In the wake of a storm, assessing the damage to property and surroundings is a critical first step in the process of recovery and restoration. Storms, whether they be hurricanes, tornadoes, or severe thunderstorms, can wreak havoc on structures and landscapes, potentially leaving behind a trail of hazards that must be addressed promptly and safely. The initial assessment is not merely about evaluating the extent of visible damage but also involves identifying risks to ensure safety during cleanup and repair efforts.
The first step in performing an initial assessment post-storm is to ensure personal safety. Before venturing into any damaged areas, it's crucial to wear appropriate protective gear. This includes sturdy footwear, gloves, long sleeves and pants to protect against sharp objects and debris. Additionally, wearing a hard hat can provide protection from falling objects while goggles help shield eyes from dust and small particles.
Once properly equipped for safety, the next step is surveying the area for immediate dangers. Electrical hazards are among the most serious concerns following a storm. Downed power lines can pose deadly threats; therefore, they should never be approached or touched under any circumstances. It's important to assume all wires on the ground are live with electricity. If electrical hazards are present or suspected, utility companies should be contacted immediately.
Another potential hazard is gas leaks which can occur when equipment or pipes are damaged by strong winds or debris. The smell of gas or a hissing noise may signal a leak. If this is detected, it's essential not to operate electrical switches which could ignite an explosion. Vacating the area swiftly and contacting emergency services is advised.
After addressing immediate life-threatening hazards, assessing structural integrity comes next. Inspecting your home or building for damages requires careful attention to detail; look at foundations for cracks or shifts as these might compromise the stability of the entire structure. Roofs should be checked for missing shingles or tiles because these compromise structural integrity and lead to water infiltration which itself leads to further complications like mold growth.
Interiors ought not be neglected in this initial sweep - checking ceilings and walls for wet spots will help identify leaks that could lead to collapses or other water-related damages over time if unaddressed.
While documenting damages throughout this process – either through written notes or photographs – it's beneficial both for insurance purposes and planning repairs effectively without overlooking anything critical during cleanup operations.
Lastly but importantly during all phases of this assessment: maintain communication with local authorities about road closures, structural dangers within your community, and where you can receive aid such as temporary accommodations if your home has been severely affected.
Conclusively, while initiating storm damage cleanup seems daunting initially due to potential dangers lurking amidst chaos left behind by nature's fury; methodical approach focusing on prioritizing human safety above everything else paves way towards effective recovery strategies protecting both individuals involved in clean-up operations as well as property itself from further harm.
In the aftermath of a storm, safety is paramount during cleanup operations. The destructive power of storms can leave behind a trail of hazards, from structural damages to scattered debris. Therefore, understanding and implementing essential safety measures is vital to ensure that those involved in the cleanup efforts are protected from potential risks.
Firstly, wearing protective gear is crucial. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) acts as the first line of defense against various dangers that might be encountered during storm damage cleanup. This includes sturdy gloves to protect hands from sharp objects and harmful substances, goggles or safety glasses to shield eyes from flying debris, and hard hats to prevent head injuries from falling items or unexpected impacts. Additionally, wearing long sleeves, pants, and durable boots can minimize the risk of cuts, scrapes, and punctures from navigating through broken materials.
Another significant aspect of storm damage cleanup involves securing utilities before commencing any work. This step is fundamental for preventing accidents related to gas leaks or electrical shocks. It's imperative to ensure that power and gas lines are safely shut off. Checking for downed power lines or damaged gas pipes and promptly reporting them to the utility companies can avert serious incidents such as explosions or fires that could result not only in injury but also further property damage.
Furthermore, assessing structural stability is essential; entering buildings compromised by the storm without proper evaluation can lead to collapses, trapping individuals under rubble. Engaging professionals who can evaluate the integrity of buildings provides an additional layer of security for those involved in the cleanup process.
Equally important is being aware of water-related hazards. Floodwaters can hide numerous dangers beneath their murky surfaces-from sharp objects to electrically charged water due to downed wires. Moreover, these waters may be contaminated with hazardous chemicals or waste materials that pose health risks upon contact.
Lastly, it's beneficial for communities engaged in storm damage cleanup efforts to conduct regular briefings on safety protocols and updates on ongoing utility issues or other hazards identified during operations. Communication plays a critical role in ensuring everyone's safety by keeping all participants informed about current conditions and reminding them about necessary precautions throughout the duration of the cleanup activities.
In conclusion, while the urge may be strong to quickly restore normalcy after a devastating storm by initiating immediate cleanups, prioritizing safety measures including wearing appropriate protective gear and securing utilities cannot be overstated. By taking these precautions seriously and methodically planning post-storm recoveries with an emphasis on safety first strategies help protect individuals from further harm while effectively managing recovery operations.
Debris removal is a critical aspect of storm damage cleanup, essential for restoring safety and functionality to affected areas. The process involves meticulous planning and execution to handle various types of debris, such as fallen trees, broken glass, and damaged building materials. Effective strategies not only facilitate swift clean-up efforts but also minimize environmental impact and help communities recover more quickly.
The first step in effective debris removal is the assessment phase. Before any cleanup can begin, it's crucial to evaluate the affected area thoroughly. This includes identifying different types of debris and determining their potential hazards. Fallen trees might have compromised structural elements or power lines; broken glass poses risks for injuries; and damaged building materials can contain hazardous substances like asbestos or lead. An accurate assessment helps in prioritizing tasks and allocating resources efficiently.
Once the initial assessment is complete, sorting becomes the next essential step. Sorting debris into categories-organic material (like trees and plants), recyclables (such as metals and plastics), construction materials (wood, concrete), and hazardous waste-speeds up the disposal process and supports recycling efforts. For instance, organic waste can be chipped into mulch for landscaping or erosion control, while recyclables can be sent off for reprocessing.
Special attention should also be paid to hazardous materials. Items like asbestos-containing materials from older buildings or chemical containers that may have ruptured during the storm need careful handling to avoid health risks or further environmental contamination. These require specialized personnel equipped with appropriate safety gear to manage their removal and disposal properly.
Involving professional services often proves indispensable in managing large-scale debris cleanups effectively. These teams are equipped with heavy machinery such as cranes, bulldozers, and dump trucks that are necessary for removing larger items like uprooted trees or collapsed structures safely.
Community involvement is another vital component of successful storm damage cleanup efforts. Mobilizing local volunteers under organized leadership can expedite clearing efforts significantly while fostering a sense of community solidarity in trying times. Training sessions on safe debris handling practices before starting work ensure volunteers' safety.
Finally, communication plays a crucial role throughout the entire process-from initial assessments through final disposal stages-to keep all stakeholders informed about progress updates and ongoing needs. Effective communication ensures efficient coordination among various groups involved-from government agencies to community members-and promotes transparency throughout recovery operations.
In conclusion, effective debris removal after storm damage requires a strategic combination of thorough assessment, meticulous sorting, professional intervention when necessary, community involvement under structured guidance, special care for hazardous materials, and clear communication strategies throughout the operation. With these components in place, communities can navigate the challenges posed by post-storm cleanup more smoothly and return to normalcy sooner rather than later.
Storm damage can wreak havoc on properties, leaving homeowners and businesses grappling with water damage that poses immediate and long-term risks. Effective storm damage cleanup is crucial not only for the structural integrity of buildings but also for the health of its occupants. Water damage mitigation is a critical component of the recovery process, involving techniques to dry out properties, prevent mold growth, and restore water-damaged areas to their pre-storm condition.
The first step in any effective storm damage cleanup is assessing the extent of the water intrusion. This involves identifying the sources of water, categorizing the type of water (clean, grey, or black), and evaluating the degree of contamination and damage to materials. Rapid response is essential; water can seep into structural cavities creating trapped pockets of saturation that may go unnoticed until they cause significant damage.
Once assessment and documentation are complete, the drying process begins. This includes water extraction using powerful pumps and vacuums specifically designed to remove large amounts of water from carpets, hardwood floors, and other flooring materials. After bulk water is removed, dehumidifiers come into play along with air movers to help draw moisture out of porous building materials including wood, drywall, and insulation. The goal here is not just to dry these materials superficially but to achieve an acceptable level of moisture content within them that precludes mold growth.
Monitoring this drying process is crucial; it involves regular checks with moisture meters and other tools to ensure that materials return to appropriate moisture levels consistently across different areas of a property. Specialized equipment might be used in these instances like infrared cameras which can help identify ‘hidden’ damp spots behind walls or under floors.
Preventing mold growth during storm damage cleanup cannot be overstressed; mold can begin to grow within 24-48 hours under suitable conditions. All wet materials need attention promptly because they provide ideal environments for mold spores already present in indoor environments to proliferate. Besides drying techniques mentioned above, antimicrobial treatments might be necessary especially if dealing with gray or black water contaminants which include bacteria or viruses possibly from sewage backflows.
Finally comes restoration—the process whereby a property is restored back its original condition before storm impact. Depending on severity this could involve minor repairs like replacing sections of soaked drywall or major reconstructions like rebuilding entire rooms or houses.
Effective storm cleanup thus requires an integrated approach combining rapid response strategies with advanced technological solutions tailored according specific situations faced after weather-related incidents occur—always keeping safety health concerns at forefront planning implementation efforts aimed at mitigation further damages while restoring normalcy as quickly efficiently possible.
When faced with the aftermath of a storm, homeowners often face the daunting task of cleanup and restoration. Storm damage can vary widely from minor leaks to major structural damage, including fallen trees and flooded basements. In such situations, while the initial instinct might be to handle repairs on one's own, recognizing when to call in professional help is crucial for effective and safe restoration. This essay discusses the importance of enlisting experts like arborists, roofers, and water restoration specialists during storm damage cleanup.
Firstly, arborists play a vital role following storms that result in downed trees or damaged vegetation. Trees can fall on homes, power lines, and cars or block roadways, posing serious safety risks and requiring immediate attention. Professional arborists are trained in safely removing trees and large branches. They have the necessary equipment to perform the job without causing additional harm to people or property. Furthermore, arborists can assess the health of remaining trees, which might be at risk of falling in future storms, thus helping prevent potential damage.
Secondly, roofers are critical when dealing with storm-related structural damage to roofs. High winds, heavy rains, and falling debris can all compromise the integrity of a roof. Minor damages such as missing shingles or small leaks might seem manageable but can lead to more significant issues if not addressed properly. Professional roofers not only repair damage but also provide an expert evaluation of the roof's overall condition. They ensure that all aspects of the roof system are intact and functioning correctly-this includes gutters, flashings, and underlayment materials which might often be overlooked by an untrained eye.
Lastly, water restoration specialists are indispensable when dealing with flooding or extensive water exposure caused by storms. Water damage can lead to mold growth, structural deterioration, and other harmful consequences if not promptly addressed with professional-grade tools and techniques. Water restoration experts specialize in drying out affected areas using industrial fans and dehumidifiers; they thoroughly sanitize contaminated spaces to prevent mold spores from taking hold; they also repair or replace soggy drywall before more serious structural problems arise.
In conclusion, understanding when to call in professionals like arborists for tree-related hazards; roofers for roofing integrity checks; and water restoration specialists for flood management is essential after a storm hits. Although it may seem cost-effective initially to attempt DIY repairs following minor incidents; hiring qualified professionals ensures long-term safety and efficiency saving both time and additional expenses by addressing any hidden damages early on thereby mitigating further deterioration or potential hazards.
When a storm sweeps through, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake, the process of cleanup and recovery can be daunting. For many, one critical step in the road to restoration involves filing an insurance claim to cover the damages incurred. Proper documentation and a clear understanding of the claims process are key to ensuring that this step goes as smoothly as possible.
Documenting Storm Damage
The first step in documenting storm damage for an insurance claim is immediate yet careful cataloging of all damages once it's safe to do so. It's crucial to take comprehensive photographs and videos from multiple angles, capturing all affected areas of your property. These visual records should clearly show the extent of the damage and will serve as vital evidence when you file your claim.
In addition to photos and videos, keeping a written log can also be beneficial. This should include notes on what was damaged, how (if known), and when the damage was discovered. If possible, retain samples of materials (like shingles or siding) that were damaged if they might help your claim.
If repairs need to be made immediately to prevent further damage, such as covering broken windows or holes in roofs, make sure to document these actions as well. Keep all receipts related to any temporary repairs or protective measures since these costs might be reimbursable under your policy.
Navigating the Claims Process
Once you have thoroughly documented the damage, the next step is initiating the claims process with your insurance company. Here are several tips for navigating this phase:
Contact Your Insurance Company Promptly Reach out to your insurer as soon as possible after assessing and documenting the damage. Early contact not only sets the claims process into motion but may also provide you with critical guidance on their specific procedures and requirements.
Review Your Policy Carefully Understanding what your insurance policy covers is essential before filing a claim. Review your declarations page for details about coverage limits and deductibles along with any relevant exclusions or conditions that might affect coverage for storm-related damages.
Provide Detailed Documentation Submit all gathered evidence along with your claim form. Be as thorough as possible when providing information; vagueness can delay processing or lead to disputes over compensation amounts.
Keep Communication Lines Open Maintain regular communication with your insurance adjuster throughout the claims process. Being proactive about following up can help keep things moving smoothly towards resolution.
Seek Professional Assessments if Necessary In some cases, it may be prudent—or necessary—to hire professionals like roofers or engineers to assess certain aspects of the damage more thoroughly than you're equipped to handle yourself.
Understand Your Right to Appeal If you disagree with the assessment made by your insurance company’s adjuster or are unsatisfied with settlement offers, know that most policies include provisions for dispute resolution involving third-party appraisals or mediation.
Practice Patience While it's important to push for timely resolutions, it’s equally important not rush through settlements without proper deliberation just because you want quick results; hasty decisions could lead you settling for less than what’s fair or insufficient for full recovery.
By methodically documenting damages and understanding how best navigate through each stage of an insurance claim following storm damage, property owners can significantly enhance their chances receiving fair compensation promptly thus easing overall burden cleanup recovery.
When discussing storm damage cleanup, it's crucial to consider not only the immediate aftermath but also proactive measures that can mitigate future storm impacts. Prevention tips for future storms encompass a range of strategies designed to minimize damage and ensure communities are resilient in the face of natural disasters.
One fundamental aspect of storm damage prevention is tree trimming. Overgrown branches can pose significant hazards during high winds and severe storms. They can break windows, tear down power lines, or even fall on buildings causing extensive property damage and potential injuries. Regular maintenance of trees around homes and along streets significantly reduces these risks. It involves removing dead or weak branches and ensuring that trees are healthy enough to withstand the stresses brought by harsh weather.
Infrastructure updates are equally important in storm preparedness. This includes fortifying buildings, bridges, roads, and utilities to endure extreme conditions. For residential properties, this might mean installing storm shutters, reinforcing roofing materials, or upgrading windows to impact-resistant models. On a larger scale, cities and municipalities might focus on enhancing drainage systems to prevent flooding, securing electrical grids against outages, and strengthening levees and sea walls in vulnerable areas.
Reinforcement strategies extend beyond physical infrastructure updates; they also involve community planning and emergency preparedness. This includes developing clear evacuation routes, setting up emergency shelters equipped with necessary supplies, and conducting regular disaster drills that keep community members informed about what steps to take when a storm approaches.
Furthermore, technological advancements now play a vital role in storm damage prevention. Weather forecasting technology has vastly improved over the years, providing accurate predictions that help communities prepare better for impending storms. Investment in early warning systems can alert residents well in advance of potential dangers, allowing for timely preventative actions such as sandbagging areas prone to flooding or evacuating vulnerable populations.
In conclusion, while immediate cleanup after a storm is critical for restoring normalcy, focusing on prevention measures ensures long-term safety and sustainability. By incorporating tree trimming into regular maintenance schedules, updating infrastructure with better materials and designs adapted for climate resilience, implementing reinforcement strategies that include both physical improvements and community preparedness plans as well as utilizing modern technology for timely warnings-communities can dramatically reduce the impact of future storms.
Forestry is the science and craft of creating, managing, planting, using, conserving and repairing forests and woodlands for associated resources for human and environmental benefits.[1] Forestry is practiced in plantations and natural stands.[2] The science of forestry has elements that belong to the biological, physical, social, political and managerial sciences.[3] Forest management plays an essential role in the creation and modification of habitats and affects ecosystem services provisioning.[4]
Modern forestry generally embraces a broad range of concerns, in what is known as multiple-use management, including: the provision of timber, fuel wood, wildlife habitat, natural water quality management, recreation, landscape and community protection, employment, aesthetically appealing landscapes, biodiversity management, watershed management, erosion control, and preserving forests as "sinks" for atmospheric carbon dioxide.
Forest ecosystems have come to be seen as the most important component of the biosphere,[5] and forestry has emerged as a vital applied science, craft, and technology. A practitioner of forestry is known as a forester. Another common term is silviculturist. Silviculture is narrower than forestry, being concerned only with forest plants, but is often used synonymously with forestry.
All people depend upon forests and their biodiversity, some more than others.[6] Forestry is an important economic segment in various industrial countries,[7] as forests provide more than 86 million green jobs and support the livelihoods of many more people.[6] For example, in Germany, forests cover nearly a third of the land area,[8] wood is the most important renewable resource, and forestry supports more than a million jobs and about €181 billion of value to the German economy each year.[9]
Worldwide, an estimated 880 million people spend part of their time collecting fuelwood or producing charcoal, many of them women.[6][quantify] Human populations tend to be low in areas of low-income countries with high forest cover and high forest biodiversity, but poverty rates in these areas tend to be high.[6] Some 252 million people living in forests and savannahs have incomes of less than US$1.25 per day.[6]
Over the past centuries, forestry was regarded as a separate science. With the rise of ecology and environmental science, there has been a reordering in the applied sciences. In line with this view, forestry is a primary land-use science comparable with agriculture.[10] Under these headings, the fundamentals behind the management of natural forests comes by way of natural ecology. Forests or tree plantations, those whose primary purpose is the extraction of forest products, are planned and managed to utilize a mix of ecological and agroecological principles.[11] In many regions of the world there is considerable conflict between forest practices and other societal priorities such as water quality, watershed preservation, sustainable fishing, conservation, and species preservation.[12]
Silvology (Latin: silva or sylva, "forests and woods"; Ancient Greek: -λογία, -logia, "science of" or "study of") is the biological science of studying forests and woodlands, incorporating the understanding of natural forest ecosystems, and the effects and development of silvicultural practices. The term complements silviculture, which deals with the art and practice of forest management.[13]
Silvology is seen as a single science for forestry and was first used by Professor Roelof A.A. Oldeman at Wageningen University.[14] It integrates the study of forests and forest ecology, dealing with single tree autecology and natural forest ecology.
Dendrology (Ancient Greek: δÃŽÂνδρον, dendron, "tree"; and Ancient Greek: -λογία, -logia, science of or study of) or xylology (Ancient Greek: ξÃÂλον, ksulon, "wood") is the science and study of woody plants (trees, shrubs, and lianas), specifically, their taxonomic classifications.[15] There is no sharp boundary between plant taxonomy and dendrology; woody plants not only belong to many different plant families, but these families may be made up of both woody and non-woody members. Some families include only a few woody species. Dendrology, as a discipline of industrial forestry, tends to focus on identification of economically useful woody plants and their taxonomic interrelationships. As an academic course of study, dendrology will include all woody plants, native and non-native, that occur in a region. A related discipline is the study of sylvics, which focuses on the autecology of genera and species.
The provenance of forest reproductive material used to plant forests has a great influence on how the trees develop, hence why it is important to use forest reproductive material of good quality and of high genetic diversity.[16] More generally, all forest management practices, including in natural regeneration systems, may impact the genetic diversity of trees.
The term genetic diversity describes the differences in DNA sequence between individuals as distinct from variation caused by environmental influences. The unique genetic composition of an individual (its genotype) will determine its performance (its phenotype) at a particular site.[17]
Genetic diversity is needed to maintain the vitality of forests and to provide resilience to pests and diseases. Genetic diversity also ensures that forest trees can survive, adapt and evolve under changing environmental conditions. Furthermore, genetic diversity is the foundation of biological diversity at species and ecosystem levels. Forest genetic resources are therefore important to consider in forest management.[16]
Genetic diversity in forests is threatened by forest fires, pests and diseases, habitat fragmentation, poor silvicultural practices and inappropriate use of forest reproductive material.
About 98 million hectares of forest were affected by fire in 2015; this was mainly in the tropical domain, where fire burned about 4 percent of the total forest area in that year. More than two-thirds of the total forest area affected was in Africa and South America. Insects, diseases and severe weather events damaged about 40 million hectares of forests in 2015, mainly in the temperate and boreal domains.[18]
Furthermore, the marginal populations of many tree species are facing new threats due to the effects of climate change.[16]
Most countries in Europe have recommendations or guidelines for selecting species and provenances that can be used in a given site or zone.[17]
Forest management is a branch of forestry concerned with overall administrative, legal, economic, and social aspects, as well as scientific and technical aspects, such as silviculture, forest protection, and forest regulation. This includes management for timber, aesthetics, recreation, urban values, water, wildlife, inland and nearshore fisheries, wood products, plant genetic resources, and other forest resource values.[19] Management objectives can be for conservation, utilisation, or a mixture of the two. Techniques include timber extraction, planting and replanting of different species, building and maintenance of roads and pathways through forests, and preventing fire.
The first dedicated forestry school was established by Georg Ludwig Hartig at Hungen in the Wetterau, Hesse, in 1787, though forestry had been taught earlier in central Europe, including at the University of Giessen, in Hesse-Darmstadt.
In Spain, the first forestry school was the Forest Engineering School of Madrid (Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingenieros de Montes), founded in 1844.
The first in North America, the Biltmore Forest School was established near Asheville, North Carolina, by Carl A. Schenck on September 1, 1898, on the grounds of George W. Vanderbilt's Biltmore Estate. Another early school was the New York State College of Forestry, established at Cornell University just a few weeks later, in September 1898.
Early 19th century North American foresters went to Germany to study forestry. Some early German foresters also emigrated to North America.
In South America the first forestry school was established in Brazil, in Viçosa, Minas Gerais, in 1962, and moved the next year to become a faculty at the Federal University of Paraná, in Curitiba.[34]
Today, forestry education typically includes training in general biology, ecology, botany, genetics, soil science, climatology, hydrology, economics and forest management. Education in the basics of sociology and political science is often considered an advantage. Professional skills in conflict resolution and communication are also important in training programs.[35]
In India, forestry education is imparted in the agricultural universities and in Forest Research Institutes (deemed universities). Four year degree programmes are conducted in these universities at the undergraduate level. Masters and Doctorate degrees are also available in these universities.
In the United States, postsecondary forestry education leading to a Bachelor's degree or Master's degree is accredited by the Society of American Foresters.[36]
In Canada the Canadian Institute of Forestry awards silver rings to graduates from accredited university BSc programs, as well as college and technical programs.[37]
In many European countries, training in forestry is made in accordance with requirements of the Bologna Process and the European Higher Education Area.
The International Union of Forest Research Organizations is the only international organization that coordinates forest science efforts worldwide.[38]
In order to keep up with changing demands and environmental factors, forestry education does not stop at graduation. Increasingly, forestry professionals engage in regular training to maintain and improve on their management practices. An increasingly popular tool are marteloscopes; one hectare large, rectangular forest sites where all trees are numbered, mapped and recorded.
These sites can be used to do virtual thinnings and test one's wood quality and volume estimations as well as tree microhabitats. This system is mainly suitable to regions with small-scale multi-functional forest management systems
Forestry literature is the books, journals and other publications about forestry.
The first major works about forestry in the English language included Roger Taverner's Booke of Survey (1565), John Manwood's A Brefe Collection of the Lawes of the Forrest (1592) and John Evelyn's Sylva (1662).[39]
cite book
cite journal
The Society of American Foresters grants accreditation only to specific educational curricula that lead to a first professional degree in forestry at the bachelor's or master's level.
This article incorporates text from a free content work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 (license statement/permission). Text taken from Global Forest Resources Assessment 2020 Key findings​, FAO, FAO.
This article incorporates text from a free content work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 IGO (license statement/permission). Text taken from The State of the World's Forests 2020. Forests, biodiversity and people – In brief​, FAO & UNEP, FAO & UNEP.
This article incorporates text from a free content work. Licensed under CC BY-SA IGO 3.0 (license statement/permission). Text taken from World Food and Agriculture – Statistical Yearbook 2023​, FAO, FAO.
Arboriculture (/ˈɑËÂrbÉ™rɪˌkÊŒltʃər, É‘ËÂrˈbÉâ€Ã‹Âr-/)[1] is the cultivation, management, and study of individual trees, shrubs, vines, and other perennial woody plants. The science of arboriculture studies how these plants grow and respond to cultural practices and to their environment. The practice of arboriculture includes cultural techniques such as selection, planting, training, fertilization, pest and pathogen control, pruning, shaping, and removal.
A person who practices or studies arboriculture can be termed an arborist or an arboriculturist. A tree surgeon is more typically someone who is trained in the physical maintenance and manipulation of trees and therefore more a part of the arboriculture process rather than an arborist. Risk management, legal issues, and aesthetic considerations have come to play prominent roles in the practice of arboriculture. Businesses often need to hire arboriculturists to complete "tree hazard surveys" and generally manage the trees on-site to fulfill occupational safety and health obligations.[citation needed]
Arboriculture is primarily focused on individual woody plants and trees maintained for permanent landscape and amenity purposes, usually in gardens, parks or other populated settings, by arborists, for the enjoyment, protection, and benefit of people.[citation needed]
Arboricultural matters are also considered to be within the practice of urban forestry yet the clear and separate divisions are not distinct or discreet.[citation needed]
Tree benefits are the economic, ecological, social and aesthetic use, function purpose, or services of a tree (or group of trees), in its situational context in the landscape.
A tree defect is any feature, condition, or deformity of a tree that indicates weak structure or instability that could contribute to tree failure.
Common types of tree defects:
Codominant stems: two or more stems that grow upward from a single point of origin and compete with one another.
Included bark: bark is incorporated in the joint between two limbs, creating a weak attachment
Dead, diseased, or broken branches:
Cracks
Cavity and hollows: sunken or open areas wherein a tree has suffered injury followed by decay. Further indications include: fungal fruiting structures, insect or animal nests.
Lean: a lean of more than 40% from vertical presents a risk of tree failure
Taper: change in diameter over the length of trunks branches and roots
Epicormic branches (water sprouts in canopy or suckers from root system): often grow in response to major damage or excessive pruning
Roots:
Proper tree installation ensures the long-term viability of the tree and reduces the risk of tree failure.
Quality nursery stock must be used. There must be no visible damage or sign of disease. Ideally the tree should have good crown structure. A healthy root ball should not have circling roots and new fibrous roots should be present at the soil perimeter. Girdling or circling roots should be pruned out. Excess soil above the root flare should be removed immediately, since it present a risk of disease ingress into the trunk.
Appropriate time of year to plant: generally fall or early spring in temperate regions of the northern hemisphere.
Planting hole: the planting hole should be 3 times the width of the root ball. The hole should be dug deep enough that when the root ball is placed on the substrate, the root flare is 3–5cm above the surrounding soil grade. If soil is left against the trunk, it may lead to bark, cambium and wood decay. Angular sides to the planting hole will encourage roots to grow radially from the trunk, rather than circling the planting hole. In urban settings, soil preparation may include the use of:
Tree wells: a zone of mulch can be installed around the tree trunk to: limit root zone competition (from turf or weeds), reduce soil compaction, improve soil structure, conserve moisture, and keep lawn equipment at a distance. No more than 5–10cm of mulch should be used to avoid suffocating the roots. Mulch must be kept approximately 20cm from the trunk to avoid burying the root flare. With city trees additional tree well preparation includes:
Tree grates/grill and frames: limit compaction on root zone and mechanical damage to roots and trunk
Root barriers: forces roots to grow down under surface asphalt/concrete/pavers to limit infrastructure damage from roots
Staking: newly planted, immature trees should be staked for one growing season to allow for the root system to establish. Staking for longer than one season should only be considered in situations where the root system has failed to establish sufficient structural support. Guy wires can be used for larger, newly planted trees. Care must be used to avoid stem girdling from the support system ties.
Irrigation: irrigation infrastructure may be installed to ensure a regular water supply throughout the lifetime of the tree. Wicking beds are an underground reservoir from which water is wicked into soil. Watering bags may be temporarily installed around tree stakes to provide water until the root system becomes established. Permeable paving allows for water infiltration in paved urban settings, such as parks and walkways.
Within the United Kingdom trees are considered as a material consideration within the town planning system and may be conserved as amenity landscape[2] features.
The role of the Arborist or Local Government Arboricultural Officer is likely to have a great effect on such matters. Identification of trees of high quality which may have extensive longevity is a key element in the preservation of trees.
Urban and rural trees may benefit from statutory protection under the Town and Country Planning[3] system. Such protection can result in the conservation and improvement of the urban forest as well as rural settlements.
Historically the profession divides into the operational and professional areas. These might be further subdivided into the private and public sectors. The profession is broadly considered as having one trade body known as the Arboricultural Association, although the Institute of Chartered Foresters offers a route for professional recognition and chartered arboriculturist status.
The qualifications associated with the industry range from vocational to Doctorate. Arboriculture is a comparatively young industry.
The International Society of Arboriculture, commonly known as ISA, is an international non-profit organization headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia,[1] United States. The ISA serves the tree care industry as a paid membership association and a credentialing organization that promotes the professional practice of arboriculture.[2] ISA focuses on providing research, technology, and education opportunities for tree care professionals to develop their arboricultural expertise. ISA also works to educate the general public about the benefits of trees and the need for proper tree care.[3][4]
Worldwide, ISA has 22,000 members and 31,000 ISA-certified tree care professionals with 59 chapters, associate organizations, and professional affiliates throughout North America, Asia, Oceania, Europe, and South America.[5]
ISA offers the following credentials:
The Certified Arborist credential identifies professional arborists who have a minimum of three years' full-time experience working in the professional tree care industry and who have passed an examination covering facets of arboriculture.[6][7] The Western Chapter of the ISA started the certification program in the 1980s,[citation needed] with the ISA initiating it in 1992.[8]
The Board Certified Master Arborist (BCMA) or simply Master Arborist credential identifies professional arborists who have attained the highest level of arboriculture offered by the ISA and one of the two top levels in the field. There are several paths to the Board Certified Master Arborist, but typically on average each has been an ISA Certified Arborist a minimum of three to five years before qualifying for the exam (this can vary depending upon other education and experience). The certification began as a result of the need to distinguish the top few arborists and allow others to identify those with superior credentials.
The Master Arborist examination is a far more extensive exam than the Certified Arborist Exam, and covers a broad scope of both aboriculture management, science and work practices. The exam includes the following areas:
Another credential that is on a par with the Master Arborist is that of the American Society of Consulting Arborists, the Registered Consulting Arborist.[9] There are perhaps six hundred individuals with that qualification, and only 70 arborists who hold both credentials.[citation needed]
An arborist, or (less commonly) arboriculturist, is a professional in the practice of arboriculture, which is the cultivation, management, and study of individual trees, shrubs, vines, and other perennial woody plants in dendrology and horticulture.[citation needed]
Arborists generally focus on the health and safety of individual plants and trees, rather than managing forests or harvesting wood (silviculture or forestry). An arborist's scope of work is therefore distinct from that of either a forester or a logger.[citation needed]
In order for arborists to work near power wires, either additional training is required or they need to be certified as a Qualified Line Clearance Arborist or Utility Arborist (there may be different terminology for various countries). There is a variety of minimum distances that must be kept from power wires depending on voltage, however the common distance for low voltage lines in urban settings is 10 feet (about 3 metres).[1]
Arborists who climb (as not all do) can use a variety of techniques to ascend into the tree. The least invasive, and most popular technique used is to ascend on rope. There are two common methods of climbing, Single Rope System (SRS) and Moving Rope System (MRS). When personal safety is an issue, or the tree is being removed, arborists may use 'spikes', (also known as 'gaffs' or 'spurs') attached to their chainsaw boots with straps to ascend and work. Spikes wound the tree, leaving small holes where each step has been.[citation needed]
An arborist's work may involve very large and complex trees, or ecological communities and their abiotic components in the context of the landscape ecosystem. These may require monitoring and treatment to ensure they are healthy, safe, and suitable to property owners or community standards. This work may include some or all of the following: planting; transplanting; pruning; structural support; preventing, or diagnosing and treating phytopathology or parasitism; preventing or interrupting grazing or predation; installing lightning protection; and removing vegetation deemed as hazardous, an invasive species, a disease vector, or a weed.[citation needed]
Arborists may also plan, consult, write reports and give legal testimony. While some aspects of this work are done on the ground or in an office, much of it is done by arborists who perform tree services and who climb the trees with ropes, harnesses and other equipment. Lifts and cranes may be used too. The work of all arborists is not the same. Some may just provide a consulting service; others may perform climbing, pruning and planting: whilst others may provide a combination of all of these services.[2]
Arborists gain qualifications to practice arboriculture in a variety of ways and some arborists are more qualified than others. Experience working safely and effectively in and around trees is essential. Arborists tend to specialize in one or more disciplines of arboriculture, such as diagnosis and treatment of pests, diseases and nutritional deficiencies in trees, climbing and pruning, cabling and lightning protection, or consultation and report writing. All these disciplines are related to one another and some arborists are very well experienced in all areas of tree work, however not all arborists have the training or experience to properly practice every discipline.[citation needed]
Arborists choose to pursue formal certification, which is available in some countries and varies somewhat by location. An arborist who holds certification in one or more disciplines may be expected to participate in rigorous continuing education requirements to ensure constant improvement of skills and techniques.[citation needed]
In Australia, arboricultural education and training are streamlined countrywide through a multi-disciplinary vocational education, training, and qualification authority called the Australian Qualifications Framework, which offers varying levels of professional qualification. Government institutions including Technical and Further Education TAFE offer Certificate III or a diploma in arboriculture as well as some universities.[3][4] There are also many private institutions covering similar educational framework in each state. Recognition of prior learning is also an option for practicing arborists with 10 or more years of experience with no prior formal training. It allows them to be assessed and fast track their certification.[citation needed]
In France, a qualified arborist must hold a Management of Ornamental Trees certificate, and a qualified arborist climber must hold a Pruning and Care of Trees certificate; both delivered by the French Ministry of Agriculture.[5][6]
In the UK, an arborist can gain qualifications up to and including a master's degree. College-based courses include further education qualifications, such as national certificate, national diploma, while higher education courses in arboriculture include foundation degree, bachelor's degree and master's degree.[citation needed]
In the US, a Certified Arborist (CA) is a professional who has over three years of documented and verified experience and has passed a rigorous written test from the International Society of Arboriculture. Other designations include Municipal Specialist, Utility Specialist and Board Certified Master Arborist (BCMA). The USA and Canada additionally have college-based training which, if passed, will give the certificate of Qualified Arborist. The Qualified Arborist can then be used to offset partial experience towards the Certified Arborist.
Tree Risk Assessment Qualified credential (TRAQ), designed by the International Society of Arboriculture, was launched in 2013. At that time people holding the TRACE credential were transferred over to the TRAQ credential.[citation needed]
In Canada, there are provincially governed apprenticeship programs that allow arborists' to work near power lines upon completion. These apprenticeship programs must meet the provincial reregulations (For example, in B.C. they must meet WorkSafeBC G19.30), and individuals must ensure they meet the requirements of the owner of the power system.[citation needed]
Trees in urban landscape settings are often subject to disturbances, whether human or natural, both above and below ground. They may require care to improve their chances of survival following damage from either biotic or abiotic causes. Arborists can provide appropriate solutions, such as pruning trees for health and good structure, for aesthetic reasons, and to permit people to walk under them (a technique often referred to as "crown raising"), or to keep them away from wires, fences and buildings (a technique referred to as "crown reduction").[7] Timing and methods of treatment depend on the species of tree and the purpose of the work. To determine the best practices, a thorough knowledge of local species and environments is essential.[citation needed]
There can be a vast difference between the techniques and practices of professional arborists and those of inadequately trained tree workers. Some commonly offered "services" are considered unacceptable by modern arboricultural standards and may seriously damage, disfigure, weaken, or even kill trees. One such example is tree topping, lopping, or "hat-racking", where entire tops of trees or main stems are removed, generally by cross-cutting the main stem(s) or leaders, leaving large unsightly stubs. Trees that manage to survive such treatment are left prone to a spectrum of detrimental effects, including vigorous but weakly attached regrowth, pest susceptibility, pathogen intrusion, and internal decay.[8]
Pruning should only be done with a specific purpose in mind. Every cut is a wound, and every leaf lost is removal of photosynthetic potential. Proper pruning can be helpful in many ways, but should always be done with the minimum amount of live tissue removed.[9]
In recent years, research has proven that wound dressings such as paint, tar or other coverings are unnecessary and may harm trees. The coverings may encourage growth of decay-causing fungi. Proper pruning, by cutting through branches at the right location, can do more to limit decay than wound dressing [10]
Chemicals can be applied to trees for insect or disease control through soil application, stem injections or spraying. Compacted or disturbed soils can be improved in various ways.[citation needed]
Arborists can also assess trees to determine the health, structure, safety or feasibility within a landscape and in proximity to humans. Modern arboriculture has progressed in technology and sophistication from practices of the past. Many current practices are based on knowledge gained through recent research, including that of Alex Shigo, considered one "father" of modern arboriculture.[11]
Depending on the jurisdiction, there may be a number of legal issues surrounding the practices of arborists, including boundary issues, public safety issues, "heritage" trees of community value, and "neighbour" issues such as ownership, obstruction of views, impacts of roots crossing boundaries, nuisance problems, disease or insect quarantines, and safety of nearby trees or plants that may be affected.[citation needed]
Arborists are frequently consulted to establish the factual basis of disputes involving trees, or by private property owners seeking to avoid legal liability through the duty of care.[12] Arborists may be asked to assess the value of a tree[13] in the process of an insurance claim for trees damaged or destroyed,[14] or to recover damages resulting from tree theft or vandalism.[15] In cities with tree preservation orders an arborist's evaluation of tree hazard may be required before a property owner may remove a tree, or to assure the protection of trees in development plans and during construction operations. Carrying out work on protected trees and hedges is illegal without express permission from local authorities,[16] and can result in legal action including fines.[17] Homeowners who have entered into contracts with a Homeowner's association (see also Restrictive covenants) may need an arborists' professional opinion of a hazardous condition prior to removing a tree, or may be obligated to assure the protection of the views of neighboring properties prior to planting a tree or in the course of pruning.[18] Arborists may be consulted in forensic investigations where the evidence of a crime can be determined within the growth rings of a tree, for example. Arborists may be engaged by one member of a dispute in order to identify factual information about trees useful to that member of the dispute, or they can be engaged as an expert witness providing unbiased scientific knowledge in a court case. Homeowners associations seeking to write restrictive covenants, or legislative bodies seeking to write laws involving trees, may seek the counsel of arborists in order to avoid future difficulties.[19]
Before undertaking works in the UK, arborists have a legal responsibility to survey trees for wildlife, especially bats, which are given particular legal protection. In addition, any tree in the UK can be covered by a tree preservation order and it is illegal to conduct any work on a tree, including deadwooding or pruning, before permission has been sought from the local council.[citation needed]
The protagonist in Italo Calvino's novel The Baron in the Trees lives life on the ground as a boy and spends the rest of his life swinging from tree to tree in the Italian countryside. As a young man he helps the local fruit farmers by pruning their trees.[citation needed]
Some noteworthy arborists include:
We recently had five large pine trees taken down in our front yard. We had three bids from different tree companies. We also wanted the stumps ground as well as chasing roots above ground. Rudy was fantastic and his workers were very skilled and the clean up was exceptional. We would highly recommend them and not hesitate to use them again.
Used Rudy and All In Tree for numerous things over the last year and a half. Pricing is Competitive. Very responsive to calls and tests. I like that they're insured. Did what he said what he was going to do and when he said he was going to do it. A couple of things didn't meet my expectations and he immediately came out and made it right. I have recommended to multiple other people.
Update! 10/10/23 After they helped me last month, All in Tree Service has again saved the day! A couple of large trees washed down the creek on my property recently and one of them was lodged against the pipes that go from my house to the street. There were other large tree trunks in the creek as well and also one wedged against the supports for my bridge. The All In team went to work and within a couple of hours had everything cleaned up and removed. The pipes and the bridge are safe! I recommend this team wholeheartedly. They care about what they do and it shows. Thank you! I’m very grateful. This team exemplifies professionalism. The before and after pictures tell a great story. September 2023 I recently was fortunate enough to find Rudy and Yaremi of All In Tree Services. A very large and very high limb on a big oak tree was hanging after a storm. It was a danger to me, to my dogs and to the fence below it. I had never met Rudy and Yaremi before. They were the first to call me back when I started my search for a reliable tree service. They clearly wanted the business so I gave them a chance. I’m so glad I did. They were very impressive! Their strategy and teamwork were incredible. Clearly they are very experienced at this kind of work. I took some pictures but I wish I had filmed the whole thing. It was amazing. They roped off the limb so it would not fall on anything or anyone. Then they quickly got the limb cut and safely on the ground and helped to clear up the debris. I am extremely happy with their service and with the friendly and professional manner with which they conducted themselves. I have already recommended them to my neighbors and I strongly encourage anyone who needs tree services to call them.
All professional service. Timely, efficient, friendly. I had big old dead trees that I feared daily were going to come down. I called them in an emergency and they came the very next morning, no problem, no excuses. The guys were about service and me as a customer. They saw what I needed and went above and beyond to make sure I was a satisfied customer. I am a satisfied customer. I will use this company again and again. Thank you Rudy.