Veteran Tree Specialist Certification--Practicing and Consulting Levels

Damn....good try @treevet . Appalling story truth be told. Extensive decay my arse as that stump shows. SOB.

Seeing planted and some forest sugar maple decline here in Cbus too.
 
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2 schools of thought on the declining species...
Connecting the dots on the science of climate change, recognizing population shifts of organisms that locate where they haven't been historically, now have new frontiers to move to.
The other view is nothing's changed and attempts to rescue an threatened organism is limited to chemical treatments on the symptoms of decline. A loosing proposition but a money maker for those who don't care.
 
treevet said:
Who is taking comments Guy? Is this to be worked into the ISA/TRAQ?
Click to expand...

Comments go to training@ancienttreeforum.co.uk

Re working this into I/USA training, that's up to you, to make the suggestion to them! I tried to get the bar raised on tree inspection, in the ANSI Part 9, and Risk BMP, and TRAQ levels, but failed.
ANSI Part 8 does address tree inspection, but none of that was included in TRAQ. I hope it gets into VetCert.

Re that bur(r) oak, SAD! Mr. Muchmore does not even have TRAQ!?! or experience, apparently. The City fathers must have a ton of faith in the Davey brand, but he really let everyone down; way over his head... But to be fair, I've seen a report by another guy out of that same office that was reasonable.

I worked on another burr oak in Wyoming last November. Davey whacked it back years ago but it persists.

Tree Inspection Procedures, from ANSI A300 Part 8 and Germany’s ZTV


Clarify the owner’s goals. Consider the potential contributions of the tree to the site. Study aerial maps, the ecosystem, past management, disturbance, and site history.

To assess the effect of different interactions on the vitality of trees requires special knowledge, long-term observation, including the soil and growing environment.



Review all of the potential tree care techniques that can deliver those contributions.

Prune old trees only when necessary. Retain deadwood except for sanitation or safety. When a tree must be removed consider leaving sections as habitat.



Establish the objective. Provide maximum vitality health and safety of trees.


Write specifications (detailed, measurable plan or proposal for meeting the objective). Specify inspection tools and practices that avoid damage to living tissue, bark or soil.

Specify the inspection method and area. Before contracts begin, a definite diagnosis.


“83.3.4 Inspection should include…:

Conditions in the crown that may reflect root conditions;

Stem tissue connecting the crown and the roots; vitality, tipping and breaking safety.

Girdling of buttress roots or stems by roots or foreign objects, and the tree’s response;

Tree association with beneficial and harmful insects;

Tree association with pathogenic and beneficial microorganisms (e.g. mycorrhizae);

Wounds, and the tree’s response to wounds;

Mechanical damage to detectable roots, and response;

Indications of root disease and response…” soil aeration , moisture and nutrients.


“Mulch, soil and foreign material should be removed as needed to allow inspection.”

Bark” tracing of wounds shall remove only dead, loose, and damaged tissue.”

Evaluate decay, callus and woundwood growth, and response growth in trunk and crown.” Investigation produces explicit and exhaustive specifications.



Cost-benefit analysis considers ornamental, ecological, cultural, and functional significance of the tree. Objectives are to improve vitality and extend life. Consider supporting instead of pruning, Predict the trees reaction to the work…ability to compartmentalize…Coordinate any works on roots, stem and crown with each other.



83.3.9 The flare and buttress roots should remain visible...


Specify the method, area, depth, tools, equipment and limitations of excavation. Diagnose detectable flare and root diseases and disorders. Protect root and stem tissue newly exposed to sunlight where needed.




Sample specifications Root Collar Examinations using hand tools



Scope: Trees with fill contacting the trunk.

Objective: Avoid damage to the tree from the effects of fill on the trunk. Lessen risk and maintenance needs, improve health. Provide maximum vitality health and safety.


Specifications:

  1. Rake any coarse woody debris or fresh mulch away from the root collar area.
  2. Press the blade of a shovel or a trowel against the trunk. Slide it carefully downward until resistance is met.
  3. Push the handle toward the trunk, moving the blade away from the trunk.
  4. Remove individual adventitious roots <1 cm and stem-girdling roots <1/10 trunk diameter. Manage larger roots per A300 (Part 8), 83.4 and 84.4. Avoid contact between the trunk and any remaining adventitious, girdling, and circling roots.
  5. Lift the fertile material away from the trunk and set aside.
  6. Separate and dispose of any infertile soil and debris. Retain the fertile soil, fine roots, mycorrhizae, and decomposed mulch.
  7. Repeat until trunk and flare are clear, down to the root collar, where buttress roots divide. Use hand tools, or compressed water or air, to clear the root collar.
  8. Consider replanting the tree, if the flare is over 2” below grade and the tree has been in the ground for less than 5 years.
  9. Consider installing a device to control erosion, or remove soil and fine roots outside of the root collar to make a gradual slope.
  10. Apply 2-4” of mulch over the root collar. Avoid mulch contact with the flare.
  11. Incorporate the fertile material into the rootzone where practical near the dripline.
  12. Specify that future management will keep the flare visible.
 
guymayor said:
Comments go to training@ancienttreeforum.co.uk

Re working this into I/USA training, that's up to you, to make the suggestion to them! I tried to get the bar raised on tree inspection, in the ANSI Part 9, and Risk BMP, and TRAQ levels, but failed.
ANSI Part 8 does address tree inspection, but none of that was included in TRAQ. I hope it gets into VetCert.

Re that bur(r) oak, SAD! Mr. Muchmore does not even have TRAQ!?! or experience, apparently. The City fathers must have a ton of faith in the Davey brand, but he really let everyone down; way over his head... But to be fair, I've seen a report by another guy out of that same office that was reasonable.

I worked on another burr oak in Wyoming last November. Davey whacked it back years ago but it persists.

Tree Inspection Procedures, from ANSI A300 Part 8 and Germany’s ZTV


Clarify the owner’s goals. Consider the potential contributions of the tree to the site. Study aerial maps, the ecosystem, past management, disturbance, and site history.

To assess the effect of different interactions on the vitality of trees requires special knowledge, long-term observation, including the soil and growing environment.



Review all of the potential tree care techniques that can deliver those contributions.

Prune old trees only when necessary. Retain deadwood except for sanitation or safety. When a tree must be removed consider leaving sections as habitat.



Establish the objective. Provide maximum vitality health and safety of trees.


Write specifications (detailed, measurable plan or proposal for meeting the objective). Specify inspection tools and practices that avoid damage to living tissue, bark or soil.

Specify the inspection method and area. Before contracts begin, a definite diagnosis.


“83.3.4 Inspection should include…:

Conditions in the crown that may reflect root conditions;

Stem tissue connecting the crown and the roots; vitality, tipping and breaking safety.

Girdling of buttress roots or stems by roots or foreign objects, and the tree’s response;

Tree association with beneficial and harmful insects;

Tree association with pathogenic and beneficial microorganisms (e.g. mycorrhizae);

Wounds, and the tree’s response to wounds;

Mechanical damage to detectable roots, and response;

Indications of root disease and response…” soil aeration , moisture and nutrients.


“Mulch, soil and foreign material should be removed as needed to allow inspection.”

Bark” tracing of wounds shall remove only dead, loose, and damaged tissue.”

Evaluate decay, callus and woundwood growth, and response growth in trunk and crown.” Investigation produces explicit and exhaustive specifications.



Cost-benefit analysis considers ornamental, ecological, cultural, and functional significance of the tree. Objectives are to improve vitality and extend life. Consider supporting instead of pruning, Predict the trees reaction to the work…ability to compartmentalize…Coordinate any works on roots, stem and crown with each other.



83.3.9 The flare and buttress roots should remain visible...


Specify the method, area, depth, tools, equipment and limitations of excavation. Diagnose detectable flare and root diseases and disorders. Protect root and stem tissue newly exposed to sunlight where needed.




Sample specifications Root Collar Examinations using hand tools



Scope: Trees with fill contacting the trunk.

Objective: Avoid damage to the tree from the effects of fill on the trunk. Lessen risk and maintenance needs, improve health. Provide maximum vitality health and safety.


Specifications:

  1. Rake any coarse woody debris or fresh mulch away from the root collar area.
  2. Press the blade of a shovel or a trowel against the trunk. Slide it carefully downward until resistance is met.
  3. Push the handle toward the trunk, moving the blade away from the trunk.
  4. Remove individual adventitious roots <1 cm and stem-girdling roots <1/10 trunk diameter. Manage larger roots per A300 (Part 8), 83.4 and 84.4. Avoid contact between the trunk and any remaining adventitious, girdling, and circling roots.
  5. Lift the fertile material away from the trunk and set aside.
  6. Separate and dispose of any infertile soil and debris. Retain the fertile soil, fine roots, mycorrhizae, and decomposed mulch.
  7. Repeat until trunk and flare are clear, down to the root collar, where buttress roots divide. Use hand tools, or compressed water or air, to clear the root collar.
  8. Consider replanting the tree, if the flare is over 2” below grade and the tree has been in the ground for less than 5 years.
  9. Consider installing a device to control erosion, or remove soil and fine roots outside of the root collar to make a gradual slope.
  10. Apply 2-4” of mulch over the root collar. Avoid mulch contact with the flare.
  11. Incorporate the fertile material into the rootzone where practical near the dripline.
  12. Specify that future management will keep the flare visible.
Click to expand...

I wish my boss wrote work specs like that.
 
ATH said:
While I agree that using native plants is often the best practice and that understanding how plants interact with other plants is essential, let's not forget that we aren't living in a "native" environment:
*Non-native plants are a part of the ecosystem for better or worse.
*Undisturbed "native" soil is an extreme rarity anyplace I work - even when I am working in the woods.
*Pests and predator relationships are drastically different than they were just several decades ago.
*The fauna has changed drastically.

Then you have the question of when is "native" considered acceptable? Was it when we were covered by glaciers? Or perhaps at some period when the northern US was experiencing tropical-like temperatures for a few centuries? Even if you look to immediately before European settlement as the "ideal" period things don't measure up. Deer populations were more like 1 or 2 per square mile. If you plan on that in western PA or much of MI or WI, you will be sorely disappointed when your plants are mowed off hours after you installed them.

Not trying to argue with the general concept...just highlighting that this is a BIG ball of wax that is going to constantly change.
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This extends into the definition and current use of the term Riparian in the establishment of zones around watercourses. It seems the true definition is not what is used by Fisheries and municipalities to determine areas that Work can be done in? Unless you have enough money to grease the wheels of government that is! You can’t tell me that a waterfront property with a cement wall and lawn is riparian? Aaand if it was important enough to deem it such why does the government allow the wall and lawn to be there? Once the wall and lawn are there it’s class should change.
 
Stephen Moore said:
This extends into the definition and current use of the term Riparian in the establishment of zones around watercourses. It seems the true definition is not what is used by Fisheries and municipalities to determine areas that Work can be done in? Unless you have enough money to grease the wheels of government that is! You can’t tell me that a waterfront property with a cement wall and lawn is riparian? Aaand if it was important enough to deem it such why does the government allow the wall and lawn to be there? Once the wall and lawn are there it’s class should change.
Click to expand...
Sorry kinda off topic, but I’m dealing with this particular issue now!
 
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