Crown thinning

Benefits of Crown Thinning: Discuss how it promotes healthy growth, improves light penetration, and reduces wind resistance.

Crown thinning is a crucial arboricultural technique used primarily on deciduous trees, though it can be adapted for certain evergreens as well. This practice involves the selective removal of branches to improve the structure and promote health within the tree. The benefits of crown thinning are manifold, including promoting healthy growth, improving light penetration, and reducing wind resistance.


Firstly, crown thinning promotes healthy growth in several ways. By removing weaker or diseased limbs, the tree's overall health is safeguarded as these parts can become vectors for pathogens or may already be draining resources from the healthier sections. Moreover, by selectively thinning out crowded branches, we enable the remaining parts of the tree to flourish. This is because there is less competition for nutrients, water, and sunlight-key elements needed for robust growth. Thinning also stimulates the development of new growth that is more vigorous and better positioned to receive light and air.


Secondly, improved light penetration is another critical benefit of crown thinning. When a tree's canopy is too dense, sunlight cannot reach the interior leaves or the ground below effectively. This lack of light can inhibit photosynthesis in lower branches and negatively affect underplanted flora or grass surrounding the tree base. By removing select branches during crown thinning, more sunlight can filter through not only invigorating inner foliage but also benefiting overall biodiversity at the ground level which often includes smaller plants dependent on this filtered light.


Lastly, reducing wind resistance through crown thinning plays a vital role in maintaining structural integrity and safety. Trees with dense crowns act like sails in strong winds: they catch more wind which increases stress on limbs and roots potentially leading to uprooting or branch failure during severe weather conditions. Thinned crowns allow wind to pass through more readily thus minimizing strain on trees during high winds and reducing the likelihood of damage to property or injury to people nearby.


In conclusion, crown thinning offers significant advantages by fostering healthier trees that are structurally sounder and more aesthetically pleasing while enhancing their environmental contributions such as improved habitat conditions for wildlife due to increased light levels reaching ground level vegetation. Employing this specialized pruning method not only ensures longevity but also enhances safety around mature trees making it an indispensable tool in modern arboriculture.

Benefits of Crown Thinning: Discuss how it promotes healthy growth, improves light penetration, and reduces wind resistance.

Appropriate Trees for Crown Thinning: Overview of tree species that commonly benefit from this practice.

Crown thinning is a selective pruning technique used to enhance the health and aesthetics of trees by removing specific branches from the crown (the upper part of the tree). This practice helps increase light penetration and air movement through the crown, reduce weight on heavy limbs, and improve the structure and form of the tree. Not all tree species benefit equally from crown thinning; it's essential to know which trees are suitable candidates for this type of maintenance.


Hardwood species such as oaks (Quercus spp.), maples (Acer spp.), and ash trees (Fraxinus spp.) are often good subjects for crown thinning. These species typically have dense canopies that can benefit from selective branch removal to improve light availability and air circulation within the canopy. For instance, oaks thrive when old or competing branches are thinned out, allowing more robust growth in remaining limbs. Similarly, maples can become overly dense without periodic thinning, leading to weakened structures prone to storm damage.


Beech trees (Fagus spp.) also respond well to crown thinning. These majestic trees can develop thick foliage that may inhibit their own growth if not properly managed. By carefully selecting which branches to remove, arborists can ensure that sunlight reaches the interior sections of the tree, promoting a healthier overall structure.


Fruit trees like apples (Malus domestica) and pears (Pyrus spp.) greatly benefit from crown thinning as well. For these species, it's not just about structural health but also about productivity; better air circulation and light exposure significantly contribute to higher fruit quality and yield. Thinning helps prevent diseases common in denser canopies by allowing more air flow around leaves and branches.


Conifers such as pines (Pinus spp.) and spruces (Picea spp.), although less commonly thinned than hardwoods, occasionally require this practice too. In conifers, crown thinning primarily focuses on removing dead or diseased wood and reducing wind resistance in top-heavy trees located in windy areas or those susceptible to snow damage.


It is crucial for anyone considering crown thinning to consult with or hire a professional arborist. Proper identification of which branches should be removed-and which should remain-is vital for maintaining a healthy tree structure without inadvertently damaging the tree. Moreover, different species may require unique approaches depending on their individual growth patterns and environmental needs.


In conclusion, while many types of trees can benefit from crown thinning, understanding the specific needs of each species is key to successful implementation. Oaks, maples, ashes, beeches, fruit trees like apples and pears, along with certain conifers stand out as prime candidates for this technique due to their branching structures and growth habits. With careful planning and execution under expert guidance, crown thinning can vastly improve both the aesthetic appeal and physiological health of these trees.

When to Perform Crown Thinning: Optimal seasons and conditions for thinning to minimize stress on the trees.

Crown thinning is a crucial aspect of tree maintenance that involves the selective removal of branches to enhance the structure and health of the tree. This practice not only improves air circulation and light penetration but also reduces weight on heavy limbs, enhances the tree's form, and helps prevent damage during stormy weather. However, timing this procedure correctly is vital to minimize stress on the trees and ensure their healthy growth and longevity.


The optimal seasons for crown thinning are largely dependent on the tree species and local climate conditions. Generally, late winter or early spring is considered ideal for most trees. During this period, trees are usually dormant, which minimizes sap loss and reduces the risk of attracting insects that could cause infections. Moreover, the absence of leaves provides a clearer view of the tree's structure, allowing for more precise pruning.


In cooler climates, it's best to wait until the coldest part of winter has passed. This timing prevents damage that could occur from sudden frost events following pruning. In contrast, in areas with warmer climates, where trees might not experience a traditional dormancy period, it's important to perform thinning during the coolest part of what would normally be considered winter.


Another factor to consider is the tree's growth cycle. Thinning should ideally be done before a significant growth phase to allow healing and new growth to incorporate naturally into the tree's structure during its active growing season. Performing extensive pruning after new growth has started can lead to stunted development and increased stress on the tree.


It's also essential to assess other environmental conditions such as drought or disease presence before deciding when to thin crown. For instance, it might be prudent to postpone such activities in times of severe drought when trees are already stressed due to lack of water.


Moreover, while crown thinning can generally be performed every few years depending on growth rate and overall health of the tree; young trees should be pruned lightly compared to mature ones to encourage their proper shape and structural integrity as they grow.


In conclusion, while crown thinning is an important component of maintaining healthy trees, its effectiveness greatly depends upon correct timing based on species-specific needs, seasonal changes in climate, environmental stresses like droughts or pestilence outbreaks, and individual phases in a tree's lifecycle. Properly timed crown thinning helps ensure that trees remain beautiful and robust components of our natural landscape.

Safety Procedures Powder Springs, GA
When to Perform Crown Thinning: Optimal seasons and conditions for thinning to minimize stress on the trees.

Techniques Used in Crown Thinning: Description of methods such as selective branch removal and reducing crown density.

Crown thinning is a crucial technique in arboriculture aimed at maintaining or improving tree health and structure while enhancing aesthetic value. It involves the selective removal of branches to decrease the density of live branches, making a tree less cumbersome and allowing more light to pass through and air to circulate around and within the canopy. This practice is common among hardwood species but is also applicable to some conifers.


The primary goal of crown thinning is not just about removing limbs but doing so in a way that enhances the tree's natural shape, reduces weight on heavy limbs, and decreases wind resistance. By carefully choosing which branches to remove, arborists can prevent future structural problems while promoting healthier growth patterns.


One key technique used in crown thinning is selective branch removal. This process involves identifying specific branches that are either dead, diseased, crossing over others (potentially causing friction or wounds), or uncharacteristically weak. These are typically the first candidates for removal. The selection process must be meticulous, ensuring that cutting is done just outside the branch collar to facilitate proper healing and avoid exposing the tree to potential pathogens.


Another technique involved in crown thinning is strategic branch shortening where necessary; this helps maintain the tree’s stability by balancing weight evenly throughout the canopy. Shortening overly long branches can reduce leverage at the base of each branch, lowering the risk of breakage under stress from wind or snow.


Moreover, reducing crown density appropriately involves assessing not only which branches to remove but also considering how much overall leaf area should be taken away during one session. Typically, it's advised not to remove more than 15-20% of the crown at any one time as excessive thinning can stress the tree.


Aftercare following crown thinning is also vital; this includes regular monitoring for signs of stress or disease and ensuring good hydration especially if substantial foliage has been removed. The timing of thinning operations plays a role too — ideally performed during late winter or early spring when trees are dormant and less susceptible to harm from pests or diseases entering fresh cuts.


In summary, crown thinning is an art that balances aesthetics with biological needs of trees. Techniques like selective branch removal and careful consideration of how much foliage to trim are essential components in achieving successful outcomes. These practices not only improve sunlight penetration and air movement but also contribute significantly toward structural integrity and longevity of trees in managed landscapes.

Safety Measures and Tools Required: Outline necessary safety precautions and tools needed for effective thinning.

Crown thinning is a crucial arboricultural practice that involves the selective removal of branches to enhance the structure and health of trees. This practice not only improves light penetration and air movement through the crown but also reduces weight on heavy limbs, enhancing the tree's structural integrity and aesthetic appeal. However, like any tree maintenance task, crown thinning requires adherence to specific safety measures and the use of appropriate tools to prevent injury to both the person performing the task and the tree itself.


Safety Measures:




  1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Before beginning any crown thinning work, it is essential to equip oneself with the proper safety gear. This includes a hard hat to protect against falling branches, safety goggles or a face shield to guard against flying debris, sturdy gloves to ensure a good grip and protect hands from cuts, ear protection if using power tools, and non-slip boots for stable footing.




  2. Inspection of Tools and Equipment: Prior to their use, all tools and equipment should be thoroughly inspected for any signs of wear or damage. This includes checking ropes, harnesses, ladders, and all cutting tools. Using damaged equipment can lead to accidents and injuries.




  3. Tree Health Assessment: Before commencing thinning operations, inspect the tree for signs of disease or weakness. Thinning a compromised tree can exacerbate its condition or lead to unexpected branch failure during the process.




  4. Secure Working Area: Ensure that the area around the tree is clear and secure. Set up barriers if necessary to keep bystanders at a safe distance from potential falling branches.




  5. Use of Proper Climbing Techniques: When accessing higher branches, proper climbing techniques should be employed. Use climbing ropes and harnesses securely attached to stable parts of the tree. Avoid relying on potentially weak branches as supports.




  6. Communication: If working in a team, maintain clear communication at all times. Use hand signals or radios if verbal communication isn't effective due to distance or noise from equipment.




Tools Required:




  1. Chainsaw: For removing larger branches efficiently, a chainsaw is invaluable in crown thinning work. Ensure you are trained in its safe operation.




  2. Hand Saws: These are essential for smaller cuts or areas where using a chainsaw might not be feasible due to space constraints or close proximity to other important branches.




  3. Loppers/Pruners: For precision work on smaller branches that need more controlled cutting than what's possible with saws.




  4. Secateurs: Useful for very fine pruning tasks within reach from ground level or when up in the tree.




  5. Climbing Gear (Ropes & Harnesses): Essential for safely reaching higher parts of large trees without risking falls from ladders.




  6. Wood Chippers: While not required directly in thinning per se; having access to a wood chipper can help manage debris efficiently as you remove branches.




7 .Ladder: A sturdy ladder may be needed for lower but still out-of-reach areas; however its use should always be coupled with caution regarding balance and stability while on it.


In conclusion, while crown thinning can significantly benefit tree health and aesthetics when done correctly; it necessitates strict adherence to safety protocols alongside proper tool usage ensuring both human safety

Potential Risks of Improper Thinning: Consequences of excessive thinning or incorrect techniques.

Crown thinning is a crucial arboricultural technique used to manage the health and structure of trees. This process involves the selective removal of branches to enhance light penetration and air movement through the canopy, reduce weight on heavy limbs, and improve the tree's form and overall aesthetics. While crown thinning can offer numerous benefits when done correctly, improper execution or excessive thinning can lead to several potential risks that may significantly compromise a tree's health and safety.


One of the primary consequences of excessive thinning is the increased vulnerability to environmental stresses such as wind, snow, and ice. Trees naturally develop their canopies to distribute mechanical stress across a wide area. When too much foliage is removed, it disrupts this natural balance, making trees more likely to suffer from branch breakage or complete failure during adverse weather conditions. This not only poses a risk to the tree’s longevity but also becomes a safety hazard for people, property, and other plants nearby.


Improper thinning techniques can also lead to poor tree health. The removal of too many leaves, which are essential for photosynthesis, can starve a tree of the energy needed for growth and repair. This weakened state can make the tree more susceptible to diseases and pest infestations. Pests are particularly attracted to stressed trees as they are less capable of warding off attacks compared to healthy ones.


Furthermore, incorrect thinning practices may cause irreparable structural damage. Cuts made in wrong locations may lead to decay as trees might not be able to properly heal these wounds. Over time, decay can spread throughout the limb or even into the trunk, compromising the structural integrity of the entire tree.


Aesthetic damage is another concern with improper crown thinning. Excessive removal of branches can leave a tree looking sparse and unbalanced. It takes years for a tree to mature its form; thus, reckless cutting can permanently alter its natural beauty and potentially reduce property values if located within landscaped areas.


Lastly, it’s important to consider that every cut made on a tree creates an open wound that must heal over time. Improper cuts increase the likelihood of infection and disease entry points which not only impacts tree health but could also affect surrounding vegetation if diseases spread.


To mitigate these risks associated with improper crown thinning, it is essential that such tasks be performed by qualified professionals who understand both the art and science behind proper pruning techniques. They should adhere strictly to industry standards such as those set by organizations like International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). Additionally, regular monitoring after pruning activities helps in early detection of any adverse effects so appropriate corrective measures can be taken promptly.


In conclusion, while crown thinning has its advantages when performed correctly under professional guidance, inappropriate application exposes trees to considerable risks that could negate any intended benefits. Understanding these potential consequences helps underline how critical it is for arborists not only possess necessary skills but also exercise prudent judgment during each intervention.

Maintenance After Thinning: Guidelines on post-thinning care to ensure sustained health and growth of the tree.

Crown thinning is a crucial aspect of arboriculture focused on the selective removal of branches to improve a tree's structure and promote healthy growth. After the process of crown thinning, it is essential to engage in proper maintenance practices to ensure the sustained health and vigor of the tree. This essay outlines effective guidelines for maintenance after thinning, helping trees recover and thrive following this intervention.


Firstly, it is essential to conduct a thorough assessment of the tree immediately after thinning. This evaluation helps in identifying any immediate issues such as accidental damage to the trunk or remaining branches that may have been overlooked during the thinning process. Early identification and remediation can prevent long-term health problems.


Post-thinning, it is crucial to maintain adequate hydration. Thinning alters the canopy's balance between its leaf mass and root system, potentially stressing the tree. Adequate watering helps mitigate this stress, especially in dry conditions. The amount and frequency of watering should be adjusted based on soil type, weather conditions, and tree species requirements.


Nutrient management also plays a significant role in post-thinning care. Thinning can stimulate new growth which requires sufficient nutrients. A balanced fertilizer that matches the specific nutritional needs of the tree species can be applied to promote healthy growth without overstimulating it. It is advisable to conduct soil tests to tailor nutrient applications accurately.


Monitoring for pests and diseases becomes even more critical after crown thinning. The pruning cuts from thinning provide entry points for pathogens and pests; thus, regular inspections are necessary to catch any signs of disease or pest infestation early on. If any issues are spotted, appropriate treatments should be applied promptly to prevent spread.


Another key aspect of post-thinning maintenance is mulching. Applying a layer of organic mulch around the base of the tree (while avoiding direct contact with its trunk) helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and provide slow-release nutrients as it decomposes over time.


Finally, follow-up pruning should be considered as part of ongoing maintenance after crown thinning. This does not necessarily mean immediate further reduction but monitoring how the tree responds in terms of new growth patterns. Follow-up pruning might be needed to correct any imbalances caused by uneven regrowth or remove deadwood that could pose risks.


In conclusion, maintenance following crown thinning involves careful monitoring and responsive care tailored to environmental conditions and specific needs of each tree species. Proper post-thinning care not only ensures a tree's structural integrity and aesthetic appeal but also enhances its resilience against environmental stresses, contributing positively to its overall health and longevity.

An arborist practicing tree care: using a chainsaw to fell a eucalyptus tree in a park at Kallista, Victoria.

Arboriculture (/ˈɑːrbərɪˌkʌltʃər, ɑːrˈbɔːr-/)[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.

Overview

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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

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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.

Environmental Benefits

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  • Erosion control and soil retention
  • Improved water infiltration and percolation
  • Protection from exposure: windbreak, shade, impact from hail/rainfall
  • Air humidification
  • Modulates environmental conditions in a given microclimate: shields wind, humidifies, provides shade
  • Carbon sequestration and oxygen production

Ecological Benefits

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  • Attracting pollinators
  • Increased biodiversity
  • Food for decomposers, consumers, and pollinators
  • Soil health: organic matter accumulation from leaf litter and root exudates (symbiotic microbes)
  • Ecological habitat

Socioeconomic Benefits

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  • Increases employment: forestry, education, tourism
  • Run-off and flood control (e.g. bioswales, plantings on slopes)
  • Aesthetic beauty: parks, gatherings, social events, tourism, senses (fragrance, visual), focal point
  • Adds character and prestige to the landscape, creating a "natural" feel
  • Climate control (e.g shade): can reduce energy consumption of buildings
  • Privacy and protection: from noise, wind
  • Cultural benefits: eg. memorials for a loved one
  • Medical benefits: eg. Taxus chemotherapy
  • Materials: wood for building, paper pulp
  • Fodder for livestock
  • Property value: trees can increase by 10–20%[citation needed]
  • Increases the amount of time customers will spend in a mall, strip mall, shopping district[citation needed]

Tree Defects

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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.

  • common with decurrent growth habits
  • occurs in excurrent trees only after the leader is killed and multiple leaders compete for dominance

Included bark: bark is incorporated in the joint between two limbs, creating a weak attachment

  • occurs in branch unions with a high attachment angle (i.e. v-shaped unions)
  • common in many columnar/fastigiate growing deciduous trees

Dead, diseased, or broken branches:

  • woundwood cannot grow over stubs or dead branches to seal off decay
  • symptoms/signs of disease: e.g. oozing through the bark, sunken areas in the bark, and bark with abnormal patterns or colours, stunted new growth, discolouration of the foliage

Cracks

  • longitudinal cracks result from interior decay, bark rips/tears, or torsion from wind load
  • transverse cracks result from buckled wood, often caused by unnatural loading on branches, such as lion's tailing.
  • Seams: bark edges meet at a crack or wound
  • Ribs: bulges, indicating interior 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:

  • girdling roots compress the trunk, leading to poor trunk taper, and restrict vascular flow
  • kinked roots provide poor structural support; the kink is a site of potential root failure
  • circling roots occurs when roots encounter obstructions/limitations such as a small tree well or being grown too long in a nursery pot; these cannot provide adequate structural support and are limited in accessing nutrients and water
  • healthy soil texture and depth, drainage, water availability, makes for healthy roots

Tree Installation

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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:

  • Silva cells: suspended pavement over modular cells containing soil for root development
  • Structural soils: growing medium composed of 80% crushed rock and 20% loam, which supports surface load without it leading to soil compaction

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.

UK

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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.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "arboriculture". Dictionary.com Unabridged (Online). n.d.
  2. ^ "Amenity landscapes • Environment Guide". www.environmentguide.org.nz. Retrieved 2020-04-28.
  3. ^ "Town and Country Planning Association". Town and Country Planning Association. Retrieved 2020-04-28.
  • Harris, Richard W. (1983). Arboriculture: Care of Trees, Shrubs, and Vines in the Landscape. Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey: Prentice-Hall, Inc. pp. 2–3. ISBN 0-13-043935-5.
  • "arboriculture". Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, Eleventh Edition. Merriam-Webster.
  • "arboriculture". Encyclopædia Britannica Online. 2007.
  • "arboriculture". The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Online. Houghton Mifflin Company. 2000.
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A Timberjack wheeled harvester stacking cut timber in Finland

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]

Science

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Forestry as a science

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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

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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

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Leaf shape is a common method used to identify trees.

Dendrology (Ancient Greek: δένδρον, dendron, "tree"; and Ancient Greek: -λογία, -logia, science of or study of) or xylology (Ancient Greek: ξύλον, 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.

In the past, dendrology included the study of the natural history of woody species in specific regions, but this aspect is now considered part of ecology. The field also plays a role in conserving rare or endangered species.[15]

Genetic diversity in forestry

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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

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Sustainable forest management balances local socioeconomic, cultural, and ecological needs and constraints.

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.

Many tools like remote sensing, GIS and photogrammetry[20][21] modelling have been developed to improve forest inventory and management planning.[22] Scientific research plays a crucial role in helping forest management. For example, climate modeling,[23][24][25] biodiversity research,[26][27] carbon sequestration research,[24][28][29] GIS applications,[30][31] and long-term monitoring[25][32] help assess and improve forest management, ensuring its effectiveness and success.

Urban forestry

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Tree pruning in Durham, North Carolina
Professional Tree Climber (arborist: Zack Weiler) climbing a willow tree in Port Elgin, ON. Canada
James Kinder, an ISA Certified Municipal Arborist examining a Japanese Hemlock at Hoyt Arboretum
Urban forestry is the care and management of single trees and tree populations in urban settings for the purpose of improving the urban environment. Urban forestry involves both planning and management, including the programming of care and maintenance operations of the urban forest.[33] Urban forestry advocates the role of trees as a critical part of the urban infrastructure. Urban foresters plant and maintain trees, support appropriate tree and forest preservation, conduct research and promote the many benefits trees provide. Urban forestry is practiced by municipal and commercial arborists, municipal and utility foresters, environmental policymakers, city planners, consultants, educators, researchers and community activists.

Forestry education

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History of forestry education

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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]

Forestry education today

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Prescribed burning is used by foresters to reduce fuel loads.

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]

Continuing education

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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

History

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Society and culture

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Literature

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The first book edition of Sylva

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]

Noted silvologists

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See also

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References

[edit]
  1. ^ "SAFnet Dictionary | Definition For [forestry]". Dictionaryofforestry.org. 2008-10-22. Archived from the original on 2013-10-19. Retrieved 2014-03-15.
  2. ^ "Seed Origin -pinga Forestry Focus". Forestry Focus. Retrieved April 5, 2018.
  3. ^ Young, Raymond A. (1982). Introduction to Forest Science. John Wiley & Sons. p. ix. ISBN 978-0-471-06438-1.
  4. ^ Frouz, Jan; Frouzová, Jaroslava (2022). Applied Ecology. doi:10.1007/978-3-030-83225-4. ISBN 978-3-030-83224-7. S2CID 245009867.
  5. ^ "ecosystem part of biosphere". Tutorvista.com. Archived from the original on 2013-11-11. Retrieved 2014-03-15.
  6. ^ a b c d e The State of the World's Forests 2020. Forests, biodiversity and people – In brief. Rome: FAO & UNEP. 2020. doi:10.4060/ca8985en. ISBN 978-92-5-132707-4. S2CID 241416114.
  7. ^ "How does the forest industry contribute to the economy?". www.nrcan.gc.ca. 26 August 2014. Retrieved April 5, 2018.
  8. ^ Bundeswaldinventur 2002 Archived 2014-10-06 at the Wayback Machine, Bundesministerium für Ernährung, Landwirtschaft und Verbraucherschutz (BMELV), retrieved, 17 January 2010
  9. ^ Unternehmen Wald, forests as an enterprise, German private forestry association website Archived 2016-09-18 at the Wayback Machine
  10. ^ Wojtkowski, Paul A. (2002) Agroecological Perspectives in Agronomy, Forestry and Agroforestry. Science Publishers Inc., Enfield, NH, 356p.
  11. ^ Wojtkowski, Paul A. (2006) Undoing the Damage: Silviculture for Ecologists and Environmental Scientists. Science Publishers Inc., Enfield, NH, 313p.
  12. ^ Fishes and forestry : worldwide watershed interactions and management. Northcote, T. G., Hartman, G. F. Oxford, UK: Blackwell Science. 2004. ISBN 978-0-470-99524-2. OCLC 184983506.cite book: CS1 maint: others (link)
  13. ^ Hemery, G.; Skovsgaard, J. P. (April 2018). "Silvology: Redefining the Biological Science for the Study of Forests". Quarterly Journal of Forestry. 112 (2): 128–31.
  14. ^ Oldeman, R. A. A. (1990). Forests: elements of silvology. Berlin: Springer-Verlag. p. 624. ISBN 0-387-51883-5.
  15. ^ a b "Dendrology | Definition & Description | Britannica". www.britannica.com. Retrieved 2024-04-08.
  16. ^ a b c de Vries, S.M.G., Alan, M., Bozzano, M., Burianek, V., Collin, E., Cottrell, J., Ivankovic, M., Kelleher, C.T., Koskela, J., Rotach, P., Vietto, L. and Yrjänä, L. (2015). "Pan-European strategy for genetic conservation of forest trees and establishment of a core network of dynamic conservation units" (PDF). European Forest Genetic Resources Programme, Bioversity International, Rome, Italy.: xii + 40 p. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2017-01-31. Retrieved 2017-01-20.cite journal: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  17. ^ a b Konnert, M., Fady, B., Gömöry, D., A’Hara, S., Wolter, F., Ducci, F., Koskela, J., Bozzano, M., Maaten, T. and Kowalczyk, J. (2015). "Use and transfer of forest reproductive material in Europe in the context of climate change" (PDF). European Forest Genetic Resources Programme, Bioversity International, Rome, Italy.: xvi and 75 p. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2017-08-04. Retrieved 2017-01-20.cite journal: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  18. ^ Global Forest Resources Assessment 2020 – Key findings. Rome: FAO. 2020. doi:10.4060/ca8753en. ISBN 978-92-5-132581-0. S2CID 130116768.
  19. ^ "Glossary of Forestry Terms in British Columbia" (PDF). Ministry of Forests and Range (Canada). March 2008. Retrieved 2009-04-06.
  20. ^ "I. Balenovich, A. Seletkovich, et al. Comparison of Classical Terrestrial and Photogrammetric Method in Creating Management Division. FORMEC. Croatia 2012. pp. 1-13".
  21. ^ "I. Balenović, D. Vuletić, et al. Digital Photogrammetry – State of the Art and Potential for Application in Forest Management in Croatia. SEEFOR. South-East European Forestry. #2, 2011. pp. 81–93" (PDF).
  22. ^ Mozgeris, Gintautas (May 30, 2009). "The continuous field view of representing forest geographically: from cartographic representation towards improved management planning". S.A.P.I.EN.S. 2 (2) – via journals.openedition.org.
  23. ^ Anderegg, William R. L.; Wu, Chao; Acil, Nezha; Carvalhais, Nuno; Pugh, Thomas A. M.; Sadler, Jon P.; Seidl, Rupert (2 September 2022). "A climate risk analysis of Earth's forests in the 21st century" (PDF). Science. 377 (6610): 1099–1103. Bibcode:2022Sci...377.1099A. doi:10.1126/science.abp9723. PMID 36048937. S2CID 252010508.
  24. ^ a b Windisch, Michael G.; Davin, Edouard L.; Seneviratne, Sonia I. (October 2021). "Prioritizing forestation based on biogeochemical and local biogeophysical impacts". Nature Climate Change. 11 (10): 867–871. Bibcode:2021NatCC..11..867W. doi:10.1038/s41558-021-01161-z. S2CID 237947801. ProQuest 2578272675.
  25. ^ a b Benedek, Zsófia; FertÅ‘, Imre (2013). "Development and application of a new Forestation Index: global forestation patterns and drivers" (Document). IEHAS Discussion Papers. hdl:10419/108304. ProQuest 1698449297.
  26. ^ Zhang, Mingfang; Wei, Xiaohua (5 March 2021). "Deforestation, forestation, and water supply". Science. 371 (6533): 990–991. Bibcode:2021Sci...371..990Z. doi:10.1126/science.abe7821. PMID 33674479. S2CID 232124649.
  27. ^ Prevedello, Jayme A.; Winck, Gisele R.; Weber, Marcelo M.; Nichols, Elizabeth; Sinervo, Barry (20 March 2019). "Impacts of forestation and deforestation on local temperature across the globe". PLOS ONE. 14 (3): e0213368. Bibcode:2019PLoSO..1413368P. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0213368. PMC 6426338. PMID 30893352. Gale A579457448.
  28. ^ Anderegg, William R. L.; Wu, Chao; Acil, Nezha; Carvalhais, Nuno; Pugh, Thomas A. M.; Sadler, Jon P.; Seidl, Rupert (2 September 2022). "A climate risk analysis of Earth's forests in the 21st century" (PDF). Science. 377 (6610): 1099–1103. Bibcode:2022Sci...377.1099A. doi:10.1126/science.abp9723. PMID 36048937. S2CID 252010508.
  29. ^ Portmann, Raphael; Beyerle, Urs; Davin, Edouard; Fischer, Erich M.; De Hertog, Steven; Schemm, Sebastian (4 October 2022). "Global forestation and deforestation affect remote climate via adjusted atmosphere and ocean circulation". Nature Communications. 13 (1): 5569. Bibcode:2022NatCo..13.5569P. doi:10.1038/s41467-022-33279-9. PMC 9532392. PMID 36195588.
  30. ^ Zhang, Mingfang; Wei, Xiaohua (5 March 2021). "Deforestation, forestation, and water supply". Science. 371 (6533): 990–991. Bibcode:2021Sci...371..990Z. doi:10.1126/science.abe7821. PMID 33674479. S2CID 232124649.
  31. ^ AbdulBaqi, Faten Khalid (June 2022). "The effect of afforestation and green roofs techniques on thermal reduction in Duhok city". Trees, Forests and People. 8: 100267. Bibcode:2022TFP.....800267A. doi:10.1016/j.tfp.2022.100267. S2CID 248646593.
  32. ^ Prevedello, Jayme A.; Winck, Gisele R.; Weber, Marcelo M.; Nichols, Elizabeth; Sinervo, Barry (20 March 2019). "Impacts of forestation and deforestation on local temperature across the globe". PLOS ONE. 14 (3): e0213368. Bibcode:2019PLoSO..1413368P. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0213368. PMC 6426338. PMID 30893352. Gale A579457448.
  33. ^ Caves, R. W. (2004). Encyclopedia of the City. Routledge. p. 695. ISBN 978-0415862875.
  34. ^ "News of the world". Unasylva. 23 (3). FAO. 1969. Archived from the original on 2010-04-27. Retrieved 2010-10-12.
  35. ^ Sample, V. A.; Bixler, R. P.; McDonough, M. H.; Bullard, S. H.; Snieckus, M. M. (July 16, 2015). "The Promise and Performance of Forestry Education in the United States: Results of a Survey of Forestry Employers, Graduates, and Educators". Journal of Forestry. 113 (6): 528–537. doi:10.5849/jof.14-122.
  36. ^ "SAF Accredited and Candidate Forestry Degree Programs" (PDF) (Press release). Society of American Foresters. 2008-05-19. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2009-02-26. 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.
  37. ^ "Canadian Institute of Forestry - Silver Ring Program". Cif-ifc.org. Archived from the original on 2014-02-01. Retrieved 2014-03-15.
  38. ^ "Discover IUFRO:The Organization". IUFRO. Archived from the original on 2010-07-08. Retrieved 2010-10-12.
  39. ^ N.D.G. James (1996), "A History of Forestry and Monographic Forestry Literature in Germany, France, and the United Kingdom", The Literature of Forestry and Agroforestry, Cornell University Press, pp. 34–35, ISBN 9780801431814

Sources

[edit]

 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.

[edit]

 

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Crown thinning is a pruning technique used to remove select branches from the dense inner part of a trees crown. This helps to improve light penetration and air movement through the crown, reduce weight on heavy limbs, and maintain the natural shape of the tree.
Crown thinning helps prevent diseases and pests by improving airflow within the canopy, which reduces moisture build-up. It also decreases wind resistance during storms, minimizing the risk of branch breakages and overall stress on the tree structure.
The frequency of crown thinning depends on the species of the tree and its growth rate, but generally, it should be done every 3 to 5 years. Always observe how your particular tree responds to previous pruning sessions to adjust intervals appropriately.
Most deciduous trees can benefit from crown thinning, especially those with dense foliage like oaks or maples. It’s less commonly applied to coniferous trees as they naturally have less dense crowns that do not usually require as much pruning for airflow and sunlight penetration.
Improper techniques such as removing too many branches or cutting too close to the trunk can create wounds that expose the tree to infections and decay. Excessive removal of foliage can also stress the tree by drastically reducing its ability to photosynthesize, leading potentially to poor health or even death.