Safety Precautions eg PPE escape routes

Safety Precautions eg PPE escape routes

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Tree Cutting: Essential Gear for Safety

Tree cutting, while providing valuable resources and shaping landscapes, is inherently dangerous. One wrong move can lead to serious injury, making safety precautions paramount. Central to these precautions is the proper use of Personal Protective Equipment, or PPE. Think of it as your suit of armor against the potential hazards of this demanding work.


From the moment you approach a tree, your PPE should be your first priority. Head protection starts with a hard hat, essential for deflecting falling branches or impacts from tools. Eye protection is equally crucial, with safety glasses or goggles shielding your eyes from sawdust, wood chips, and flying debris. Hearing protection, such as earplugs or muffs, safeguards against the constant roar of chainsaws and other equipment, preventing long-term hearing damage.


Moving down the body, proper clothing is key. Avoid loose-fitting garments that can get caught in branches or machinery. Durable, close-fitting clothing made of tough material offers some protection against cuts and scrapes. Sturdy work boots with steel toes and non-slip soles provide essential foot protection and prevent slips and falls on uneven terrain. Gloves, specifically designed for tree work, offer grip and protect hands from cuts, blisters, and splinters. Chaps, worn over trousers, add an extra layer of protection for your legs against chainsaw injuries.


But PPE isn't just about wearing the right gear; it's about using it correctly. A helmet perched precariously on your head won't offer much protection. Make sure everything fits snugly and securely, and inspect your PPE regularly for any signs of wear and tear. Damaged equipment should be replaced immediately.


Finally, PPE is just one part of a comprehensive safety plan. Knowing your escape routes is equally important. Before starting any work, identify clear paths to retreat quickly in case of an emergency, like a falling tree or equipment malfunction. Communicate these routes to everyone on the team and ensure they are free from obstacles.


In the world of tree cutting, safety is not an option; it's a necessity. Investing in the right PPE and establishing clear safety procedures, including escape routes, is the best way to ensure you finish the job safely and go home unharmed.

Establishing safe escape routes and fall zones is absolutely crucial when it comes to workplace safety, right alongside wearing your PPE. Think of it like this: your hard hat and safety glasses protect you from immediate hazards, but what happens if something really goes south? A fire breaks out, a chemical spill occurs, a piece of machinery malfunctions spectacularly – you need a clear and unobstructed path to get out of harm's way. That's where escape routes come in.


These aren't just random paths; they need to be carefully planned and clearly marked. Think well-lit exit signs, uncluttered hallways, and doors that swing outwards in the direction of escape. Regular drills are essential, not just to familiarize everyone with the routes, but also to identify any potential bottlenecks or problems. Imagine discovering during an actual emergency that a fire exit is locked or blocked! Regular checks and maintenance are key.


And then there are fall zones. Working at height presents a serious risk, and while harnesses and guardrails are your first line of defense, having designated fall zones can significantly reduce the severity of an accident. These areas need to be kept clear of obstacles and, ideally, incorporate some form of shock absorption. Think of netting, soft ground, or even strategically placed airbags. It's about minimizing the impact should the worst happen.


Essentially, planning for escape routes and fall zones is like having a backup plan for your backup plan. It's about acknowledging that things can and do go wrong, and putting measures in place to mitigate the risks. It's not just about ticking boxes on a safety checklist; it's about creating a culture of safety where everyone understands the importance of these precautions and knows what to do in a critical situation. It's about getting everyone home safe at the end of the workday.

Citations and other links

Emergency Procedures and Communication Protocols

Safety precautions are paramount in any environment, whether it's a bustling factory floor or a quiet office. A crucial part of ensuring safety is having robust emergency procedures and communication protocols. These are not dusty documents to be filed away and forgotten, but vital lifelines that can make the difference in a crisis. Think of them as the practiced choreography of a dance – everyone knows their steps so that when the music starts (the emergency), they can move together seamlessly and safely.


Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is often the first line of defense. Knowing what PPE is required for a given task and how to use it correctly is essential. This isn't just about ticking boxes; it's about understanding that safety glasses protect against flying debris, gloves shield against chemical burns, and a hard hat can prevent a serious head injury. Regular checks and proper maintenance of PPE are just as important – a frayed harness or a cracked helmet won't offer much protection.


Escape routes are another critical element. Imagine a fire breaking out – panic can quickly set in. Clear, well-marked escape routes, coupled with regular fire drills, ensure everyone knows the fastest and safest way out. These routes should be kept free from obstructions and regularly inspected to ensure they remain accessible. Knowing where the assembly points are located and understanding the role of fire wardens also contribute to a smooth evacuation.


But what ties everything together is communication. Effective communication protocols are the nervous system of emergency response. This includes clear alarm signals, designated communication channels (like radios or PA systems), and a chain of command so everyone knows who to report to. Regularly testing these communication systems ensures they function correctly when needed most. It also ensures that everyone understands the information being relayed and knows how to respond.


In essence, emergency procedures and communication protocols, encompassing everything from PPE to escape routes, are not just about compliance; they are about building a culture of safety. They empower individuals to take responsibility for their own safety and that of their colleagues. They provide the tools and the knowledge to react calmly and effectively in a crisis, potentially saving lives and minimizing harm. So, the next time you see a safety notice or participate in a fire drill, remember – it's not just a formality, it's an investment in your well-being and the well-being of those around you.

Emergency Procedures and Communication Protocols

Post-Cutting Safety Measures and Site Cleanup

Post-cutting safety measures and site cleanup are crucial final steps in any project involving cutting, whether it's woodworking, metal fabrication, or even something as simple as trimming hedges. Ignoring these steps can lead to injuries, environmental damage, and a generally unsafe work area. Think of it like this: you wouldn't bake a cake and leave the oven on with flour all over the counter, would you?


Once the cutting is complete, the first priority is ensuring all power tools are switched off and unplugged. For gas-powered tools, make sure the fuel supply is shut off. Blades and cutting edges should be retracted or covered to prevent accidental contact. This seems obvious, but it's easy to get distracted and overlook these basics, especially after a long or tiring job.


Next, the focus shifts to clearing the debris. Sharp offcuts, dust, and swarf (metal shavings) pose significant hazards. Wearing appropriate PPE, like heavy-duty gloves and safety glasses, is essential during cleanup. A brush and pan or a shop vacuum are usually the best tools for the job, avoiding the temptation to simply pick up sharp pieces by hand. Larger pieces of scrap should be handled with care and disposed of properly, often in designated bins for recycling or waste.


Don't forget about the surrounding area. Sweep or vacuum the floor to remove any stray debris, dust, or liquids. Wipe down work surfaces and tools to prevent rust or corrosion. If any materials have spilled, follow the appropriate cleanup procedures, especially for flammable or hazardous substances.


Finally, before leaving the work area, take a moment to double-check. Are all tools stored safely? Is the floor clear of obstacles? Are any escape routes obstructed? Is the area well-ventilated, especially after working with materials that produce dust or fumes? This final walk-through can prevent accidents and ensure a safe and clean workspace for the next project. Ultimately, taking these post-cutting safety measures and cleanup procedures seriously creates a safer environment for everyone and demonstrates professionalism and respect for the workspace.

An arborist using a chainsaw to cut a eucalyptus tree in a public park
Arborists in Ontario
Two arborists climbing and dismantling a Norway Maple in Ontario, Canada

An arborist, or (less commonly) arboriculturist, is a professional in the practice of arboriculture, which is the cultivation, management, and study of individual trees, shrubs, vines, and other perennial woody plants in dendrology and horticulture.[citation needed]

Arborists generally focus on the health and safety of individual plants and trees, rather than managing forests or harvesting wood (silviculture or forestry). An arborist's scope of work is therefore distinct from that of either a forester or a logger.[citation needed]

Scope of work

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An ISA Certified municipal arborist examining a Japanese Hemlock at Hoyt Arboretum in Portland, Oregon

In order for arborists to work near power wires, either additional training is required or they need to be certified as a Qualified Line Clearance Arborist or Utility Arborist (there may be different terminology for various countries). There is a variety of minimum distances that must be kept from power wires depending on voltage, however the common distance for low voltage lines in urban settings is 10 feet (about 3 metres).[1]

Arborists who climb (as not all do) can use a variety of techniques to ascend into the tree. The least invasive, and most popular technique used is to ascend on rope. There are two common methods of climbing, Single Rope System (SRS) and Moving Rope System (MRS). When personal safety is an issue, or the tree is being removed, arborists may use 'spikes', (also known as 'gaffs' or 'spurs') attached to their chainsaw boots with straps to ascend and work. Spikes wound the tree, leaving small holes where each step has been.[citation needed]

An arborist's work may involve very large and complex trees, or ecological communities and their abiotic components in the context of the landscape ecosystem. These may require monitoring and treatment to ensure they are healthy, safe, and suitable to property owners or community standards. This work may include some or all of the following: planting; transplanting; pruning; structural support; preventing, or diagnosing and treating phytopathology or parasitism; preventing or interrupting grazing or predation; installing lightning protection; and removing vegetation deemed as hazardous, an invasive species, a disease vector, or a weed.[citation needed]

Arborists may also plan, consult, write reports and give legal testimony. While some aspects of this work are done on the ground or in an office, much of it is done by arborists who perform tree services and who climb the trees with ropes, harnesses and other equipment. Lifts and cranes may be used too. The work of all arborists is not the same. Some may just provide a consulting service; others may perform climbing, pruning and planting: whilst others may provide a combination of all of these services.[2]

Qualifications

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An arborist disassembling a tree using a crane and bucket

Arborists gain qualifications to practice arboriculture in a variety of ways and some arborists are more qualified than others. Experience working safely and effectively in and around trees is essential. Arborists tend to specialize in one or more disciplines of arboriculture, such as diagnosis and treatment of pests, diseases and nutritional deficiencies in trees, climbing and pruning, cabling and lightning protection, or consultation and report writing. All these disciplines are related to one another and some arborists are very well experienced in all areas of tree work, however not all arborists have the training or experience to properly practice every discipline.[citation needed]

Arborists choose to pursue formal certification, which is available in some countries and varies somewhat by location. An arborist who holds certification in one or more disciplines may be expected to participate in rigorous continuing education requirements to ensure constant improvement of skills and techniques.[citation needed]

In Australia, arboricultural education and training are streamlined countrywide through a multi-disciplinary vocational education, training, and qualification authority called the Australian Qualifications Framework, which offers varying levels of professional qualification. Government institutions including Technical and Further Education TAFE offer Certificate III or a diploma in arboriculture as well as some universities.[3][4] There are also many private institutions covering similar educational framework in each state. Recognition of prior learning is also an option for practicing arborists with 10 or more years of experience with no prior formal training. It allows them to be assessed and fast track their certification.[citation needed]

In France, a qualified arborist must hold a Management of Ornamental Trees certificate, and a qualified arborist climber must hold a Pruning and Care of Trees certificate; both delivered by the French Ministry of Agriculture.[5][6]

In the UK, an arborist can gain qualifications up to and including a master's degree. College-based courses include further education qualifications, such as national certificate, national diploma, while higher education courses in arboriculture include foundation degree, bachelor's degree and master's degree.[citation needed]

In the US, a Certified Arborist (CA) is a professional who has over three years of documented and verified experience and has passed a rigorous written test from the International Society of Arboriculture. Other designations include Municipal Specialist, Utility Specialist and Board Certified Master Arborist (BCMA). The USA and Canada additionally have college-based training which, if passed, will give the certificate of Qualified Arborist. The Qualified Arborist can then be used to offset partial experience towards the Certified Arborist.

Tree Risk Assessment Qualified credential (TRAQ), designed by the International Society of Arboriculture, was launched in 2013. At that time people holding the TRACE credential were transferred over to the TRAQ credential.[citation needed]

In Canada, there are provincially governed apprenticeship programs that allow arborists' to work near power lines upon completion. These apprenticeship programs must meet the provincial reregulations (For example, in B.C. they must meet WorkSafeBC G19.30), and individuals must ensure they meet the requirements of the owner of the power system.[citation needed]

Cultural practices

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Arborists may use specialised vehicles to gain access to trees, such as this Unimog equipped with a power take-off driven woodchipper

Trees in urban landscape settings are often subject to disturbances, whether human or natural, both above and below ground. They may require care to improve their chances of survival following damage from either biotic or abiotic causes. Arborists can provide appropriate solutions, such as pruning trees for health and good structure, for aesthetic reasons, and to permit people to walk under them (a technique often referred to as "crown raising"), or to keep them away from wires, fences and buildings (a technique referred to as "crown reduction").[7] Timing and methods of treatment depend on the species of tree and the purpose of the work. To determine the best practices, a thorough knowledge of local species and environments is essential.[citation needed]

There can be a vast difference between the techniques and practices of professional arborists and those of inadequately trained tree workers. Some commonly offered "services" are considered unacceptable by modern arboricultural standards and may seriously damage, disfigure, weaken, or even kill trees. One such example is tree topping, lopping, or "hat-racking", where entire tops of trees or main stems are removed, generally by cross-cutting the main stem(s) or leaders, leaving large unsightly stubs. Trees that manage to survive such treatment are left prone to a spectrum of detrimental effects, including vigorous but weakly attached regrowth, pest susceptibility, pathogen intrusion, and internal decay.[8]

Pruning should only be done with a specific purpose in mind. Every cut is a wound, and every leaf lost is removal of photosynthetic potential. Proper pruning can be helpful in many ways, but should always be done with the minimum amount of live tissue removed.[9]

In recent years, research has proven that wound dressings such as paint, tar or other coverings are unnecessary and may harm trees. The coverings may encourage growth of decay-causing fungi. Proper pruning, by cutting through branches at the right location, can do more to limit decay than wound dressing [10]

Chemicals can be applied to trees for insect or disease control through soil application, stem injections or spraying. Compacted or disturbed soils can be improved in various ways.[citation needed]

Arborists can also assess trees to determine the health, structure, safety or feasibility within a landscape and in proximity to humans. Modern arboriculture has progressed in technology and sophistication from practices of the past. Many current practices are based on knowledge gained through recent research, including that of Alex Shigo, considered one "father" of modern arboriculture.[11]

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Depending on the jurisdiction, there may be a number of legal issues surrounding the practices of arborists, including boundary issues, public safety issues, "heritage" trees of community value, and "neighbour" issues such as ownership, obstruction of views, impacts of roots crossing boundaries, nuisance problems, disease or insect quarantines, and safety of nearby trees or plants that may be affected.[citation needed]

Arborists are frequently consulted to establish the factual basis of disputes involving trees, or by private property owners seeking to avoid legal liability through the duty of care.[12] Arborists may be asked to assess the value of a tree[13] in the process of an insurance claim for trees damaged or destroyed,[14] or to recover damages resulting from tree theft or vandalism.[15] In cities with tree preservation orders an arborist's evaluation of tree hazard may be required before a property owner may remove a tree, or to assure the protection of trees in development plans and during construction operations. Carrying out work on protected trees and hedges is illegal without express permission from local authorities,[16] and can result in legal action including fines.[17] Homeowners who have entered into contracts with a Homeowner's association (see also Restrictive covenants) may need an arborists' professional opinion of a hazardous condition prior to removing a tree, or may be obligated to assure the protection of the views of neighboring properties prior to planting a tree or in the course of pruning.[18] Arborists may be consulted in forensic investigations where the evidence of a crime can be determined within the growth rings of a tree, for example. Arborists may be engaged by one member of a dispute in order to identify factual information about trees useful to that member of the dispute, or they can be engaged as an expert witness providing unbiased scientific knowledge in a court case. Homeowners associations seeking to write restrictive covenants, or legislative bodies seeking to write laws involving trees, may seek the counsel of arborists in order to avoid future difficulties.[19]

Before undertaking works in the UK, arborists have a legal responsibility to survey trees for wildlife, especially bats, which are given particular legal protection. In addition, any tree in the UK can be covered by a tree preservation order and it is illegal to conduct any work on a tree, including deadwooding or pruning, before permission has been sought from the local council.[citation needed]

Organizations

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  • Australia Limited, a non-profit organisation, is a national organisation promoting and representing tree workers, arborists, professional tree management and urban forestry throughout Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.[20]
  • The Tree Care Industry Association (formerly the National Arborist Association) is a public and professional non-profit organization for the arboriculture field. It has more than 2,000 member companies representing over a dozen countries. TCIA's Accreditation program certifies that tree care companies that have been inspected and accredited based on adherence to industry standards for performance and safety; maintenance of trained, professional staff; and dedication to ethics and quality in business practices. In addition, they provide safety and educational programs, guidelines for tree service operations, ANSI A300 tree pruning standards, and consumer resources.[citation needed]
  • The International Society of Arboriculture, a non-profit organization, maintains a list of ISA Certified Arborists who have passed a written exam and demonstrated a basic level of knowledge in arboriculture.[21] There are also additional classifications of certified arborists with Certified Arborist/Utility Specialist for those who work near power lines, and Certified Arborist/Municipal Specialist for those who deal mostly with community trees. Other certifications exist for Certified Tree Workers, and the highest level of certification, the Board Certified Master Arborist.[citation needed]
  • The American Society of Consulting Arborists is an organization whose membership is exclusive to those with a certain level of industry experience, plus higher educational experience or continuing education; some members may achieve a higher status by fulfilling the requirements to become a Registered Consulting Arborist.[22] Consulting arborists generally specialize in the areas of ethics, law, land planning and development, and tree valuation, among others. Consulting arborists are often called on for legal testimony and report writing in various instances where a particular authority on trees is necessary for consequent actions.
  • In the UK, the professional body representing the sector is the Institute of Chartered Foresters. The trade body representing arborists is the Arboricultural Association. The association maintains a register of consultants who have demonstrated a high level of technical arboricultural knowledge, and operate an Approved Contractor scheme. This scheme assesses both the technical competence and business practices of arboricultural contractors.
  • The European Arboricultural Council is a European group of multiple arboriculture organizations from various countries.
  • Plant Amnesty is a public education and advocacy group, based in Seattle, dedicated to promoting proper pruning methods. Founded in 1987, Plant Amnesty became an international resource for arborists and their clients in the mid-1990s.[23][24]

In literature

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The protagonist in Italo Calvino's novel The Baron in the Trees lives life on the ground as a boy and spends the rest of his life swinging from tree to tree in the Italian countryside. As a young man he helps the local fruit farmers by pruning their trees.[citation needed]

Notable arborists

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Some noteworthy arborists include:

  • Francis A. Bartlett – founded The Bartlett Tree Experts Co., the world's leading scientific tree and shrub care company in 1907.
  • John Chapman – pioneering U.S. frontier nurseryman and orchardist, commonly known as Johnny Appleseed.
  • Canopy Cat Rescue[25] – rescues domestic cats from tall trees; appears on Treetop Cat Rescue.
  • Sebastian Junger – author of Perfect Storm and War. Previous to becoming a journalist, Sebastian was an arborist in Massachusetts.
  • Chuck Leavell – two-time recipient of the Georgia Tree Farmer of the Year award, and author of the children's book, The Tree Farmer. In 2006 Leavell was appointed by Governor Sonny Perdue to the Georgia Land Conservation Council. He is also an accomplished jazz pianist and keyboardist for the Rolling Stones.[26]
  • Alex Shigo – considered the father of modern arboriculture.
  • David Mitchell - Devon born tree inspector and veteran tree expert
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See also

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References

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  1. ^ American National Standards Institute Z.133- and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.
  2. ^ Harris, Richard W., James R. Clark, and Nelda P. Matheny: Arboriculture Integrated Management of Landscape Trees, Shrubs, and Vines, third edition; Prentice-Hall, Inc. 1999.
  3. ^ "Becoming an Arborist". Victorian Skills Gateway. Archived from the original on 2018-03-16. Retrieved 2018-03-15.
  4. ^ "Graduate Certificate in Arboriculture". University of Melbourne. Retrieved 2018-03-15.
  5. ^ "Les formations qualifiantes des arboristes : certificat de spécialisation CS " taille et soin des arbres "". Copalme (in French). Retrieved 2018-03-15.
  6. ^ "Le CFPPA à l'action sur le domaine Paul-Riquet - Enseignement et formation - Un vrai chantier pour les lycéens". La Dépêche (in French). February 23, 2017. Retrieved 2018-03-15.
  7. ^ "Pruning Standards to Maintain Landscape Trees (3)". E. Thomas Smiley, Ph. D., Plant Pathologist and Bruce R. Fraedrich, Ph. D., Plant Pathologist; Bartlett Tree Research Laboratory.
  8. ^ "Follow Proper Pruning Techniques | Earth-Kind® Landscaping". aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu.
  9. ^ "Access Trees Home". treesaccess.com. Archived from the original on 2022-03-22. Retrieved 2022-03-30.
  10. ^ https://joa.isa-arbor.com/request.asp?JournalID=1&ArticleID=1923&Type=2, Wound dressings results of studies over 13 years
  11. ^ Alex Shigo pioneered tree-friendly pruning by Ron Sullivan; San Francisco Chronicle November 15, 2006.
  12. ^ Common Law Branches Off Into New Directions; by Victor D. Merullo; Journal of Arboriculture 20(6): November 1994.
  13. ^ Landscape Tree Appraisal by David P. Mooter, et al.; University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension; March 2004.
  14. ^ Guide for Plant Appraisal, 9th ed; by the Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers; International Society of Arboriculture; 2000.
  15. ^ See also specific legal provisions for "tree theft" such as, for example, the Revised Code of Washington title 64.12.030 for Washington (State, USA) or similar state, provincial, or local statutes.
  16. ^ "A Guide To The Laws Of Arboriculture & Tree Legislations". Surrey Tree Surgery. Archived from the original on 4 April 2014. Retrieved 4 April 2014.
  17. ^ "Businessman fined £28,000 for felling protected yew tree". The Daily Telegraph. London. 3 June 2013. Archived from the original on 6 June 2013. Retrieved 4 April 2014.
  18. ^ Arboriculture and the Law in Canada by Julian Dunster and Susan Murray; International Society of Arboriculture; 1997.
  19. ^ Arboriculture and the Law by Victor D. Merrullo; International Society of Arboriculture; 1992.
  20. ^ "About Us". arboriculture.org.au. Archived from the original on 2016-08-08. Retrieved 2016-07-22.
  21. ^ "Verify an ISA Certification / Find a Tree Care Service". International Society of Arboriculture. Archived from the original on 27 March 2014. Retrieved 4 April 2014.
  22. ^ "American Society of Consulting Arborists – Registered Consulting Arborist". Archived from the original on 2003-02-28. Retrieved 2008-04-29.
  23. ^ "The Seattle Times: Pacific Northwest Magazine". The Seattle Times.
  24. ^ Young, Paul. "Bakersfield CA Local Online Stock Brokerage Firms | Berkeley Daily". Archived from the original on 2020-08-09. Retrieved 2019-11-08.
  25. ^ "Cat stuck in a tree in Washington". Canopy Cat Rescue. Archived from the original on 2019-11-08. Retrieved 2019-11-08.
  26. ^ "Chuck Leavell - Trees". chuckleavell.com. Archived from the original on 2007-07-03. Retrieved 2007-07-21.
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Two workers pruning street trees in London during World War I

Pruning is a horticultural, arboricultural, and silvicultural practice involving the selective removal of certain parts of a plant, such as branches, buds, or roots.

The practice entails the targeted removal of diseased, damaged, dead, non-productive, structurally unsound, or otherwise unwanted plant material from crop and landscape plants. In general, the smaller the branch that is cut, the easier it is for a woody plant to compartmentalize the wound and thus limit the potential for pathogen intrusion and decay. It is therefore preferable to make any necessary formative structural pruning cuts to young plants, rather than removing large, poorly placed branches from mature plants.

Woody plants may undergo a process referred to as "self-pruning", where they will drop twigs or branches which are no longer producing more energy than they require. It is theorized that this process can also occur in response to lack of water, in order to reduce the surface area where water can be lost.[1] This natural shedding of branches is called cladoptosis.

Specialized pruning practices may be applied to certain plants, such as roses, fruit trees, and grapevines. Different pruning techniques may be used on herbaceous plants than those used on perennial woody plants.

Reasons to prune plants include deadwood removal, shaping (by controlling or redirecting growth), improving or sustaining health, reducing risk from falling branches, preparing nursery specimens for transplanting, and both harvesting and increasing the yield or quality of flowers and fruits.

Pruning terms

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Branch wood, trunk wood, branch collar, branch bark ridge clearly identified on a tree.
 

Branch wood

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Branch wood is an individual stem that grows off of another stem.

Trunk wood

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Trunk wood is the main stem of a tree which individual stems grow out of.

This refers to the area below the union of where branch wood attaches with the trunk/stem wood. This can often appear raised.

Branch bark ridge

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This refers to the junction between branch wood and trunk/stem wood. It usually looks raised. [2]

Types of Pruning

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An arborist pruning a tree near the Statue of Liberty

Pruning in an urban setting is crucial due to the tree being in drastically different conditions than where it naturally grows.[3]

Arborists, orchardists, and gardeners use various garden tools and tree cutting tools designed for the purpose, such as secateurs, loppers, handsaws, or chainsaws.[4] Additionally in forestry, pole pruners (averruncators in British English) and pole saws are commonly used, and these are often attached to poles that reach up to 5–6 m (16–20 ft). This is a more efficient and safer way of pruning than with ladders. These bush saws on polls have also been motorized as chainsaws which is even more efficient. Older technology used Billhooks, Kaiser blades, and pruning knives. Although still used in some coppicing, they are not used so much in commercial forestry due to the difficulty of cutting flush with the stem. Flush cuts happen when a pruner cuts into the cambium layer of the main trunk, which can happen when a pruner is not precise with pruning cuts, and removes a portion of the branch collar, which can put the tree at risk of entry cords from forest pathogens.

Although there are several different types of pruning, they can be simplified into two categories. One of which is cutting the branch back to a specific and intermediate point, called a "reduction cut", and the other of which is completely removing a branch back to the union where the branch connects which the main trunk, called "removal cut".[5]

Dense growth results after shearing

A "reduction cut" is when one removes a portion of a growing stem down to a set of desirable buds or side-branching stems. This is commonly performed in well trained plants for a variety of reasons, for example to stimulate growth of flowers, fruit or branches, as a preventive measure to wind and snow damage on long stems and branches, and finally to encourage growth of the stems in a desirable direction.

  • Thinning: A more drastic form of pruning, a thinning out cut, is the removal of an entire shoot, limb, or branch at its point of origin.[5] This is usually employed to revitalize a plant by removing over-mature, weak, problematic, and excessive growths. When performed correctly, thinning encourages the formation of new growth that will more readily bear fruit and flowers. This is a common technique in pruning roses and for amplifying and "opening-up" the branching of neglected trees, or for renewing shrubs with multiple branches.
  • Topping: Topping is a very severe form of pruning which involves removing all branches and growths down to a few large branches or to the trunk of the tree. When performed correctly it is used on very young trees, and can be used to begin training younger trees for pollarding or for trellising to form an espalier.
  • Raising removes the lower branches from a tree in order to provide clearance for buildings, vehicles, pedestrians, and vistas. [6]
  • Reduction reduces the size of a tree, often for clearance for utility lines. Reducing the height or spread of a tree is best accomplished by pruning back the leaders and branch terminals to lateral branches that are large enough to assume the terminal roles (at least one-third the diameter of the cut stem). Compared to topping, reduction helps maintain the form and structural integrity of the tree.[7]

In orchards, fruit trees are often lopped to encourage regrowth and to maintain a smaller tree for ease of picking fruit. The pruning regime in orchards is more planned, and the productivity of each tree is an important factor.

Deadwooding

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Branches die off for a number of reasons including sunlight deficiency, pest and disease damage, and root structure damage. A dead branch will at some point decay back to the parent stem and fall off. This is normally a slow process but can be hastened by high winds or extreme temperatures. The main reason deadwooding is performed is safety. Situations that usually demand removal of deadwood include trees that overhang public roads, houses, public areas, power lines, telephone cables and gardens. Trees located in wooded areas are usually assessed as lower risk but assessments consider the number of visitors. Trees adjacent to footpaths and access roads are often considered for deadwood removal.[8]

Another reason for deadwooding is amenity value, i.e. a tree with a large amount of deadwood throughout the crown will look more aesthetically pleasing with the deadwood removed. The physical practice of deadwooding can be carried out most of the year though should be avoided when the tree is coming into leaf. The deadwooding process speeds up the tree's natural abscission process. It also reduces unwanted weight and wind resistance and can help overall balance.

Preventive structural pruning

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Preventative and structural pruning can be done to mitigate several issues young trees may have in the future. The structural pruning can reduce tree stress, increase the lifespan of trees, and promotes resistance to damage due to natural weather events. Attributes of trees with good structure include excurrent growth by having a single dominant leader, branch unions without included bark, and a balanced canopy. Structural pruning does this by developing or maintaining a dominant leader, identify the lowest branches in the canopy, prevent branches below the permanent canopy from growing too large, keeping all branches less than one half the trunk diameter, space main branches along one dominant trunk, and suppress growth on branches with included bark. [9]

Subordination pruning

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Subordination pruning is done on limbs that will exceed 50% percent of the stem diameter. A reduction cut may be performed while still allowing about 50% of the branch. This is done to help maintain form and deter the formation of co-dominant leaders. Temporary branches may be too large for a removal cut so subordination pruning should be done to slowly reduce a limb by 50% each year to allow the tree to properly heal from the cut. As a tree becomes larger the slower it grows. Reducing the larger limbs for eventual removal will allow for the tree to promote new growth rather than using energy in encouraging unwanted limbs to continue to grow. Removing a large branch increases the likelihood of the cut to not heal properly which also may attract insects, diseases and fungus. [9][10]

Crown thinning

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Crown thinning is the removal of live healthy branches which increases light penetration, air circulation and reduces wind resistance which reduces risks from damage and the possibility of pest infestation. [11]

Crown raising

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Crown raising involves the removal of the lower branches to a given height. The height is achieved by the removal of whole branches or removing the parts of branches which extend below the desired height. The branches are normally not lifted to more than one third of the tree's total height.

Crown lifting is done for access; these being pedestrian, vehicle or space for buildings and street furniture. Lifting the crown will allow traffic and pedestrians to pass underneath safely. This pruning technique is usually used in the urban environment as it is for public safety and aesthetics rather than tree form and timber value.

Crown lifting introduces light to the lower part of the trunk; this, in some species can encourage epicormic growth from dormant buds. To reduce this sometimes smaller branches are left on the lower part of the trunk. Excessive removal of the lower branches can displace the canopy weight, this will make the tree top heavy, therefore adding stress to the tree. When a branch is removed from the trunk, it creates a large wound. This wound is susceptible to disease and decay, and could lead to reduced trunk stability. Therefore, much time and consideration must be taken when choosing the height the crown is to be lifted to.

This would be an inappropriate operation if the tree species’ form was of a shrubby nature. This would therefore remove most of the foliage and would also largely unbalance the tree. This procedure should not be carried out if the tree is in decline, poor health or dead, dying or dangerous (DDD) as the operation will remove some of the photosynthetic area the tree uses. This will increase the decline rate of the tree and could lead to death.

If the tree is of great importance to an area or town, (i.e. veteran or ancient) then an alternative solution to crown lifting would be to move the target or object so it is not in range. For example, diverting a footpath around a tree's drip line so the crown lift is not needed. Another solution would be to prop up or cable-brace the low hanging branch. This is a non-invasive solution which in some situations may be more economical and environmentally friendly. [12]

Vista pruning

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Selectively pruning a window of view in a tree.

Crown reduction

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Reducing the height and or spread of a tree by selectively cutting back to smaller branches and in fruit trees for increasing of light interception and enhancing fruit quality.

Pollarding

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A regular form of pruning where certain deciduous species are pruned back to pollard heads every year in the dormant period. This practice is usually commenced on juvenile trees so they can adapt to the harshness of the practice. This practice can be used for tree shaping but is also used in specific species which young branches can be sold for floral arrangements.

Deadheading

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Deadheading is the act of removing spent flowers or flowerheads for aesthetics, to prolong bloom for up to several weeks or promote rebloom, or to prevent seeding.

Time period

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Pruning of trees in Chandigarh

In general, pruning deadwood and small branches can be done at any time of year. Depending on the species, many temperate plants can be pruned either during dormancy in winter, or, for species where winter frost can harm a recently pruned plant, after flowering is completed. In the temperate areas of the northern hemisphere autumn pruning should be avoided, as the spores of disease and decay fungi are abundant at this time of year.

Some woody plants tend to bleed profusely from cuts, such as mesquite and maple. Some callus over slowly, such as magnolia. In this case, they are better pruned during active growth when they can more readily heal. Woody plants that flower early in the season, on spurs that form on wood that has matured the year before, such as apples, should be pruned right after flowering as later pruning will sacrifice flowers the following season. Forsythia, azaleas and lilacs all fall into this category.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ BCMA, Jeremiah_Sandler (2021-02-01). "On Removing Deadwood, Part 1". Tree Care Industry Magazine. Retrieved 2024-05-30.
  2. ^ McKenzie, Rita; Holt, Harvey. "Trees Need a Proper Start – Prune Them Right" (PDF). Urban Forestry Specialists, Forestry and Natural Resources. Purdue University.
  3. ^ Fraedrich, Bruce. “Structural Pruning of Young Trees.” Bartlett Tree Research Laboratories Technical Report.
  4. ^ Encyclopedia of gardening (3rd U.S., rev. and updated ed.). London: DK Pub. 2012. pp. 554–556. ISBN 9780756698287.
  5. ^ a b "Tree Fruit Production Guide". tfpg.cas.psu.edu. Retrieved 20 December 2017.
  6. ^ "Raising - Pruning - Landscape plants - Edward F. Gilman - UF/IFAS". hort.ifas.ufl.edu. Retrieved 2024-05-28.
  7. ^ "Reducing - Pruning - Landscape plants - Edward F. Gilman - UF/IFAS". hort.ifas.ufl.edu. Retrieved 2024-05-28.
  8. ^ "Removal of dead wood - Nelson's Tree Services". Archived from the original on 15 December 2017. Retrieved 20 December 2017.
  9. ^ a b Gilman, Edward F.; Bisson, Amanda (2008-01-24). "Chapter 12 — Developing a Preventative Pruning Program: Young Trees". EDIS. 2008 (1). doi:10.32473/edis-ep315-2007. ISSN 2576-0009.
  10. ^ Gilman, Edward F. (2012). An illustrated guide to pruning (3rd ed.). Clifton Park, NY: Delmar. ISBN 978-1-111-30730-1.
  11. ^ "Crown Reduction - Nelson's Tree Services". Retrieved 20 December 2017.
  12. ^ Smiley, E, and Bruce Fraedrich. “Pruning Standard to Maintain Landscape Trees.” Bartlett Tree Research Laboratories Technical Report.

Bibliography

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  • Sunset Editors, (1995) Western Garden Book, Sunset Books Inc, ISBN 978-0-376-03851-7
  • James, N. D. G, The arboriculturalist's companion, second edition 1990, Blackwell Publishers Ltd, Great Britain.
  • Shigo, A, 1991, Modern arboriculture, third printing, Durham, New Hampshire, USA, Shirwin Dodge Printers.
  • Shigo, A, 1989, A New Tree Biology. Shigo & trees Associates.
  • J.M. Dunn, C.J. Atkinson, N.A. Hipps, 2002, Effects of two different canopy manipulations on leaf water use and photosynthesis as determined by gas exchange and stable isotope discrimination, East Malling, University of Cambridge.
  • Shigo. A. L, 1998, Modern Arboriculture, third printing (2003), USA, Sherwin Dodge Printers
  • British standards 3998:1989, Recommendations for Tree Work.
  • Lonsdale. D, 1999, Principles of tree hazard assessment and management, 6th impression 2008, forestry commission, Great Britain.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Helmet, eye protection, hearing protection, chainsaw chaps, gloves, and sturdy boots.
Identify two clear paths away from the falling tree, 45 degrees opposite to the direction of fall.
Look for dead branches, power lines, unstable ground, nearby structures, and potential obstructions in the drop zone.
Establish clear hand signals and verbal communication before starting, and maintain visual contact whenever possible.
If the tree is too large, close to power lines, or presents other complex challenges beyond your skill level – call a professional.