Science Of Arboriculture

In this episode of Science of Arboriculture, John Goodfellow talks about his research on the biomechanics of small branches and how they may fail. He also discusses his work finding and defining good indicators of branch failure, as well as where small branches were typically seen to fail.

In this episode of Science of Arboriculture we will present an issue that gets many arborists “ticked off.” Dr. Wes Watson discusses an important issue for arborists working in the field: tick and tick-borne diseases. In this episode you will learn about the different species of ticks and their associated pathogens, as well as methods for preventing disease and localized control of tick populations.

In this episode of Science of Arboriculture, learn how wind and other loads affect tree stability and how urban trees’ branches aid in supporting trees dynamically. Our guest, Dr. Ken James, discusses dynamic systems versus static systems, and how we might apply this knowledge to the study of tree stability for urban trees.

In this episode of Science of Arboriculture Dr. Dirk Dujesiefken delivers a lecture on the CODIT Principle. Dr. Dujesiefken addresses the four phases of the defense reaction according to the CODIT principle, and shares his most recent experiments which have interesting implications for how, he suggests, the CODIT model should be expanded.

Adriana Jacykewycz lectures on green streets and storm-water capture in New York City on this week’s Science of Arboriculture podcast. Adriana is the director of “Greenstreets,” a project in which she and her team are converting unused roadbeds into planting beds and storm water capture systems. Adriana discusses the various studies involved in her project, and the challenges and success they have encountered thus far.

Join us for this week’s episode of Science of Arboriculture in which Dr. Patricia Zungoli discusses fire and needle ants. These two species of ants continue to dominate their surrounding habitats, and Dr. Zungoli delivers a compelling lecture regarding the nature of the problem as well as possible methods of treatment.

On this episode of “Science of Arboriculture,” Dr. Jim Clark discusses Manion’s “morality spiral,” and how this concept relates to a process of decline we see in many urban trees. Dr. Clark gives an in depth outline of the symptoms associated with the decline spiral, and discusses potential management prevention strategies to prevent premature tree death.

In this episode, join us as Dr. Christina Wells presents a series of experiments across the country testing a soil decompaction and amendment process designed to improve soil conditions for root growth and tree performance in urban trees. Listen to this episode to find out whether the results of Dr. Wells’ experiment indicate a value to a combination treatment approach to urban trees in compacted soil.

In this podcast, Mr. Andreen delineates prevention tactics that the public entity litigator, the urban forester, as well as the private arborist can use to proactively defend his/her public entity, company or client in tree-related, personal injury litigation cases.

One means of de-polluting our soils, air, and water is through the use of living organisms, or bioremediation. If the bioremediation process uses plants to contain, degrade, eliminate, or accumulate these pollutants is called phytoremediation. Trees and shrubs in the landscape were evaluated using Filterra, a stormwater management system.

Regardless of your stance on climate change, the consideration of how specific tree species could be either adversely affected or more effective in a changing urban environment provides a thought-provoking forum. Dr. Ferrini discusses the evaluation of tree species that have been traditionally planted in urban settings in various parts of the world to determine which species may be more adaptable and beneficial in the event of climate change.

Starting with the National Arborist Association’s (TCIA) cabling standards in 1944, the industry standards have now expanded to include numerous aspects of tree care and safe work practices. The process of creating a standard and its corresponding Best Management Practice guide is discussed in this podcast.

For several years tree experts have tried to assess breakage and uprooting failure potential of trees based on technical measurements. Such calculations may seem reliable at first glance, but a more detailed analysis shows many ‘hidden’ problems.

Determining the necessary branch diameter to support a specific load is crucial for safety during tree climbing, cabling, and for appropriate tree risk assessment and mitigation. In this presentation, Andreas Detter talks about differences between tree species and other parameters affecting tree strength and stiffness during wind events in urban environments.

Trees are well suited to become a part of a city’s rainwater management system, but must have sufficient soil resources and large canopies that reduce the impact of rainfall by absorbing and retaining water and decreasing peak flows into regional water systems. Urban foresters and arborists can be key initiators in the use of trees for rainwater management.

During which types of storms are tree failures most likely to result in human fatalities? Dr. Schmidlin discusses the unique characteristics of specific windstorms, such as thunderstorms, hurricanes, and tornadoes. Study results identify the numbers of human deaths from falling trees or tree parts in relation to each type of windstorm and the U.S. locations most affected.

What are the results of root pruning on root ball quality and the stability of trees planted from containers? Dr. Gilman presents two research studies that evaluate root pruning effects on root defects and tree stability of hardwoods.

Visual assessment of trees for signs of decay is essential, but it may not be enough. Once decay indicators help identify trees that require further testing, implementation of sounding, probing, and advanced assessment methods is recommended. Following the “trail of indicators” and using testing devices in the proper locations on a tree can result in more accurate detection of the incidence and severity of decay.

Visual assessment of trees for signs of decay is essential, but it may not be enough. Once decay indicators help identify trees that require further testing, implementation of sounding, probing, and advanced assessment methods is recommended. Following the “trail of indicators” and using testing devices in the proper locations on a tree can result in more accurate detection of the incidence and severity of decay.