Stump grinding is a crucial process in the management and cleanup of sites, particularly after tree removal. It involves the use of specialized equipment known as stump grinders to remove tree stumps, which can hinder new construction, landscaping projects, or simply be aesthetically displeasing and hazardous in a yard. Understanding the different types of stump grinders can help in selecting the right equipment for specific needs.
Hand-guided, or portable stump grinders are small and maneuverable, making them ideal for residential use or in tight spaces where larger machines cannot access. These grinders are typically operated by a single person and are best suited for smaller stumps. They work by the operator manually moving the machine back and forth over the stump as it chips away at the wood with a rotating cutting disk. Despite their size, hand-guided stump grinders can be quite powerful; however, they do require physical effort and can be time-consuming when dealing with larger or tougher stumps.
Self-propelled stump grinders are medium-sized machines that provide a good balance between power and maneuverability. Unlike hand-guided models, these are equipped with wheels or tracks and an engine to propel themselves around a site without needing to be pushed. This makes them less labor-intensive to operate. They are capable of handling larger stumps more efficiently than hand-guided models due to their more powerful engines and larger cutting capacities. Operators typically control these machines from behind using handles that manipulate its movement and grinding functions.
For large-scale operations such as clearing large plots of land or for commercial purposes, truck-mounted stump grinders are often used. These heavy-duty machines are mounted on the bed of a truck or trailer and brought to a site; they boast significantly higher power and efficiency thanks to their robust construction and larger size. Truck-mounted models can handle very large stumps quickly and effectively with minimal operator fatigue compared to smaller units. However, their size may limit access to confined areas, making them less suitable for some suburban applications where space is restricted.
Each type of stump grinder has its own set of advantages that make it suitable for different scenarios: hand-guided models offer portability and ease of use in small spaces; self-propelled grinders provide a balance between power and mobility without excessive physical strain; while truck-mounted models deliver maximum power for intensive stump removal tasks over large areas.
In conclusion, selecting the right type of stump grinder depends on several factors including the size and number of stumps to be removed, accessibility of the site, budget constraints, and how quickly the job needs to be completed. By understanding these differences among hand-guided, self-propelled, and truck-mounted stump grinders, users can make informed decisions that enhance efficiency while ensuring effective site cleanup after tree removals.
Stump grinding is a practical method for removing leftover tree stumps from your yard, which not only improves the aesthetics but also eliminates safety hazards and pest attractions. However, before proceeding with the stump grinding process, it's essential to properly prepare the site to ensure the operation is safe and effective. Here's a detailed look into the steps required for preparing the site for stump grinding.
1. Surveying the Area: The first step involves a thorough survey of the area where the stump is located. This is crucial to plan the best approach for stump removal and to identify any potential obstacles or hazards. Check for proximity to buildings, underground utilities (like gas lines, water pipes, and cables), and overhanging branches that might obstruct the operation.
2. Clearing Debris: Once the initial survey is completed, begin clearing away any debris around the stump. This includes rocks, stones, metal objects, branches, leaves, and trash that might be lying around. These materials can be hazardous when flying debris is expelled by the grinding machinery; thus, their removal is vital for safety.
3. Trimming Grass and Vegetation: Cut down any long grass or vegetation surrounding the stump to provide clear access to the grinder. This step helps in minimizing fire risks caused by friction-generated heat from the grinder and provides a better view of smaller debris or irregularities in ground level that need attention.
4. Marking Utilities: If there are underground utilities close to where you're working - as identified during your initial survey - ensure they are clearly marked out. This could involve flags or spray paint markers that help avoid these areas during grinding operations.
5. Ensuring Accessibility: Make sure that there's adequate accessibility for bringing in and maneuvering heavy equipment if necessary. Stump grinders come in various sizes – from handheld models that can be carried by a single person to larger ones requiring vehicle-towing capacity. Ensuring easy access will save time and reduce effort during setup.
6. Protecting Windows and Structures: Especially when dealing with large stumps near buildings or glass structures (like greenhouses), protect windows using plywood sheets or similar barriers against potential damage from flying debris during grinding.
7. Setting Up Cones or Safety Barriers: For stumps located near public spaces or walkways, set up cones or safety barriers around your work area to keep bystanders at a safe distance until all work has concluded.
By meticulously following these preparatory steps prior to initiating stump grinding activities, you not only safeguard personal property and public infrastructure but also contribute towards an efficient cleanup post-operation – leaving behind nothing but space ready for new growth or development plans on your property.
Stump grinding is a crucial process in arboriculture and landscaping, aimed at removing tree stumps that remain in the ground after a tree has been cut down. This procedure not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of a landscape but also prevents safety hazards and pest infestations that can arise from decaying stumps. Understanding the technique and adhering to safety measures is essential for effective and safe stump removal.
The stump grinding process begins with the preparation of the area around the stump. This includes clearing away any rocks, debris, or large dirt clumps that could obstruct the grinding equipment or pose a risk during operation. Once the area is prepared, the stump grinder-a powerful machine equipped with a high-speed rotating cutting disk that chips away at the wood-is brought in.
Operating a stump grinder requires skill and precision. The machine is positioned over the stump, using hydraulic controls to slowly lower the cutting wheel onto the surface of the wood. The operator moves the cutter from side to side, grinding down through the wood with each pass. Depending on the size of the stump, this process may need to be repeated several times, gradually reducing the stump into small wood chips.
As part of this technique, it's crucial to grind not just below surface level (usually 6-10 inches), but also beyond just where you see visible parts of stump's edges; extending out further helps ensure complete removal and prevents regrowth. These wood chips can either be removed from site or used as mulch for gardens.
Safety is paramount during stump grinding due to potential flying debris and machinery operation risks. Operators must wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including sturdy work boots, long pants, gloves, goggles or safety glasses, ear protection, and hard hats if necessary. It's also important to keep bystanders at a safe distance until work is completed as debris can fly far from actual grinding location.
Finally comes cleanup after completion of grinding; it involves removing all remaining debris and ensuring area looks neat-this might include filling hole left by removed stump with soil or other fill materials which are then leveled off so it blends naturally with surrounding landscape.
In conclusion, while stump grinding might seem straightforward initially glance-it's complex operation requiring thorough preparation meticulous execution both technical skills adherence strict safety standards achieve desired outcomes effectively safely possible way.
Stump grinding is a critical process in managing the aftermath of tree removal, ensuring that the site is left clean and safe for future use. The discussion on the depth and extent of grinding is pivotal because it not only affects the immediate appearance and usability of the land but also impacts long-term site health and maintenance.
The primary goal of stump grinding is to remove enough of the stump to prevent regrowth and facilitate landscaping or construction plans. Typically, stumps should be ground down to a depth of about 8 to 12 inches below the soil surface. This depth is sufficient to remove most of the biological material capable of regrowth. Going deeper than this range is often unnecessary unless specific construction activities require it, such as laying foundations, in which case even deeper removal might be necessary.
However, just addressing the depth isn't enough—the extent or width to which a stump should be ground outwards from its original perimeter is equally crucial. It's important to ensure that all major root systems are sufficiently disrupted to prevent the stump from sprouting anew. This often means extending the grinding area several feet beyond the stump’s widest point, depending on tree species and root system.
Moreover, while focusing on grinding depth and extent, environmental considerations must also be taken into account. Over-grinding can disturb more soil than necessary, potentially leading to erosion or negative impacts on surrounding plant life. Hence, balance must be maintained between effective stump removal and minimization of environmental disruption.
After proper grinding based on these parameters—depth and extent—site cleanup becomes much more straightforward but no less important. All wood chips produced during grinding should be removed or repurposed as mulch for gardens if suitable. Leaving these remnants can attract pests or become an unsightly mess after decay sets in.
In conclusion, when discussing how deep and wide stumps should be ground for complete removal, it's essential not just to think about eliminating visual nuisance but also preventing regrowth, maintaining ecological balance, and preparing sites adequately for future use. Proper attention to both depth and breadth during stump grinding will significantly enhance site cleanup effectiveness and ensure that areas are left in a state conducive for new growth or development projects.
Handling the wood chips and residue from stump grinding presents various options, each with its own set of benefits and considerations. Stump grinding, a common method for removing tree stumps, leaves behind wood chips that can be quite voluminous. Managing these chips effectively is not only important for aesthetic reasons but also for environmental and practical purposes.
One option for managing wood chips is simple removal. This involves collecting all the wood debris created by the stump grinding process and hauling it away to another location. This is particularly useful in urban or landscaped areas where leftover chips can be unsightly or may interfere with other land uses. Removal can be labor-intensive and may require additional costs for transport and disposal. However, it provides a clean, immediate solution to the residue problem.
Another approach involves repurposing the wood chips on-site. Wood chips can serve numerous beneficial uses in both residential and commercial landscapes. They make excellent mulch for garden beds, providing organic matter that enriches the soil as they decompose while also retaining moisture and suppressing weeds. Wood chips can also be used in creating pathways, serving as a natural weed barrier and adding a rustic aesthetic to garden walks. Additionally, they can serve as a base material for composting operations, contributing carbon-rich material necessary for effective compost.
Redistribution of wood chips on-site is another practical option, especially over larger areas where removal might not be efficient or economical. Spreading them around trees and shrubs can improve soil conditions and plant health by maintaining moisture levels and reducing temperature fluctuations in the soil. This method enhances the site's appearance while benefiting the landscape ecologically without the extra cost of transportation or purchasing new mulching materials.
Each method of handling wood chips has its advantages depending on the specific requirements of the site and goals of the property owner or manager. Removal might be preferred for neatness or because of an abundance of material that cannot be effectively used on-site. Repurposing offers economic benefits by reducing waste and improving landscape quality without additional costs. Redistribution utilizes nature's resources efficiently, turning potential waste into an asset that supports sustainable gardening practices.
In conclusion, effective management of wood residues from stump grinding involves assessing both the needs of the area affected by tree removals as well as broader environmental considerations. Whether opting to remove, repurpose or redistribute these materials, each strategy offers unique advantages that contribute to both aesthetics and functionality in managing landscapes post-stump grinding.
Stump grinding is an effective and efficient method for removing the remnants of a tree stump after a tree has been cut down. This process leaves behind a mixture of stump grindings or wood chips mixed with soil, which can be unsightly and may hinder replanting in the same area. Therefore, proper cleanup and restoration of the site post-grinding are crucial to restore the area’s appearance and utility. Here we discuss the best practices for cleaning up a site after stump grinding.
Firstly, it's important to start by assessing the amount of debris left from the grinding process. Typically, stump grinding results in a pile of wood chips mixed with dirt; however, the quantity can vary significantly based on the size of the stump and the depth of grinding. These wood chips can be used as mulch around other parts of your garden or yard, providing benefits such as moisture retention in soil and weed suppression. If not needed, this material should be collected and disposed of properly.
One common approach is to use tools like rakes and shovels to gather up all excess chips and soil from around the site. Ensuring thorough collection not only tidies up the area but also prevents any leftover wood material from attracting pests like termites or fungi.
Once you have collected all loose materials, it’s advisable to fill in any hole left by the stump removal. This hole can pose safety hazards and collecting water can lead to further issues like breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Fill this space with fresh topsoil, ideally matching or improving upon the existing soil quality surrounding it. Compact this added soil slightly to prevent excessive settling over time but avoid over-compaction which could impede drainage or root growth for future plantings.
After filling, leveling off the ground is key to restoring its functionality and aesthetics. Ensure that this new surface aligns well with surrounding ground levels to avoid water pooling or uneven spots in your lawn or garden.
If replanting is desired in that spot, consider waiting a few months before planting new trees or shrubs; this allows any remaining chemical imbalances from decomposing wood chips buried underneath to stabilize. In some cases where immediate planting is preferred or necessary, it may be beneficial to remove more of these grindings before filling with soil.
Lastly, grass seed or sod can be applied over filled areas if blending into an existing lawn is required. Careful watering and maintenance following seed application will help ensure successful growth and integration into your landscape.
In summary, thorough cleanup following stump grinding involves removal of debris, filling holes safely with topsoil, ensuring level ground surfaces for safety and aesthetics, optionally reusing wood chips as mulch elsewhere in your garden (or disposing them if unneeded), considering chemical balance if replanting immediately in that area, and finally restoring vegetation either through seeding or sodding as required by your landscape design goals. This methodical approach not only enhances visual appeal but also promotes environmental health by fostering proper conditions for new growth thus restoring full utility back to your space.
Stump grinding is an effective and efficient method of removing tree stumps, which involves the use of specialized machinery to shred the stump into wood chips. While this process helps clear land for new planting or construction, it also raises several environmental considerations that need careful management to minimize negative impacts.
One of the primary environmental concerns with stump grinding is the disruption to the soil structure and local ecosystem. The grinding process can significantly alter the composition and compactness of the soil, potentially affecting water infiltration, aeration, and nutrient availability. Moreover, if not managed properly, the spread of wood chips and debris can affect surrounding vegetation by altering soil pH levels and smothering plant life under a thick layer of mulch.
The removal of stumps also impacts local wildlife habitats. Stumps often serve as homes or food sources for various insects, birds, and small mammals. Removing these can disrupt local biodiversity and food chains. Furthermore, the heavy equipment used in stump grinding can cause noise pollution that disturbs wildlife in sensitive areas.
To mitigate these environmental effects during stump grinding operations, several strategies can be implemented:
Assessing Impact: Before commencement, conduct an environmental impact assessment to understand better how stump removal will affect the site and its surroundings. This includes studying soil conditions, nearby vegetation, and wildlife presence.
Using Modern Equipment: Utilize modern stump grinders that are more efficient and less disruptive to the soil structure. Such machines can minimize the size of wood chips produced thereby reducing their potential to alter soil chemistry dramatically.
Controlled Use of Wood Chips: Instead of randomly dispersing wood chips over a large area or allowing them to pile up unsystematically, carefully collect them for reuse as mulch in controlled quantities around other parts of a garden or park where they might be beneficial without overwhelming existing plants.
Soil Restoration: Post-grinding, take steps to restore soil quality through tilling and adding necessary amendments like compost or fertilizer to improve its structure and replenish nutrients lost during stump removal.
Noise Management: Schedule grinding operations during times that will least impact local wildlife typically active during dawn or dusk hours; additionally consider using noise barriers where practical.
Replanting: After stump removal and cleanup are complete consider replanting native species in place of removed trees to help maintain local flora diversity and support fauna populations dependent on those plants for survival.
In conclusion while stump grinding is a valuable tool in land management its execution requires careful consideration regarding its potential environmental impacts By employing strategic methods such as those mentioned above stakeholders can ensure that their actions foster ecological balance while achieving their landscaping objectives effectively thereby contributing positively towards sustainable environment practices.
The International Society of Arboriculture, commonly known as ISA, is an international non-profit organization headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia,[1] United States. The ISA serves the tree care industry as a paid membership association and a credentialing organization that promotes the professional practice of arboriculture.[2] ISA focuses on providing research, technology, and education opportunities for tree care professionals to develop their arboricultural expertise. ISA also works to educate the general public about the benefits of trees and the need for proper tree care.[3][4]
Worldwide, ISA has 22,000 members and 31,000 ISA-certified tree care professionals with 59 chapters, associate organizations, and professional affiliates throughout North America, Asia, Oceania, Europe, and South America.[5]
ISA offers the following credentials:
The Certified Arborist credential identifies professional arborists who have a minimum of three years' full-time experience working in the professional tree care industry and who have passed an examination covering facets of arboriculture.[6][7] The Western Chapter of the ISA started the certification program in the 1980s,[citation needed] with the ISA initiating it in 1992.[8]
The Board Certified Master Arborist (BCMA) or simply Master Arborist credential identifies professional arborists who have attained the highest level of arboriculture offered by the ISA and one of the two top levels in the field. There are several paths to the Board Certified Master Arborist, but typically on average each has been an ISA Certified Arborist a minimum of three to five years before qualifying for the exam (this can vary depending upon other education and experience). The certification began as a result of the need to distinguish the top few arborists and allow others to identify those with superior credentials.
The Master Arborist examination is a far more extensive exam than the Certified Arborist Exam, and covers a broad scope of both aboriculture management, science and work practices. The exam includes the following areas:
Another credential that is on a par with the Master Arborist is that of the American Society of Consulting Arborists, the Registered Consulting Arborist.[9] There are perhaps six hundred individuals with that qualification, and only 70 arborists who hold both credentials.[citation needed]
Forestry is the science and craft of creating, managing, planting, using, conserving and repairing forests and woodlands for associated resources for human and environmental benefits.[1] Forestry is practiced in plantations and natural stands.[2] The science of forestry has elements that belong to the biological, physical, social, political and managerial sciences.[3] Forest management plays an essential role in the creation and modification of habitats and affects ecosystem services provisioning.[4]
Modern forestry generally embraces a broad range of concerns, in what is known as multiple-use management, including: the provision of timber, fuel wood, wildlife habitat, natural water quality management, recreation, landscape and community protection, employment, aesthetically appealing landscapes, biodiversity management, watershed management, erosion control, and preserving forests as "sinks" for atmospheric carbon dioxide.
Forest ecosystems have come to be seen as the most important component of the biosphere,[5] and forestry has emerged as a vital applied science, craft, and technology. A practitioner of forestry is known as a forester. Another common term is silviculturist. Silviculture is narrower than forestry, being concerned only with forest plants, but is often used synonymously with forestry.
All people depend upon forests and their biodiversity, some more than others.[6] Forestry is an important economic segment in various industrial countries,[7] as forests provide more than 86 million green jobs and support the livelihoods of many more people.[6] For example, in Germany, forests cover nearly a third of the land area,[8] wood is the most important renewable resource, and forestry supports more than a million jobs and about €181 billion of value to the German economy each year.[9]
Worldwide, an estimated 880 million people spend part of their time collecting fuelwood or producing charcoal, many of them women.[6][quantify] Human populations tend to be low in areas of low-income countries with high forest cover and high forest biodiversity, but poverty rates in these areas tend to be high.[6] Some 252 million people living in forests and savannahs have incomes of less than US$1.25 per day.[6]
Over the past centuries, forestry was regarded as a separate science. With the rise of ecology and environmental science, there has been a reordering in the applied sciences. In line with this view, forestry is a primary land-use science comparable with agriculture.[10] Under these headings, the fundamentals behind the management of natural forests comes by way of natural ecology. Forests or tree plantations, those whose primary purpose is the extraction of forest products, are planned and managed to utilize a mix of ecological and agroecological principles.[11] In many regions of the world there is considerable conflict between forest practices and other societal priorities such as water quality, watershed preservation, sustainable fishing, conservation, and species preservation.[12]
Silvology (Latin: silva or sylva, "forests and woods"; Ancient Greek: -λογία, -logia, "science of" or "study of") is the biological science of studying forests and woodlands, incorporating the understanding of natural forest ecosystems, and the effects and development of silvicultural practices. The term complements silviculture, which deals with the art and practice of forest management.[13]
Silvology is seen as a single science for forestry and was first used by Professor Roelof A.A. Oldeman at Wageningen University.[14] It integrates the study of forests and forest ecology, dealing with single tree autecology and natural forest ecology.
Dendrology (Ancient Greek: δÃŽÂνδρον, dendron, "tree"; and Ancient Greek: -λογία, -logia, science of or study of) or xylology (Ancient Greek: ξÃÂλον, ksulon, "wood") is the science and study of woody plants (trees, shrubs, and lianas), specifically, their taxonomic classifications.[15] There is no sharp boundary between plant taxonomy and dendrology; woody plants not only belong to many different plant families, but these families may be made up of both woody and non-woody members. Some families include only a few woody species. Dendrology, as a discipline of industrial forestry, tends to focus on identification of economically useful woody plants and their taxonomic interrelationships. As an academic course of study, dendrology will include all woody plants, native and non-native, that occur in a region. A related discipline is the study of sylvics, which focuses on the autecology of genera and species.
The provenance of forest reproductive material used to plant forests has a great influence on how the trees develop, hence why it is important to use forest reproductive material of good quality and of high genetic diversity.[16] More generally, all forest management practices, including in natural regeneration systems, may impact the genetic diversity of trees.
The term genetic diversity describes the differences in DNA sequence between individuals as distinct from variation caused by environmental influences. The unique genetic composition of an individual (its genotype) will determine its performance (its phenotype) at a particular site.[17]
Genetic diversity is needed to maintain the vitality of forests and to provide resilience to pests and diseases. Genetic diversity also ensures that forest trees can survive, adapt and evolve under changing environmental conditions. Furthermore, genetic diversity is the foundation of biological diversity at species and ecosystem levels. Forest genetic resources are therefore important to consider in forest management.[16]
Genetic diversity in forests is threatened by forest fires, pests and diseases, habitat fragmentation, poor silvicultural practices and inappropriate use of forest reproductive material.
About 98 million hectares of forest were affected by fire in 2015; this was mainly in the tropical domain, where fire burned about 4 percent of the total forest area in that year. More than two-thirds of the total forest area affected was in Africa and South America. Insects, diseases and severe weather events damaged about 40 million hectares of forests in 2015, mainly in the temperate and boreal domains.[18]
Furthermore, the marginal populations of many tree species are facing new threats due to the effects of climate change.[16]
Most countries in Europe have recommendations or guidelines for selecting species and provenances that can be used in a given site or zone.[17]
Forest management is a branch of forestry concerned with overall administrative, legal, economic, and social aspects, as well as scientific and technical aspects, such as silviculture, forest protection, and forest regulation. This includes management for timber, aesthetics, recreation, urban values, water, wildlife, inland and nearshore fisheries, wood products, plant genetic resources, and other forest resource values.[19] Management objectives can be for conservation, utilisation, or a mixture of the two. Techniques include timber extraction, planting and replanting of different species, building and maintenance of roads and pathways through forests, and preventing fire.
The first dedicated forestry school was established by Georg Ludwig Hartig at Hungen in the Wetterau, Hesse, in 1787, though forestry had been taught earlier in central Europe, including at the University of Giessen, in Hesse-Darmstadt.
In Spain, the first forestry school was the Forest Engineering School of Madrid (Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingenieros de Montes), founded in 1844.
The first in North America, the Biltmore Forest School was established near Asheville, North Carolina, by Carl A. Schenck on September 1, 1898, on the grounds of George W. Vanderbilt's Biltmore Estate. Another early school was the New York State College of Forestry, established at Cornell University just a few weeks later, in September 1898.
Early 19th century North American foresters went to Germany to study forestry. Some early German foresters also emigrated to North America.
In South America the first forestry school was established in Brazil, in Viçosa, Minas Gerais, in 1962, and moved the next year to become a faculty at the Federal University of Paraná, in Curitiba.[34]
Today, forestry education typically includes training in general biology, ecology, botany, genetics, soil science, climatology, hydrology, economics and forest management. Education in the basics of sociology and political science is often considered an advantage. Professional skills in conflict resolution and communication are also important in training programs.[35]
In India, forestry education is imparted in the agricultural universities and in Forest Research Institutes (deemed universities). Four year degree programmes are conducted in these universities at the undergraduate level. Masters and Doctorate degrees are also available in these universities.
In the United States, postsecondary forestry education leading to a Bachelor's degree or Master's degree is accredited by the Society of American Foresters.[36]
In Canada the Canadian Institute of Forestry awards silver rings to graduates from accredited university BSc programs, as well as college and technical programs.[37]
In many European countries, training in forestry is made in accordance with requirements of the Bologna Process and the European Higher Education Area.
The International Union of Forest Research Organizations is the only international organization that coordinates forest science efforts worldwide.[38]
In order to keep up with changing demands and environmental factors, forestry education does not stop at graduation. Increasingly, forestry professionals engage in regular training to maintain and improve on their management practices. An increasingly popular tool are marteloscopes; one hectare large, rectangular forest sites where all trees are numbered, mapped and recorded.
These sites can be used to do virtual thinnings and test one's wood quality and volume estimations as well as tree microhabitats. This system is mainly suitable to regions with small-scale multi-functional forest management systems
Forestry literature is the books, journals and other publications about forestry.
The first major works about forestry in the English language included Roger Taverner's Booke of Survey (1565), John Manwood's A Brefe Collection of the Lawes of the Forrest (1592) and John Evelyn's Sylva (1662).[39]
cite book
cite journal
The Society of American Foresters grants accreditation only to specific educational curricula that lead to a first professional degree in forestry at the bachelor's or master's level.
This article incorporates text from a free content work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 (license statement/permission). Text taken from Global Forest Resources Assessment 2020 Key findings​, FAO, FAO.
This article incorporates text from a free content work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 IGO (license statement/permission). Text taken from The State of the World's Forests 2020. Forests, biodiversity and people – In brief​, FAO & UNEP, FAO & UNEP.
This article incorporates text from a free content work. Licensed under CC BY-SA IGO 3.0 (license statement/permission). Text taken from World Food and Agriculture – Statistical Yearbook 2023​, FAO, FAO.
Arboriculture (/ˈɑËÂrbÉ™rɪˌkÊŒltʃər, É‘ËÂrˈbÉâ€Ã‹Âr-/)[1] is the cultivation, management, and study of individual trees, shrubs, vines, and other perennial woody plants. The science of arboriculture studies how these plants grow and respond to cultural practices and to their environment. The practice of arboriculture includes cultural techniques such as selection, planting, training, fertilization, pest and pathogen control, pruning, shaping, and removal.
A person who practices or studies arboriculture can be termed an arborist or an arboriculturist. A tree surgeon is more typically someone who is trained in the physical maintenance and manipulation of trees and therefore more a part of the arboriculture process rather than an arborist. Risk management, legal issues, and aesthetic considerations have come to play prominent roles in the practice of arboriculture. Businesses often need to hire arboriculturists to complete "tree hazard surveys" and generally manage the trees on-site to fulfill occupational safety and health obligations.[citation needed]
Arboriculture is primarily focused on individual woody plants and trees maintained for permanent landscape and amenity purposes, usually in gardens, parks or other populated settings, by arborists, for the enjoyment, protection, and benefit of people.[citation needed]
Arboricultural matters are also considered to be within the practice of urban forestry yet the clear and separate divisions are not distinct or discreet.[citation needed]
Tree benefits are the economic, ecological, social and aesthetic use, function purpose, or services of a tree (or group of trees), in its situational context in the landscape.
A tree defect is any feature, condition, or deformity of a tree that indicates weak structure or instability that could contribute to tree failure.
Common types of tree defects:
Codominant stems: two or more stems that grow upward from a single point of origin and compete with one another.
Included bark: bark is incorporated in the joint between two limbs, creating a weak attachment
Dead, diseased, or broken branches:
Cracks
Cavity and hollows: sunken or open areas wherein a tree has suffered injury followed by decay. Further indications include: fungal fruiting structures, insect or animal nests.
Lean: a lean of more than 40% from vertical presents a risk of tree failure
Taper: change in diameter over the length of trunks branches and roots
Epicormic branches (water sprouts in canopy or suckers from root system): often grow in response to major damage or excessive pruning
Roots:
Proper tree installation ensures the long-term viability of the tree and reduces the risk of tree failure.
Quality nursery stock must be used. There must be no visible damage or sign of disease. Ideally the tree should have good crown structure. A healthy root ball should not have circling roots and new fibrous roots should be present at the soil perimeter. Girdling or circling roots should be pruned out. Excess soil above the root flare should be removed immediately, since it present a risk of disease ingress into the trunk.
Appropriate time of year to plant: generally fall or early spring in temperate regions of the northern hemisphere.
Planting hole: the planting hole should be 3 times the width of the root ball. The hole should be dug deep enough that when the root ball is placed on the substrate, the root flare is 3–5cm above the surrounding soil grade. If soil is left against the trunk, it may lead to bark, cambium and wood decay. Angular sides to the planting hole will encourage roots to grow radially from the trunk, rather than circling the planting hole. In urban settings, soil preparation may include the use of:
Tree wells: a zone of mulch can be installed around the tree trunk to: limit root zone competition (from turf or weeds), reduce soil compaction, improve soil structure, conserve moisture, and keep lawn equipment at a distance. No more than 5–10cm of mulch should be used to avoid suffocating the roots. Mulch must be kept approximately 20cm from the trunk to avoid burying the root flare. With city trees additional tree well preparation includes:
Tree grates/grill and frames: limit compaction on root zone and mechanical damage to roots and trunk
Root barriers: forces roots to grow down under surface asphalt/concrete/pavers to limit infrastructure damage from roots
Staking: newly planted, immature trees should be staked for one growing season to allow for the root system to establish. Staking for longer than one season should only be considered in situations where the root system has failed to establish sufficient structural support. Guy wires can be used for larger, newly planted trees. Care must be used to avoid stem girdling from the support system ties.
Irrigation: irrigation infrastructure may be installed to ensure a regular water supply throughout the lifetime of the tree. Wicking beds are an underground reservoir from which water is wicked into soil. Watering bags may be temporarily installed around tree stakes to provide water until the root system becomes established. Permeable paving allows for water infiltration in paved urban settings, such as parks and walkways.
Within the United Kingdom trees are considered as a material consideration within the town planning system and may be conserved as amenity landscape[2] features.
The role of the Arborist or Local Government Arboricultural Officer is likely to have a great effect on such matters. Identification of trees of high quality which may have extensive longevity is a key element in the preservation of trees.
Urban and rural trees may benefit from statutory protection under the Town and Country Planning[3] system. Such protection can result in the conservation and improvement of the urban forest as well as rural settlements.
Historically the profession divides into the operational and professional areas. These might be further subdivided into the private and public sectors. The profession is broadly considered as having one trade body known as the Arboricultural Association, although the Institute of Chartered Foresters offers a route for professional recognition and chartered arboriculturist status.
The qualifications associated with the industry range from vocational to Doctorate. Arboriculture is a comparatively young industry.
An arborist, or (less commonly) arboriculturist, is a professional in the practice of arboriculture, which is the cultivation, management, and study of individual trees, shrubs, vines, and other perennial woody plants in dendrology and horticulture.[citation needed]
Arborists generally focus on the health and safety of individual plants and trees, rather than managing forests or harvesting wood (silviculture or forestry). An arborist's scope of work is therefore distinct from that of either a forester or a logger.[citation needed]
In order for arborists to work near power wires, either additional training is required or they need to be certified as a Qualified Line Clearance Arborist or Utility Arborist (there may be different terminology for various countries). There is a variety of minimum distances that must be kept from power wires depending on voltage, however the common distance for low voltage lines in urban settings is 10 feet (about 3 metres).[1]
Arborists who climb (as not all do) can use a variety of techniques to ascend into the tree. The least invasive, and most popular technique used is to ascend on rope. There are two common methods of climbing, Single Rope System (SRS) and Moving Rope System (MRS). When personal safety is an issue, or the tree is being removed, arborists may use 'spikes', (also known as 'gaffs' or 'spurs') attached to their chainsaw boots with straps to ascend and work. Spikes wound the tree, leaving small holes where each step has been.[citation needed]
An arborist's work may involve very large and complex trees, or ecological communities and their abiotic components in the context of the landscape ecosystem. These may require monitoring and treatment to ensure they are healthy, safe, and suitable to property owners or community standards. This work may include some or all of the following: planting; transplanting; pruning; structural support; preventing, or diagnosing and treating phytopathology or parasitism; preventing or interrupting grazing or predation; installing lightning protection; and removing vegetation deemed as hazardous, an invasive species, a disease vector, or a weed.[citation needed]
Arborists may also plan, consult, write reports and give legal testimony. While some aspects of this work are done on the ground or in an office, much of it is done by arborists who perform tree services and who climb the trees with ropes, harnesses and other equipment. Lifts and cranes may be used too. The work of all arborists is not the same. Some may just provide a consulting service; others may perform climbing, pruning and planting: whilst others may provide a combination of all of these services.[2]
Arborists gain qualifications to practice arboriculture in a variety of ways and some arborists are more qualified than others. Experience working safely and effectively in and around trees is essential. Arborists tend to specialize in one or more disciplines of arboriculture, such as diagnosis and treatment of pests, diseases and nutritional deficiencies in trees, climbing and pruning, cabling and lightning protection, or consultation and report writing. All these disciplines are related to one another and some arborists are very well experienced in all areas of tree work, however not all arborists have the training or experience to properly practice every discipline.[citation needed]
Arborists choose to pursue formal certification, which is available in some countries and varies somewhat by location. An arborist who holds certification in one or more disciplines may be expected to participate in rigorous continuing education requirements to ensure constant improvement of skills and techniques.[citation needed]
In Australia, arboricultural education and training are streamlined countrywide through a multi-disciplinary vocational education, training, and qualification authority called the Australian Qualifications Framework, which offers varying levels of professional qualification. Government institutions including Technical and Further Education TAFE offer Certificate III or a diploma in arboriculture as well as some universities.[3][4] There are also many private institutions covering similar educational framework in each state. Recognition of prior learning is also an option for practicing arborists with 10 or more years of experience with no prior formal training. It allows them to be assessed and fast track their certification.[citation needed]
In France, a qualified arborist must hold a Management of Ornamental Trees certificate, and a qualified arborist climber must hold a Pruning and Care of Trees certificate; both delivered by the French Ministry of Agriculture.[5][6]
In the UK, an arborist can gain qualifications up to and including a master's degree. College-based courses include further education qualifications, such as national certificate, national diploma, while higher education courses in arboriculture include foundation degree, bachelor's degree and master's degree.[citation needed]
In the US, a Certified Arborist (CA) is a professional who has over three years of documented and verified experience and has passed a rigorous written test from the International Society of Arboriculture. Other designations include Municipal Specialist, Utility Specialist and Board Certified Master Arborist (BCMA). The USA and Canada additionally have college-based training which, if passed, will give the certificate of Qualified Arborist. The Qualified Arborist can then be used to offset partial experience towards the Certified Arborist.
Tree Risk Assessment Qualified credential (TRAQ), designed by the International Society of Arboriculture, was launched in 2013. At that time people holding the TRACE credential were transferred over to the TRAQ credential.[citation needed]
In Canada, there are provincially governed apprenticeship programs that allow arborists' to work near power lines upon completion. These apprenticeship programs must meet the provincial reregulations (For example, in B.C. they must meet WorkSafeBC G19.30), and individuals must ensure they meet the requirements of the owner of the power system.[citation needed]
Trees in urban landscape settings are often subject to disturbances, whether human or natural, both above and below ground. They may require care to improve their chances of survival following damage from either biotic or abiotic causes. Arborists can provide appropriate solutions, such as pruning trees for health and good structure, for aesthetic reasons, and to permit people to walk under them (a technique often referred to as "crown raising"), or to keep them away from wires, fences and buildings (a technique referred to as "crown reduction").[7] Timing and methods of treatment depend on the species of tree and the purpose of the work. To determine the best practices, a thorough knowledge of local species and environments is essential.[citation needed]
There can be a vast difference between the techniques and practices of professional arborists and those of inadequately trained tree workers. Some commonly offered "services" are considered unacceptable by modern arboricultural standards and may seriously damage, disfigure, weaken, or even kill trees. One such example is tree topping, lopping, or "hat-racking", where entire tops of trees or main stems are removed, generally by cross-cutting the main stem(s) or leaders, leaving large unsightly stubs. Trees that manage to survive such treatment are left prone to a spectrum of detrimental effects, including vigorous but weakly attached regrowth, pest susceptibility, pathogen intrusion, and internal decay.[8]
Pruning should only be done with a specific purpose in mind. Every cut is a wound, and every leaf lost is removal of photosynthetic potential. Proper pruning can be helpful in many ways, but should always be done with the minimum amount of live tissue removed.[9]
In recent years, research has proven that wound dressings such as paint, tar or other coverings are unnecessary and may harm trees. The coverings may encourage growth of decay-causing fungi. Proper pruning, by cutting through branches at the right location, can do more to limit decay than wound dressing [10]
Chemicals can be applied to trees for insect or disease control through soil application, stem injections or spraying. Compacted or disturbed soils can be improved in various ways.[citation needed]
Arborists can also assess trees to determine the health, structure, safety or feasibility within a landscape and in proximity to humans. Modern arboriculture has progressed in technology and sophistication from practices of the past. Many current practices are based on knowledge gained through recent research, including that of Alex Shigo, considered one "father" of modern arboriculture.[11]
Depending on the jurisdiction, there may be a number of legal issues surrounding the practices of arborists, including boundary issues, public safety issues, "heritage" trees of community value, and "neighbour" issues such as ownership, obstruction of views, impacts of roots crossing boundaries, nuisance problems, disease or insect quarantines, and safety of nearby trees or plants that may be affected.[citation needed]
Arborists are frequently consulted to establish the factual basis of disputes involving trees, or by private property owners seeking to avoid legal liability through the duty of care.[12] Arborists may be asked to assess the value of a tree[13] in the process of an insurance claim for trees damaged or destroyed,[14] or to recover damages resulting from tree theft or vandalism.[15] In cities with tree preservation orders an arborist's evaluation of tree hazard may be required before a property owner may remove a tree, or to assure the protection of trees in development plans and during construction operations. Carrying out work on protected trees and hedges is illegal without express permission from local authorities,[16] and can result in legal action including fines.[17] Homeowners who have entered into contracts with a Homeowner's association (see also Restrictive covenants) may need an arborists' professional opinion of a hazardous condition prior to removing a tree, or may be obligated to assure the protection of the views of neighboring properties prior to planting a tree or in the course of pruning.[18] Arborists may be consulted in forensic investigations where the evidence of a crime can be determined within the growth rings of a tree, for example. Arborists may be engaged by one member of a dispute in order to identify factual information about trees useful to that member of the dispute, or they can be engaged as an expert witness providing unbiased scientific knowledge in a court case. Homeowners associations seeking to write restrictive covenants, or legislative bodies seeking to write laws involving trees, may seek the counsel of arborists in order to avoid future difficulties.[19]
Before undertaking works in the UK, arborists have a legal responsibility to survey trees for wildlife, especially bats, which are given particular legal protection. In addition, any tree in the UK can be covered by a tree preservation order and it is illegal to conduct any work on a tree, including deadwooding or pruning, before permission has been sought from the local council.[citation needed]
The protagonist in Italo Calvino's novel The Baron in the Trees lives life on the ground as a boy and spends the rest of his life swinging from tree to tree in the Italian countryside. As a young man he helps the local fruit farmers by pruning their trees.[citation needed]
Some noteworthy arborists include:
We recently had five large pine trees taken down in our front yard. We had three bids from different tree companies. We also wanted the stumps ground as well as chasing roots above ground. Rudy was fantastic and his workers were very skilled and the clean up was exceptional. We would highly recommend them and not hesitate to use them again.
Used Rudy and All In Tree for numerous things over the last year and a half. Pricing is Competitive. Very responsive to calls and tests. I like that they're insured. Did what he said what he was going to do and when he said he was going to do it. A couple of things didn't meet my expectations and he immediately came out and made it right. I have recommended to multiple other people.
Update! 10/10/23 After they helped me last month, All in Tree Service has again saved the day! A couple of large trees washed down the creek on my property recently and one of them was lodged against the pipes that go from my house to the street. There were other large tree trunks in the creek as well and also one wedged against the supports for my bridge. The All In team went to work and within a couple of hours had everything cleaned up and removed. The pipes and the bridge are safe! I recommend this team wholeheartedly. They care about what they do and it shows. Thank you! I’m very grateful. This team exemplifies professionalism. The before and after pictures tell a great story. September 2023 I recently was fortunate enough to find Rudy and Yaremi of All In Tree Services. A very large and very high limb on a big oak tree was hanging after a storm. It was a danger to me, to my dogs and to the fence below it. I had never met Rudy and Yaremi before. They were the first to call me back when I started my search for a reliable tree service. They clearly wanted the business so I gave them a chance. I’m so glad I did. They were very impressive! Their strategy and teamwork were incredible. Clearly they are very experienced at this kind of work. I took some pictures but I wish I had filmed the whole thing. It was amazing. They roped off the limb so it would not fall on anything or anyone. Then they quickly got the limb cut and safely on the ground and helped to clear up the debris. I am extremely happy with their service and with the friendly and professional manner with which they conducted themselves. I have already recommended them to my neighbors and I strongly encourage anyone who needs tree services to call them.
All professional service. Timely, efficient, friendly. I had big old dead trees that I feared daily were going to come down. I called them in an emergency and they came the very next morning, no problem, no excuses. The guys were about service and me as a customer. They saw what I needed and went above and beyond to make sure I was a satisfied customer. I am a satisfied customer. I will use this company again and again. Thank you Rudy.