What is Arboriculture?
Arboriculture is the selection, planting, care, and (when all other options are exhausted) safe removal of trees, and the study of how they grow and respond to cultural practices and the environment.
The purpose of Arboriculture is to manage trees (predominantly in an urban setting) for:
- health and longevity;
- successful integration into urban and suburban developments;
- co-existence with infrastructure;
- sustainable development;
- habitat;
- pest and disease control;
- risk assessment and hazard reduction;
- the greater good;
- for aesthetic reasons (although aesthetics alone is rarely a reason for management).
Arboriculture can therefore be distinguished from forestry, which is the commercial production and use of timber and other forest products from plantations and forests.
What is an Arborist and what do they do?
An Arborist is a professional who practices Arboriculture (see above!): the management and maintenance of trees (generally in an urban environment).
While trees provide many benefits, they can also be very large, heavy, and complex organisms that often require professional monitoring and treatment to ensure that they are healthy and safe.
An Arborist's work may include some or all of the following:
- planting;
- pruning;
- remedial structural support;
- diagnosis and treatment of pests and diseases;
- lightning protection
- tree removal.
While some aspects of this work may be done on the ground or in an office, much of it requires the Arborist to physically climb the trees, using approved techniques and tools such as: chainsaws; handsaws; pruning saws; ropes; harnesses and so on. It is a physically demanding job, and the mental and physical effort involved should not be underestimated.
There can be a vast difference in the techniques and practices of a professional Arborist and those who simply "lop" trees. Some common tree cutting practices are considered unacceptable by modern arboriculture standards (see "Lopping" below).
- Pruning should only be done with a specific purpose in mind. Every cut is a wound, and every leaf lost is removal of some amount of photosynthetic ability. Professional pruning can be very helpful in many ways, but should always be done with the minimum amount of live tissue removed for the individual situation.
- In recent years, research has proven that wound dressings such as paint, tar or other coverings are unnecessary and may be harmful to the tree. The coverings may actually encourage the growth of decay-causing fungi. Professional pruning can do more to limit decay than wound dressing.
- Chemicals can be applied to trees for insect or disease control either through spraying (though this can be extremely difficult with very large trees), soil application, or stem injections when necessary.
- Compacted or disturbed soils can be improved in various ways.
A Consulting Arboriculturist is generally a person who has gained experience as an Arborist and has acquired further academic based qualifications that are complemented by an appropriate amount of relevant experience. A Consulting Arboriculturist may be involved in planning decisions, consultation with Public and private bodies, report writing and legal disputes involving trees.
An Arboriculturist can also assess trees to determine their health, structure, safety or feasibility within a landscape and in proximity to humans. Modern arboriculture has progressed a great deal in technology and sophistication from practices of the past, and current practices are based on knowledge gained through recent research, including the widely respected and intensive work done by the late Dr Alex Shigo, considered by many to be the father of modern arboriculture.
Why do we need to maintain trees?
Trees in the urban landscape are constantly subject to human disturbance and often damage, both above and below ground. This is in addition to the trees ‘normal' stresses such as pest and disease attack, lightning strike and drought. The combination of both man-made and natural stress can often be catastrophic to the health and/or stability of a tree. Tree maintenance should be aimed at limiting stress as much as possible, while also ensuring that the tree is as safe, and as well suited to its surroundings as possible.
Trees may require pruning to:
- keep them away from power lines, fences and buildings;
- to improve long-term health and/or structure;
- to allow access by vehicles/pedestrians;
- for aesthetic reasons.
Lopping.
A common abuse of trees, "lopping" (sometimes called "topping") involves the removal of the outer part of the crown or the entire top of the tree, with no regard given to the trees natural growth or habit. This has several detrimental, (potentially catastrophic) long-term effects. When all of the foliage is removed, the tree is left without the ability to produce food through photosynthesis. It must use stored energy to produce a flush of new growth to replace what was removed. The large wounds created by lopping are much more prone to decay than professional pruning cuts, and the subsequent abundance of new growth arising around these wounds is often poorly attached and weak. In the long term we are left with a tree that is:
a) Stressed from loss of photosynthetic area; b) Prone to decay causing organisms such as Fungi; c) Possessed of a canopy that consists entirely of weak, poorly attached branches that may fail at any time. In short, a tree that is likely to be far more hazardous than it was prior to cutting!
If someone offers to "lop" your tree for you, please, just say no.
How do I find an Arborist to look after my trees?
- When choosing an Arborist, look for someone who is qualified and has good references and insurance: don't feel embarrassed to ask for proof!.
- A good Arborist will give you advice about your trees, and viable options other than removal (should they exist), not just a quote to remove it.
- A good Arborist will not carry out work that is proven to be harmful to a tree (such as lopping) even if you ask them to!
- Good Arborist's never (except in emergencies) climb trees with the aid of metal spikes (or "spurs"), unless the tree is to be removed.
- Tree care requires professional training to prune trees to Australian Standard AS4373.
In some cases, tree removal is unavoidable. For example a tree may have died, or have been assessed as hazardous by a consulting Arborist, it may be causing damage to your property, or your neighbours property. In these circumstances, an Arborist should still be your first choice. A qualified climbing Arborist is trained in the safe removal of trees even in confined spaces, they will also be fully insured.
Watch this space! QAA are currently working on a list of "approved contractors" to be released later this year (2009). See the Find a Tree Care Service page
How are trees protected?
Depending on the jurisdiction, there are a number of legal issues surrounding the practices of Arborist's and of urban tree management in general.
These include:
- property boundaries;
- public safety;
- "heritage" trees;
- trees of community value.
Also: multiple "neighbour" issues such as
- ownership;
- obstruction of views and/or light;
- the impact of roots across boundaries;
- nuisance problems;
- disease or insect quarantines;
- safety of nearby trees.
Generally, in urban areas, tree preservation laws are administered by your local authority/council and a tree owner should contact them before removing or heavily cutting any trees where it is not an emergency situation.
Conversely, in rural (and sometimes urban) areas, State Governments have legislation that controls the removal of trees and again it is important that a tree owner/manager should check before removing any tree.
Increasingly, Courts are applying heavy fines to those who illegally clear or interfere with protected vegetation and harm native wildlife.
What standards and codes of practice are there that deal with trees?
Most general tree work is covered by the Australian Standard 4373-2007 - Pruning of Amenity Trees
Generally, Health & Safety management is covered under the Workplace Health and Safety Act 1995, and the Workplace Health & Safety Regulations 1997.
You can find more information in the QAA's ‘Clear Steps to OH&S for Tree Work' or by contacting the Department of Employment and Industrial Affairs.
What Arboricultural training is available in Queensland?
Arboricultural, and Arborist skills training is offered by Registered Training Organisations (RTO's) including TAFE's.
Qualifications are often expressed as a level of the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) i.e. AQF level 1,2,3,4, and 5 in Arboriculture. Many other types of qualifications can be referred to the equivalent AQF level.
Thanks to the QAA, Arboriculture is now a recognised trade in Queensland and there are funded apprenticeships for those wishing to undertake a course of study leading to an AQF level 3 in arboriculture.
What are the arboricultural health and safety requirements in Queensland?
Generally, Health & Safety management is covered under the Workplace Health and Safety Act 1995, the Workplace Health & Safety Regulations 1997. You can find more information in the QAA's ‘Clear Steps to OH&S for Tree Work' or by contacting the Department of Employment and Industrial Affairs.
Where can I get more information about arboriculture?
A comprehensive series of links to many Arboricultural organisations can be found on this website, simply visit the links page.
Alternatively, contact us by email if you are unable to find what you are looking for and we will do our best to help you.
Look out for more informative nuggets coming to this site soon!
What is Arboriculture?
Arboriculture is the selection, planting, care, and (when all other options are exhausted) safe removal of trees, and the study of how they grow and respond to cultural practices and the environment.
The purpose of Arboriculture is to manage trees (predominantly in an urban setting) for:
- health and longevity;
- successful integration into urban and suburban developments;
- co-existence with infrastructure;
- sustainable development;
- habitat;
- pest and disease control;
- risk assessment and hazard reduction;
- the greater good;
- for aesthetic reasons (although aesthetics alone is rarely a reason for management).
Arboriculture can therefore be distinguished from forestry, which is the commercial production and use of timber and other forest products from plantations and forests.
What is an Arborist and what do they do?
An Arborist is a professional who practices Arboriculture (see above!): the management and maintenance of trees (generally in an urban environment).
While trees provide many benefits, they can also be very large, heavy, and complex organisms that often require professional monitoring and treatment to ensure that they are healthy and safe.
An Arborist's work may include some or all of the following:
- planting;
- pruning;
- remedial structural support;
- diagnosis and treatment of pests and diseases;
- lightning protection
- tree removal.
While some aspects of this work may be done on the ground or in an office, much of it requires the Arborist to physically climb the trees, using approved techniques and tools such as: chainsaws; handsaws; pruning saws; ropes; harnesses and so on. It is a physically demanding job, and the mental and physical effort involved should not be underestimated.
There can be a vast difference in the techniques and practices of a professional Arborist and those who simply "lop" trees. Some common tree cutting practices are considered unacceptable by modern arboriculture standards (see "Lopping" below).
- Pruning should only be done with a specific purpose in mind. Every cut is a wound, and every leaf lost is removal of some amount of photosynthetic ability. Professional pruning can be very helpful in many ways, but should always be done with the minimum amount of live tissue removed for the individual situation.
- In recent years, research has proven that wound dressings such as paint, tar or other coverings are unnecessary and may be harmful to the tree. The coverings may actually encourage the growth of decay-causing fungi. Professional pruning can do more to limit decay than wound dressing.
- Chemicals can be applied to trees for insect or disease control either through spraying (though this can be extremely difficult with very large trees), soil application, or stem injections when necessary.
- Compacted or disturbed soils can be improved in various ways.
A Consulting Arboriculturist is generally a person who has gained experience as an Arborist and has acquired further academic based qualifications that are complemented by an appropriate amount of relevant experience. A Consulting Arboriculturist may be involved in planning decisions, consultation with Public and private bodies, report writing and legal disputes involving trees.
An Arboriculturist can also assess trees to determine their health, structure, safety or feasibility within a landscape and in proximity to humans. Modern arboriculture has progressed a great deal in technology and sophistication from practices of the past, and current practices are based on knowledge gained through recent research, including the widely respected and intensive work done by the late Dr Alex Shigo, considered by many to be the father of modern arboriculture.
Why do we need to maintain trees?
Trees in the urban landscape are constantly subject to human disturbance and often damage, both above and below ground. This is in addition to the trees ‘normal' stresses such as pest and disease attack, lightning strike and drought. The combination of both man-made and natural stress can often be catastrophic to the health and/or stability of a tree. Tree maintenance should be aimed at limiting stress as much as possible, while also ensuring that the tree is as safe, and as well suited to its surroundings as possible.
Trees may require pruning to:
- keep them away from power lines, fences and buildings;
- to improve long-term health and/or structure;
- to allow access by vehicles/pedestrians;
- for aesthetic reasons.
Lopping.
A common abuse of trees, "lopping" (sometimes called "topping") involves the removal of the outer part of the crown or the entire top of the tree, with no regard given to the trees natural growth or habit. This has several detrimental, (potentially catastrophic) long-term effects. When all of the foliage is removed, the tree is left without the ability to produce food through photosynthesis. It must use stored energy to produce a flush of new growth to replace what was removed. The large wounds created by lopping are much more prone to decay than professional pruning cuts, and the subsequent abundance of new growth arising around these wounds is often poorly attached and weak. In the long term we are left with a tree that is:
a) Stressed from loss of photosynthetic area; b) Prone to decay causing organisms such as Fungi; c) Possessed of a canopy that consists entirely of weak, poorly attached branches that may fail at any time. In short, a tree that is likely to be far more hazardous than it was prior to cutting!
If someone offers to "lop" your tree for you, please, just say no.
How do I find an Arborist to look after my trees?
- When choosing an Arborist, look for someone who is qualified and has good references and insurance: don't feel embarrassed to ask for proof!.
- A good Arborist will give you advice about your trees, and viable options other than removal (should they exist), not just a quote to remove it.
- A good Arborist will not carry out work that is proven to be harmful to a tree (such as lopping) even if you ask them to!
- Good Arborist's never (except in emergencies) climb trees with the aid of metal spikes (or "spurs"), unless the tree is to be removed.
- Tree care requires professional training to prune trees to Australian Standard AS4373.
In some cases, tree removal is unavoidable. For example a tree may have died, or have been assessed as hazardous by a consulting Arborist, it may be causing damage to your property, or your neighbours property. In these circumstances, an Arborist should still be your first choice. A qualified climbing Arborist is trained in the safe removal of trees even in confined spaces, they will also be fully insured.
Watch this space! QAA are currently working on a list of "approved contractors" to be released later this year (2009). See the Find a Tree Care Service page
How are trees protected?
Depending on the jurisdiction, there are a number of legal issues surrounding the practices of Arborist's and of urban tree management in general.
These include:
- property boundaries;
- public safety;
- "heritage" trees;
- trees of community value.
Also: multiple "neighbour" issues such as
- ownership;
- obstruction of views and/or light;
- the impact of roots across boundaries;
- nuisance problems;
- disease or insect quarantines;
- safety of nearby trees.
Generally, in urban areas, tree preservation laws are administered by your local authority/council and a tree owner should contact them before removing or heavily cutting any trees where it is not an emergency situation.
Conversely, in rural (and sometimes urban) areas, State Governments have legislation that controls the removal of trees and again it is important that a tree owner/manager should check before removing any tree.
Increasingly, Courts are applying heavy fines to those who illegally clear or interfere with protected vegetation and harm native wildlife.
What standards and codes of practice are there that deal with trees?
Most general tree work is covered by the Australian Standard 4373-2007 - Pruning of Amenity Trees
Generally, Health & Safety management is covered under the Workplace Health and Safety Act 1995, and the Workplace Health & Safety Regulations 1997.
You can find more information in the QAA's ‘Clear Steps to OH&S for Tree Work' or by contacting the Department of Employment and Industrial Affairs.
What Arboricultural training is available in Queensland?
Arboricultural, and Arborist skills training is offered by Registered Training Organisations (RTO's) including TAFE's.
Qualifications are often expressed as a level of the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) i.e. AQF level 1,2,3,4, and 5 in Arboriculture. Many other types of qualifications can be referred to the equivalent AQF level.
Thanks to the QAA, Arboriculture is now a recognised trade in Queensland and there are funded apprenticeships for those wishing to undertake a course of study leading to an AQF level 3 in arboriculture.
What are the arboricultural health and safety requirements in Queensland?
Generally, Health & Safety management is covered under the Workplace Health and Safety Act 1995, the Workplace Health & Safety Regulations 1997. You can find more information in the QAA's ‘Clear Steps to OH&S for Tree Work' or by contacting the Department of Employment and Industrial Affairs.
Where can I get more information about arboriculture?
A comprehensive series of links to many Arboricultural organisations can be found on this website, simply visit the links page.
Alternatively, contact us by email if you are unable to find what you are looking for and we will do our best to help you.
Look out for more informative nuggets coming to this site soon!
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