Do You Need A Consulting Arborist?
Trees are the most important element in any landscape in many ways. We all understand their importance in aesthetics and the comfort that they provide. Their potential for failure make them important in an entirely different way.
All trees have potential for failure of the entire tree or parts of the tree. When a branch or a tree fails (falls) their is also potential for death or bodily injury. I often tell clients that one of the differences between a tree guy and a grass guy is that if the tree guy makes a gross error, he can kill somebody. The grass guy can fix his error with money. Of course there are many potential risks beyond the control of the arborist. Wind and ice storms and speeding cars can wreak havoc.
A consulting arborist provides information about selection, planting, proper placement and both short term and long term health management. They also identify potential failures in trees and help manage those associated risks. When failures occur, they are called upon to identify cause and establish value of the loss. This evaluation is often based on the Guide for Plant Appraisal produced by the Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers.
10.12.2006. 23:25
Problem Diagnosis
Diagnosing problems in trees is somewhat akin to diagnosing problems in pets. They can't tell you where it hurts, so I have to ask many questions of the client and look at every clue available.
I tend to start with a bottom to top observation of the tree, starting at the root crown area, working my way up the trunk, out the scaffold branches and finishing with leaves and twigs. Then I ask for every bit of history that anyone might remember; when was the tree planted, how has the tree been watered, how has the tree been fertilized, have there been any pesticide treatments of any kind made, etc.
The clues that the tree provides are generally more accurate than what the client provides. The client may have a very short history with the tree and the arborist is much better trained to observe the clues.
The main point here is that problem diagnosis is a process and a good one cannot reasonably be made by bringing in a twig sample to find out what is wrong with the whole tree.
10.12.2006. 23:23
Benefits of Trees
It is well known that all plants give off oxygen. There are many other benefits as well. The cooling shade of a large tree on a hot West Texas afternoon is very inviting. Nowhere are windbreaks more beneficial than in West Texas. Physical and financial benefits of trees are quantifiable.
Less tangible are the good feelings we get from our association with trees; the memories of climbing trees as a small child, the beauty of spring flowering trees and the soothing effects of a walk in the woods or in the park.
The shade of a large tree is a microclimate of greater humidity and a temperature of at least 10 degrees cooler than the surrounding area on a summer afternoon. The canopy of the urban forest has a great moderating effect on the wind, especially when compared to the rural areas of the Plains. Trees absorb the impact of rainfall, slowdown runoff, and increase the rate of absorption.
Houses with trees and landscaping consistently sell sooner and for a greater price than houses without. A large shade tree on the west side of your house can save hundreds of dollars, perhaps thousands, over the life of the tree in cooling costs.
10.12.2006. 23:22