The Green Man

Pests & Diseases: Parasitic Rot Types - Brown Rot

2012-02-17T16:38:00.002Z

In November I created a post about a decay pathogen I had spotted on a mature beech tree. Following on from that post I would like to discuss the different types of parasitic rot that effect trees, starting with brown rots.

There are two cellular components in wood that are significant in allowing trees to achieve and maintain their size and stature. These are cellulose and lignin. Cellulose provides flexibility. It is the cell wall component that allows trees to withstand loading forces such as heavy snowfall and strong winds, and allows them to adapt to their environmental stimulus. Lignin provides rigidity and is the cell wall component that allows them to support themselves.

If a tree were to loose its cellulose it would become inflexible and the wood texture would be brittle. Loose the lignin and the tree can flex but looses its rigidity, its strengthening material. In arboriculture we say that cellulose provides tensile strength and lignin provides compressive strength.

Parasitic fungal decay pathogens (biological agents causing disease, and feeding on living wood) live off components of the cell wall and are selective about what cellular component they degrade, dependant on the rot type that they cause. Fungal pathogens are also selective about what part of the tree they degrade for example root rot, stem rot or branch rot.

First we will consider brown rots; brown rots degrade the cellulose in wood. The result as discussed above is a loss of tensile strength. The tree looses its ability to flex and the woody degradation caused by brown rots may result in brittle fractures.

If the fungal pathogen that causes a brown rot is associated with degradation of the roots of a tree, or the base of the stem, then the significance can be severe.

Arboriculturalists study decay pathogens in great detail. Fungal pathogens can be species specific, or effect a variety of tree species, sometimes being of a varying significance across the species. Aditionally trees have their own coping mechanisms and defences against pests and diseases which can seal off areas of decay and develop reactionary growth to compensate for the increased stress on their structure.

This is one of my favourite decay fungi, and brown rot fungus, Phaeolus schweinitzii. (Sorry, no common name!)

This fungus is associated with conifers. I have seen it on a variety of pines, cedars and spruce trees. The most incidences of it that I have recorded have been in conIfer plantations however I have also found it on several urban trees, i.e. trees growing in an urban environment.

The fungus is associated with degradation of the root systems and the decay can further extend up the main stem. Brackets are usually found on the ground around the root plate, growing directly off a root, or on the stem base or main stem.

It should be noted that the bracket, or fruiting body, of a fungus is just that, the fruit. The fungus itself lives within the tree.

As mentioned it is vital that arborists have a good understanding of the significance of pests and diseases, and good identification skills, to allow appropriate measures to be prescribed however from what we have discussed in this post it is clear that this fungus creates a serious risk of tree failure given its rot type and the part of the tree it degrades. This is what it can do to trees.

In the next post we will consider white and soft rots. For further reading I recommend the following book which is my favourite and most thumbed tree book: Principles of Tree Hazard Assessment and Management - David Lonsdale 1999 (DTLR ISBN 0 11 7533556)

Woodland Management - Emergence

2012-02-17T15:00:00.000Z

I took a walk in my local woods this week with the dogs.

The woodland floor had been snow covered for about a week however a warm day and spell of rain put pay to the snow and revealed that the bluebells are making an appearance.

You can only see their leaf tips emerging at present but they are on their way. (This image is what we are all now waiting for!)

Woodland ground flora is at its most impressive in the spring. I like to walk in woodlands in spring to make the most of the wild flowers, and it is much easier to identify wild flowers when they are in bloom. More importantly much of the woodland flora does not persist into summer. This is significant to me as an arborist when I undertake woodland surveys.

Anyone who gardens will know that their garden appearance, and range of plants and flowers, differs widely from season to season. There is usually at least one plant that pops up in our garden each year that I had completely forgotten existed until it makes an appearance. It is much the same for woodland, every season is different.

Although I have undertaken some woodland management for silvicultural purposes my involvement has been mainly centred on managing woodland for trees and wildlife; taking a holistic approach to maintain the system.

Woodland exists as a ecosystem. Each component of that system is dependant on the other components. Wild flowers and woodland ground flora are successful in woodlands as a result of the presence and density of the other flora and fauna, therefore any changes you make as part of woodland management can have a big impact on the success of the ground flora, and other woodland components.

Ideally I like to be able to monitor a woodland through spring and summer prior to developing a management plan and making any recommendations for work however at the least I strive to survey a woodland in Spring and note what ground flora is present, and how successful it is.

This information can be used to inform on where work is needed, and the extent and timing of the work that you do, to minimise its impact. The tree layers of the woodland are always present, and many shrubs are visible all year round.

Removing too many trees or shrubs can increase the light levels to the woodland floor. Woodland ground flora is use to a semi-shaded environment, happy with dappled sunlight. Increasing light levels can therefore be detrimental to its success.

Increasing light levels also encourages other plants to dominate such as brambles and bracken.

Dense vegetation that blocks any light from a woodland floor can also be detrimental to the development of ground flora as the environment becomes too dark.

Brambles, or natures barbed wire as I like to call it, can dominate an area quickly. Although bramble is a valuable plant that provides food and shelter, for many birds and small mammals, it can completely out-compete other ground flora. (It should be noted that anyone considering the removal of dense areas of bramble must consider the bird nesting season, there are many ground nesting birds in this country and bramble provides excellent shelter for them. When cutting back bramble you may expose a nest that once discovered cannot easily be re-protected and any disturbance may have an effect on the survival chances of the young.)

Maintaining appropriate light levels to the woodland floor also promotes natural regeneration of the tree species present in the woodland via seedlings that develop from fallen fruit.

Woodland management requires a sensitive and considered approach. If successful you may preserve the system and promote its self perpetuation.

The next time you walk in woods, hopefully this spring, have a look at the ground flora and see what is growing. You can then look at the other layers of vegetation such as shrubs, small trees (under-storey) and the canopy layer and see how they affect the light levels that reach the woodland floor.

2011-11-11T07:39:00.001Z

Image Credit: The Wizards Wireless

Pests & Diseases: Meripilus giganteus

2011-11-09T10:12:00.002Z

During autumn many fungi produce their fruit, bearing spores, in order to reproduce. The fruit portion of a fungi presents itself as a mushroom or bracket and can be of an annual or perennial form.

This is the annual fruiting body of the principle decay fungi Meripilus giganteus, The Giant Polypore.

As discussed in Tree Biology - Defects, Signs and Symptoms fungus can live on dead wood and live wood. This particular fungus feeds on the live wood of tree roots. It is strongly associated with Beech trees, Fagus sylvatica, but has also been found on other broadleaves such as Oak and London plane, and on the conifer Monkey puzzle, Araucaria araucana.

In addition to the ability to degrade live wood or dead wood, fungi create different types of rot, degrading different cellular components such as cellulose and lignin. In the next post we will discuss the different types of rot and their significance.

The nature of the rot that this fungus produces, and the part of the tree that it degrades, makes this a fungus of significance and I was very sorry to find it growing at the base of a beautiful and mature Beech tree at a school a few weeks ago. I will keep you posted on the fate of the tree.

Tree Management: Which Path to Take?

2011-11-09T09:45:00.001Z

I currently lecture in arboriculture at a local college and teach to consultancy level.

More specifically the course provides the students with all of the relevant CS Units as awarded by NPTC (National Proficiency Tests Council) to be able to work as a contracting arborist, and actually undertake tree works such as pruning and felling, in addition to giving them extensive theoretical information to support their practical abilities or allow them to pursue a career in consultancy.

In their first year all of the students wanted to work as contractors on completion of the course and had ambitions to start up their own businesses however now they are in their second year their aspirations have changed. Studying the theoretical aspects of arboriculture has shown them the variety of roles there are within the industry and many of them are now trying to get experience with consultants, local authority tree officers and foresters.

There is such a variety of roles in arboriculture and it also bleeds into many other companion subjects such as horticulture, ecology, land management, forestry and woodland management, and education.

In fact I am currently doing business management with the first year students and we have been exploring the many business opportunities available with regard to trees, and wood as a product, and it seems in some ways it has never been a better time for our industry.

We are planting more woodlands, utilising more woodland, producing more timber within our own country to support our needs and diversifying into new and old methods of woodland management and timber production. Additionally the education sector has identified the value of outdoor learning and forest schools are being set up nationwide. It is a very exciting time and good to think that in July next year 30 newly qualified arborists from our college alone are going to take their enthusiasm and wonderful ideas into the industry.

A 'Thank you'.

2011-10-28T21:58:00.000+01:00

I wanted to put up a post to say thank you to everyone who has left me a comment in recent months saying how much they enjoyed this blog and urging me to keep it up. I started lecturing in arboriculture at a college earlier this year which I love and it has taken up most of my time but arboriculture is a passion for me as well as a profession and I am so happy to be able to share my knowledge of arboriculture via The Green Man blog.

So thank you for all of your encouraging messages and rest assured I will be keeping it up. The next tree post will be up soon! In the meantime I hope you are all enjoying autumn? Here's a recent autumnal sunrise shot I took.

If You Go Down To The Woods Today

2011-04-21T22:15:00.006+01:00

I took a trip to a local wood for one of the most beautiful blooms of the season, the bluebell. The woodland floor was covered although I did not go at the best time of day for photographs in terms of light levels. Never the less it was a wonderful trip out and in addition to the bluebells, wood anemone and dogs mercury litter the woodland floor.

It's hard to think of it as Spring still as we have had such lovely hot and sunny weather for a while now and as a result everything has put on a growing spurt.

Most of the trees are now in leaf and many are coming into flower. Ash trees are always one of the last trees to flush in Spring but soon their delicate leaflets will emerge fully.

The next thing I am looking forward to is the beautiful fragrance wafting off the lime trees outside the front of our house. Winter, although not that long ago, is starting to seem a distant memory.

In Bloom

2011-04-13T14:40:00.011+01:00

I have been out and about with my camera a lot in the past few weeks trying to record the arrival of Spring. We have had a very warm and sunny Spring in my neck of the woods; throughout the surrounding countryside and within my own garden new leaf growth and flowers blooming bring vibrant colour to each day. Above is a collage of many of the plants and trees in flower and leaf in my garden at present.

Bud Burst

2011-03-23T11:24:00.001Z

Bud burst has finally begun. After weeks of tree buds starting to swell the first flowers and leaves of the year have appeared. Always one of the first to flower seen here above and below, the blackthorn, Prunus spinosa.

Blackthorn makes it's presence in our hedgerows felt in the Spring by developing its flowers before its leaves and provides a brilliant splash of colour.

A few solitary cherry trees have also begun to indicate the arrival of Spring in the tree world.

The hawthron, Crataegus monogyna, another dominant hedgerow tree develops its leaves first. The flowers will follow later.

Bud burst is one of the most energy demanding times of year for trees and as such any pruning should be avoided until after the leaves have fully formed. Pruning will stimulate a trees defense system as it attempts to seal off the pruning wounds thus diverting energy from leaf formation.

Avenue

2011-03-04T08:53:00.000Z

Image Credit: Bing

Poll Open

2011-02-16T12:20:00.005Z

Well, I'm back! The poll has been reset and opened for voting. If there is any aspect of arboriculture you would like to hear more about please vote on the poll in the right hand side bar, or feel free to leave me a comment if you have a more specific enquiry or a question not covered by the topics listed.

Here are the results of last years poll which will determine what I post about in the coming months.

Tree Biology 12 votes
Tree Management 8 votes
Pests & Diseases 7 votes
Related Ecology 5 votes
Tree Surgeons 4 votes

I plan to start posting monthly however due to other commitments and pursuits there may be a slight fluctuation to this time frame.

I do however get emails every time a comment is left and therefore should be aware of any question posed so please feel free to contact me. There is a link to my email address on my profile page HERE; for easy reference in this post my email is green.woman@hotmail.co.uk. Thanks in advance for taking the time to vote or get in touch.

Trees - I Want to Know More About...

2011-01-30T17:24:00.001Z

The poll on the right hand side regarding aspects of arboriculture that you the reader want to know more about has now closed and I would like to thank everyone who took the time to vote for their participation.

I will re-open the poll shortly however I need a little time in order to record the votes and ensure I create posts reflecting peoples interests to put up in the coming months.

This blog started for me as an extension of my career, and passion for arboriculture and its companion industries, and I am delighted that there has been such an interest in such a short space of time. My main motivation is to share the knowledge and experience I have gained.

I am leaving the country shortly for tree related pursuits but on my return will be commencing a more regular programme of posts, covering the issues people are interested in, and will re-open the poll at this time.

In the meantime I hope you all make the most of this time of year where trees can be viewed without leaf, revealing their species unique form and colouring. New shoots and new buds are currently providing a pastel array of colours to the landscape and I have noticed a few buds even beginning to swell on the Pussy willow or Goat willow, Salix caprea, teasing us with the promise of Spring.

Autumn In All Its Glory

2010-11-13T11:47:00.004Z

'Tis The Season To Spot Fungi

2010-11-03T17:23:00.000Z

Blog Action Day 15th October 2010

2010-10-02T17:38:00.001+01:00

Well Blog Action Day is almost here again and this years topic is Water. I am starting to research my post and have chosen my particular topic which is going to be the oceans. The Blog Action Day website has lots or interesting information including suggestions for posts, banners to put on your blog, a registration page so that you can register your blog for participation, information on fund-raising, and a petition which indicates your support of the UN's efforts to improve water and sanitation for billions of people around the world. You can also sign the petition by clicking on the banner at the top left of my blog and it only takes a few seconds to complete.

I usually post the Blog Action Day You Tube clip to help promote the day here but frankly this years clip has some annoying music as an accompaniment (sorry guys but it really does) and so instead I thought I would post this, a splendid song written and performed by the folk musician Benji Kirkpatrick. The song is called Wallbreaker and is all about water. It is very thought provoking.

An Introduction to Tree Biology - Defects, Signs and Symptoms I

2010-06-14T21:44:00.001+01:00

I walked past a couple of people today looking at a large Horse Chestnut tree near my house. I missed the start of their conversation but as I walked past I heard them commenting on its health and appearance; the lady said she thought the tree looked sturdy enough.

It reminded me of many a discussion I have had with people, distraught at a particular tree being felled when they believed the tree to be perfectly healthy, and the hours I have spent trying to reassure someone that a tree near their house is no cause for concern when they are convinced that it is dangerous.

Trees can tolerate very poor conditions before they are so effected that they fall over, or fail, however for the most there are signs and symptoms that the arboricultural consultant can detect to aid appropriate management.

The term signs is used when there is an external indication of defects on a tree such as the fruiting body of a parasitic fungus, (parasitic - lives off live woody tissue) or a particular saprophytic fungus, (saprophytic - lives of dead woody tissue) associated with trees in decline, or significant deadwood and secondary pathogens. I will explain all of this in greater detail later.

The term symptoms refers to indicators of defects that the tree develops itself such as the swelling of reaction wood that may indicate internal defects such as decay and cavities, or deadwood indicating issues with the trees root system.

Both symptoms and signs may be subtle however significant internal defects may be present.

It is the job of the arboricultural consultant to inspect trees for such signs and symptoms and calculate their severity and significance for any given tree in an individual environment.

To return to parasitic and saprophytic fungus, there are many parasitic fungus that degrade the live, woody tissue of trees, each with their own decay strategy.

There are also many saprophytic fungus that live off deadwood and hundreds of species can be found within a woodland however some associated with growth on deadwood within trees can be an indicator or trees in severe decline.

Some even imply the presence of a specific parasitic primary fungus within in a tree that may not visible at that time. Primary fungus result in the initial infection of a tree but may pave the way for associated secondary diseases, including fungus. Primary diseases are usually more significant, secondary diseases may indicate the severity of the situation.

The fruiting body of a fungus is just that, the fruit. The remainder of the fungus exists predominantly in what is termed its mycelial form within the tree. This is the vegetative part of the fungus as seen here on a rotting log.

Some fruiting bodies of fungus are annual and therefore only visible on an infected tree for a limited period every year, however some are perennial and increase in incremental growth each year.

There are other species specific symptoms that can indicate tree defects. Severe stem taper can indicate stem base decay or root decay.

Also extensive epicormic growth on a tree, (prolific shoot generation on a main stem or within the crown of a tree) can be an indicator of stress however some species of tree, such as Lime trees, generate dense epicormic growth by design as seen around the base of the Lime tree in the photo opposite.

Recognising defects and understanding their significance therefore requires knowledge and experience of individual tree species, their natural features and their typical form.

So to return to the Horse Chestnut tree near my house, the tree is in fact suffering some stress as a result of root disturbance and ground compaction. It is also mature to over mature in age and has some epicormic growth on the main stem however for the most I would have to agree with their current conclusion, it does (at present) look sturdy enough!

Image Credit for Mycelium: Dr. George Knaphus Iowa State University

Getting out and Exploring

2010-06-05T14:39:00.015+01:00

Early summer is a great time of year to get out and about amongst the plants and trees. If you are quick you should catch the last scents of spring in the air. Personally I can recommend walking near or beneath the canopies of Lime trees as they give off the most beautifully fragrant aroma.

To help you find somewhere to explore near to you I am recommending the following websites:

BBC Breathing Places

This website is only relevant for the UK however by entering your postcode, or a postcode or town name for an area you may be visiting, it will bring up a list of places to visit to enjoy and explore the natural environment.

The website gives a brief description of the recommended site with a map and list of facilities.

You may also try:

The Garden Landscape Guide

This website provides details of registered gardens around the world, listed by country and then region. The website gives maps and directions, images for some gardens, includes reviews of each garden and gives you the option to add a review or image if you have visited one of them.

An excellent tool for planning a world wide garden tour, a trip out for a planned holiday or travelling the globe by garden from the comfort of your living room!

Castle Finder

This website 'does what it says on the tin' and provides lists of castles in the UK by region. Many of the castles exist now as ruins only however of one thing you can be sure, they have amazing backdrops.

The website provides detailed information, directions and photographs.

Forestry Commission GB

The Forestry Commission website has an excellent woodland finder tool providing details of each woodlans, what wildlife you may see there, direction and photographs. You can search by region.

Woodland Trust

The Woodland Trust runs an interactive map allowing you to find woodlands to visit near you or throughout the country by browsing the map or searching using a postcode.

For other outdoor experiences why not try typing Arboretum or Garden Finder into your Search Engine and see what comes up. Now everything is back in leaf and bloom its time to get out and smell the roses.

Image Credits:
Nutrifield
The Grow Spot

Related Ecology: Birds and the Nesting Season

2009-12-19T10:26:00.006Z

In my industry there are few windows of opportunity for tree works in full consideration of all related ecology, in particular bats and birds. It is not just a case of habitat but trees and hedgerows also provide navigational tools and food sources.

Bats should all be hibernating at the moment, although they do wake during this period and sometimes come out to feed or relocate to a more suitable roost site. Birds however are as busy as ever.

The official nesting season starts in March however you may have noticed that the bird population are already starting to pair up.

I attempt to stop any tree works I have scheduled by February. Although nesting may start in March the birds need some time to pick a suitable nesting site, but I do believe that this process starts earlier.

My garden is teaming with birds this morning, some already seemingly paired off, some trying to find a mate. And I expect that they will already have picked an area to nest in, in the new year, taking this time to select somewhere with security and good access to food sources for their young, or returning to an area used the previous year.

It is therefore vital that we consider this prior to undertaking any vegetation management.

Tree works required to abate a serious hazard often have to proceed if there is no suitable alternative however cyclical works, scrub management or the removal of trees and hedgerows, if it has to be done, can and should be timed carefully and phased.

We tend to think of vegetation in our time frame however trees are much longer lived. Not only does phased work suit their phenology but it also aids the many birds and beasts that rely on them.

Sometimes we seem to want our lives to be in black and white. We can do tree works up until March without question because that is what the Wildlife and Countryside Act says. However as we all know nothing in life is simply black and white.

If you are planning any vegetation management this winter, whether on a large scale contract as part of your job, or simply removing or significantly changing a vegetative feature in your garden. Give consideration to the birds, they are territorial and may struggle to find somewhere else suitable this close to nesting.

If you like birds, remember that you can encourage them into your gardens by maintaining a 'wildlife corridor' through your garden to feeding areas. Vegetation that provides a safe passage between habitats such as hedgerows connecting trees with gardens, increases the number and variety of birds that will visit.

2009-11-19T19:08:00.002Z

2009-10-13T14:03:00.012+01:00

As an Arborist I get to plant trees for the benefit of the public for generations to come, I also get to see what other people are planting. All sorts of professionals plant trees however with all due respect they are not all tree experts and may not seek advice as to what they can plant and how long it will live.

Planting trees, particularly within our urban environments, has huge benefits for us and the planet. Trees clean our air, cool our air, encourage wildlife providing habitat for birds, bats, foxes, squirrels, badgers and a whole heap of insects. The bigger the tree, the better, for all!

Trees also create calming, natural areas where we can relax and play to get away from the pace of the urban environment and our hectic lives.

It saddens me to see new planting schedules consisting of small trees with short life expectancies. There is room for all tree species but what I am asking is that all tree planters thing a little more long term.

I see too many public highways planted with a few small fruit trees that succumb to vandalism or die when they reach the end of their lives. One by one they are taken out and before you know it the planting pits are filled in and the street becomes treeless.

Trees with greater life expectancies can conceivably exist for hundreds of years, with or without management. Longer lived trees can be interspersed with short term trees to provide diversity but the longer lived specimens will provide a legacy for the future.

Where would we be today if the Victorians had not thought big in their tree planting schemes? Granted their motivation was different however what greater reason can we have for planting trees then to help cleanse out air, regulate our temperatures and keep the birds and beasts in our environment?

So the next time you get to plant a tree, be bold and think big!

Image Credits: BoreMe, Francais 227, NYUEDU,

To see other Blog Action Day posts on Climate Change click here.

Blog Action Day 2009 - 15th October, Climate Change

2009-09-26T09:12:00.003+01:00

The 15th October 2009 is Blog Action Day, powered by Change.org. In their words:

‘Blog Action Day is an annual event that unites the world's bloggers in posting about the same issue on the same day on their own blogs with the aim of sparking discussion around an issue of global importance. Blog Action Day 2009 will be the largest-ever social change event on the web. One day. One issue. Thousands of voices.’

I have taken part in Blog Action Day for a couple of years now along with my Sister and Mum and it really is an amazing event. This year’s topic is climate change.

I have begun to notice over the past few years while attending seminars and courses that we can be very good at getting together, uniting to a cause and planning action however a period of time elapses, nothing happens and then before you know it we are all sitting there again discussing the same issues and noticing that we didn’t actually take any action.

This day to me is a day of communicating the wish for change on mass across the blogosphere, but it must be followed up by action.

Please take the time to register you blog for this important day, make a post for the 15th that discusses an aspect of climate change that concerns you, and then take a moment to follow the other links and help bring about the change we need, TODAY!

Register Your Blog Here

Promote Blog Action Day on Twitter, Facebook or by Grabbing a Badge for your Blog Here

Take Action Beyond Blogging Here

The Radley Oak Revisited

2009-09-19T10:27:00.009+01:00

A few years ago I was privileged enough to inspect this tree, The Radley Oak. It is situated within the grounds of a private boys school in Oxfordshire however a public footpath passes the tree.

The tree has been aged at 1,100 years, which should be easily achievable by English Oaks, Quercus robur, however due to land management techniques such as ploughing up to the bases of trees, and livestock grazing causing soil compaction around trees root systems few are able to.

This is the first time I have seen it in leaf and I was amazed at how healthy the crown is. The tree has extensive heart rot and you can climb inside the main stem and stand up within it.

Amazingly there is no current protection for such trees. The tree survives despite its environmental surroundings. A golf course runs through the grounds and there is a putting green a few feet from the base of the tree. The intensive management of the adjacent grass and compaction caused by people walking over its root system is detrimental.

While visiting I picked up a few acorns that had fallen and intend to grow them.

To give you an idea of scale the next picture shows someone standing next to the tree.

Tree Surveys & Site Safety

2009-06-24T09:02:00.021+01:00

I have re-opened the poll for aspects of arboriculture that people are interested in learning more about. Tree biology is still the hot favourite however today I am posting about tree management.

My sister recently asked if she could come out on site with me and bring my nephew so they could better understand what I do for a living. I of course said yes as I love spending time with them both, talking about trees and I am always trying to coax youngsters into the industry!

I have recently been involved with a school group using a woodland I manage as an outdoor classroom and had an opportunity to talk to the group of children aged between 8-9 about trees and some of the really interesting things about them. It was a very rewarding experience and they bombarded me with great questions.

Anyway, I started thinking about my family being on site with me and the best sites to take them to which made me reassess the safety of my working environment so I thought I would post about my role as a tree inspector and cover the safety aspects of that role, and what I do for tree inspections.

I am always aware of the hazards however for myself they are a part of my job that I am used to being aware of and I act accordingly on site instinctively. As a result I am going to visit a non work related public site with my family so that we may take the time to go through inspecting trees without the hazards involved in my daily job.

Site Hazards

The first and most obvious hazard is that I work with trees that can be very large and in a poor condition, I therefore am responsible for assessing the safety of the tree from a distance and then as I get closer before I even start taking measurements and making notes.

Trees may have hanging branches, loose deadwood or be unstable and it is obviously important to ascertain that before I start.

There is also livestock to be aware of, they are generally not dangerous however it is always good to know if they are there and where exactly they are. Being surprised by a bull is not fun, for either of you!

Many of the sites I visit have access constraints either to keep people out or keep livestock or people in! I am pretty deft at climbing a variety of fences with minimal personal harm however I of course carry a first aid kit with me at all times.

There are also numerous safety issues throughout the sites I visit at ground level. Animal waste is a big issue, I usually wear rigger boots which in addition to the steel protection for my feet protect the bottom of my clothes so if I do tread in something it stays on my shoes only. The rigger boots are a personal choice and have shielded my feet from many a nail.

Site maintenance work is common however many jobs seem to be left unfinished and grass grows quickly. There are often uncovered drains and inspection chambers, collapsed utility cables which may or may not be live, curb stones and pitted hard standing, in addition to badger setts, rabbit burrows, areas of bog, deep water!

Site traffic or traffic on adjacent highways is also an issue. Not being on the road does not guarantee that you are out of danger. A colleague of mine was nearly hit by a car loosing control on a highway adjacent to the site he was working on.

The car finished up metres away from where he was surveying however he was paying close attention to the adjacent hazard and managed to move out of the way in good time.

There is also the lone working aspect of my job and I am frequently in remote areas however my company operates an excellent lone working policy which gives me assurance. In addition I often take my two German Shepherds with me and no one is getting anywhere near me with them around!

Linked to this issue is the matter of the public who can respond in a variety of ways when they encounter you. Many people are scared about coming across someone wondering around, I have been accused of many things on site especially when I have my hammer in my hand! Some people are very friendly and like to chat to you about trees, often dog walkers who tend to be out and about enjoying the countryside with their dogs. There is the occasional odd looking person and groups of people enjoying themselves with fires and beers are also best to be avoided. In my experience people out enjoying them selves are rarely a threat and usually very approachable however due to the lone working environment it is best not to take that risk.

And there is finally a small percentage of people who will be annoyed with you for a number of reasons: some suspect you are planning to remove the trees and don't want you too, some want the trees to be removed as they don't want them there, some suspect you are going to build on the site and have strong feelings about that, some assume you work for the council and want to complain about their taxes or the bin collections, some think they have a right to camp on the site and do not like to be approached or spoken to, once you have identified yourself as someone involved in the site management you can instantly become public enemy number one and their reaction to you can be volatile.

It is best to go to site with your own safety foremost in your mind, avoid contact with the public where possible and report issues out of your control to the appropriate department.

We employ security staff to deal with trespassers. They are usually teams of men used to dealing with aggressive people and are appropriately trained for any eventuality. I am not!

Tree Surveys

Following the initial assessment of the site you are working on tree surveying may commence.

There are different types of tree surveys which are dependant on the clients needs and the trees proximity to areas of public usage or utilities.

Most commonly I perform full tree condition surveys which involves me mapping the trees location on a site plan and recording full data regarding their size and condition.

We record the following data for tree identification and condition assessment:

Species, height, stem girth, age class. All trees have a potential size and form specific to their species. They are however also subject to the stimulus of their environment which has an impact on their growth habits. This is an important factor to consider when purchasing trees for planting. It is vital that you are aware of how big they can get and what the form of their crowns is likely to be in maturity.

I have seen many examples of large trees planted in small front gardens which will cause severe issues for the residents who are living there when the trees reach maturity. The favourite for this seems to be Monkey Puzzle trees, Araucaria araucana.

These trees have very attractive and interesting foliage and I often see them for sale at nurseries in among the shrubs with no information about their ultimate size, nor the size of the cones they produce.

Following measurement of a tree we record its structural form and condition. This relates to stem and branch form which may be multi stemmed or single stemmed and includes comments regarding the condition of main branch unions.

My post An Introduction to Tree Biology - How Trees Grow #1 included comments and pictures of trees with tight stem unions that predispose the to structural failure.

The physiological condition of the tree is then assessed from branch tip to root collar. The inspection is made to assess for branch die back which can be indicative of root damage or root and stem disease.

See An Introduction to Tree Biology - Root I & II

The assessment also looks for deadwood, which can also be attributed to root damage or root and stem issues, damaged branches, cracks and splits in branches which may be significant in terms of required tree care or may provide habitat for bats and birds, evidence of any damage to the crown of the tree or evidence of any pests and diseases. Evidence of previous tree management, and development of cavities and/ or decay which can occur at pruning wounds and are noted if significant, any signs of habitat within the tree such as woodpecker holes or bird nests which are always recorded, and the shape and form of the crown which may indicate significant site issues such as prevailing winds or competition for light from adjacent cover or structures.

The foliage of a tree is also assessed in addition to it's annual branch extension growth. The colour of a trees leaves can indicate poor tree health as well as being the site for numerous pests, and extension growth can give an indication of the trees health in this and previous growing seasons.

Once a full assessment of the crown and branches of a tree have been made the stem and root collar are inspected for associated defects such as fibre buckling, cracks and splits, loose or necrotic bark which may be evidence of previous wounding or disease, and any other symptoms of issues such as swelling of the stem, the fruiting bodies of fungus which may or may not be significant.

The ground around the tree is also assessed to check for fungal fruiting bodies, surface roots and possible damage to them, signs of root plate movement, and the condition of the soil or medium the tree is growing in.

Comments are recorded for any significant defects noted with management prescriptions made to remedy any such issues or specify further investigation which may take the form of a climbing inspection, soil testing or even decay detection by means of appropriate equipment.

The environment for each tree is also commented on where significant factors are noted such as livestock razing or ploughing which can be very detrimental to trees, or site hazards which can be significant to any required management such as adjacent structures, areas of public usage or utilities.

There is other data collected during other types of tree inspections such as a pre-development site tree surveys in keeping with British Standard 5837 - Trees in Relation to Construction however this type of survey will be discussed in a separate post.

The number of trees inspected within one working day is site specific however it is possible to inspect between 150-200 trees within an 8 hour period however you have to shift a bit!

Image Credit for Monkey Puzzle Images: The Royal Botanic Garden of Edinburgh Lets Go Gardening and My Blue Muse

Tree Planting

2009-06-21T19:42:00.007+01:00

The best part of my job is planting trees. It is very hard to convince people to invest in looking after their old trees. Similarly it is hard to get landowners to invest in tree planting and appropriate aftercare to support their survival however many of the mature trees we see and appreciate today were planted by someone, had they not taken the time and the effort what would we have?

These species are some of the trees I have planned for a restoration project during this autumn and winter.

I usually buy containerised trees and will be going to the nursery in July to pick out the specific trees I want.

The nursery are very good however if you leave it until they arrive on site it is difficult to go through them all and make sure there are no issues. Also when you are spending between £80 - £200 on a tree you want to make sure its the best of the bunch.

I went to one of the formal parks I manage yesterday to look at some trees that have been vandalised. They will need to be replaced in the autumn.

While I was there I took some pictures of the trees that have been establishing at the park. Some of these species I will be planting at other sites later in the year. The species shown here in order of appearance are: Giant Redwood or Wellingtonia (Sequoiadendron giganteum), Deodar Cedar (Cedrus deodara), Blue Atlantic Cedar or Blue Atlas Cedar(Cedrus artlantica 'Glauca') and Giant Redwood again (Sequioadendron giganteum).

Tree planting is, as I have mentioned, the best part of my job and I am looking forward to getting the trees in and watching them develop in the coming years. I will not see them develop into maturity however if other people had not planted trees throughout the last few centuries I would not get to enjoy the mature treescapes I get to walk through. It is a legacy for the future.

Veteran Oak Pollards

2008-11-24T06:57:00.006Z

I came across these veteran oak pollards in London. They are several hundred years old and I was delighted to see that when the housing estate had been built around them they had made some effort to provide the trees with a suitable growing environment. It is sadly not sufficient however by comparison with some sites it is generous.

Unfortunately trees often suffer during development despite there being guidelines to afford them, and in particular their root systems, protection. In the next post I will start on tree management and in particular trees in relation to development.

An Introduction to Tree Biology: How Trees Grow # 1

2008-11-23T17:20:00.016Z

Understanding how trees grow enables us to better care for them throughout their lives.

Trees do not grow from the bottom up, continuing to push from the bottom of their stems, rather they elongate from their shoot tips and expand around their circumference by generating new cells annually.

The end of every shoot contains an area termed a meristem which develops new growth each year. This new growth is called extension growth. New layers of cells are developed at the end of an existing shoot.

The length of the extension growth in any one year is a result of the trees available energy and therefore can give an indication of the trees health. Extension growth may vary from year to year dependant on available energy however, in a healthy tree would appear uniform from year to year.

This picture (Picture 1 - Extension Growth) shows the extension growth on a Rowan tree (Sorbus commixta 'Embley'). The rings around the shoot at the bottom of the picture are the terminal or apical bud scale scar.

In other words this is where the tree grew to last year and marks the start of this years extension growth. (The terminal bud scale scar is not so obvious on all tree species however on rowan and cherry trees it is particularly easy to observe.)

As this is occurring another meristematic area beneath the bark of existing shoots, branches, and the main stem, develops new growth to provide an annual increase in the width of a tree, and its branches.

Therefore at the same time that the tree is growing taller by production of annual extension growth it is growing wider by production of annual tree rings. These are the rings that can be counted in the cross section of a felled tree from which people calculate tree ages.

When observing a young tree predictions can be made regarding its form in maturity from it’s existing branch structure.

This picture (Picture 2 - Beech Union) of a beech tree shows a co-dominant branch union, where two branches have developed almost at the same time and are therefore of a similar size.

The branches would have started growing with an acute angle between them indicating that in maturity, through the development of annual ring growth around the circumference of each branch, the branches would eventually come into contact with each other.

Tight unions can be structural defects occurring in stems, branches and shoots, and can be susceptible to failure. In the instance of the beech tree, in Picture 2, as the branches continue to develop growth around their circumference they push against each other and the result may be failure of one of the branches or splitting of the union.

The union in this Goat Willow (Picture 3 - Willow Union) has split and although the tree has managed to remain intact the split has progressed down the main stem and the tree is predisposed to failure. (There is another defect associated with tight unions termed included bark which will be discussed at a later date. Not all tight unions develop included bark.)

In a young tree identification of such defects means they can easily be remedied. In the instance of the beech tree (Picture 2) one of the branches could have been removed when the tree was young by means of secatuers resulting in a small wound that would have quickly callused over promoting the remaining branch as the lead stem of the tree.

As you can see it would be extremely difficult to remove one of these branches now and the resultant wound would be much larger and significant in terms of wounding.

Identifying growth and structural defects in young trees and affecting the necessary pruning to remedy them is termed formative pruning.

Formative pruning should be undertaken at the nursery stage. It is something to be aware of when purchasing trees. If formative pruning is undertaken it can negate the requirement for significant and costly tree pruning at a later date or prevent tree or branch failure.

It is important that if you have any concerns regarding the form or condition of your tree/s you seek professional advice from a qualified arboricultural consultant. They usually offer advice for free and will be able to advise you whether further investigation is required and what if any remedial actions you should or can undertake in order to address your concerns.

They will also be able to recommend a good arboricultural contractor to undertake any proposed tree works. Contractors are not all consultants and tree works and tree consultancy should be treated as separate areas of expertise. N.B. Many arboricultural contractors have a good consultancy knowledge however this should not be assumed.

Ginkgo biloba - The Maidenhair Tree

2008-11-17T19:29:00.004Z

An Introduction to Tree Biology: Roots II

2008-05-23T12:56:00.012+01:00

As tree biology seems to be a favourite I have decided to pick things up there with another post about tree roots, such a very vital part of a tree. To view the first post regarding tree roots click here.

We have recently purchased two new trees for our garden. The trees were pot planted however have been in the nursery for some time and as a result the root system had persisted through the drainage holes in the pot and into the surrounding soil and gravel.

We asked an assistant to help us with freeing the trees and she kindly provided secateurs and a strong hand to support the trees while we freed the roots. Her initial response had been to simply pull the trees free however this would have been disastrous and snapped most of the roots off. With a small amount of effort we were able to unearth the existing roots and prune any larger roots that could not be freed.

As previously discussed the finer string like fibrous roots provide water and nutrient uptake, without them the tree struggles to feed itself until new feeder roots can be established. The larger roots in addition to providing anchorage are storage facilities for sugars termed photosynthates produced by means of photosynthesis. These photosynthates are the energy providing material for the tree and are utilised to achieve growth and defense amongst other functions.

Planting should ideally be undertaken within the dormant season i.e. autumn and winter thus allowing trees to recover from transplant shock and begin establishment of their root system within the new area of soil usually moist due to the environmental conditions at this time of year.

Trees can be planted during the spring and summer however will almost undoubtedly require watering to prevent drought stress.

Upon planting, the tree root system should be spread evenly around the planting pit having loosened up the sides of the planting pit walls to allow easier root penetration into the soil. Trees grown in containers often develop what is termed girdled root which occurs when tree roots develop to the extents of their container and as they continue growing begin to circle the container. Any such barrier that a tree encounters in early root development may result in girdled root.

Trees planted with girdled roots can in some cases suffer stem failure later in life as a result of the girdled root exerting pressure against the main stem and vice verse as they put on their annual growth and increase in girth.

The reason that so much care is required when dealing with trees, and such a delicate and complex component as roots, is that trees have a finite amount of energy available to them. If this energy is utilised inappropriately due to unnecessary wounding or other actions the energy already ring fenced for normal annual operations is not available and trees begin to decline.

For example a tree planted carelessly during winter that is required to utilise stored energy for root repair or re-development will have less energy available to produce it's leaves in the spring. As a result the leaves may be undersized and therefore have a smaller surface area to photosynthesise during the summer months. This results is a lesser yield of photosynthates during the summer and the cycle continues.

Similarly if fertiliser or other organic matter is applied to a tree when it is not required the tree will still utilise the available food to it's own detriment. The increased food levels will stimulate growth in excess of normal levels. As every function of a tree uses energy this forced growth takes energy away which is required for another process.

Depleted energy reserves make a tree more at risk from pests and diseases as it is less able to instigate it's defense systems.

If sever drought stress occurs the parts of a tree responsible for photosynthesis can be damaged permanently resulting in a photosynthetic disability for the remainder of that trees life.

Trees can recover from small levels of stress over a period of time however an accumulation of stress can lead to decline and premature death. An excess of stress is termed strain.

It should be noted that trees are very good at looking after themselves without any of our assistance however when we start to place trees in demanding situations such as urban planting there are precautionary measures that can be taken to ensure the best environment for the tree is achieved. Appropriate ground preparation and consideration of a developing root system and it's specific needs is vital.

If you have any questions about this or any other post please feel free to leave me a comment and I will do my best to answer your query.

Trees & Related Ecology

2008-04-19T11:22:00.006+01:00

Trees and related ecology is the hot favourite on the tree topic poll at present so I am going to do a post covering the most obvious species associated with trees, birds.

Image Credit: Poppy 1812

Birds use trees for food, shelter, nesting, beak cleaning, broad casting their mating calls and probably a few other reasons I have not mentioned here! The bigger the tree the better the habitat.

Trees in urban areas are often reduced in height to address peoples concerns. Common issues are volume of leaf litter, a lack of day light, and to alleviate their fears regarding the safety of tall trees. Trees bend in the wind to distribute the forces acting upon them. This swaying can be extreme and usually causes unwarranted concern.

Image Credit: Nancifi

It is widely recognised that when urban trees are reduced greatly in height, or in areas where smaller trees replace larger historic planting, an increase in predator birds such as the magpie is seen in conjunction with a reduction in song birds.

The bigger the tree, the greater number and variety of birds.

Image Credit: Chuck4Photos

It should be noted that we have many ground vegetation and hedgerow nesting birds in this country, and all birds and their nests are protected by Statute Law in The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

'The Act makes it an offence (with exception to species listed in Schedule 2) to intentionally kill, injure, or take any wild bird or their eggs or nests. Special penalties are available for offences related to birds listed on Schedule 1, for which there are additional offences of disturbing these birds at their nests, or their dependent young. The Secretary of State may also designate Areas of Special Protection (subject to exceptions) to provide further protection to birds. The Act also prohibits certain methods of killing, injuring, or taking birds, restricts the sale and possession of captive bred birds, and sets standards for keeping birds in captivity..

Text Credit: Joint Nature Conservation Commitee

Image Credit: MeAbbott

Tree works are often disturbed or delayed due to nesting birds however it is part of tree management and there are many ecological concerns in arboriculture.

Just to touch on tree management while I have mentioned the subject, there are several times of year where tree works are problematic, or detrimental to the tree, not all of which coincide with sensitive times for associated ecological species. I will cover this in more detail within tree biology and tree management.

Poll Response

2008-04-12T14:02:00.003+01:00

I am delighted that there has been so much interest in the tree poll and will begin posting about topics you have expressed an interest in. I have been thinking about how to approach it and have decided that once a month I will do a post related to the poll.

I will start with the most popular topic, which currently seems to be related ecology, and cover the rest in turn.

Thank you to every one who voted. Arboriculture is my profession, and a passion I am happy to share. More soon!

The Tallest Tree in the UK......maybe

2008-03-29T10:45:00.005Z

This is believed to be the tallest tree in the UK although I know it is competition with a similar tree in Wales. This is a Douglas Fir, Pseudotsuga menziesii, and stands at a whopping 65m!

Its the one in the middle! It was a little hard to get a good shot of this tree as it is in a woodland, beside a river!

Tyger Tyger

2008-03-23T08:34:00.003Z

This tree lost it's leading stem at an early age which stimulated two side shoots to seek 'apical dominance' and replace the lost leading shoot. This tree managed to accomplish this with perfect symmetry.

Thanks!

2008-02-27T18:37:00.003Z

I wanted to say thank you to the folk who voted on the poll. I will continue the tree biology posts and also cover more P & D and related ecology. Stay tuned!

In the meantime, this is possibly the biggest tree in the world! It has a 10m stem diameter!The Tule Tree, found in Mexico.

Image Credit: nateinmexico

An Introduction to Tree Biology: Roots

2008-02-23T16:24:00.005Z

I find trees amazing. I find all plant life pretty amazing, but trees additionally impress me because they are more complex in order to maintain and eventually dispose of their stature.

I have received a vote on the poll asking for more information on tree biology and am therefore going to do an introduction to trees: their parts and functions.

We begin with tree roots.

(Image Credit: The Arbor Centre)To start I would like to dispel a common myth regarding tree roots. Actually a few myths: conifer tree roots are no more shallow than broadleaf tree roots, a trees’ root system is not a mirror of its’ crown and not all trees have or can maintain a tap root, due to the conditions below ground.

(Image Credit: waterloo100)There are several different types of tree root systems however the development of trees’ roots, the same as the development of the tree above ground, is not only driven by its’ genetics but by its’ environmental stimulus; how favourable its’ surroundings above and below ground are.

Tree root systems generally consist of anchorage roots, the larger roots that travel downwards however not usually in excess of 3m, and feeder roots, the finer string like mass of roots that are predominantly found within the top 60cm of the soil where they can successfully access water and nutrients, in an aerobic environment (i.e. with oxygen).

Tree roots have three main functions: they provide water and nutrients via the feeder roots, they provide anchorage therefore aiding stability, and they are used to store food stocks generated during photosynthesis.

Tree root systems are generally mature before the tree and there is a direct relationship between the developed root system and the size and stature of the tree. It is a communication that determines the trees potential if left to natural development.

Loss of or damage to root systems once a tree has begun to mature or reached maturity can be disastrous, and symptoms of root damage are most commonly the development of deadwood, often directly above the area of root damage.

The bottom line with trees, like the rest of nature they are designed to adapt. This tree, either layed as part of a hedge and neglected or failed though damage or disease, appears to have successfully layered. It is expected that the stem on the ground has developed a root system and at some point if required the connection with the main plant could be severed to leave a new specimen.

Glossary of Terms

2008-02-23T11:12:00.004Z

My good friend Tom Wigley suggested that I do a post of tree terms which I thought was a very good idea. There are many however, a lot of tree terms have lengthy explanations and I am not sure what will be of interest.

I therefore thought I would ask for some feedback from anyone who reads here and is interested in a particular aspect of arboriculture or tree biology.

If there is anything you wish to know please ask and I will be happy to post about it. In the meantime I will try and introduce as many new terms as I can within each post without boring you!

I have posted a poll with different aspects of arboriculture so you may choose what you would like me to cover there if there is a category listed that interests you. If not please feel free to leave me a comment.

There is no connection between this post and the picture. We had the most beautiful sunrise here a few days ago and I wanted to share this image.

Ash Update

2008-02-23T11:09:00.002Z

I saw an ash tree yesterday with an old branch tear wound that had begun to develop wound wood, therefore occluding or sealing the wound, that looked very similar to the ash puzzler posted previously. I am even more convinced that this is the explanation but will feedback comments from the forum when I have submitted the image.

King Alfreds' Cakes AKA Crampballs

2008-02-23T10:19:00.007Z

This is one of my favourite fungi. Its' botanical name is Daldinia concentrica, it is a wood degrading fungi that favours ash as a host, and deadwood for its' food source.

This fungus found on a live tree will be growing on deadwood or dysfunctional tissue and indicates the presence of a primary pathogen, or circumstances that have already had a detrimental affect on the tree. The tree is therefore under stress.

Yesterday I visited woodland where many ash trees were felled 2-3 years ago due to poor condition. The woodland is small and situated adjacent to public highway, footpaths and a nursing home, so dealing with hazards was a priority of management.

Most of the ash trees removed appear to have been felled due to structural flaws or infection by the fungus Inonotus hispidus, Ash Heart Rot. (Despite the common name this fungus can be found on other tree species. It is also known as Walnut Heart Rot and Shaggy Bracket.)

The larger sections of the main stem and primary limbs (Primary Limbs - The main structural branches of a tree joined directly to the main stem.)have been sectioned and kept on site as habitat piles and to avoid unnecessary disturbance into a woodland populated densely by badgers.

Since being felled the ash wood has been devoured by Daldinia concentrica and I got many wonderful photos of it old and new.

This fungus releases its spores through tiny holes in the surface. It is termed an ascomycetes as it throws its spores out where as many other fungus, mushrooms and bracket fungi, drop their spores out from the underside of the fruit, termed basidiomycetes.

The more bronzed fruiting bodies are older and becoming dysfunctional, new fruiting bodies will replace them and are black.

Estate

2008-02-17T21:19:00.001Z

Buttress Exposed

2008-02-17T21:11:00.003Z

An Ash Puzzler

2008-02-17T20:49:00.004Z

This one is a bit of a puzzler. This is an ash tree and it appears that an old pruning wound or branch stub has been partially occluded and then severely weathered, although it could be a mutation of the cells, possibly stimulated by bacteria or fungus.

I have never seen anything exactly like this before but have seen similar effects on exposed wood at branch stubs. I am going to put it to the UK Treecare Forum for comment and will let you know what they come up with!

Bats & Trees

2008-02-07T12:23:00.001Z

Awareness and consideration of ecology is required for effective tree management, particularly in case of bats. Here are 6 facts about bats.

Fact 1:
There are 17 species of bat native to the United Kingdom and they all rely on trees for either roost sites or food sources.

Fact 2:
The most common bat species in the UK are the Pipistrelle spp. You can fit 100 Pipistrelle bats into a 1 pint milk bottle (calculated via mathematical formula not empirical research!)

Fact 3:
Contrary to common belief bats are not blind; they actually have very good eyesight.

Fact 4:
All bats and bat roosts are protected by law. Disturbance of a bat or bat roost carries a fine of £5000 per bat and could incur a 6 month prison sentence.

Fact 5:
Bats in the UK can live for up to 60 years, and they make up 30% of Britain’s mammal population.

Fact 6:
Bats are protected due to their serious decline in recent years, attributed predominantly to a loss of their habitat.

Watch live images from inside a roost of common pipistrelle bats at the Lost Gardens of Heligan in Cornwall

Image Credits: bflyguys , Isaraguide , Deangeliaz and Citress respectively.

The Weeping Tree

2008-02-04T17:31:00.000Z

My last post pictured the view from within the canopy of a Weeping Ash, Fraxinus excelsior 'Pendula' for which I received a comment from Tom Wigley.....or Old Wom Tigley (Tom your identity appearing as Wom Tigley really made me do a double take and question my powers of observation!).

It made me think about my picture and wish I'd taken another snap from the outside as you cannot appreciate it's unique weeping habit from this view-port. I am going back to this site soon and will take another picture!

In the meantime I found this awesome picture of a Weeping Beech, posted at a photo share site I have registered with. Image Credit: MD72 at webshots.

Unfortunately there were no Weeping Ash photos but I will remedy that in the Spring, for now I give you Fagus sylvatica 'Pendula'.

And this picture of a smaller tree from a distance: Image Credit Sehauer at Webshots

Weeping Ash

2008-01-31T20:09:00.000Z

5 Facts About Fungi

2008-01-29T20:12:00.000Z

1. The part of the fungus you see on a tree or on the ground, for those that don't know, is the fruit of the fungus. A fungal organism moves through a medium such as soil or wood in a state known as mycelium and reproduces via spores released from the fruit, or fruiting body.

Picture of mycelium, the fungal organism, in its fine thread like state at the base of the fungus stem.

Image Credit for Mycelium: Mycelium by Phylotopsis

2. Thicker strands of mycelium are called Rhizomorphs and are more durable to traverse the woodland floor and leaf litter.

3. There are certain fungi that can detect the chemical signature emitted by damaged tree roots, and move themselves towards it. This is termed chemotaxic and self motile, respectively.

4. The more aggressive chemotaxic and self motile fungus can penetrate a healthy, intact root. Armillaria spp. Honey Fungus is such a fungus and can be commonly found within woodlands in its rhizomorph state of black lace like strands.

Picture of Armillaria spp. in rhizomorph state covering the lower main stem of a dead, bark less, oak. Devouring the last available food sources.

5. Fungi develop barriers within trees to preserve pockets of wood and therefore food stocks for themselves in competition with other species, and with other members of their own species.

Parasite or Saprophyte?

2008-01-26T12:31:00.000Z

The collage of pictures below displays wood degrading fungi. Some of them degrade living tissue and are termed parasitic, some degrade dead tissue only and are termed saprophytic.

There are many significant parasitic fungi which, when identified on a tree, may indicate a level of degradation of woody tissue; more specifically within a particular part of a tree.

Fungi may be classified into degraders of roots and stem bases, and stems and branches, and by their colonisation strategy i.e. how do they get into the wood? Furthermore specific fungi degrade different components of woody tissue at different rates.

Correct identification of a fungus allows the arborist to judge the severity and significance of the infection with regard to the trees health and structural integrity. A fungal fruiting body may be of no significance or extreme significance.

Fungi

2008-01-24T22:43:00.000Z

When Should I Prune My Trees?

2008-01-20T11:40:00.000Z

There are several answers to this question, I am going to briefly discuss them all however, there is one answer I particularly want to discuss and that is 'never'.

Trees are managed for a variety of purposes including: timber production, fruit production, nursery stock, amenity, ecology, heritage, and each aspect of tree management is it's own individual industry.

Trees grown for timber production, forestry, or silviculture, are generally planted in tight grown groups at regular spacings. This introduces an early competition for light between the trees and therefore generates a crop that is straight and tall, perfect for harvesting in order to make the most of the product. Trees are generally harvested in groups. Pruning is not generally undertaken and weaker specimens or trees of poor form are naturally suppressed.

Trees grown for fruit production in orchards are similarly planted in uniform rows, at a greater spacing than for forestry, and are pruned regularly in order to promote flower and therefore fruit production. Pruning of a lead or apical shoot stimulates multiple side or lateral shoots to develop. Pruning also permits easy harvest of the fruit by keeping it within reach of the pickers.

You may even have heard of people beating trees. This again is a practice associated with fruit production; trees under stress anticipating decline or death will utilise all of their available energy to reproduce. Beating a tree therefore causing wounding may induce this state and therefore increase crop yield. (This method is not promoted.)

Nursery stock involves the cultivation of trees for sale onto all other tree related industries, and the general public, and incorporates the most important aspect of tree pruning, formative pruning. Trees develop new growth at their tips therefore the form of a young tree is same as that of the tree in maturity.

Early identification of structural defects, for example poor branch unions where the lead branch and a side branch are very close together at their point of origin, allows for formative pruning to be undertaken at a time where removal of a branch will result in a small wound easily sealed over or occluded by the tree. If the branch were to be left it would thicken along with the rest of the tree.

As the tree matures and the branch gains weight and size it may be susceptible to failure. If the branch does not fail naturally and is identified as a defect in maturity removal will result in a large wound which takes more time and energy for the tree to occlude and increases the chance of infection by providing a large area of exposed wood for pests and diseases to enter.

Formative pruning could conceivably save thousands of pounds of tree work required for trees permitted to mature with structural defects. It could also prevent the failure of thousands of trees for the same reasons. When purchasing nursery trees their form should be considered carefully and the tree, as it is, envisaged in maturity.

Trees managed for amenity covers much of our municipal tree stock including roadside trees and public park trees. Trees grown within urban settings are often subject to pruning regimes undertaken to permit traffic and pedestrians to pass unimpeded under mature canopies. Trees are also commonly pruned to permit site lines for security purposes whether this be CCTV cameras of patrolling police or security. Utility companies also regularly undertake pruning of trees to provide adequate clearance of cables, railway lines and waterways.

Trees managed for ecology and heritage are generally under a scheme of non interference save where over maturity or damage by storm render them in need of remedial works. There are also pruning techniques which encourage ecology that can be employed when remedial works are necessary in an attempt to mitigate the loss of part or all of a tree, or group of trees, which may provide valuable habitat.

The bottom line though is trees are self optimising structures designed to disperse forces evenly over their entire shape. They do this in order to effectively withstand wind, loading by means of fruit, leaves, and snow, and to successfully maintain their often enormous size in maturity. Pruning interferes with and influences that self optimised shape and can lead to and promote branch or tree failure.

Trees bending in the wind on a stormy day are dispersing forces through a graduation of branch size from the main stem and branches down to their shoot tips.

So, if you are privileged enough to have trees within your management whether they be at a place of work or within your own garden, remember to consider the full consequences of your actions. Always try and start from the viewpoint that you would rather not prune the tree at all and take it from there.

If pruning is necessary try and avoid wounding any trees during spring and autumn, when the tree is using much of its finite energy resources to either produce leaves or drop leaves.

Finally trees do develop deadwood. Stormy days, stress, disease, and many other factors, may result in the development of deadwood of varying sizes. Unless the deadwood is of a large size located over an area of high public usage it should be retained. The tree may still be utilising energy stored within the deadwood, and as development of deadwood can often indicate a state of stress further wounding may compound the issue. Deadwood also provides a valuable habitat for a multitude of insects, plants and mammals.

If you do think your trees need pruning always seek the advice of a professional arboricultural consultant. They usually offer advice for free and will be able to advise you whether further investigation is required and what if any remedial actions you should or can undertake in order to address your concerns. They will also be able to recommend a good arboricultural contractor to undertake any proposed tree works. Contractors are not all consultants and tree works and tree consultancy should be treated as separate areas of expertise.

N.B. Many arboricultural contractors have a good consultancy knowledge however this should not be assumed.

Trees should be inspected regularly by a qualified arboricultural consultant, particularly large, mature trees. It is recommended that trees are inspected every 3-5 years however, a consultant will be able to give advice on inspection frequency appropriate to your specific circumstances.

Alnus glutinosa, Common Alder

2008-01-17T21:21:00.001Z

The Radley Oak

2008-01-16T21:44:00.000Z