Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Every situation requires careful consideration of all tree and site conditions as well as thoughtful discussion with the property owner to ensure that an appropriate risk management strategy is created.
Arborists should familiarize themselves with local fungal pathogens as well as common mistakes or misperceptions about the management of trees with decay, and options for non-invasive testing to verify the extent of internal decay and structural deficits a tree might have, but soft skills and effective communication with the risk manager play an important role as well. Awareness of psychological predispositions of both the arborist assessing risk and the risk manager will help maintain a more balanced perspective and guide communities to a world with more trees.
Arborists should familiarize themselves with local fungal pathogens as well as common mistakes or misperceptions about the management of trees with decay, and options for non-invasive testing to verify the extent of internal decay and structural deficits a tree might have, but soft skills and effective communication with the risk manager play an important role as well. Awareness of psychological predispositions of both the arborist assessing risk and the risk manager will help maintain a more balanced perspective and guide communities to a world with more trees.
A veteran Douglas fir at Seward Park in Seattle. This tree is 76.5" DBH, has lost its top, and
was struck by lightening, and it is still beautiful!
was struck by lightening, and it is still beautiful!
Word Count: 4089
|
This project was built as an assignment for the Tree Risk Management module within the MSc Arboriculture and Urban Forestry course at Myerscough College. All photos and content are my own unless otherwise attributed or cited. All names, addresses, and dates are made up, but accurately reflect season and site conditions at the time of assessment.
|