Ecological Arborist Association?

marlinspiker

marlinspiker

Participating member
Location
Pennsyltucky
I am not aware of an organization similar to the Ecological Landscape Association for the arb community.

http://www.ecolandscaping.org/membership/

As arborists we serve a unique role in implementing and maintaining sustainable landscapes. How many would be interested in starting a similar org for our unique community? It doesnt have to be as formal as the above but could provide a framework to share ideas across the country on such topics as woodland restoration, biodiversity, native plants, organic plant health care and etc. Would be interested to hear your opinions.
 
I'm behind this 100%. Educating homeowners and gardeners about ecologically responsible landscaping in the urban ecosystem is important.
And trees and soil are about the biggest two factors. These two alone are highly inter-related as we know (but are all still learning about).
The more we share the better arborists we will all be. Plus, it's another way in to getting the word out about topping. We will look more like the practical scientists we are rather than just jocks with chainsaws.
 
Sounds great.

So many issues to work on...

One that comes to mind: Imidicloprid - so important in saving eastern hemlock from the adelgid, but also a suspect in colony collapse of bees ...

As arborists, what to do?
confused.gif


Not that we couldn't talk about that somewhere on treebuzz, but an organization might (someday) have the capacity to give some focus to such issues...
 
Some brits started calling themselves environmental arborists because they were more concerned with trees as habitat for other critters. The response from here was...we thought all arboriculture was environmental.

Same with 'ecological". Unless the present orgs prove inimical to ecological values, there is no reason I see to go through all the work to start a new org. These topics are presented by ISA and at tcia expo already. we sure could use more--so suggest it to them, or submit proposals yourselves!

Or are there volunteers to fund and direct this new org??
 
Guy,

I dont see mainstream hort practices as being ecological at all. When we sterilize our environments with shock treatments of nitrogen and introduce invasive species as a norm how is this ecological? Granted the ISA has published articles in recent years about some of these topics but in no way is pushing these topics as a main part of its mission. Im not proposing an alternative to the ISA or any other arb organization just a place like a forum or website where ideas can be bantered about, articles posted and experiences shared. The Eastern Native Tree Society is a great example of an organization that gets alot done, and doesnt take dues.
 
[ QUOTE ]
Some brits started calling themselves environmental arborists because they were more concerned with trees as habitat for other critters. The response from here was...we thought all arboriculture was environmental.

Same with 'ecological". Unless the present orgs prove inimical to ecological values, there is no reason I see to go through all the work to start a new org. These topics are presented by ISA and at tcia expo already. we sure could use more--so suggest it to them, or submit proposals yourselves!

Or are there volunteers to fund and direct this new org??

[/ QUOTE ]

I don't see any huge need for arborists to start a new group or association for this. Much of the science (and part philosophy) is already available without extra tiers of organization.

When landscaping is done properly, and tree care properly, the science knowledge and skill overlaps so heavily, that the professions are really one in the same outside of many tools and gear. So the landscape ecology group may be sufficient as it is.

One question is, do these groups focus solely on education, or to they move into politics? And do members want the education, or the politics? Do they want their dues to go completely to education, or to both?
 
I'm in favor of starting more dialogue about pesticide use.
The Arborist I learned from did a lot of spraying weeds. What I would call cosmetic use of pesticides.

It can be a good source of revenue for sure, but it's not something I want to do in my business. Mainly because I
Don't want to handle the stuff.

We all have to make our choices.
 
i sat on their board for awhile, excellent organization, it is still quite new, i would be all for a eco-arborist assoc. i think it is needed and alot of people would get alot from it.
 
Hello Tree Buzzers,
I've been reading the buzz for at least a year, just starting to post.

I'm a CA from Saskatoon Saskatchewan. Certified since last april, 2-3 years climbing experience. I worked with an Arborist here in Saskatoon for 1 year, Started my own business
last spring.

I try to promote an environmentally progressive image. I use only canola oil in my saws, encourage customers to install water efficient landscapes and no use of pesticides/fungicides.

An organization like the ISA is great to serve an educational body. But where do they stand in regards to encouraging good eco-friendly practices?
Do they encourage the use cosmetic pesticide use? I'm not sure. I've never read any ISA info on cancer causing agents in bar oil.

So do we need an Eco-Arborist Association?
Or do we just raise these issues through the organizations that exist?
 

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I would say it is better to keep it within the existing organizations. Starting another one just serves to fragment the industry and reduce it's effectiveness overall in other matters.
 
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