Arborist News

Plant appraisal focuses on trees, shrubs, and other plants as well as associated physical features and maintenance services. Potential assignments are diverse, ranging from one or more trees which may be naturally occurring or planted to project sites that may be income or non-income producing. (Article by The Council of Tree & Landscape Appraisers) (A, M, T, Bp)

Appraisers form opinions of value that are based on data. Data are facts that provide the basis for reasoning, discussion, or calculations. The exact data needed for an appraisal will vary with the assignment, approach, method, and technique applied. (A, M, T, Bp)

Appraisal is a systematic process that uses both quantitative analysis and qualitative judgment to develop and communicate an assignment result of either a cost or a value. (A, T, Bp, Bm)

This article introduces common appraisal terms and core concepts such as value, cost, and the economic principles that provide the foundation for plant and landscape valuation. (A, M, Bs)

This second article on nursery production systems discusses the potential influence of production methods on root architecture and growth, pest and disease susceptibility, establishment, drought tolerance, and tree survivability. (A, M, Bs)

Urban trees typically do not survive as long as trees in native settings, and their survival depends on many factors, including nursery production systems. This article, the first of two in a series, introduces and compares common nursery production systems and their influence on the performance and survivability of urban trees. (A, M, Bs)

This second article about wood decay by Christine Balk, Chelsi Abbott, and A.D. Ali focuses on identification and management of wood decay fungi encountered in urban settings. Learn the three types of wood decay fungi that can cause damage, and the role that decay plays in increasing tree risk. (A, T, L, Bs) 

One biotic problem for trees is wood decay fungi. This article by Christine Balk, Chelsi Abbott, and A.D. Ali, the first of a two-part series, provides an overview of the complexities of fungi, explains the general life cycle of a fungus, and describes what to look for when identifying fungal fruiting bodies. (A, T, L, Bs)

The survival of tree-dependent wildlife species is influenced by how arborists manage trees, even in urban areas. In this article, Brian French explores wildlife considerations when making care decisions about trees. (A, M, Bp)

Learn about conducting tree inventories in this issue’s CEU article by Jerry Bond. This article explores setting tree inventory objectives, the benefits and costs of tree inventories, and the resources needed to be successful. (A, M, Bm)

Learn more about palms in this second part of Palms: Woody Giants of the Monocots. This article explores symptoms of nutrient deficiency and other abiotic and biotic factors, including insects and diseases. (A, T, L, M, Bp) 

Are palms considered trees? That depends on whether you’re asking a botanist, ecologist, or forester. But no matter the specific definition used, as an arborist you may have to deal with palms. In Part 1, A.D. Ali and Leonard Burkhart, Jr. examine palm identification and pruning. (A, T, L, M, Bs)