, park row, parkway, parkway strip, pedestrian buffer, planting strip, right-of-way, road allowance, road reserve, road verge, service strips, shoulder, sidewalk buffer, sidewalk landscape, sidewalk lawn, sidewalk plot, sidewalk strip, snow shelf, street easement, street edge strip, street lawn, streetscape, swale, terrace, tree belt, tree border, tree lawn, utility strip, or verge.
According to Merriam Webster dictionary, of all the names listed above only tree lawn or tree belt are defined as: “the strip of ground lying between the sidewalk line and the curb line, usually turfed, and commonly planted with shade trees.”
My personal favorite is that “ribbon of green between the street and the sidewalk”. But for this article I will call it the tree lawn.
The tree lawn was originally developed when automobiles were invented and drivers had a hard time staying on the road. So, cities began growing a row of trees in the tree lawn to protect people walking on the sidewalk from the cars that strayed off the curb-less street. The trees were supposed to be hit by the car before the car hit the pedestrian.
Today, curbs have been installed at the edge of the pavement and the tree lawn is still used for utility poles, trees, shrubs, and flower beds, but mostly for grass, weeds, and sidewalks. Many people decorate the tree lawn by using colored stone and groundcovers, shrubs, evergreens, and perennials to create highly decorative gardens in this space. These are often the subject of competitions between neighborhoods.
Locations near restaurants will use the tree lawn as part of a parklet which also uses the abutting parking space in the street to develop a small temporary park where food or entertainment can be enjoyed. If it becomes successful, it will serve as a long-term taxable asset for the city.
Another primary use of the tree lawn is to filter the rainwater runoff and reduce pollution to the ground water that might reduce any stormwater treatment costs. The land is usually public property, with maintenance being a municipal responsibility. Some municipal authorities however, require that the abutting property owners in residential areas maintain their respective tree lawn areas. The adjacent footpaths, sidewalks and tree lawn in commercial districts are more likely maintained by the cities or contractors working for the commercial property owners. In areas where water quality is a concern, the tree lawn is usually converted to a bioswale where various plants are growing, and they filter out potential pollutants to clean the water before it enters the soil or storm drain.
Another trend today in many cities is to pave the area to increase the width of the sidewalk or widen the street. This means that any trees in the tree lawn are completely surrounded by pavement resulting in a shorter life span. A better option is to have the tree relocated to behind the sidewalk and this is good. When trees are planted on city property behind the sidewalk they have plenty of beautiful soil to spread its roots and grow to maturity to provide maximum benefits to the street, the city, and the local environment. In regions of snow, the setback for the tree also provides less salt damage to the tree and the soil, unless the snow is pushed back from the street and the sidewalk which would not only cause salt damage, but might also cause tree damage from equipment pushing snow into the tree.
I give up! Send me your thoughts on what you do with this area. lenphillips@yahoo.com
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/Climber, Tree Worker/Aerial Lift, or BCMA management, science, 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.
With 65 Names
By Len Phillips
Is it time to rethink the purpose of that piece of grass or ribbon of green between your city sidewalk and the street?
First of all, no one knows what to call it because in a survey of people belonging to LinkedIn's Urban Forestry group, I was given over 65 names for it. Most people call it a verge but others call it an alley, berm, beside walk, boulevard, boulevard strip, city grass, city right-of-way, city strip, curb lawn, curb strip, devil strip, easement, extension, Face of Curb (FOC), flower border, garden strip, government grass, grass bay, grass plot, grass verge, green belt, green space, green strip. green surface, hell strip, island strip, kill strip, landscape strip, lawn extension, median, nature strip, neutral ground, out lawn, park strip, parking, parking strip, park row, parkway, parkway strip, pedestrian buffer, planting strip, right-of-way, road allowance, road reserve, road verge, service strips, shoulder, sidewalk buffer, sidewalk landscape, sidewalk lawn, sidewalk plot, sidewalk strip, snow shelf, street easement, street edge strip, street lawn, streetscape, swale, terrace, tree belt, tree border, tree lawn, utility strip, or verge.
According to Merriam Webster dictionary, of all the names listed above only tree lawn or tree belt are defined as: “the strip of ground lying between the sidewalk line and the curb line, usually turfed, and commonly planted with shade trees.”
My personal favorite is that “ribbon of green between the street and the sidewalk”. But for this article I will call it the tree lawn.
The tree lawn was originally developed when automobiles were invented and drivers had a hard time staying on the road. So, cities began growing a row of trees in the tree lawn to protect people walking on the sidewalk from the cars that strayed off the curb-less street. The trees were supposed to be hit by the car before the car hit the pedestrian.
Today, curbs have been installed at the edge of the pavement and the tree lawn is still used for utility poles, trees, shrubs, and flower beds, but mostly for grass, weeds, and sidewalks. Many people decorate the tree lawn by using colored stone and groundcovers, shrubs, evergreens, and perennials to create highly decorative gardens in this space. These are often the subject of competitions between neighborhoods.
Locations near restaurants will use the tree lawn as part of a parklet which also uses the abutting parking space in the street to develop a small temporary park where food or entertainment can be enjoyed. If it becomes successful, it will serve as a long-term taxable asset for the city.
Another primary use of the tree lawn is to filter the rainwater runoff and reduce pollution to the ground water that might reduce any stormwater treatment costs. The land is usually public property, with maintenance being a municipal responsibility. Some municipal authorities however, require that the abutting property owners in residential areas maintain their respective tree lawn areas. The adjacent footpaths, sidewalks and tree lawn in commercial districts are more likely maintained by the cities or contractors working for the commercial property owners. In areas where water quality is a concern, the tree lawn is usually converted to a bioswale where various plants are growing, and they filter out potential pollutants to clean the water before it enters the soil or storm drain.
Another trend today in many cities is to pave the area to increase the width of the sidewalk or widen the street. This means that any trees in the tree lawn are completely surrounded by pavement resulting in a shorter life span. A better option is to have the tree relocated to behind the sidewalk and this is good. When trees are planted on city property behind the sidewalk they have plenty of beautiful soil to spread its roots and grow to maturity to provide maximum benefits to the street, the city, and the local environment. In regions of snow, the setback for the tree also provides less salt damage to the tree and the soil, unless the snow is pushed back from the street and the sidewalk which would not only cause salt damage, but might also cause tree damage from equipment pushing snow into the tree.
I give up! Send me your thoughts on what you do with this area. lenphillips@yahoo.com
Sources
- LinkedIn, Urban Forestry discussion group surveys in 2014 and 2021.
- Merriam Webster dictionary. 2021.
- Wikipedia, “road verge”, January 8, 2021.
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