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