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April 2007 The team at TotalArb would like to welcome you to a new chapter in the development of this magazine and the expanding internet resource that accompanies it.

Trees are perhaps the most significant living organism on earth. With their capacity to convert carbon-dioxide into oxygen they are effectively the lungs of the world. This means that the people involved in tree care could be described as having one of the most important and influential jobs on the planet, with the ultimate responsibility for our environment and life on Earth.

Our mission at TotalARB is to expand the horizons of everyone interested in trees, while building links between all the different interest groups, organisations, companies and businesses. We realise that this is no mean feat and represents quite a challenge, so we are engaging in talks with the Tree Council, Arboricultural Association, International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) to name just a few, who have also produced articles for this issue of the magazine.

As a reflection of the above, you will find our new subscription offers include the opportunity to receive the Tree News magazine, which is an inspirational publication produced on behalf of the Tree Council. Furthermore, members of the UK & Ireland Chapter of the ISA will be offered both TotalARB: a World of Trees and the Tree News as part of an extended subscription.

This magazine is supported by our website and is dedicated to offering the whole tree world an opportunity to unite on common ground. As such we are at your service regardless of background. We are building relationships with all tree interest groups with a vision of shared allegiance so we can offer an independent web based forum with an extensive archive of arboricultural resources.

The world of trees has been lacking coherence for far too long and it is time to stop the fragmentation, to join forces for the benefit of all. Trees are an integral component of our environment and have intrinsic value within the lives of everyone, whether this is appreciated or not.

I would like to introduce myself as the new editor of TotalARB – a World of Trees. My name is Andrew Cowan and I have been working in arboriculture since I left school in 1986, when I joined a local tree care company before going to Merrist Wood College to study for a National Diploma in Arboriculture.

I have always been a practical person with a passion for the natural world and my work in arboriculture has reflected this through my development of Tree Craft as a tree work contracting business and more recently in the expansion of my consultancy company ArborEcology.

I have a reputation for exploring the frontiers of arboriculture and promoting new ideas, hypothesis and theories, which offer us the opportunity to increase our knowledge of trees and the diversity of their associated ecosystems. I would like to invite you to join us on this voyage of adventure to learn more about the world of trees. Subscribe today

For Editorial contact: Andrew Cowan: telephone: 020 8462 7262 email: editor@totalarb.co.uk For Advertising contact: Dal Parmar: telephone: 01543 500255 or 07908 168948 email: dal@totalarb.co.uk Total Arb Magazine is published by Total Arb Limited, Coppice House, Teddesley, Penkridge, Staffs ST19 5RP

TotalARB: a World of Trees April 2007

Contents News Feature !

Traditional Orchards

Development !

Case Studies

Ultimate Arb Toys !

Unimogs

Tree Care ! ! !

Organic Mulch Pollarding Exchange Ivy- Friend of Foe

Associations ! ! !

Arboricultural Association Tree Council ISA UK&I

Maintenance !

Guide Bars

Rants & Raves ! !

Saving Trees Tree Huggers

Although every effort is made to ensure accuracy, neither Total Arb nor its authors can accept any responsibility for errors or omissions. The views expressed in Total Arb magazine are not necessarily those of Total Arb Ltd. There is no unauthorised reproduction, in any media whatsoever, in whole or in part, permitted without the written consent of Total Arb Ltd. If you feel that your copyright has been infringed in any way you should contact the editor. We undertake to remove from our publication or website any images or written media that have inadvertently infringed copyright or to give appropriate credit(s) where applicable. Unsolicited manuscripts and photographs are welcomed, but no responsibility can be accepted from them, however delivered.

Total Arb magazine is independent of all political parties, private interest groups and government.

It has no affiliation to commercial interests other then its own and represents no organisations or associations. Our policy is to provide news and information to our readers in a balanced manner.

If you find any error of fact in our pages you should contact the editor by telephone, letter or email. We undertake to correct errors promptly and to issue apologies, where deemed appropriate.

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News In this first issue of TotalARB: a World of Trees. We would like to introduced a number of new sections and from now on every issue will start with topical reports, reviews and news. We will be keeping a watchful eye on the world of trees and current affairs that are likely to affect it either directly or indirectly.

In this issue we have included a number of short reports that cover topics ranging from legislative changes of regulations cover the use of red diesel, and legal protection for wildlife, to environmental issues, such as climate change.

Some of the stories told or events reported are simply of general interest and may help us broaden our knowledge or inspire us. Meanwhile, changes in legislation, regulations and guidance affect the way we work, but environmental issues can influence the way we live our lives on a daily basis.

We would like to offer you the change to share your news with us and the other readers of TotalARB: a World of Trees. Communication is the key to progress in all aspects of live, so share your thoughts, inspirations and ideas with us.

Meanwhile if you want to have your voice heard, then send us a letter, or if you have got particularly fired up over something and feel like getting on your soap box for a real good rant, then we invite you to let rip in our new section called Arbs Rant and Rave.

E-mail your correspondence to us at editor@totalarb.com, or call Andrew Cowan to discuss an article on 020 8462 7262

In brief In brief In brief In brief In brief In brief In brief Make Tree News part of your subscription.

The last two months have been seriously hectic at TotalArb. Not only have we totally revamped this magazine to produce the new look a World of Trees, but we have been working with Felix Denis who publish the Tree News magazine (www.treenews.org.uk) on behalf of the Tree Council (www.treecouncil.org.uk). We are now delighted to offer you the chance to extend your subscription to include this inspirational magazine, which includes a wealth of stimulating articles from across the world.

See subscriptions offers on Page 12.

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Celebrating a World of Trees We launch this new magazine TotalArb, a World of Trees, at A Celebration of Trees at Capel Manor College, Enfield on 27th & 28th April 2007 (www.capel.ac.uk). Come and Join us at the first big event of the year, to be followed by the Arb Trade Fair in June, Saltax and the Arboricultural Associations Conference in September.

ISA Student Tree Climbing Competition Following last year’s success the ISA UK & I will be holding their Student Tree Climbing competition at Capel Manor once again, sponsored by Vermeer.

ISA UK & I Chapter and CAS AGMs Although the main event starts on Friday 27th, the Consulting Arborists Society are starting earlier by holding their AGM at Capel Manor on Thursday 26th April. (www.consultingarboristsociety.co.uk) The ISA UK & I have also decided to use Capel Manor’s Celebration of Trees event as the location for their Annual General Meeting, which takes place Friday 27th starting at 5.30pm (www.isa-uki.org)

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Changes in Wildlife Legislation Changes to the Habitats Regulations are proposed as the UK was found lacking in its interpretation of Habitats Directive by a European Court Judgment in 2005. The amended regulations came into force in Scotland this February and in England, Wales and Northern Ireland the changes take effect in early May 2007. Guidance relating to the changes is currently being written but has not yet been completed. In the meantime, below are the proposed key changes.

These changes will affect how we consider the impact of tree work operations on European Protected Species, such as bats, dormice and great crested newts. With bats well known to habitually use trees for roosting, dormice associated with significant areas of ancient woodland and great crested newts often found in tree stumps, there are significant issues to be considered as the legislation protecting these species is strengthened further.

Key points – Habitats Regulations changes are: 1 The ‘incidental result of a lawful operation’ defence will be removed. The intention is to raise the threshold of allowed disturbance to in some way compensate for this, but this can only be determined by case studies and guidance as to how this will work in practice.

2 Failure to comply with any conditions of a licence, issued under the regulations, will become an offence liable to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale (currently £5000).

3 In sentencing a person convicted of an offence, there will be an obligation on the courts to have particular regard to the extent to which a person could reasonably have avoided the damage or destruction of the breeding site or resting place concerned. Here the courts could take into account the extent to which operators have followed codes of practice or guidance in relation to the legislation covering European Protected Species.

4 Householders will no longer be able to rely on the ‘dwelling house defence’ and will need to obtain a licence for works that may disturb bats or destroy roosts.

5 A licence will be required to possess long-term captive bats (for educational purposes).

6 Possession of specimens, dead bats or droppings, will require a licence.

Of the points listed above it is number 3 which is of the most significant to consider because it places increased emphasis on the need to follow recognised codes of practice and guidance when considering tree works that could affect European Protected Species such as bats, dormice and great crested newts.

Arboricultural contracts should consider the impact of tree pruning or felling operations on the wildlife habitats associated with the trees and surrounding landscape. This can be done by undertaking a habitat disturbance risk assessment as part of the standard procedural paperwork in preparation for the tree work.

We will be monitoring these changes as they come into force and a full report will be produced in a future edition of TotalARB: a World of Trees. Meanwhile Andrew Cowan will be working on the necessary revisions to the Arboricultural Associations Guidance Note 1 ‘Trees and Bats’, with a presentation being prepared for the annual AA Conference in September.

More information will be available from the Bat Conservation Trust (BCT) who can be contacted on 0845 1300 228 or at www.bats.org.uk where you will also find information about this years training courses covering bat awareness for arborists.

In brief In brief In brief College Open Days 27 & 28th April Capel Manor College 10.00 am to 5.00 pm this will be an Arboricultural Trade Show with a difference. Staff and students at the College invite the general public to see an inside view of the real arborists' world while combining modern technology with traditional crafts. The show titled 'A Celebration of Trees' is a two-day event with the first day mainly dedicated to the trade. However, the doors will also be open to the public on both days to enable them to see first hand the kind of machinery and operations which are involved in the industry while bringing together the arboricultural industry and traditional craft skills which are becoming popular once more. www.capel.ac.uk 12th May Sparsholt College Open Day 9.30 am to 4.30 pm, In addition to the chance to see the college there will be Woodland Crafts, Family Fate Areas, family activities and refreshments. www.sparsholt.ac.uk 12th May Plumpton College Open Day 10.00 am to 5.00 pm, is great day out for all of the family, with a large variety of things to see and do. There will be great demonstrations and displays from all the courses and in an arena including: falconry, gun dogs, cattle parade, terrier racing, tug of war and Morris dancing. www.plumpton.ac.uk 20th May Merrist Wood College Summer Show 11.00 am to 5.00 pm, with craft demonstrations, trade stands, classic and vintage vehicles including a collection of historic forestry machinery from the Round Timber Club. Displays will include an equestrian stunt team, stunt bikes, and falconry. The event also includes Merrist Woodstock Music Festival www.guidlford.ac.uk 3rd June Myerscough College Country Fair 10.00 am to 6.00 pm, promising to be bigger and better than ever, with new attractions and fun for all the family, with fun filled activities, displays and demonstrations and lots of food, drink and live music all day long. www.myerscough.ac.uk

Photograph of a brown long-eared bat (Plecotus auritus) taken by John Altringham,

New Sawmill Range Launched at Capel Manor A remarkable range of highly productive, compact sawmills with competitive price tags were launched by the newly created Just Saws division of Charterhouse Turf Machinery at Capel Manor College on 22nd March 2007.

Four models of Hud-Son Oscar Sawmills are available that between them meet virtually all milling requirements, having maximum log diameter capacities of 18in, 28in, 30in and 36in (45cm, 70cm, 75cm and 90cm). Each is designed for rapid on-site setup, allowing maximum productivity to be achieved.

The Oscar sawmills can also be supplied as a towable trailer package that enables them to be towed virtually anywhere. A wide range of engine options are also available.

Just Saws anticipate particularly strong demand for the Oscar 30, the 30in-capacity (75cm) model. It lends itself to use both as a portable unit and as a static installation. Power on the standard version comes from a 16hp engine, and the machine is supplied with two 2.1m (7ft) tracks.

All four Oscar machines feature a robust four-post design for maximum head stability. This reduces the risk of uneven cutting and gives constant accuracy. They are also designed for easy servicing, with straightforward access to essential components such as bearings, belts and shafts.

Adding to the appeal of the Oscar sawmills is their low-cost characteristics, with prices starting from just £1,995.

Just Saws (www.justsaws.co.uk) also supply a full range of accessories including log ramps, tooth setters, saw blades and blade sharpeners; and are the UK distributor for a new range of high quality pruning saws from White Horse. This range includes both standard and folding saws as well as long reach pruners on poles up to 8m long.

TotalARB: a World of Trees April 2007

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In brief In brief In brief Jill & Ted’s

Tree-mendous Adventures Jill Butler and Ted Green have been at work building a new internet blog following their adventures as they tour the UK and Europe visiting interesting sites with ancient and veteran trees. www.ancient-trees.org.uk Download short video clips like Welsh language duo Brigyn (which means ‘twig’) launched their 2005 CD release from inside a hollow oak at Rhandirmwyn. This is a wonderful hollow tree capable of accommodating 2 or 3 people. The duo performed the song, ‘Popeth yn ei le’, inside the tree and are captured on film. a beautiful song which has undoubted appealing to welsh and non-welsh speakers alike.

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Avenues Under Threat Planting trees to form landscape statements within the countryside of the UK & Ireland has been going on for hundreds of years, and we now have a fantastic heritage of historic avenues that have become an integral part of the arboricultural and ecological landscape.

However, the increasing pressures on estate owner and local authorities to manager their health and safety responsibilities are having knock on effects that threatened some the landscapes most significant natural features.

The most resent case involveds a beech avenue adjacent to the road approach to Polesden Lacey estate managed by the National Trust, where their property managers have decided that all the trees have reached an age and condition where they represented a health and safety liability that cannot be tolerated.

The National Trust’s forestry advisor agreed with the estate managers and prescribed a clearfell operation to start immediately and to be completed over the course of this spring and autumn.

The avenue, stretching for over 650m in length, includes nearly 100 trees between 100- 200 years old and a number of younger replacements planted at different times within the last 50 years.

The National Trust’s plans, which have only just come to light, have caused consternation and anger among local people and other tree enthusiasts. The Trust claims that the trees have to be felled for public safety reasons, but those opposed to the plan believe that this is an over-hasty and knee-jerk reaction to the loss of three of the avenue’s trees in recent storms. “It’s a drastic and ridiculous over-reaction,” says David Pope, one of Surrey’s volunteer tree wardens. “These trees can’t suddenly all have become unsafe at the same time.

Trees don’t become dangerous overnight.”

Or listen to Ted talk about Moccas Park on a lovely sunny day overlooking what might be one of the UK’s oldest parks. There are now historical records that show it existed in Mediaeval times. The Woodland Trust have just bought the piece of woodland at the top of the park with the help of Natural England. This is really exciting as it’s a real life opportunity to restore a bit of the park that was lost about 40 years ago to conifer plantation.

The Linley Beeches This ancient avenue of beech trees was saved from the axe by local people. Such is the fame that now surrounds this historic and spectacular hilltop feature that BBC Countryfile recently filmed it as part of their focus on Shropshire.

They interviewed Cath Landles the Sustainability Manager of the Shropshire Hills AONB who talked about the struggle to save the ancient beech avenue and how the local Linley Beeches Support Group is planting more trees to take over when the old ones collapse and disintegrate. www.shropshirehillsaonb.co.uk.

We will be covering this story in a feature article in a future edition of TotalARB: a World of Trees.

GreenSpace Online The new look GreenSpace Online (www.green-space.org.uk), the UK's only website solely dedicated to parks and green space issues has been launched. Following extensive consultation and market research, GreenSpace Online has been re-designed and developed and is now packed with even more information vital to those with either a professional or personal interest in parks and green spaces. Articles, case studies, free-to-download publications and research are now organised under four different sections which reflect the organisation's main areas of work.

200 year old beech avenue at Polsden Lacey, Surrey. Photograph Andrew Cowan

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“The condition of the trees is not improved”, says veteran tree expert Ted Green, who visited the site with other members of the Ancient Tree Forum, “by the many horses that are ridden along the avenue. The National Trust has deliberately invited the public into the target area,” he says, “but doesn’t appear to have considered the knock-on effects. The resulting root damage and soil compaction are inevitably hastening the decline of the trees.”

Andrew Cowan highlighted the ecological significance of the avenue as a connective link within the broader landscape and also considered complete removal of the avenue to be inappropriate and unjustified. “Far more appropriate would be sympathetic crown reduction work and the creation of a few monoliths (dead standing trunks), so that the trees are retained wherever possible.”

“Within the avenue context the visual impact of tree trunks on either side is all part of the impressive optical view form a human perspective. Simultaneously, the standing dead trunks of trees can be utilised by a diversity of wildlife. The decline of this avenue offers the National Trust a great opportunity to improve the ecological value of the area while retaining a dramatic landscape feature integral to the historic interest of the estate.”

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The Dark Hedges, Ballymoney Borough, Northern Ireland. Photograph taken

by Paul Hawksford Meanwhile in Northern Ireland an undulating country road lined by beech trees forming a interlocking shade canopy, which earned this avenue the name of ‘The Dark Hedges’, has also been the subject of some considerable controversy due to proposals to fell the trees under the pretence of health and safety liability.

The avenue is a prominent feature in the local landscape and, embedded in local folk law, reputedly haunted by a spectral 'grey lady'.

The trees, which form an arc over the road, are thought to be around 300-yearsold and have become a much photographed natural monument in the Ballymoney borough, attracting tree enthusiasts from across the world.

The ownership is split between a number of farmers who manage the fields on either side of the road, and the avenue is subject to a TPO, so the Road Service (authority that manages Northern Ireland’s public roads) have insisting the trees are the responsibility of the land owners who thought they could not touch the trees because they were protected.

David Morrison, one of the landowners said: "We are not happy at all.” Going on to say “because they are preserved we are not allowed to touch the trees yet we are now expected to pay for this work. It's not right. It would also be a terrible pity to see them destroyed."

Also concerned for the formation were the Woodland Trust, which called on the Roads Service to attain a second independent opinion on the need for felling.

Operations Director, Patrick Cregg said: "These trees are a natural monument, as significant as any cathedral.

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We will be considering the challenging issues associated with responsible management of our historic avenues in more detail as a feature of a future issue of TotalArb: a World of Trees.

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In brief In brief In brief Adapting to climate change: a case study companion to the checklist for development The Three Regions Climate Change Group has published a companion guide to the groundbreaking ‘Adapting to climate change: a checklist for development’. The guide provides case studies of buildings and developments that incorporate climate change adaptation in their design and construction. The document can be downloaded from: www.london.gov.uk/climatechangepartnership OR www.climatesoutheast.org.uk.

Tomorrows Climate – Today’s Challenge A new website initiative led by DEFRA with partners including the Carbon Trust, UK Climate Impact Programme, Environment Agency, Department of Transport, Energy Saving Trust and the Department of Trade and Industry www.climatechallenge.gov.uk. The web based resource site explains the facts associated with climate change, challenges some of the myths and provides some realistic advice on what we can all do to reduce the impact of our modern lives.

The Renewable Energy Centre A website launched earlier this year is a source of information and reference for renewable energy.

The website is targeted at homeowners who want to save money on energy bills and for commercial companies looking to improve cash flow and reduce their carbon footprint. It provides an invaluable source of new business for companies supplying products and services in this emerging sector. The website also contains links and contact details to associations and organisations promoting the use of environmentally conscious products and processes.

The website pulls a wealth of information into one central online location and gives its visitors: - a practical introduction to renewable technologies - local and national directories of contractors and suppliers - advice on technology choices and installation - links to community organisations, lobbyists and government contacts - information on sources of funding In addition The Renewable Energy Centre website holds a comprehensive diary of UK and international renewable energy conferences and exhibitions, a directory of links to educational resources for schools and details of universities offering specialist courses.

Go to www.therenewableenergycentre.co.uk

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Trees Matter – Mulch Them, Says The Tree Council It may be wet enough now, but are the trees really ready to face a drought like that of 2006?

Environmental charity The Tree Council is urging everyone to start checking on their trees in March – and mulching is high on the agenda for its Tree Care Campaign to get better care for all trees, of all ages.

“It’s always important to plan ahead for the survival of our trees – whether they’re young or old, on private land or in public places – and to check on them regularly. If we do have another drought like last summer, or even just a long patch of dry weather, mulching is going to be particularly important,” said Tree Council director-general Pauline Buchanan Black.

“Many of us have been out this winter, planting trees with a lot of care, expense and enthusiasm, but it’s not enough just to plant them properly. For young trees, annual aftercare is vital for their first five years – thousands of them die from neglect, especially from the failure to control weeds so they don’t compete with the trees for moisture. Established trees also need regular inspection, and can often benefit from mulching.”

The ideal time for aftercare for recently planted trees is March or April, which is why The Tree Council launched its 2007 Tree Care Campaign at the beginning of spring – during the weekend of 17/18 March.

The Tree Council hopes that its volunteer Tree Wardens, along with gardeners, tree professionals and anyone else who has recently planted trees, will also put aside some time this spring to go back and check on their young trees and give them just a few minutes of care – so the time, money and effort that has gone into planting are not wasted.

Photograph taken by Simon Cole at Kew gardens.

For more information on tree care visit The Tree Council website: www.treecouncil.org.uk or send for the Tree Council booklet, ‘Managing and caring for trees,’ (£1, inc UK p & p, from The Tree Council, 71 Newcomen Street, London SE1 1YT.

Humans cause climate change Global climate change is "very likely" to have a human cause, an influential group of scientists has concluded.

The latest report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has issued some stark warnings. New predictions are for global temperature rises of between 1.8 and 4° C before the end of the century with a sea level rise between 28 and 43cm. The language of the report is the strongest ever; the panel now says it is at least 90 per cent certain that human emissions of greenhouse gases are responsible for warming the planet. Visit http://news.bbc.co.uk/ for more information.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has been established by WMO and UNEP to assess scientific, technical and socio- economic information relevant for the understanding of climate change, its potential impacts and options for adaptation and mitigation. It is currently finalizing its Fourth Assessment Report "Climate Change 2007". The reports by the three Working Groups provide a comprehensive and up-to-date assessment of the current state of knowledge on climate change. The Synthesis Report integrates the information around six topic areas. Read more at www.ipcc.ch.

Saving our Traditional Orchards On 21st May 2007 Orchard will be discussed as part of an ISA Seminar entitled Old Orchards: the Essential Issues, held at Pershore College near Worcestershire.

For more information contact Debbie Bryce on 01 245 231 023, and read more in her feature article, in this issue of TotalArb; a World of Trees.

Debbie Bryce is an old orchard conservationist, working to protect traditional old orchards from unnecessary losses to development in the planning system. She has recently been co-opted by I.S.A. (UK & I) to advise on old orchard issues and to highlight orchard issues as part of continuing education.

She is running this seminar on behalf of the ISA in order to raise awareness among arboricultural consultants, students and other groups and to maximise the increase the increasing awareness by these groups that there is more to orchards than horticulture. She hopes the seminar will bring together people who have not traditionally communicated on orchard issues before.

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Alien Fungi The increasing use of wood chip as a mulch around amenity flower beds and park trees, has attracted a diverse array of rare and exotic fungi. It appears that this new habitat has resulted in a significant number of new species records for the UK and similar reports are occurring across the world.

No one has worked out the source or significant, and this ‘Alien Invasion’ of exotic fungi has challenged experts, who have had great difficulty even identifying some of the unusual species that have been found.

Meanwhile the use of woodchip mulches has also encourage the growth of some of our rarest native species, which have been recorded fruiting for the first time in many decades.

We will be covering this issue in greater detail in a feature article to appear in a future edition of TotalArb: a World of Trees Coprinus picaceus, commonly known as the Magpie Fungus, is an impressive mushroom now regularly reported growing on woodchip, but has been listed as a rare species for many years. Photograph Andrew Cowan

Declaration On Climate Change By Trade Association Forum Climate Change and Environment Minister Ian Pearson recently welcomed a move by the Trade Association Forum to launch a voluntary Climate Change Declaration for its 300 members that cover 500,000 companies. Trade associations that choose to sign up to the declaration, pledge to try and reduce the environmental impact of their own operations as well as promoting green house gas reduction and climate adaptation measures amongst their members.

The new Trade Association Forum Declaration on Climate Change acknowledges that human activities are having a significant negative and potentially dangerous influence on global warming. It adds that there are significant economic, social and environmental benefits in taking action to combat and prepare for climate change. The initiative is supported by the UK Climate Impacts Programme (UKCIP) and the Energy Saving Trust (EST).

The Declaration follows work by the UK Climate Impacts Programme, which has been working with trade association organisations to look at climate impacts across sectors and devise a generic tool to assess these impacts.

Defra is working with UKCIP and the Hadley Centre to publish the first set of probabilistic modeling scenarios next year, which will give information on what the UK's climate may be like up until 2100. The development of modeling scenarios will give decision makers a much more detailed measure of certainty associated with predicted climate change.

Go to www.defra.gov.uk/news/2007/070308a.htm for more information.

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In brief In brief In brief Use of Red Diesel Category Changes On 1st April changes will come into effect regarding vehicles and machinery permitted to use so-called ‘red diesel’. A revision of the excepted vehicles schedule has removed the category of ‘road construction vehicle’ that had caused a great deal of confusion in enforcement and resentment in some parts of the plant industry.

Instead, lorry-mounted access platforms with a revenue weight of over 3.5 tonnes will be added to the category of ‘mobile cranes’, as will mobile concrete pumps.

Van-mounted access platforms under 3.5 tonnes revenue will be removed from the schedule.

IPAF has campaigned for such a change because of difficulties in establishing when a van-mounted platform was being used as a ‘road construction vehicle’ and when it was not.

We will be investigating the full implications of these changes and will cover the issue in a feature article in a future edition of TotalARB: a World of Trees.

Equipment Theft Falls Equipment theft in the UK actually fell by almost 20% in 2006, according to The National Plant and Equipment Register (TER), the organisation that maintains the largest equipment register in the country.

TER reported that more than 3500 items valued at over £31 million were stolen in 2006, compared to 4324 items valued at £43 million (!63 million) in 2005.

“Although this is a significant drop, plant theft is still a widespread serious organised criminal activity, often directly linked to the funding of terrorist groups,” said TER’s Tim Purbrick.

“There is still a long way to go and many serious issues still need to be addressed.”

Excavators are the highest value items stolen, and plant trailers the most commonly stolen.

Theft of telehandlers represents 3% of total theft and 8% of total value. The South East of England is the worst place for equipment theft, with Surrey, London and Kent being the most affected areas.

Mr Purbrick said; “We’d like to think that TER has played a part with its strategic campaign against equipment theft. Undoubtedly, the great weight of media coverage of equipment theft has created an awareness that has been acted upon. A number of manufacturers are fitting security devices in their factories, plant hire companies could be seeking after-market security devices and maybe equipment users are taking more care with site security.”

Despite the drop in reported thefts, the recovery rate for thefts is still very low, with an estimated 95% of stolen items never recovered.

TER’s 2007 Equipment Theft Report can be downloaded from www.ter-europe.org

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Construction Site Safety Certification Do you have the right certification for work on building sites?

Construction Skills has launched its new integrated industry-led health and safety training programme, called Site Safety Plus.

Changes to the Construction Design and Management (CDM) Regulations have now come into force as of 1st April 2007. Employers are now required to ensure that their staff are adequately trained in health and safety issues, and a new certification programme has been developed to ensure appropriate training standards from operative to management level.

All contract workers on development sites will be required to demonstrate that they have received adequate health and safety training. In the majority of cases this will have to be demonstrated by a personal training card.

The training initiative developed by CITB Construction Skills starts with a one-day health and safety awareness course at site worker level. This is ideal for preparing employees for the Construction Skills Health and Safety Test, one of the key stages in becoming CSCS accredited, which is suitable for anyone at operative level, whatever their previous level of experience.

All Site Safety Plus courses are available through the National Construction College, and registered companies can claim a CITB-Construction Skills grant to help with the costs.

For further information visit www.citb-construcitonskills.co.uk, call 01 485 577 393 or e-mail dept@citb.co.uk

Campaign for Full Body Harnesses In January the Powered Access Interest Group (PAIG) - a Joint committee of the Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA) and the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) – called for all users of boom-type access platforms to wear a full body harness with a short restraint lanyard attached to a suitable anchor point.

The group specifically called on the HSE, manufacturers, hire companies and main contractors to support the campaign to save lives through preventing ejections of users from boom platform baskets.

A safety campaign called Clunk Click, which reinforces the message, was launched at the same time.

“We have enough stickers printed for every boom in the UK” said IPAF’s managing director, Tim Whiteman. “If you have got a boom-type platform, make sure you get a sticker and put it on the relevant machines. It could save a life”.

The PAIG harness statement followed a number of fatal accidents where users not wearing harnesses on boom platforms were catapulted out of the basket.

IPAF Summit: Management Responsibility for MEWP’s More than 200 people attended the IPAF Summit, including representatives from powered access manufacturers, contractors, rental companies, associations and press. This year's speakers included Steve Derbyshire, acting head of safety at Taylor Woodrow, who provided insights into the challenges faced by site managers, and Chris Buisseret, training manager of Rapid Platforms, who outlined the key aspects of IPAF's newly released MEWPs for Managers course.

New initiatives stimulated by the summit discussions will affect the way MEWP’s are utilised across the site access market and we will be reviewing the topics covered within a future issue of TotalARB a World of Trees, but if you would like to view the presentations on line, go to: www.ipaf.org/summit

IPAF Target 65,000 PAL Cards IPAF think they could issue as many as 65,000 PAL operator training cards in 2007, which will be a record number and up on the 60,000 issued in 2006.

Tim Whiteman, IPAF's managing director, speaking at the organisation's AGM at Whittlebury Hall, UK, on 27 March, said the organisation had now issued a total of 284,000 cards worldwide, with 230,000 of these currently valid.

"It's a phenomenal achievement", said Mr Whiteman, "We are taking the message of operator training to increasing numbers of users worldwide."

Mr Whiteman said approximately 30% of the world's access rental fleet was now operated by IPAF members, with the figure for the UK nearer to 90%.

IPAF's AGM and Access Summit attracted over 200 delegates, mainly comprising UK rental companies and training organisations, but also with delegates from, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, China (from aerial platform manufacturer Beijing JingCheng Heavy Industry) and Chile (IPAF training centre Alo Rental.) www.ipaf.com

TotalARB: a World of Trees April 2007

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Reliability defined

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tracked access Sales • Hire • Service

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aWorld aW World of Trees Trees e Subscription bscrription Offers Offfers Option 1 £26.00 FREE TTree ree News News 12 Monthss Subscr Subscription iptio on plus 2 Free Free copies copies of TTree ree News News M Magazine agazine Option 2 £26.00 FREE SA AW SAW 12 M onths Subscr iptio on plus recieve recieve a FFree ree SSamurai am murai Hand SSaw aw Months Subscription Option 3 £26.00 FREE GLOVES GLOVES 12 M onths Subscr iptio on plus a FFree ree P air O ocwood Chainsaw Chainsaw Gloves Gloves Months Subscription Pair Off R Rocwood Please P lease Q Quote uote S,M,L,XL,X S,M,L,XL,XXL XL with yyour our Subscr Subscription iption Option

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Alternatively complete com mplete the form below andd send it back to us to make makke sure you dont miss another anoother issue of Total Total Arb a W World oorld of T Trees rees Delivery Details (if Dif Different) fffereent) Title: T itle: Forname: Forn name: Surname: Surnam me: Company: Tel: T eel: Address: Mobile: Mobile e: Fax: Town: T oown: E-mail: E-maill: Postcode:

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Company Fined for Diesel Pollution: A Welsh company was recently ordered to pay fines and cost totalling £5,500.00 after red diesel escaped from an old diesel tank, on a nursery site, and polluted a river.

The Environment Agency (EA) successfully brought a case against Springfield Lakes Ltd who were fined for the incident on a site owned by the company, but which had lain derelict for two years.

EA officers received three reports of a rainbow sheen across the River Boyd and the River Avon and the pollution was traced upstream to the derelict Springfield Nurseries site at Upton Cheney. Investigations on the site showed a 25,000 litre fuel tank on site, with no secondary containment protection, leaking diesel oil into the river.

The site had been subject to repeated vandalism over the last two years but Springfield Lakes Ltd claimed they were unaware that the oil tank contained fuel or that diesel oil pollution had been caused from the site until it was brought to their attention by the EA staff.

The leaking red diesel affected two kilometres of the River Boyd for several days, with evidence of contamination of vegetation throughout the stretch.

The River Boyd is a high quality river with a high ecological classification, rising at Dodington and passing through mainly agricultural land before reaching Bitton and merging with the River Avon at the viaduct downstream of Swineford. At this point the River Boyd is used for various recreational activities including cycling and fishing, with a pontoon for mooring boats alongside a picnic area.

Appearing before North Avon Magistrates, Springfield Lakes Ltd. were fined £3,500.00 and ordered to pay £2,000.00 costs after pleading guilty to one offence of causing polluting matter to enter the River Boyd contrary to Section 85 (1) and (6) of the Water Resources Act 1991.

“This incident could easily have been avoided. Springfield Lakes failure to manage the site property led to diesel fuel polluting the river,” said Christopher Stratton from the Environment Agency.

With increasing use of diesel storage facilities on arboricultural sites, and back at the yard, which are often located on old nursery sites, it is crucial that suitable storage facilities are used and that old tanks without any secondary containment systems are drained completely before being taken out of use.

Pollution Conviction in Scotland In November 2006 the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) brought a prosecution, following warnings to the defendant of the risk of not ensuring his storage of diesel oil was securely contained at his business premises in Keith.

The investigation undertaken by SEPA was stimulated by complaints from neighbours of the business who reported an oily sheen on the surface of the River Isla in December 2005.

SEPA officers then managed to trace the oil spill back to the defendant’s premises, where they found that diesel storage was inadequate, and a settlement pond designed to collect surface water was contaminated with diesel, which was then overflowing into the River Isla via a pipe.

SEPA’s investigations showed that the pump to the diesel container had not been locked during the night and that inadequate measures had been taken to secure the diesel. Also the defendant, Mr Stephen Murphy, had not placed absorbent booms around the storage facility to stop the diesel from entering the river.

Bev Winter, SEPA’s investigating officer, said: “This incident could have been prevented. We had already warned Mr Murphy that his steps to avoid pollution were not sufficient and we offered him advice; if he had followed it he would not have ended up in court. There are simple steps that operators can take, such as locking the dispensing systems on tanks and buildings containment areas.”

Power Monkey You know what it's like. You're away from home, nowhere near your car, you haven't got your mains powered charger with you (which is fine because you don't have access to a wall socket anyway!) and your mobile phone has just run out of battery power (again). Or maybe your iPod has just played its final tune…

The PowerMonkey will revolutionize the way in which you charge your devices. Imagine it’s a portable petrol pump for your technology!

Simply use the included mains adaptor to fully charge the PowerMonkey and you will get up to 96 hours standby on your mobile phone, 40 hours on your iPod, 6 hours on your Sony PSP, 2 full charges on your PDA plus it’s original charge and up to 1600 pictures on your digital camera! The PowerMonkey will even hold its charge without leakage for up to a year!

Small, agile and powerful, the innovative PowerMonkey can be left in your bag, car, desk, etc and will be ready to provide you with emergency power when you need it most. Ideal for holidays and trips, no need to worry about bulky chargers taking up lots of space!

PowerMonkey features 2 LEDs; 1) PowerMonkey Charging: flashes red when PowerMonkey needs charging, shows red whilst charging and green when fully charged. 2) Device Charging: flashes green when discharging to device and red when low battery voltage.

New hedgerow handbook to boost biodiversity A new handbook that promotes greater conservation of hedgerows and the species that live within them in the UK, was launched on 20th March 2007.

Hedgerows play a vital role in the conservation of biodiversity within the connective landscape, and also make an important contribution to both farming and our traditional countryside scenery. They offer sheltered habitat for a variety of plants and animals, many of which have been identified as species of conservation concern, but perhaps most significantly they are the commuting corridors across the broader countryside connecting adjacent wildlife communities.

Until recently little was known about their condition or number, making it difficult to make decisions about what needed to be done to conserve these 'green veins' for the future. The second edition of the Hedgerow Handbook sets out a standard method of surveying hedgerows to ensure that their biodiversity value is correctly assessed. It is an important and valuable tool for local councils, surveyors and voluntary groups who help to deliver the UK Hedgerow Action Plans and associated Local Biodiversity Action Plans.

The handbook is designed to encourage increased assessment and recognition of the value of hedgerows to ensure they are preserved for future generations.

Barry Gardiner, Minister for Biodiversity, Landscape and Rural Affairs welcomed the handbook saying "Hedgerows not only improve the richness of our landscapes, they also provide a habitat for a variety of species, many of which are deemed to be of conservation concern. This handbook will help supply the knowledge that's needed, so we can take action to conserve important local hedgerows across the UK. Action like this is vital if we are to reach our target to halt the loss of biodiversity by 2010."

An electronic copy of the Handbook can be found at: http://www.defra.gov.uk/farm/environment/landscape/hedgerows.htm

In brief In brief In brief In brief In brief In brief In brief In brief In brief In brief ArborCad-AE 2007 The new version of ArborCAD is now nearing completion and is to be called ArborCAD-AE (Advanced Edition). It is entering a period of final testing and will hopefully be released towards the end of March 2007. ArborCAD-AE will be available as a separate stand alone program so

TotalARB: a World of Trees April 2007

Send us your news can be installed alongside ArborCAD (light) and used in Demo mode if required. Its installation will require the installation of version 2.0 or version 3.0 of the Microsoft NET framework (the existing ArborCAD only requires version 1.0). For more information log onto www.chrisskellern.co.uk.

These news clips cover a broad range of reports which reflect the diverse interests of the arboricultural industry, but we want to know more about what is going on in the tree world so send us your news items by e-mail to editor@totalarb.com, or call Andrew Cowan on 020 8462 7262

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Feature With spring in full swing our feature this issue includes two articles on the traditional orchards of England’s green and pleasant land. In the first, Debbie Bryce tells us what we need to know and takes us through the arboricultural responsibilities of tree care orchard style. Then Jill Butler introduces the Orchard Project Group following a joint meeting with the Ancient Tree Forum in Gloucestershire.

Traditional Old Orchards Saturday 21st October is traditionally Apple Day, an idea created by Common Ground. At many locations around the country throughout October, Apple Days are held, often as part of country shows or stately home open days. Collections of local varieties of apple and pear are displayed and visitors bring along fruit, from old trees and old orchards they know, for identification.

Old orchards have long histories and reams of anecdotes about what the old varieties might be. Thousands of varieties of apple and hundreds of varieties of pear, plum and cherry used to be found across the country. Now they are confined to the National Fruit Collection at Brogdale Hall, Faversham, Kent, and a few specialist nurseries selling heritage fruit trees.

The reality is that, like hedgerows, ponds and woodland, old orchards have declined dramatically in the last few decades. Losses have been up to 80% in some counties traditionally famed for their orchards. A survey conducted last year of Norfolk orchards showed that they have declined in range by 40% compared to their coverage in year 2000.

Old orchards and individual veteran fruit trees long forgotten in people’s gardens are important for several reasons and are distinct from woodland.

T cultural history interwoven with domestic life T gene pool importance T habitat value hosting a wide range of protected species, many living directly on the trees themselves T quality of life and community benefit opportunities The latter takes the form of community orchards as advocated by Common Ground, and Greenspace recommended for health and education by Natural England. They help to fulfil the former English Nature recommendation for access to greenspace within 5 minutes walk of home. There is Government and EU support for environmental education and community-building projects including orchard creation.

So what does an arboricultural consultant, faced with a few tatty old fruit trees or a tangled mess of old orchard, need to know about these features of our landscape, whether rural or urban? What should he be asking himself, discussing with the local authority and advising his clients to consider?

Mark Hinsley Arboricultural Consultant says: “100 years ago, virtually every village had orchards; they were a vital ingredient in the self sufficiency of small communities. The knowledge related to the breeding, selection and cultivation of varieties for particular local conditions was vast, and the ecosystems that grew up around the specialised habitat that orchards created was extensive. “

Old apple tree – taken in a Cambridgeshire orchard due to be developed. (photo by Anita Burrough).

Last year, the National Trust began the day with an appeal on Radio Four’s Today programme for the Government to protect the country’s remaining old orchards, highlighting their rapid loss, and their value as gene pools and habitat for various protected species.

14

“In the latter part of the last century, the exclusion from TPO control (and thereby Conservation Area protection) of fruit trees and the pressure on land within village envelopes for infill housing developed the general view that fruit trees were less important than other species and could therefore readily be ‘sacrificed’ to meet the housing demand. “ “The folly of that view is only now being fully realised. On the old Joan Baez principle of ‘you don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone’ fruit trees have been brought back into the TPO fold and the UK BAP review is recognising the high biodiversity value of traditional old orchards.”

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Traditionally managed orchard in Gloucestershire owned by Dave Kaspar from the Gloucestershire Orchard Group who produces Day’s Cottage Pure Apple Juice from dozens of old Gloucestershire varieties grown there (photo by Anita Burrough).

“It is now incumbent upon those of us that work in the planning system to seek the protection of existing orchards and to consider the creation of new and community orchards as a valuable use of open space within existing and new developments.”

This, together with allied legislation, policies and guidance, ensures that biodiversity considerations must be incorporated into all stages of a project’s life cycle, from concept, feasibility and design, through the permitting and construction phases, into operation and management, closure and restoration.

Biodiversity loss is increasingly moving up the business and political agenda and is seen as being an integral part of sustainable development. The Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) strategy for biodiversity in England has stated that it expects the business community to contribute to biodiversity conservation.

Local Authorities: new obligations Local authorities are gradually increasing their knowledge of both old orchards and their responsibility to protect biodiversity in the planning system and other decision-making processes. Huntingdon District Council has recently held a seminar on old orchards for Tree Wardens and consulted the East of England Orchards Project on its LDF planning policy to ensure orchard protection.

Other drivers for better biodiversity consideration by business include: the EU Environmental Liabilities Directive (Dir 2004/35/EC), The Equator Principles (2003), and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) (Article (2) CBD, 1992).

Developers invariably have an impact on biodiversity through their activities in creating infrastructure within the landscape. The EEC Directives, 85/337/EEC and 97/11/EC, require ‘flora and fauna’ to be considered when assessing the future environmental impacts of development projects. In the UK, these Directives are implemented through approximately 40 Regulations, which require a developer to produce an Environmental Statement (ES) that is put out for public consultation as part of the permitting stage of a development.

However, the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 give Local Authorities responsibility for ‘nature conservation’, along with clear government planning policy statements in PPS9 and its accompanying Circular (detailing legal and statutory obligations) and Good Practice Guide.

TotalARB: a World of Trees April 2007

Old orchards are likely to become UK Priority Habitat this year in the review of the UK BAP by the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC). They were proposed as Priority Habitat following a three year survey of traditional orchards

by English Nature and other research and lobbying by a range of groups.

There have been no objections to their inclusion in the new list of Priority Habitat and the recent English Nature Research Report 707 ‘The Biodiversity of three Traditional Orchards within the Wyre Forest SSSI’ further supports their inclusion.

Local authorities have a newly enhanced duty to protect biodiversity in the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act, 2006. They also have a statutory duty to consider the Habitats Directive requirements of European Protected Species.

If an old orchard hosts an EU Protected Species (e.g. dormice, bats, newts), it cannot be assumed that the orchard can be destroyed.

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Funding and community involvement As with ancient woodland, by far the greatest habitat value is found in old orchards. So how does a consultant make the most of an old orchard or old fruit trees which a client has acquired?

Funding for retention and management is not designed to make an old orchard into a profitable commercial enterprise but to enhance and maintain the conservation resource. Grants are available from a variety of sources, the main one being the new Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) scheme for Old Orchards.

The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) will fund community and environmental projects.

There is a variety of small-scale county council funding, for example Somerset’s schemes for Landscape and Restoring Somerset’s Orchards. Landfill tax and Leader+ schemes support orchard creation, restoration and management.

Community orchards in Dorset, The Fens and the Mid-Kent Downs AONB are already benefiting from this.

Keith Derry of Essex Environment Trust, which distributes the Essex landfill tax, says: “We have always been able to fund the creation of habitats as long as there was public access to them, which can be a problem. Our objective was the protection and enhancement of habitats and species.”

Other opportunities include local food production and support of farmers markets. Old fruit trees can be highly productive especially with appropriate pruning, and can supply local farmers markets and fruit juice businesses.

Dunsley Orchard, Tring, supplies 3000lbs of apples a year to ‘Tring’s Own’ apple juice business supporting several jobs.

At Harwell, Oxon, a site approved for 3500 houses contains an old orchard. The district council is seeking its retention as a community orchard under the control of the parish council. A community orchard has been created at Cambourne, a major new housing development near Cambridge.

None of these measures suggest great profitability. Much funding is competitive and HLS requires point-scoring. However, if community access and involvement is allowed, a much wider range of funding becomes available.

Pear Orchard grazed by cattle – Gloucestershire (photo by Anita Burrough).

Following a recent High Court case examining the way DEFRA was conducting its Regulation 44 licensing function, a review of DEFRA’s approach is being conducted by Natural England which has recently taken over the licensing function. The DCLG will be participating in a wider review of licensing with implications for planning authorities.

The SEA Directive and the UK Government require local authorities to have up-to-date habitat surveys as part of the evidence base for Local Development Frameworks. The UK is signed up to the international 2010 target which aims to halt the loss of biodiversity by 2010. This responsibility flows to its ‘emanations of state’, including local authorities.

DEFRA’s new Local Sites System of ecologically important sites will see many old orchards being officially recognised as ecologically important. Many of these are already County Wildlife Sites and Local Nature Reserves but many will be newly noted. Local authority staff can be included in the partnerships of NGOs which will manage these sites.

The increasing recognition of these issues and what they mean for local authorities suggests that arboricultural consultants cannot afford to be ignorant and left behind in their thinking. Recommending removal of an old orchard would conflict with a local authority’s duty to protect its biodiversity. It would conflict with the South West Regional Spatial Strategy which notes the importance of retaining traditional old orchards, and with the planning policy of councils such as Huntingdon.

TPOs can increasingly be used to protect trees of biodiversity importance, a measure that is promoted in the Circular to PPS9. The DCLG has taken on board the message that TPOs should be used for reasons of biodiversity and history.

16

Plums from Tiddesley Wood orchard, Worcestershire

TotalARB: a World of Trees April 2007

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Traditionally managed orchard in Gloucestershire owned by Dave Kaspar from the Gloucestershire Orchard Group who produces Day’s Cottage Pure Apple Juice from dozens of old Gloucestershire varieties grown there (photo by Chris Wedge) Pruning and Tree Care It is important to note that old fruit trees need individual pruning attention and that stone fruit trees should not, for example, be pruned as if apples and pears.

There appears to be a gap in knowledge among arboriculturalists, with many not realising the differing pruning requirements appropriate to the age and type of veteran fruit trees. Damaging incorrect advice can easily be given.

Further information on issues relating to old fruit trees and old orchards can be obtained from the following organisations: The National Orchards Forum, Linda Blenkinship, 12 Calvery Road, Oulton, Leeds LS26 8JQ, 0113-2828324, lindablenkinship@yahoo.co.uk Common Ground Common Ground, Kate O’Farrell, Gold Hill House, , 21 High Street, Shaftesbury, Dorset SP7 8JE UK (0)1747 850820, kate.ofarrell@commonground.org.uk Mid-Kent Downs Orchard Project Pippa Palmar, Kent Downs AONB, Unit West Barn, Penstock Hall Farm Canterbury Road East Brabourne Ashford Kent TN25 5LL, Tel: 01303 815170 Fax: 01303 815179 www.kentdowns.org.uk East of England Orchards Project, Martin Skipper, The School House, Rougham, King's Lynn, Norfolk PE32 2SE, 01328 838403, info@applesandorchards.org.uk Mark Hinsley Arboricultural Consultants, Wessex House, Wimborne, Dorset BH21 1PB, 01202-840819, markhinsley@treeadvice.info Brogdale Horticultural Trust, Brogdale Road, Faversham, Kent, ME13 8XZ, 01795-535286, info@brogdale.org

18

Noble chafer beetle – one of our rarest beetles which is dependent on dead wood and restricted almost entirely to traditional orchards. Photographs taken

by Chris Harris (top) and Andrew Curran (bottom)

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James Grieve, Bramley, Bachelor’s Glory, Hounslow Wonder. ….. ….just a tiny, aromatic sample of the fruits that once filled our lives. If you chose a different apple variety each day to cook an apple pie you would be cooking pies for over 16 years. But for how much longer will this be possible? Jill Butler explains the importance of our historic orchards and the bio-diversity associated with them.

Ancient Tree Forum meeting – traditional orchard visit to Horse Hill orchard, Gloucestershire owned and managed by Dr Chris Parsons (photos by Anita Burrough). Ref Orchard 5 Our fantastic heritage of orchards and the astonishing diversity of fruit that has been grown in them for millennia is disappearing fast. About two thirds of Britain's orchards have been lost since 1960; Devon has lost 90% since WWII. Orchards are grubbed up and replanted with cereals or ousted by new development from roads to housing, many simply fade away. With them we lose a quintessential feature of our historic landscape and an abundance of cultural associations.

Ancient Tree Forum meeting – traditional orchard visit to Horse Hill orchard, Gloucestershire owned and managed by Dr Chris Parsons (photos by Anita Burrough) The many villages named after the fruit will lose their raison d’etre – where for example would Blaisdon be without its famous apple tree?

Bring together the people interested in ancient trees (the Ancient Tree Forum) and campaigners from the Orchard Project Group and there is a lot to talk about in beautiful orchards hung above the River Severn in Gloucestershire.

This is just one of the eight counties where there is a special push to create an inventory of orchards. This is deep England and in the sheltered valleys above the flood plain some mixed farms still survive. Hopefully they will hang on until the trend to encourage communities to buy local gains momentum and helps to fund their survival.

In the meantime the hunt for the Noble Chafer, a rare specialty of these orchards, goes on. It is just a flagship beast, one that the government can focus on for its Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) and highlights the richness of the wildlife associated with these traditional treescapes. It loves the well decayed wood inside the hollows of the oldest trees – so keeping them standing or re-erecting them is a priority. Without care they can become top heavy and catastrophically collapse. The other priority is to plant new trees to provide the ancient fruit trees for the future and to keep the diversity of traditional varieties alive.

The Orchard Project will go on for 2 years and will rely on the help of a network of local volunteers and local orchard groups, wildlife trusts, parish councils and agricultural colleges to promote the value of traditional orchards and carry out the habitat surveys.

Their aim is to encourage the take-up of agri-environment schemes; promote good management practices and offer advice on how best to provide habitat for noble chafers and other orchard wildlife. They will be organizing workshops to provide a networking opportunity for orchard owners and workers and begin to promote and stimulate the market for orchard produce.

For more information contact the Orchards Project Officer, Anita Burrough, at the Peoples Trust for Endangered Species anita@ptes.org

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The old, traditional orchards are full of ancient fruit trees and need special care if they are to survive, and live up to their reputation for being hotspots for biodiversity. The hollowing trees and presence of plenty of dead and decaying wood is particularly important for fungi and saproxylic invertebrates, several hundred of which occur in orchard habitats.

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TotalARB: a World of Trees April 2007

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Arb Development Like it or not development sites are a central feature of arboriculture today, because at different stages of the process they will require the involvement of contractors, consultants and tree officers, to resolve a multitude of tree related issues, from the decision to remove them to their replacement planting and aftercare.

It is therefore not surprising that development sites are the focus of a significant shift in emphasis for today’s tree care professionals. A transition that appears so obvious when thought about it seems amazing it has been overlooked for so long.

It is for this reason that the following case studies are presented here for your consideration. They are all based on work undertaken by ArborEcology as part of its team of arborists implementing arboricultural method statements and undertaking root investigations under the title of Rhizosphere: Tree Root Ecology.

However, this is the real point, because although arborists have included every aspect of tree care within their professional development, training and experience, there are still massive gaps in our knowledge about the topic we claim to know so much about.

Case Study 1 : Hard Surface Removal

The concentration of arboricultural observation and action is distracted by a human perspective, which is naturally biased towards what we can see in front of our faces. Therefore, tree risk assessments, development site surveys, TPO evaluations and pruning specifications, are all produced primarily based on a visual inspection of the tree above ground.

It is truly amazing to consider that we still overlook one of the most significant parts of the tree’s living system, the roots beneath our feet. This is all despite the fact that we walk over them every time we inspect a tree or undertake pruning work on it.

The case study considered here is based around the development of a private property. The proposed plans for this property were to demolish the existing house and replace it with a slightly larger dwelling, set further back into the site.

During the planning process with the local planning authority (LPA) significant emphasis was placed on the value of the mature trees around the frontage of the property. Therefore when it came to discussing excavation work close to trees or ground level alterations, it was important that this work was either supervised by or carried out by arborists, to ensure that adequate consideration was given to the presence of tree roots.

Crown pruning can affect the trees growth and vigour, but no matter how severe it may be it is rarely fatal. However, without a healthy root system a tree cannot survive, and it is damage caused to tree roots that frequently leads to their death.

Therefore development sites are all about protecting tree roots.

When it comes to development, trees are many things to many people, with the developer often seeing them as an object in the way, the architect appreciating their natural form and the sense of maturity they offer the new design, engineers realising the challenge of building close to them or around them, and the planners considering their significance within government policy as something to be protected.

By far the majority of people considering the retention of trees on development sites will be looking at the visual impact of the group or as an individual specimen.

Meanwhile the developers and their builders are only likely to see an obstacle to drive the machinery around. It is therefore the job of the arborists to educate and enlighten everyone to the fact that it is what cannot be seen below ground that really matters.

When the British Standard 5837 ‘Trees in relation to construction, Recommendations’ was published in 2005, it introduced tree root protection areas (RPAs) as the focus for maintaining and retaining trees on development sites. The guidance and recommendations within this standard encourage the employment of an arboriculturist throughout the development process, from design to implementation.

Now most arborists, whether working as contractors, consultants or tree officers, are familiar with development site surveys, resulting in tree removal and pruning to allow space for buildings. However, few of us have really been involved in the process of physically protecting trees throughout the chaos of building and ensuring the successful, healthy retention of good quality trees.

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Photograph shows oak tree in middle of existing tarmac driveway, with the soil below the hard surface being removed using an AirKnife.

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These two photographs illustrate the condition of the exposed roots, and evident history of damage caused by traditional driveway installation techniques.

The completion of a visual tree assessment (VTA) appeared to indicate that this oak was suffering some degree of root dieback, and this was also reflected in symptoms exhibited in the main crown area, which was starting to retrench.

As part of the detailed arboricultural method statement (AMS), produced during the planning process for the site, it was decided that the thin layer of tarmac that formed the property’s drive way would not be strong enough to withstand the site traffic for the duration of the build.

However, most of the drive area had been designated as the RPA for a number of mature oak trees located within the front garden area, so the excavation work to remove the surface would have to be well planned to avoid more harm being caused to the roots beneath.

The LPA tree officer was keen to ensure that the development proceeded in line with BS 5837:2005 which provides the following guidance in section 11.2.5: “Where an existing hard surface is scheduled for removal, care should be taken not to disturb tree roots that may be present beneath it. Hand held tools or appropriate machinery should be used (under arboricultural supervision) to remove the existing surface.”

For the purpose of this case study we will concentrate on the exploration work undertaken around one tree, which was located in the middle of the property’s existing tarmac driveway. There was already evidence of physical damage from machinery, which was thought to have occurred when the property had last been developed in the late sixties.

The significance of the tree and its prime location at the front of the property meant that it had been classed as a BS category B tree and required appropriate consideration during the development process.

However, the majority of this tree’s root protection area was covered by the existing drive, which was also going to be the main site access route.

TotalARB: a World of Trees April 2007

Following the VTA of the tree in the centre of the drive and the presence of reactive growth with a bias towards certain buttress roots, it was considered important to confirm the condition of this tree’s roots and whether it could be safely retained during the development.

A thorough investigation was completed of the buttress roots using compressed air to remove the soil. The results of this exploratory work confirmed our concerns, as more and more decay was revealed, where the installation of the old driveway had resulted in extensive root death, from a combination of physical root damage and soil compaction.

Unfortunately, the extent of decay that was exposed and the obvious absence of significant structural roots to support the tree, meant that there was very little option but to request that this tree be considered exempt from its Tree Protection Order and be felled for health and safety reasons.

This was a clear demonstration of the damage caused by the traditional techniques used to install residential driveways, where a compacted sub-base of ‘type 1’, that has a high fines content, forms a non porous layer beneath a decorative surfaces and is usually impermeable.

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Case Study: Development Within the Tree Root Protection Area The site used as a basis for this case study is the garden of a detached house with a mixture of hard and soft landscaping surrounding the residential dwelling.

The hard landscaping is predominately crazy paving with areas of tarmac and concrete. The site includes a number of trees, which are covered by tree preservation orders (TPOs), with the RPAs extending up to and in some cases overlapping the proposed development foot print.

The client applied for planning permission to extend the house to the side with a single story extension, 12 metres from the gable end. This was rejected by the Local Planning Authority (LPA) on the grounds that the footprint extended into the designated RPA of several trees suitable for retention.

The brief was to explore the proposed development footprint to see what roots were actually present and to assess the likely impact of the extension on tree roots. Meanwhile assuming the presence of roots, exploratory trenches were excavated to determine their location and density along the lines of the foundations. This information can then be used by the engineers to design foundations that both support the extension, whilst ensuring the continued health of the retained trees.

Tree roots found under the impermeable concrete were clearly growing towards the area of garden that offered the best rooting conditions and preferential soil environment. However, this area could have been left unprotected due to its location outside the designated RPA, yet the roots found here may well be considered as the most significant to the tree’s health and survival.

Tree roots found under the impermeable concrete, illustrated in this photograph, were clearly growing towards the area of garden that offered better rooting conditions. However, this area of garden was outside the RPA yet the roots found here could be consider as the most significant to tree health and survival.

The picture shows the AirPick and Soil Vacuum in action, with the soil being collected in a container to enable trenches to be filled back in following inspection.

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When planning permission is granted for the development, the location of the roots can be passed onto the engineers so they can be considered and appropriately avoided during foundation design.

Informing the design and planning process in this way, with meaningful exploration work to find out where roots actually are, can enable very successful and sympathetic juxtaposition of new buildings and retained trees.

This is in accordance with BS 5837:2005 section 11.1.2 which says: “Where it is intended to undertake demolition or construction operations within the root protection area, precautions should be taken to maintain the conditions and health of the root system and in particular to: a) prevent physical damage to the roots during demolition or construction (such as by soil compaction or severing); b) make provision for water and oxygen to reach the roots; c) allow for the future growth of the root system; d) preserve the soil structure at a suitable bulk density for root growth and function (in particular for soil of a high fines content).”

The picture (right) illustrates the extent of root growth under the impermeable concrete surface. This collection of Lime roots were traced across the hard standing area, in search of favourable rooting condition in the lawn.

The justification for these exploratory works made reference to BS 5837:2005 section 11.6.1, which says: “The insertion of structures within root protection areas may be justified if this allows the retention of a good quality tree (category A or B). However, it is essential that careful consideration is given to foundations design.”

The proposed foundations, along with another trench 5 metres from the gable end, were marked out by the architects and the concrete and crazy paving broken up. A 600mm deep trench was then excavated. The soil was broken up with an AirPick and removed using a soil vacuum unit. This method made it possible to retain even the smallest roots. The location and origin of roots were then drawn onto the plan using the proposed foundations as a line transect.

A site meeting was then held with the architects and client to discuss the result.

It appeared that the tree roots were merely ‘bridging’ the area of hard surfacing in search of the more favourable rooting conditions in the soft landscaping outside of the designated RPA. This information allowed the area utilised by the trees to be sufficiently protected whilst allowing a compromise to be met with consideration to the size and position of the extension.

An agreement could be reached where the development is allowed within the RPA, on the basis that the area of consideration given to tree roots is extended to include the places where the tree is clearly gaining most benefit.

The information gained from the site investigations could be presented to the LPA to help inform the planning application and the preparation of an Arboricultural Method Statement (AMS), which is written to support the proposed layout design with consideration to its construction in close proximity to trees.

TotalARB: a World of Trees April 2007

This photo demonstrates the proximity of the exploratory trench to one of the trees The standard also includes a very useful Annex called ‘Damage to trees’ which includes the following: “Trees that have good health and stability are well adapted to their surroundings.

Any development activity which affects the adaptation of trees to a site could be detrimental to their health, future growth and safety.“ C.1.1 And “The part of a tree most susceptible to damage is the root system, which, because it is not immediately visible, is frequently ignored. Damage to, or death of the root system affects the health, growth, life expectancy and safety of the entire tree. The effects of such damage may only become evident several years later. Damage may be the result of a number of insignificant but compounding factors that accumulate over time.” C.1.2

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Case Study 3 : Preparation for Hard Surface Installation within the RPA This case study looks at the implications of domestic driveway replacement and the consideration that needs to be given to the presence of tree roots under existing surfaces. Here we look at a small section of drive at the entrance to a residential property, with several mature trees in the front garden, all of which are covered by tree preservation orders (TPOs).

The local authority tree officer was clearly concerned that the removal of the existing tarmac surface could damage the tree roots growing under it and that great care would be required to avoid this.

It was also considered important that the replacement surface was constructed with consideration to the healthy retention of tree roots and the process of construction retained as many as possible.

Exploratory excavation was completed at the entrance to the site, where a high pressure vacuum unit was used to remove the soil as it was broken up with an AirKnife.

The purpose of this trench was to determine at what depth the roots were situated so the drive surface could be designed around them.

Due to the location of the tree CellWeb had already been specified to provide the sub base for the new drive, but it needed to be laid as low down in the ground as possible in order to maintain site levels.

The existing hard surface was removed and sensitive exploration with the AirKnife and Vacuum revealed the highest roots before the CellWeb could be installed.

The exploratory trench was excavated down to 300mm below original drive surface, to reveal the roots and enable a decision to be made as to their significance to the continued health of the tree. Due to their size and location it was decided that restrictions on the driveway design had to be considered to include all roots.

The process for deciding whether roots should be retained or not, was based on the guidance provided within BS 5837:2005 section 11.3.5 which says: “Roots smaller than 25 mm diameter may be pruned back, preferably to a side branch…… Roots larger than 25 mm should only be severed following consultation with an arboriculturist, as they may be essential to the tree’s health and stability.”

This photograph shows the drive entrance, the mature oak on the left with its buttresses protected in rubber sheeting and the exploratory trench exposing the root growth just underneath the drive surface.

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However, it is important to recognise that this section of the standard implies roots smaller than 25 mm can be removed by the building contractors without consultation with an arboriculturist. We have found this to be inappropriate, because it does not allow for situations where there are numerous roots less than 25 mm in diametre, which could be considered to be as important as a small number of roots over 25 mm in diametre.

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We will be looking at the installation of cellular confinement systems such as CellWeb, in greater detail within a full article in the next issue of TotalARB: a World of Trees.

To maintain the appropriate drive levels allowance had to be made within the layout of site drainage and the selection of a slightly thinner sub-base construction. However, considering the relatively lightweight end use of this residential drive the reduction in load baring capacity was deemed to be tolerable.

Following some minor site surface levelling, a sheet of geo-textile was spread out to form the lower layer of the drive sub-base, stopping the stone fill from being lost into the soil beneath. Then the CellWeb was spread out over the top and staked out to form the cellular confinement system that could then be filled with stone.

Photographs taken by Andrew Cowan, Neil Taylor and Dermot Ward

Root Sensitive Excavation and Exploration Soil De-Compaction Radial Trenching Root and Basal Decay Investigation

www.rhizosphere.co.uk 0845-658-1600

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Ultimate Arb Toys One of the attractions of working in arboriculture is the chance to play with some serious toys.

Andrew Cowan describes Unimogs as the Ultimate Arb Toys.

When I set up my first business back in 1987 it was using a 1960 Series 2 Land Rover, which I also took off-roading at the weekend. I therefore often spent Monday’s repairing the damage done by submerging the Land Rover up to the door tops in muddy water. This often resulted in electrical failures, a burnt out alternator or two and at least one blocked radiator. In short the tree work contracts funded my addiction for four wheel drive and the smell of burning mud on a hot exhaust system (preferably heated by a V8).

Some things just do not change, although I have moved on a bit, working in arboriculture gave me the opportunity to justify the purchase of the ultimate off-roader. The Unimog, is a 4x4 which can also be used for work, with the obvious tax advantages. So where to start?

I can’t tell you how many different alternatives I considered, decided on, only to discount following another change of mind. There really are just so many options it makes your mind boggle and if you decide to go down this route be prepared

for some sleepless nights trying to work out the best combination. Then when you have made the commitment and put your money down there will always be that nagging feeling in the back of your mind, and then someone comes along with the vehicle you wish you had bought, but is it really?. All the more important then that you consider all the alternatives.

Originally called the "Universal-Motor-Gerät" (universally applicable motorised machine) it was shortened to Unimog The Unimog was conceived in Germany in the late 1940’s when a small four wheel drive vehicle was developed with power take offs (PTO) options for driving implements and various linkage options for mounting them. These early Unimogs were known by numbers such as 411 and 421. The latter became the U600 when they started linking the model number with the horse power of the engine.

This is one of the first useful things to remember about the model numbers, because with a few exceptions the number indicates the size of the engine.

U2100 Full Ag Spec. with linkage front & rear, operated by ArborEcology and recently sold to Neil Carter Arboricultural Logistics. www.arblog.co.uk

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U2150, fitted with Palfinger 14500 crane, with a hydraulic reach of 12m and capable of lifting 250 kg at 20m. This machine is operated by ArborEcology and is used primarily for sectional felling or reduction work, and the resurrection of standing dead wood as aerial habitat or log piles, associated with ecologically sensitive tree contracts. Pictured here working with a 30m Tracked Palazzani Platform rented from Orion.

Designed to be a capable road vehicle as well as a superb off-road tractor, the Unimog can be driven in two wheel drive while on tarmac and on light tracks, but when it starts to get sticky the air operated central differential can be locked at the flick of a switch. Turn the switch again both axle differentials are locked, also using the vehicles inbuilt compressed air system. Compressed air is also used to assist the breaks which are disc on all four wheels except early versions in the U600, U900 & U1100 ranges, which used drums all round.

Power Take Off (PTO) facilities are available on all models but are not always fitted, and where the separate gear box is built into the vehicle at the factory the shafts may not be. 1"3/8 and 1"3/4 splined output shafts are available fitted to the front or rear of the Unimog chassis .with drive speeds rated at the standard 540rpm or 1000 rpm at working range engine speeds. Mid-chassis rear output shafts are also available for chassis mount winches etc. PTO drive can be directed to the front or back separately or both at once. There is also a gearbox output drive designed for high revolution low torque applications i.e. to power crane pumps/vehicle based fluid drives etc, which is at a ratio of 1 to 1 of engine revolution.

Hydraulic spools are usually fitted as standard, but will vary in number from one to four, and can be fitted to both front and rear. Spool control is double acting, i.e. piped in groups of two, either pipe can be the flow or return. Agricultural spec machines will generally have 3-4 spools which can offer 6-8 connections front and rear. Hydraulically powered link arms are available for the front and rear, with either one or two lift rams using double acting hydraulic rams. Non pressurised hydraulic return connections are available if needed sending oil

TotalARB: a World of Trees April 2007

directly back to the on-board reservoir and one is usually fitted to front and rear.

Some later models were made with computer control of hydraulics to aid draft control etc.

From a practical point of view the U900 and U1100 offers a very usable vehicle with a compact rounded body making it very maneuverable in confined spaces.

However, although they have some classic appeal they are now more than a little basic from every day use in contract work, and to meet health and safety requirements many of these models need fitting with a role cage. The rounded cabs that make these models so compact also mean that the space inside can be limited with only just space for two occupants or average to small build.

Larger cabs were fitted to later versions of this model but leg room remained limited with little or no space for even hand tools.

When the cabs were upgraded to the larger ‘modern’ square type (U1000 through to U2400) there was space for three normal sized people inside with a few tools tucked behind the seat. However, it is important to bare in mind that the Unimog is designed to be driven on the right hand side of the road so the steering wheel is on the left. Although they are built in right hand drive this is a factory conversion where the wheel is moved but the rest of the shaft and gear remains on the left side in the passenger foot-well. The biggest disadvantage though is that the gearbox is designed for left hand drive and when the vehicle is converted there is no space for a double passenger seat and the long gear handle can make gear changes a little sloppy. The long stick can also be prone to breakage and I had the misfortune to experience this while changing gear to overtake a slow moving car, needless to say this was extremely embarrassing.

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U1650, Full Ag Spec with demountable crane on reversible sub-chassis, 10” PTO chipper mounted on linkage front and/or rear. A fully loaded Unimog built to do as many jobs as one machine possibly could do, and operated by Elite Tree Services, Ipswich. www.elitetreeservices.co.uk The Unimog range from U900 through to U2400 are built on two different chassis sizes with corresponding rear load areas, while there are also long wheel base versions of some models that are denoted by numbers such as U1250, U1750 etc, and where an extra long body is fitted an ‘L’ is added like in the U1300L or U2150L. The two chassis sizes are grouped together as follows:

and spares are not a problem even for the older machines dating back to the 60’s and 70’s. Dealers such as Atkinson VOS have second hand, new and pattern parts on the shelf ex-stock or easily imported from Europe.

The smaller chassis and bodies size are on the following: U418, U900, U1000, U1200, U1400 and U1600, which have a rear body size of 1950 x 1890mm. The long wheel base versions including the U1250, U1450 & U1650, may either be fitted with a long rear body or a short body with a crane mounted onto a separate sub-chassis.

CUTTING EDGE TECHNOLOGY

The bigger chassis and bodies are on the following: U1300, U1500, U1700, U2100 and U2400, which have a rear body size of 2320 x2140mm. The long wheel base versions including the U1750, U2150 & U2450, may either be fitted with a long rear body or a short body with a crane mounted onto a separate sub-chassis.

The model sizes get confusing where the old U1300 was the smallest of the big chassis models, then over time the desire for more power increased engine output in some smaller models to above 130hp resulted in the U1400 at 140hp.

There was also a U1300L produced as a military troop carrier on the light weight chassis, but although the rear load space is large (approximately 3m) the vehicle GVW was no greater than the standard models at around 7500 – 8000 kg. The U1600 ag. (introduced in early 1990s) is a later model and is really a mix up of both sizes comprising larger chassis axles combinations but with smaller bodies, it was still possible to purchase new versions of this Unimog into 2003.

When considering the alternative it is worth remembering that you are likely to use your new toy to the maximum of it’s capability and probably beyond. There is a reason the larger chassis models were developed, and they have been considerably ‘beefed up’ on the older design of the light weight versions. Yes, the axles and hubs may have been up-rated on vehicles in the U1600 range but often their brakes are not. So it is important to double check the build specification of your vehicle of choice not to mention the modifications that may have been made to it by previous owners. For example the larger chassis models also include things like a much bigger tipping ram for the rear body, which has no trouble lifting pay loads up to 5,000kg or more.

It is also important to be aware that Unimog parts are all expensive, so make a point of choosing a vehicle with as many extras already fitted as you can possibly think of using. Having said that the extra bits you might need are readily available

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Tree Care Where would an arboricultural magazine be without a section on tree care? So in this section we plan to include a diverse range of articles that explore the world of tree care, and we have three for you this month.

In the first one we find out more about the use of woodchip as a natural biodegradable mulch to be used to enhance the growing environment of trees, young and old. The second article reports an arboricultural adventures, to explore the use of pollarding as a traditional tree management technique, that resulted in an exchange trip to Spain for a gr oup of arborist working for the City of London. Then finally we look at the debate on ivy and whether or not its growth on trees should be controlled.

Using Organic / Biodegradable Mulching The term mulch simply means a covering layer, put on the surface of the ground, which is frequently used as a means of controlling weeds and conserving water by reducing evaporation., but there is so much more to know, as Andrew Cowan explains.

This layer may be of wood chip, manure, straw and other materials mixed into a ‘compost’, that will progressively break down into the soil. Such mulches are known as organic, because non-degradable mulches, can also be utilised, like plastic film or even gravel may be applied as mulch. These products may reduce weed growth or conserve some soil moisture, but do not have the same extent of soil improving benefits as a decomposing natural mulch.

Mulching has several effects on the soil and the plants growing in it, and can be used to;

Wood based compost decomposes more quickly than bark. For example, conifer bark stripped from mature pine, cypress or other softwood trees contains a high proportion of lignin, wax and protected (chemically impregnated) cellulose that resist decay. Meanwhile, wood from these same species (especially from young trees), in contrast, decomposes quickly.

The trunks (heartwood) and bark of some trees such as Oaks, Pines and Sweet Chestnut can also be slow to decay due to the chemicals produced by the tree (phenols, resins, and terpenes) which slow the process of decay.

Controlling Weed Growth When using mulch primarily to control the growth and spread of weeds, a deep surface layer will be required, which is thick enough to stop some weed seeds from germinating, and those that do appear can be easily removed from the loose surface.

- Suppress weed growth - Retain moisture in the soil by reducing surface evaporation

To be effective the organic mulch must also be thick enough to block light from developing weeds and suppress the growth of germinating seeds so they can’t reach the surface.

- Insulate soil from extremes of temperature and in the case of natural mulches they: - Improve soil structure by adding organic matter which increases aeration

However, application of a deep mulch can smother desirable herbaceous plants and could encourage decay in some woody stems. This can be avoided by hollowing out the area around existing shrubs and limiting the depth of mulch around stems to 10 cm (4 inches) or less.

- Enhance nutrient content of the soil, and increasing its availability to roots - Encourage the growth of mycorrhizal fungi that enhance the effectiveness of plant roots - Improve soil biodiversity and increase the effective balance in microbial communities There are many materials that can be called natural biotic or biodegradable mulches: garden compost, woodchip, forest bark, well-rotted manure, hay, straw, peat, leaves and leaf mould are among the most familiar. All will progressively break down into the soil, improving its structure and nutrient content, and as a result the mulch layer will need topping up each year (usually in the spring).

The rate of decomposition will be influenced by soil type and on the ‘woody’ content of the mulch (i.e. the proportion of lignin and cellulose). Organic matter decomposes slowly in heavy clay soils, in contrast to sandy soils which are sometimes referred to as ‘hungry’ because mulch can be incorporated quickly into the soil structure.

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All mulches will help prevent the evaporation of moisture from the soil, and thereby reducing the need for watering. A layer of organic mulch on the surface also reduces run off during watering, acting like a sponge by soaking up additional water and allowing excess to percolate through.

Because the organic matter within the mulch is combined into the top soil it enables surplus water to be stored in the humus layer rather than just draining straight through, away from surface rooting plants and trees. However, deep mulches should be avoided on waterlogged soils, as they slow down evaporation of water from the soil surface and can allow it to increase to damaging levels.

Improved Soil Temperature Regulation A thick layer of organic mulch on the surface of a soil acts as an insulator, just as loft insulation traps heat in the winter and keeps the house cool in the summer.

Applying fresh mulch around newly planted trees and shrubs in autumn can increase soil temperature and reduce heat loss, subsequently improve young root development over winter.

A thick layer of composted mulch applied in autumn can also protect the crowns of tender plants and improve the root growth of fruit bushes. However, very deep layers of fresh wood chips (20cm / 10 inches or more) are liable to compost in-situ, and this can result in a considerable temperature increase, which may cause injury to tender plant tissues.

Composted organic mulch spread on the surface can be incorporated into the soil using directional compressed air from an AirKnife or AirSpade. The use of such techniques can speed up the integration of the organic matter with lower soil horizons, while also de-compacting surface layers and breaking up any soil crusts which may have developed on the surface.

Improved Availability of Nutrients The nutrient released as the mulch decays will depend entirely on its origin and what organic matter may be within it. Mulches with a high C : N ratio (high in carbon - C and low in nitrogen - N) such as forest bark, sawdust, hay and straw can cause nitrogen deficiencies in the soil if they are dug into the surface.

This occurs because the decay organisms need nitrogen to grow and during the process of decomposition they absorb more than they release. When this type of material is used as a surface mulch the process is much slower and the associated short term nitrogen loss is less of an issue.

When poorly decomposed woodchip are applied, as a mulch, additional nitrogen can be added in the form of animal manure (chicken manure is particularly good).

However, the application of soil fertilisers must be undertaken with great care, as it can damage the delicate balance of soil ecosystems by changing the soil chemical integrity and altering the pH. Relatively small changes in soil pH can dramatically affect the availability of nutrients, because they become chemically locked within the soil or dissolve into soil water and quickly leach away before the plant roots have a chance to absorb them.

Mulch pH will vary considerably depending on the origin of the organic matter for instance, wood chippings from conifers may have a relatively low pH (6 or less).

However, research work at the Royal Horticultural Gardens at Wisley indicated that mulch pH does not affect the soil on which it is spread.

Mature trees with large much circle out to the drip line, within the ornamental gardens at Kew. Photograph taken by Simon Cole.

Meanwhile, the decomposition process appears to produce neutral pH readings of around 7.5. This does not reduce the importance of regular monitoring of soil pH as this is very important, and should be combined with a good record system. These records will help with plant selection.

Improving Soil Moisture The increased soil surface moisture level and more constant temperatures encouraged by organic mulches dramatically improve the environment for soil organisms. The mulch protects the surface soil crust from erosion by heavy rain and reduces the harmful effects of compaction. This allows the development of a good ‘crumb’ structure as the soil mixes with the decaying organic matter within the lower layers of mulch.

Soil Nitrogen Availability Nitrogen (N) is one of the elements that is essential for all living organisms, but despite forming the largest proportion of the atmosphere around the earth as N², it is not always readily available. Plants cannot absorb N from the air, it has to be converted to a form that they can take up through their roots.

Earthworks are attracted to the moist mulch on the surface and by their burrowing activities help incorporate the organic matter into the soil. Their movements create channels which increase soil aeration and allow excess water to drain away.

Fungi and bacteria decompose the carbon compounds within the woody plant tissues of the organic mulch, (lignin and cellulose) which are broken down into simpler carbohydrates (basic carbon C compounds). The fungi and bacteria use these carbohydrates as ‘food’ so they can grow and reproduce. But nitrogen is also required by the decay organisms to grow, and wood chippings (especially from winter pruning) often have a very high C:N ratio.

A good layer of mulch on the surface of a thick clay soil will soon help break up the heavy structure allowing better root penetration and improved drainage.

Meanwhile the additional organic matter added to a dry sandy soil will help retain water near the surface and reduce the loss of valuable nutrients though leaching.

TotalARB: a World of Trees April 2007

If the mulch has a high C:N ratio (eg. 150 : 1) and does not contain enough nitrogen, the fungi will absorb it from the surrounding soil. This can cause a temporary soil nitrogen deficiency, especially if the mulch is mixed into the soil and is finely textured.

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Fortunately this is a temporarily problem because, as the mulch is decomposed by the fungi and bacteria, the nutrients are released back into the soil and nitrogen is released again when the decay organisms die and decompose themselves. The C:N ratio can be reduced by composting the mulch first and even mixing in more green leafy material like grass cuttings. After composting the C:N ratio can be reduced to around 40:1.

Wood chippings containing high proportions of leaves needles or bark, are likely to be higher in nitrogen and will have less impact on the available soil C:N ratio.

However, this high content of soft plant tissue will also decompose quicker and may increase the temperature of a fresh mulch. It is still better to leave the mulch to compost for a short period before application.

It is also important to be aware that bacteria release nitrogen in the form of nitrate which is easily leached from the soil and therefore lost to surface roots, whereas the fungi that break down the organic mulch release nitrogen into the soil in a form of ammonia nitrate which is less mobile. Fungi are particularly beneficial to plants and should be encouraged.

Encourage Beneficial Fungi Fungi are an intrinsic part of almost all terrestrial ecosystems and are essential to maintain a healthy soil environment and encourage root growth. The fruiting bodies of fungi (mushrooms) often appear on organic mulches, usually arising after rainy weather. These fungi are not harmful to the plants and are not all poisonous.

Some fungi combine with fine plant root hairs to form mycorrhizal associations, (Mycorrhiza means “fungus-root”), which work as an extension of the plant’s root system and improve their ability to absorb soil nutrients and water. In return for this the fungi are provided with sugars from the plant, which have been produced in the leaves by photosynthesis (which is a process that uses the sun’s energy to produce carbohydrates from water H²O and carbon dioxide CO²). The association of these fungi with both young and established trees and woody shrubs can vastly improve their growth and development.

Research studies have shown that these partnership help plants survive stress, absorb more water and essential elements, and increase resistance to root disease pathogens and pests. In nature, mycorrhizae are readily available to plants. However, in residential gardens, natural levels of endomycorrhizal fungi, which live inside the plant’s roots, and ectomycorrhizal fungi, which reside on the outside of roots, can be extremely low. This is especially true when soils are distressed by compaction, fertiliser imbalance and other problems associated with urban landscapes.

The natural surface mulch of autumn leaves in this photograph shows how such soil coverings can protect young seedlings from winter frosts. A similar protection can be achieved by using composted woodchip mulch with a high bark content.

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The saprophytic fungi, which live on the dead organic matter in the surface mulch, actively compete with parasitic fungi such as Honey Fungus (Armillaria sp.) and suppress their development. Some research carried out in Canada found that if stumps of recently felled trees were inoculated with Sulphur Tuft (Hypholoma sp.), Honey Fungus could be excluded.

Maintaining the diversity of soil organisms and encouraging natural competition all helps to sustain a healthy soil ecosystem

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Pollard Exchange Trip From English Beech Pollards to the Basque Country Spain: Helen Read from the City of London describes the opportunities to learn and share experiences about cutting these ancient working trees.

The City of London owns two important sites for beech pollards in the UK, Epping Forest and Burnham Beeches. Historically beech seems not to have been a commonly pollarded tree species in England, perhaps at least in part due to its dubious reputation for responding well to pollarding cuts.

During the last 20 years work has been carried out at both sites with the intention of trying to keep the old (up to 500 years in age) pollards alive as long as possible while starting a new generation of young replacement pollards.

Experience has been gained in restoring lapsed pollards, crown reducing to lessen the chance of branch loss or tree failure and, where possible, a staged reduction with a potential aim of establishing a pollard like tree again. Recent work at Burnham Beeches involves writing individual tree management plans to identify what is required in forthcoming years in order to target resources accordingly.

Dealing with old lapsed pollards is a very different process to cutting pollards in a regular cycle and while we are building up our knowledge of how to deal with old trees we have very little information about how the trees were cut when younger and actively managed as pollards.

In 2003 I was fortunate to be able to travel across northern Europe on a ‘study tour’ trying to locate beech pollards in other countries and find people to talk to in order to learn about pollarding techniques. I found beech pollards in Romania

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and a few in Hungary (in both places worthy of protection but with none currently) but it was the Basque Country where the shear number of pollards was almost overwhelming.

During a series of repeat visits to this area and due to the interest and enthusiasm of the local people we have been able to learn much more about pollarding here.

Various members of the Ancient Tree Forum have seen some of these sites for themselves and we have hosted return visits in England.

Lectures have been given both to professionals and members of the public in the Basque Country, including participation in arboricultural courses. The last year however saw the start of a slightly different approach with the opportunity to carry out practical work on pollards.

Beech pollards in the Basque Country occur in both southern France and northern Spain, however we have had most contact on the Spanish side of the border. Some are located in nature reserves but many have no protection (in contrast both Burnham Beeches and Epping Forest have European protection as Special Areas of Conservation). There is a slight regional difference between the pollarding of the northern part of the zone (the province of Gipuzkoa) and the southern part (the province of Navarra).

In Gipuzkoa there is substantial historical documentation describing pollarding which has been collated by historian Alvaro Aragon. The trees were pollarded

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to provide charcoal to fuel the large numbers of iron foundaries. The trees were planted in more or less regular rows, 8m apart and charcoal hearths are readily identifiable in the woods. Trees were cut every 10 to 12 years during the winter months.

Abundant ship building yards along the coast also needed timber and some pollards were cut and shaped to provide the very special pieces of wood needed for ships. Natural curves are much stronger than bent wood and natural V shapes are stronger than jointed ones. The open candelabra shaped trees were able to provide these shaped pieces of wood when they were felled, but during their growth they were trimmed every 10 to 12 years and the off cuts used for charcoal.

Grazing under the trees was very important to the local economy thus pollarding was the preferred method of obtaining the wood whilst allowing livestock to roam under them. Oak was the preferred tree species for many uses but the oak trees in the Basque Country grow in the fertile valley bottoms and there is heavy competition for this land from other uses. Beech can grow on the poor and steep slopes that are less useful for other crops or industrial uses.

In Navarra the pollards seem to be less regularly spaced and less uniform in character. Here the wood seems to have been used more locally (often as charcoal) and the trees cut less frequently. Miguel Barriola, a retired charcoal maker from Leitza has explained that the beech pollards were cut every 50 years, much larger branches were removed and the logs were split before making into charcoal. In Leitza there are still several people, both young and old, who are skilled in using axes and the axe was the tool used for cutting all these trees.

In summer 2006 one of the young axe workers (Juan Mari [Soro] Zabeleta) came to England together with Jose Miguel Elosegi who has proved a wealth of knowledge about Basque trees, woodland practices and traditions. Soro spent two days at Burnham Beeches and two at Epping Forest cutting trees with his axes and demonstrating cutting techniques.

Some old hornbeam pollards were cut at Epping Forest and many young pollards were started using axes at both sites. Summer pollarding (in July and August) has proved a successful way of enabling more work to be achieved at these sites but the extremely dry summer following a dry winter in 2006 meant that

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none of the old beech pollards were cut last year. City of London staff gained an insight into what it was like to pollard trees with axes and were able to have a go themselves if they wished.

In February 2007 a return visit was made. Seven staff, including three climbers spent a week cutting beech pollards in the Basque country. Working first in Leitza, at the request of the Town Council, trees were cut under the guidance of Miguel Barriola to the traditional cutting points. Local Basque people used axes to cut some of them and others were cut using chainsaws. Two trees had half their branches cut by axe and half by chainsaw.

The second part of the week was spent in Aiako Harria, a Natural Park in Gipuzkoa, just south of San Sebastian. Fewer trees were cut here and all with chainsaws. Some were cut to the specification of Miguel Barriola and others were subjected to a restoration type cut, more as would be carried out in Epping or Burnham. All trees had details recorded and pictures taken so that their progress can be monitored in the future.

Our visit attracted the attention of a wide range of interested people and also the press. Of particular interest was the ability to work with Basque (and also Swiss) arboriculturalists and to be able to compare work practices and techniques. We were watched by entomologists, traditional boat builders, researchers in traditional furniture making and historians together with a Mayor and local dignitaries all of whom showed great interest in the work.

The progress of these trees will be watched with trepidation! Many of the English are convinced that the trees cut to the traditional points will die as too few branches have been left (i.e. none in most cases). Conversely some of the Basques are convinced the trees cut more gently will not flourish as they have not been cut hard enough.

Certainly the results will help us in our understanding of pollarding and pollard restoration although we may need to wait quite a few years in order to be sure of the tree responses. Three pollards cut hard at Leitza in the winter 2005-06 had already produced new shoots the following summer, something we can be sure that the trees in southern England would not do. The huge wounds made by these cuts however may result in extensive decay and thus the resulting branches will have weak points of attachment as they grow larger.

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Despite the Basque country being further south, the climate appears to be wetter than southern England and is certainly favourable to beech tree growth.

Counting rings of felled trees showed them to be substantially younger than would be expected of similar sized trees in England. They are also generally in better health.

The pollards appear to have last been cut approximately 50-70 years ago in contrast to those at Burnham Beeches that were last cut over 200 years ago. If the pollarding cycle in at least some of these localities was 50 years then the trees are barely out of their cutting cycle, in comparison to the British ones (where we think the trees were cut every 15-25 years). Recent evidence from Burnham Beeches seems to suggest that pollards cut more recently do respond better than those that have lapsed for longer.

The opportunity to work closely with people from other cultures and learn about their techniques has enhanced and stimulated interest among those from Britain who have been able to visit the Basque Country and be inspired by their pollarded trees. I am sure that our visits have helped to raise the profile of pollards in Spain and encouraged continued interest in traditional tree management techniques.

We are grateful to the City of London, Leitza Town Council, the staff of Aiako Harria Natural Park and all those people who have enabled this project to be realised. Photographs were taken by Migel Mari Elosegi

TotalARB: a World of Trees April 2007

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IVY - FRIEND OR FOE The issue of ivy and trees is one of those matters where it is all down to personal opinion and can result in love/hate relationships. To some, it is a pernicious weed that smothers the natural form of trees and on which constant war must be waged. To others, it is an essential part of the wildlife habitat, providing shelter and food for a diverse range of different organisms. In reality, it will all depend on where and under what circumstances the tree is growing. Context is the key word here, and what might be fine in the middle of woodland may not be so desirable in formal parkland or a residential front garden.

Ivy is very well adapted to living in woodland, which represents its natural habitat.

The growth characteristics of ivy enable it to survive where light levels are low, on the ground and up trunks of trees whose dense foliage shade the woodland floor. Ivy’s attributes of shade tolerance and evergreen foliage have proved invaluable in our gardens, where it has been used for attractive evergreen coverings for north facing walls and to provide ground cover in dark corners.

Although the common ivy (Hedera helix) appears the most frequent, a variety of cultivars and other species are available for horticultural use.

the other hand, in parks and gardens where conditions have allowed it to grow unchecked, it can become quite a problem; choking the crowns of ornamental trees, swamping less vigorous shrubs and smothering walls and rockeries.

Although rarely a problem to the tree, a dense covering of ivy over the trunk and throughout the crown of a mature specimen can inhibit essential safety checks, by limiting a visual inspection of the trunk and main branches. Where mature trees are growing in residential gardens often close to dwellings or public open space, it is important to be able to complete regular risk assessments and monitor the decay of old wounds. In such circumstances it may become essential to remove the ivy.

From a practical viewpoint, the most effective way of removing ivy is to cut it near to the base of the tree. When doing this, it is necessary to remove a section of all the stems around the entire circumference of the tree’s trunk. Once cut from its roots the ivy growth, up the trunk and branches, can be left to die on the tree, and when sufficiently dry and brittle it can be removed.

Hedera helix, is the only native British evergreen climbing shrub. It has a habit known as dimorphism, whereby two forms occur within the same species. The juvenile growth, with its characteristic lobed ‘ivy shaped’ leaves, is adapted to living in low light conditions and is found creeping along the ground or climbing up walls and tree; while as the plant matures, it can throw out bushy branches and flowering shoots with very different, elliptical leaves (lanceilate to ovate). This adult form will only develop where the light conditions allow, and it is mostly found on the climbing section of the plant, only rarely on the ground.

The best time to consider this work is over the winter when the host tree is likely to be bare of leaves, and visibility while completing the task is much improved.

However, it is important to be aware that dense ivy is regularly used by bats during hibernation, through the winter. To avoid unnecessary disturbance of hibernating bats it is best to cut the stems of ivy in the late summer or autumn, so the foliage dies before the winter months. The removal of ivy during the summer should be avoided where possible, because of its likely use by nesting birds and roosting bats.

Ivy has a very bad reputation and it is commonly thought that it kills trees.

Contrary to popular belief, ivy is not parasitic and does not directly affect the health of the trees it climbs. Unlike true parasitic plants, (such as mistletoe, whose roots tap directly into the resources of the host plant) ivy has its feeding roots anchored in the ground and simply uses the tree as a support to get to where it wants to go. The masses of tiny, hair-like roots sprouting from the under surface of the stems, are designed to provide support and allow the plant to climb. Although these roots provide almost immovable adhesion to the rough surfaces of tree trunks and walls, they are not used for feeding, and at worst only penetrate the outermost layer of bark on host trees.

It is an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), to intentionally damage or destroy a wild bird’s nest, whether in use or under construction. The use of the ivy by bats for shelter and roosting must also be considered. A bats roost is protected both under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), and The Conservation (Natural Habitats &c.) Regulations 1994, which make it an offence to damage or destroy a breeding site or resting place of any bat, and it does not require the offence to be intentional or deliberate. Furthermore, under an amendment made within the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, it became an offence to recklessly damage or destroy a bat roost, and it could be reckless not to consider possible use of ivy for roosting.

It is primarily in terms of competition for natural resources that ivy affects the health of trees, particularly where light is concerned. If ivy has become established on a tree, it is more likely to be a sign of stress than a cause of it. A heavy infestation of ivy, particularly in the upper crown, is usually an indication that the tree is in a natural state of decline; most healthy crowns will let insufficient light through for the ivy to grow vigorously.

Tree such as Ash, (Fraxinus excelsior), are an exception as their crowns tend to be thin and open. This allows major infestations to occur, thereby restricting photosynthesis, but it is still unlikely that the life of a healthy tree will be shortened.

In the case of a diseased or dying tree, where its growth rate and vigour may be slow or in decline, the ivy’s more vigorous growth allow it to smother the tree. The bushy adult growth will then have a tendency to make the tree top heavy, making it more likely to fall, particularly during adverse weather conditions.

One of the most important aspects when contemplating the removal of ivy, from a mature tree, is its enormous wildlife value. The dense mass of foliage and intertwining stems around the trunks of trees, provide shelter for birds to build their nests, and dark nooks and crannies where bats can roost through the day.

In Autumn, ivy flowers are an important source of pollen and nectar for wasps, butterflies, bees and a hose of fly species. Over winter, ivy protects woodland soils from full snow cover and frost. This enables ground foraging birds such as blackbirds, robins, dunnocks and thrushes to continue feeding, while a sheltered habitat is also provided for small mammals and insects.

The berries, which ripen in March / April, have a high fat content and, although poisonous in large quantities, they provide both native and migrant birds with an invaluable early energy resource. Woodpigeons, starlings, resident and migrant thrushes and newly arrived summer migrants such as blackcaps feed on them.

Some species of invertebrate are known to feed on the foliage of ivy, and several species of beetle bore the mature stems, while spiders spin their webs to catch others that fly in to shelter.

It should rarely be considered necessary or appropriate to remove ivy from trees within a woodland setting, where it is an integral part of the native ecosystem. On

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The mature oak tree, pictured here, is in decline and the ivy is beginning to smother it. This process is a natural part of the woodland ecology, but with the tree adjacent to a public path there are clearly some concerns with regard to health and safety. However, this prominent location also makes the tree of particular value for bats that could make regular use of the dense ivy for roosting while foraging along the ride and woodland edge. Meanwhile the tree would live for longer, if it did not have to compete with the ivy, and it could undergo the process of retrenchment to a lower canopy. Photograph Andrew Cowan.

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Arb Associations It could be said that the world of trees has more than its far share of organisations, from simple interest groups to full blown trade associations, and as a result it can certainly get more than a little confusing at times. We all know how important it is to make sure we are getting the most up to date information and keeping up with current ideas, theories and hypotheses, so subscription fees can soon mount up as memberships to different organisations start to multiply.

With so many organisations offering us membership packages, how can we make the decision whether to subscribe to one or other, or for that matter choose both and others besides. Meanwhile there are charities who work on our behalf that do not expect us to join or subscribe and simply ask for our support.

This month we are please to offer you three articles produced by perhaps the most significant organisations allied with arboriculture and the tree care world associated with it. Nick Eden director of the Arboricultural Association tells us how his organisation is setting the standards, Barbara Hall offers us the chance to see how much the Tree Council does for tree care and David Loyd-Jones provides us with an international perspective from the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) UK & Ireland Chapter.

The Arboricultural Association. Setting the Standard.

Trees grow incrementally: each year steadily adding structure, strength and dimension. In recent years the Arboricultural Association has experienced incremental growth and it expects 2007 to be one of the most exciting stages its 40 year history of serving British arboriculture.

But this was not always the case. Let’s be honest – we don’t have to look too far back to recall how the Association was struggling to survive. Finances were low, reserves were being used to pay for its annual running costs and its standards and quality controls were regularly criticised (for example, AA Approved Contractors and AA Registered Consultants were assessed once and never revisited). There was real concern over the Association’s future.How has this changed? Here are a few examples of how the AA has developed in the last few years: T

In 2001 the AA scrapped the ‘ticket-for-life’ for its Approved Contractors and Registered Consultants by introducing compulsory reassessment. Also in 2001 it lead a campaign to the European Parliament to exempt chainsaws from legislation that would have seriously hampered their viable production in Europe.

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In 2002 the Association’s Arborists’ Trade Fair topped 1,000 visitors (and topped 2,000 in 2006!). Numbers increased in its newly launched accreditation scheme for Local Government Officers – AALGO.

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In 2003 it lead the industry in finding solutions to the insurance crisis faced by arboricultural contractors.

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In 2004 its permanent staff had grown to six to cater for the increasing demand for its services and its financial reserves were growing steadily. Also in 2004 the AA Utility Arboriculture Group was formed to represent the interests of contractors in this specialist but significant industry sector.

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In 2005 it developed the Guide to Good Climbing Practice, branded ‘best practice’ by the HSE, giving climbing arborists a practical interpretation of the Work at Height Regulations 2005. Also in 2005 AA membership topped 2,000 and it published the Contractors Health and Safety Package – a resource to help contractors meet the growing raft of legislation affecting arboricultural contracting.

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In 2006 it called, hosted, lead, and funded a national arboricultural strategythink-tank, the start of the development of a strategy for the industry and with Lantra Awards it launched training for tree inspectors both at basic and professional levels.

Throughout this period the Association has represented arboriculture at craft, management and professional levels to government and society, published guidance material and run training events and conferences and provided a technical help line for anyone who needs advice. With these achievements and starting the year with just under £0.5m in reserves you might think the Association could afford to take it easy for a while. Oh no – it has planned an ambitious development programme for 2007 and beyond.

With three permanent technical staff from within the industry backed up by an efficient administration team, dedicated Trustees and a streamlined working committee structure the Association is set to achieve great things for trees, the arboricultural industry, those who work in it and the UK population at large whom it serves.

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Pursuing the persistent ‘Rogue Traders’ Doesn’t it annoy you when someone pretends to be something they’re not?

There continues to be a number of people who use the AA logo when they are not AA Approved Contractors or Registered Consultants. Not only does this deceive consumers into thinking that the person has achieved an accepted standard and is backed up by the quality controls the Association requires, but it discourages genuine firms from applying to be approved. The Association is soon to conclude the test-case legal action it is taking against two companies using the Association’s logo illegally. If successful the penalties are likely to be severe – rest assured it will publish this nationally.

A Strategic Direction for the Industry Work continues on the National Strategy for Arboriculture. In May the Framework Group meets to add to the work done last year and the strategy will be available for first-stage consultation soon. What are the issues you think are important?

Make your comments when the consultation document is published (see www.trees.org.uk/consultpage.php).

Nick Eden, Director of the Arboricultural Association Chartered Status Ever thought Chartered Status would be of benefit? The Association has recently achieved constituent body status in the Society for the Environment and will soon be licenced to award to its professional members the status of Chartered Environmentalist – that means those members will be able to use the initials CEnv after their names and stand comfortably with other chartered professionals such as architects, engineers, foresters and other experts.

A New Standard in Contracting For contractors the Association is applying to become licenced by TrustMark, the only nationwide Government backed scheme to help householders find reputable tradesmen. This will empower the Association to set a government approved standard for arboricultural contracting. It will be similar to the AA Approved Contractor scheme but incorporate more consumer protection features.

From time to time the Association posts other documents on this webpage on which it invites your views – these will influence the drafting of its response to the relevant consultation bodies.

Coordinating the Efforts of All Addressing the issues of industry fragmentation is always on the AA’s agenda.

The AA is actively involved with the Arboricultural Liaison Group, the National Strategy Framework Group and partnering training activities with various groups (Health and Safety Executive, Bat Conservation Trust, Treeworks Environmental Practice and Lantra Awards) and is in talks with the International Society of Arboriculture’s UK and Ireland Chapter to formalise working relations that complement each other’s activities.

In response to international demand the Association is facilitating the translation of its Guide to Good Climbing Practice into various other languages and cultures.

The Spanish Guide is complete and is available from the Spanish Arboricultural Association. The Association continues to work with other European countries through its European Arboricultural Council representative.

Sponsored by All enquiries: Arboricultural Association Tel: 01794 368717 Web: www.trees.org.uk

TotalARB: a World of Trees April 2007

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Mainly for Contractors The Association is conscious that a significant proportion of the arboricultural community earns its daily bread by going out in a van and ‘doing tree work’. Talk of partnerships, national strategies and liaison may seem a world away to many.

The Association is equally involved at grass roots level with the development of the Guide to Good Climbing Practice being one example.

The Association’s regular Newsletter keeps the practitioner up to date with what’s happening: news of regulations, changes in working practices, training and events and features a ‘Mainly for Contractors’ section in every issue and a dedicated Utility Arboriculture section written by the AA’s Utility Arboriculture Group – contractors that undertake £150m of arboricultural work each year. This down-to-earth practical information resource enables tree workers to keep up to date with the essentials.

Maintaining Standards During the year the Association will re-assess about 30 of its 130 AA Approved Contractors to check their standards are maintained and is likely to assess about 10-15 new applicants. AA Registered Consultants will benefit from a CPD day that is exclusive to them and is targeted to their requirements: Francis Schwarze will be speaking on the significance of Meripilus and Sir Louis Blom-Cooper QC will speak on the implication of the Meadow v GMC case for consultants. 10% of AA Fellows and Professional Members will have their CPD records checked by the Association to ensure standards are being maintained.

Delegates at a Tree Survey and Inspection Training Course

Every Tree Climber’s Essential Reading Exceptional demand for Training Last year the AA trained 780 people on various courses and a further 250 as a supplier to the HSE on engaging suitable tree work contractors. This year looks like being no different with over 50 different training events programmed throughout the year. By far the most popular training the AA delivers is in tree inspections, no doubt triggered by recent legal cases (Poll v Bartholomew, HSE’s investigation into Birmingham City Council and others), other training available from the AA includes Risk Assessment, Vehicle Legislation and Licencing, Visual Amenity Valuation of Trees, Marketing for Arboriculturists, AA Approved Contractor Pre-assessment Workshop, Writing Professional Reports, Strategic Tree Management and two new courses for 2007: Trees and Design and AutoCAD for Arboriculturists.

The training schedule is published on www.trees.org.uk/course.php.

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And Still to Come…

Looking to the longer term the Association has begun work on the redevelopment of its website (though you won’t see any fundamental changes until next year), under new Editorship will be refreshing the image of its scientific peer-reviewed academic Journal the Arboricultural Journal and will achieve ISO 9001 accreditation – the internationally recognised standard for an organisation's internal quality management. It will be running its annual Trade Fair at the Bathurst Estate, Gloucestershire 29 & 30 June 2007 and Conference at the University of Warwick, 2 – 5 September 2007.

Join with us in setting the standard for arboriculture in the UK, Ireland and beyond. Special membership deals will be available for visitors to the AA’s 9th Arborists’ Trade Fair June.

Nick Eden, Director, Arboricultural Association. Ampfield House, Ampfield, Nr. Romsey, Hampshire, SO51 9PA Tel: 01794 368717 Fax: 01794 368978 Email: admin@trees.org.uk Web: www.trees.org.uk

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Professionals around the world rely on knowledge to get the tough jobs done.

The International Society of Arboriculture offers a complete line of information tools for tree care.

MEMBERSHIP: Get access to news, networks, and educational opportunities

CERTIFICATION: People want proof you can handle the big jobs.

An ISA credential confirms your knowledge.

INTERNATIONAL TREE CLIMBING CHAMPIONSHIP: ISA events showcase the skills of the best climbers in front of an international audience.

To learn more about ISA membership and certifications visit www.isa-arbor.com or the ISA/UKI Chapter www.isa-uki.org to see for yourself.

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The Tree Council – Working Together for Trees Better care for all trees, of all ages is just one of the heart-felt rallying calls of The Tree Council, the umbrella body for a wide range of UK organisations that are committed to trees. It also works for more trees, of the right kind, in the right places and to inspire effective action for trees. And its goal is to make trees matter to everyone.

This may seem like motherhood and apple pie to all in the arboriculture industry but at the same time they will also recognise that not everyone does appreciate the value of trees – or, if they do, that the treescape needs maintaining and enhancing if it is to be sustained. So the more that people who do love trees can work together to convert the rest, the easier their job will be – and that’s the driving force behind The Tree Council.

It was set up in 1974, with government backing, to bring together organisations involved in tree planting, care and conservation. The aim was to keep up the momentum of 1973’s National Tree Year, with its slogan of “Plant a Tree in ’73”, which was itself a countrywide response to the dramatic loss of trees from Dutch Elm Disease.

The Tree Council organised the first National Tree Week in 1975 and has continued to co-ordinate it ever since. Well over 20 million trees have been planted as a result of this annual winter festival – now the UK’s largest celebration of trees and woods – with up to a million planted each year. Great strides have also been made during the last 30 years in caring for trees. Yet, with Britain still one of the least-wooded countries in Europe, this work is as urgent as ever.

Like other Tree Council initiatives which have developed more recently, National Tree Week is designed to engage as many people as possible, and is an opportunity for member organisations and others to further their own objectives.

Promoting tree issues to the public relies heavily on common messages and a united front for maximum effect.

Today The Tree Council is the lead UK tree campaigning charity, with members ranging from professional, non-governmental, specialist and trade organisations to local authorities and government bodies. No other umbrella body covers that range. Members include the Arboricultural Association, Institute of Chartered Foresters, International Society of Arboriculture UK and Ireland Chapter, National Association of Tree Officers and – one the newest members – the Consulting Arborist Society, which joined earlier this year.

The Tree Council works with its member organisations to get its message across through a range of activities. In March, for example, it launched the Tree Care Campaign, aimed at everyone who owns, manages or has simply been involved in planting trees, to highlight the need for better care for all trees, of all ages.

Then May sees the annual Walk in the Woods festival to encourage more people to get out and enjoy – and therefore value – trees in woods, parks and leafy streets, either by going for a healthy walk or by taking part in events in town, city and countryside. This is followed in the autumn by Seed Gathering Season to inspire everyone, particularly school children and families, to collect seeds to grow the trees of the future – but with an emphasis on finding out first what trees are needed, and where, so that appropriate seeds can be targeted.

Together with National Tree Week and the Tree Care Campaign, these annual initiatives are not only a mechanism for both national and local organizations to involve the public but also a vehicle for education and awareness-raising. These initiatives make a major contribution towards tree and woodland enhancement, development, biodiversity and conservation nationally, through each stage of the tree year.

Key to the success of these initiatives are more than 7,000 volunteer Tree Wardens throughout the country who are all part of the Tree Council’s Tree Warden Scheme. This enables people, working closely with tree officers – or other local authority officers – and conservation bodies, to play an active role in protecting and enhancing their local treescape. They are proving a powerful force in spreading important tree messages within their communities.

The Tree Council, which launched the national scheme in 1990, works with local authorities, voluntary organisations, parish councils and local partnerships to set up and develop Tree Warden networks.

Backing comes from the private and public sector. National Grid has worked with the Tree Council since the early 1990s and supported the scheme since 1997. The Department for Communities and Local Government is now helping The Tree Council to extend Tree Wardening further into towns and cities with a grant from its Special Grants Programme in support of the Government’s ‘Cleaner, Safer, Greener’ agenda.

Broadcaster Jon Snow (pictured) wrote the foreword for Trees in Your Ground', a Tree Council book published to encourage people to value, plant and care for trees in their local patch.

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A key role of the Tree Council is to develop channels for dialogue and co-operation, and it brings together organisations to respond to Government consultation and lobby on issues of concern – such as Defra’s exclusion of tree planting from the voluntary Code of Best Practice for the provision of carbon offsetting to UK customers, currently out for consultation.

The Tree Council is also spearheading a campaign to gain special protected status for trees of great historical, cultural or ecological significance — ‘heritage’ trees. This Green Monuments Campaign highlights the fact that, in contrast to historic buildings, there are no legal safeguards specific to ancient trees or others of heritage significance. Such protection as does exist is coincidental and not by design. So the campaign is seeking safeguards for green monuments, encouragement for their custodians to look after them and support and advice on their care.

To support its goals, the Tree Council has published several books, principally targeted at Tree Wardens and other general tree enthusiasts. The handbook, ‘Trees In Your Ground’, for example, aims to help people to value and care for trees in their neighbourhoods, and to recognise when they need to call in an expert. The book includes chapters on choosing the right tree for the right places (with lists of trees for particular conditions) as well as on planting, caring for and managing them (from root issues to pests and diseases).

The most recent Tree Council title, ‘Why Are Leaves Green: A Tree Miscellany’, is published this month (April). The inspiration for this handy guide came from two groups of Tree Wardens – in South Somerset and West Sussex – who were keen to have answers to some of the questions about trees that they were frequently being asked. The Tree Council decided to help, and invited all Tree Wardens across the UK to send in the most popular questions. These have been answered by The Tree Council's Jon Stokes and John White, former Forestry Commission Research Dendrologist and curator of the Westonbirt Arboretum.

For more information contact info@treecouncil.org.uk, www.treecouncil.org.uk

TotalARB: a World of Trees April 2007

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The International Society of Arboriculture - UK & Ireland Perspective Arboriculturists in this country have a choice if they want to join an organisation representing them. There are many reasons why people do but central to the various motivating factors is the way that trees seem to bring a desire to continually learn more and contribute to this profession.

If the subject of our endeavors was something that engaged our imaginations less, I suggest that this industry would be rather different and the people involved far less colourful and interesting. We are all, to a greater or lesser degree, living out our vocations and it's the passion behind this that makes everything we do intense and fulfilling.

The support that the two main tree associations enjoy shows the enthusiasm within the profession. Some choose to support the AA, some the ISA (UK&I) and many support both. The AA is long standing in this country and the conferences that I have attended have been some of the most memorable events of my professional life. I have been, am and will remain a member and supporter of the AA. But I'm President of the ISA UK&I Chapter so you would expect me to be a flag waving supporter and advocate for that organisation

The AA carries its popular support through good works, good networks and some degree of nationalistic pride. At least, those are some of my main reasons for being a member, but the ISA being international represents an outward looking opportunity for arboriculture in the UK & Ireland, and it is this benefit specifically for UK & Irish arboriculturists that I really believe in.

So what does ISA (UK&I) offer UK&I arborists? Well, I believe we are more focused on the individual working Arborist. The Certified Arborist scheme is a classic example and it's an easily attainable, inclusive scheme. However, it is also comprehensive as a candidate has to show good depth of knowledge in all fields. That's good training which turns out good arborists with appropriately broad knowledge that they can build on throughout their careers wherever in the world their careers takes them. Think of it as international professional currency.

I am a Certified Arborist and I am as proud of that as any of my qualifications. I will maintain the required 30 continuing education units every three years to keep up to date with international advances in arboriculture.

The UK&I has Professional Affiliations (PAs). For example, the Consulting Arborist Society is the PA that handles all aspects of Tree Consultancy on behalf of the ISA UK&I Chapter. The only requirement is that a PA must have a constitution that does not conflict with that of ISA international. CAS fulfils the UK&I Chapter's role to deal with issues relating to tree consultancy. I interpret that to mean that CAS has to be active. It has to be clear on what it is trying to do. With my experience I know that CAS focuses on the areas of commercial application of Consulting Arboriculture and is active in developing or importing more. In setting out ways to protect and support innovative ideas from practical research, CAS is potentially the ideal vehicle for people developing practical applications of Arboricultural research, and as such I hope that it becomes the delivery vehicle of choice for developers of applied tree consulting products and the incubator for tomorrow's tree report procedures. Above all else, CAS endeavours to promote member services to the general public.

A popular aspect of ISA is the annual Tree Climbing Championships (TCC). Just like motor racing drives product development, the TCC's have been responsible for driving skills development, equipment design and working techniques for over a decade. That process is ongoing and is creating a specialist climbing community that is again open to all. All you need is the desire to compete and improve the techniques that you use every day commercially.

Since I persuaded Trans World Sport to cover the International TCCs in Birmingham in 1998, I have had a dream to take the TCCs into the natural medium for such a visual spectacle: the alternative sports TV networks. I feel it could become as watchable as climbing artificial rock walls or the forestry x games and what better way to publicise the Arboricultural industry.

Two other influential PAs are the Student Activities Committee (SAC) and the British Utility Arborist Association (BUAA). Students are the future of the industry and the increasingly rigorous standards of qualification that Utility Arborists must accumulate is fast making that area of Arboriculture the most exacting, and rightly so.

ISA UK&I have a simple and efficient committee structure within which members can explore their particular aspects of arboriculture. There is also international exchange of ideas and research. With 20,000 members, ISA is truly a global organisation with resources to match. Those influences find their way directly to members via the international publications. Arborist News carries much practical news and articles of direct significance to working and evolving arborists. The Journal Of Arboriculture is a technical publication second to none.

ISA UK&I has its own publications distributed free to members, all of which help our members keep their fingers on the pulse of our profession. The UK&I Chapter emphasises innovation and its benefits to its members.

The greatest challenge facing UK&I Arboriculture is also its greatest opportunity.

Genuine close relations between AA and ISA are important for the future of our profession. There are issues to resolve but to do so, the industry needs to speak as one. Restructuring pension arrangements for arborists is essential to make a more viable career progression structure, then there is the need to establish the word "Arboriculture" in the public psyche. Getting our own product heading in Yellow Pages would be a real barometer of the status of this industry in my opinion.

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One step at a time is a winning strategy. Define the goal then define the sequential steps backwards from that goal to where you are now. Applying that principle, I arrive at Step 1‌ get the AA and the ISA actively talking and co-operating.

The UK&I Board of Directors supported my practical offer to the AA last September at The AA conference for an AA liaison officer to 'join us at' UK&I meetings. We hope the AA will reciprocate and our offer stands.

I had hoped to be able to report another step forward: the acceptance of my proposal that we scrap the caveat in the original joint press release relating to the merger talks saying we would not report the progress of those talks. I am disappointed that the AA has refused to agree to that proposal.

I think UK&I arborists need to read about these issues and see the differences in how the meetings are being reported. In short, a reporting restriction denies you the opportunity to become fully aware of the issues. If you are like me, the feeling of being kept in the dark, even with the best of intentions, is unacceptable.

I intend to report the developments as they happen, to my Chapter members.

To promote openness, I will give my counterparts in the AA sight of my draft reports and I will consider their comments and/or give them the right to reply within Treeline. UK&I members will be kept up to date with progress.

I consider that in this way our industry will really move forward, and with these two proposals agreed and in action, the differences between the two organisations will quickly become irrelevant. The common thread in my proposals is communication between the AA and the ISA and communication between elected representatives and their members. After all, one day we will all surely vote on those issues and the results will affect the industry as a cohesive whole.

David Lloyd-Jones ISA UK&I Chapter President 2006-2008

TotalARB: a World of Trees April 2007

CAS Chairman 2003-2007

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Guide Bar Maintenance Part 2

I hope you found part one of this Guide Bar Maintenance article useful in helping you to understand why the condition of your bar is important for your safety and for

Photo 13

has been cleverly designed to remove any wear on the rails around the nose of the by the sprocket the chain is lifted slightly off the bar rails until it has traveled around the tip of the bar and leaves the sprocket in good order there should be no wear at

check on your bar in order to keep it

of a bar fitted with a sprocket nose could be the failure of the bearings within the

BLUEING

Blueing is caused by one factor, heat, excessive heat that can be caused by many reasons; the wrong size chain for your bar, excessive chain tension, pinched bar rails, exerting too much pressure on the saw whilst cutting because your chain is blunt, lack of lubrication reaching the chain caused by not cleaning your grooves or oil holes correctly, oil pump failure, forgot to fill Blueing is very obvious and is generally localized to the area of the bar getting too hot, with this in mind it is generally easy side of the bar from the edge of the rails down to approximately the depth of the groove along the entire length of the bar is probably caused by lack of lubrication or

Photo 12

nose in Photo 13 has failed; you can see in the photo that the sprocket is no longer protruding from the nose of the bar, the bearings have collapsed and the sprocket has been pulled into the bar causing excessive overheating and therefore blueing around the entire area that the

Look at the rails along the straight part of the bar; you should see that they are shiny where they are in constant contact around the nose they should be dull as

Photo 14

SOLID NOSE

Solid nose bars are ideal for use in areas where the ground conditions are very sprocket nose on a guide bar would maintenance on solid nose guide bars develop burrs around the nose it is likely will find it difficult to remove these with a

Even bars of a considerable age may retain paint on the rails around the nose which proves that the rails at this point nose fitted and your rails are shiny around the nose either your bearings are damaged or worn out and need replacing or you bar generally is worn out and noses are sealed and need no further maintenance, others require greasing through two small holes, one either side of

as a flat file until you have removed the removed using the same technique as for checking burrs along the bar length as stated in Part 1 of this article in the last

type of blueing will not alter the shape of the bar at all and therefore in theory the blued area will now be softer than the rest of the bar; therefore you need to monitor the rate of wear at these areas and when the bars profile starts to alter

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point with a piece of wire (Photo 15) ; it is not advisable to force

Photo 15

SPROCKET NOSE

sprocket rotates freely, a stiff sprocket will use more power to rotate it and debris into the bar with your grease, it

areas along the bar could be excessive use with heavy pressure in just that area or pinched rails putting pressure on the chain as it passes through the pinched

Examine the bar closely to make sure that the bar has not been damaged around the this would mean replacement of the entire

Ideally this should be done at each

the rails being squeezed together causing a tight spot for the drive links of the chain

or bearings that are damaged these can

chain is fitted to the bar you will see the grease appearing between the bar and

replacement as a dedicated article in

pump grease into the bar until it appears

TotalARB: a World of Trees April 2007

e

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IN ASSOCIATION WITH Photo 16

cut unevenly and it will try to cut on a rails are level place a set square against the side of the bar and across the top of

GROOVE DEPTH

Photo 18 for the chain and bar to work efficiently together the drive link should not touch WORN RAILS (INTERNAL)

rails in the groove should be vertical and parallel with the width of the groove being the same width at the bottom of

Diagram 20

time during normal use the inside faces of the groove will become worn with the groove developing a “V� shape, this will be accelerated if you cut with a badly sharpened chain as the cutting action will tend to pull the chain to one side or the other putting pressure on the inside face

the rails (Photo 18), you should not be able to see any daylight between the set square and the top of either rail (Photo

can make is to see if there is any debris in the bottom of the groove with your groove cleaner when you first take it of the saw, this is proof that the drive ling tangs are not reaching the bottom of the groove

end of the bar to the other checking the

Photo 19

to rock from side to side giving uneven that can rectify this and the bar needs

of the bar with uneven rails they can be

Diagram 17

the bar in a vice and standing with the nose of the bar towards you hold the flat file horizontally on the top of the bar

have taken the chain off the bar is to check the bottom of the drive links; if they are shiny and worn and there is no debris in the bottom of the groove this is a good indication that the groove is to shallow and the drive links are constantly running

will only damage the file and reduce its

on the serviced bar and make sure that the cutters and tie-straps are sitting on the rails and are not sitting with a gap between them; this would indicate that the drive links are touching the bottom of the groove keeping the cutters and tie-straps

file will do or use the back edge of a set

file the entire length of the bar in order

had to file down the top of the rails to rectify uneven rails as this operation will

bar at the correct tension place the end of your flat surface close to the bottom of the bar and then present the flat edge to the

any unevenness with will only develop

IN SUMMARY

sprocket nose, if fitted, towards you so as you are filing away from the nose, you want to avoid iron filings entering the

If you have followed this maintenance programme and have needed to rectify any problems on your bar, when you start cutting again you may notice a difference

chain sideways until it moves no further you should still have a gap between the flat surface and the guide bar; if the flat surface is flush with the guide bar from top to bottom then your rails are worn UNEVEN RAILS

If your rails are not level across from one

never be pulled towards you whilst in contact with the bar; files are designed

that you remove any burrs as mentioned earlier before you check for level with your set square as any large burrs may hold the set square away from the bar and to rectify uneven rails you may need to re-bevel the outside corners of the rails as

be due to your sharpening skills and putting in the magazine will be on correct chain selection for your saw, making sure that the chain is compatible with you bar and sprockets and that your drive system

It will sit leaning to one side and therefore

TotalARB: a World of Trees April 2007

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Arb Rants & Raves This month we start a new section of the magazine where we will offer everyone the opportunity to stand on their soap box to ‘Rant & Rave’ about issues, incidences and ideas that have stimulated some deep feelings.

Here is your opportunity to rant about a topic that has irritated you, or vent your frustrations about an action that you believe to be wrong.

Alternatively we would also like to encourage you to use these pages to rave about topics that have enthused or inspired you in a very positive way.

Send your Rants or Raves to e-mail editor@totalarb.com or post via snail mail to Unit 1, Wrotham Water Farm, Wrotham Water Road, Wrotham, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN15 7SG In this first issue of TotalARB: a World of Trees, we are publishing a couple of articles to start our series on Arbs Rant and Rave. The first was published in the Arboricultural Associations Tree Newsletter (133) in spring 2006, and the author is now our editor, Andrew Cowan. The second letter was written by Ted Green, who felt compelled to respond by adding his voice of support for arborists as the true tree care professionals and emphasis the importance of incorporating ecology into modern arboriculture.

Shouldn’t we be saving trees?

Andrew Cowan stands up for dead trees saying that they are an essential component of a healthy arboreal ecosystem. Without them the structural, biological and ecological integrity of the system could be compromised to the point where the longevity of individual trees, and the sustainability of whole populations, may be dramatically reduced.

I was interested to read the letter, in the December issue of the Tree Newsletter, written by Chris Yarrow, where he commented on a recent case involving an aging tulip tree in historic Southover Grange gardens, Lewes, Sussex. This was an interesting situation where I was also asked for advice and I will say now that I think it is likely that Mr Yarrow considers me to fall into the category of ‘tree hugger’ when he says: ”it is time for the tree professions to distance themselves from the tree huggers and lovers”, but I consider this a personal strength rather than weakness. I was asked to advise the campaign group fighting to keep the tree, although these were not your average band of tree protesters. In fact the combined arboricultural qualifications and experience was close to twice that of the council’s independent advisors.

Understanding arboriculture is all about practicing tree care, which requires an appreciation of what makes a healthy tree and a realisation that we are managing tree populations that are reliant on a diversity of different organisms. Isolated from their ecological partners that have co-evolved mutually beneficial associations (that we are only barely starting to understand) it is not surprising that the life expectancy of our urban trees is so short. Veteran, dying and dead trees are an integral part of the sustainable arboreal ecosystem, because they offer the ecological niches so important to the survival of the tree’s co-evolutionary partners. Our ancient and veteran tree populations are so important because they are often the last refuge for organisms that are essential to the longevity of the trees that are being planted today.

So considering the case involved the potential loss of what was undisputedly a dying tree, why was there so much opposition? I won’t get bogged down with the ins and outs of this rather lengthy case, although if anyone is interested the Tree News article published last summer (2005) provides a comprehensive account. The campaign group considered the arboricultural advice offered to the council to be flawed because it did not include all the options available, and the recommendations provided were neither holistic nor balanced. There was clearly a belief that the council were not being given the benefit of independent advice that considered the full range of arboricultural options open to them and there was a good argument for saving the tree.

Arboriculture has grown beyond the limitations of forestry, within which the implementation of silvicultural systems are designed to manage tree populations for the production of a timber resource, where decaying and dead trees are seen as no more than firewood.

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There are clearly parallels to be drawn with the management of a tree amenity resource and some of the forestry principles can be applied to arboricultural practices, but it is time we recognised the fact that we are attempting to manage the complex ecosystems that support the tree. We need to adopt tree management techniques that improve the trees’ growing environment and

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reduce our often indiscriminate use of pruning methods that just treat symptoms.

A sustainable age class structure is an essential part of the management of any tree population, but what is often forgotten and frequently neglected completely is the integral part dying and dead trees play in the life cycles of organisms that are intrinsic to healthy ecosystems.

Arboreal ecosystems are a perpetual recycling system where the healthy metabolism of living trees is dependent on the decay process recycling the raw materials. The safe retention of dead and decaying wood is a fundamental part of tree population management, and no longer something to be removed on the grounds of sanitation.

the tree should be felled with stump and as many of the roots as possible grubbed out.

Now I am personally not comfortable with this situation and consider it to be inappropriate and just the sort of unprofessional behaviour that the tree professions should distance themselves from. In an era when arboriculture is striving to improve professional standing such actions are only likely to slow the process down. What do you think?

The tulip tree in Southover Grange Gardens was felled in November 2005 and the stump dug out to be replaced by turf.

Andrew Cowan, ArborEcology Ltd www.arborecology.co.uk

Maintaining a diverse balance within the mycological community is of particularly importance especially in the control of so called ‘pest’ organisms such as Honey Fungus (Armillaria sp.) where a sustainable source of dead wood habitat is essential to maintain populations that include natural competitors like Sulphur Tuft (Hypholoma sp.).

This brings us back to the Lewes tulip tree where strident opposition was voiced to the councils decision to fell it without due consideration for it’s residual value as a dead tree. Following lengthy debate it appeared that some mutual agreement was reached with a positive response from the council committee to retaining the tree as a monolith integrated with carved habitat features. This encouraged the campaign group to work collaboratively and investigate grant funding options that could benefit the rest of the park and adjacent listed buildings. It looked like both sides were now working together with a common goal in mind and a really positive outcome for everyone.

However, this amicable situation did not last long as the case was stirred up again by some adverse news paper reports and a small number of councillors.

One of the letters to the local paper was from an arboricultural consultant who suggested, under the title “Dead tree is a waste of space”, that the tree should be removed because it provided a ‘food’ source for honey fungus and “in such an artificial environment offers some degree of control,” going on to say: “Retaining the tree as a possible roost for bats in the future is a rather tenuous reason to keep it.” He also expressed a personal belief that: “Trees are the most exquisite and most sparingly apportioned raw material of our urban landscape.

Sadly, in Britain there is an over-refined, precious and nostalgic reverence for individual trees that is often woefully misapplied. ---- Get rid of it.”

Whilst it is everyone’s right to express an opinion to do this in the local press when actively and professionally involved in a case does seem to be at the expense of objectivity and, maybe, ethics.

Furthermore, if the article is emotively written, with a collection of initialed qualifications added, and no indication is made of professional involvement then this will only serve to undermine the credibility of the arboricultural industry.

On this particular occasion the same consultant subsequently supported an arboricultural risk assessment report written for the councillors still publicly opposing the retention of the tree. Recommendations of this report said that

In nature reserves, parks and woodland retaining standing dead trees should not be difficult or controversial, but in the more formal setting of ornamental gardens it may require a bit more creativity. The photograph here shows an oak monolith on the Isle of White which was carved by Paul Sivell (www.thecarvedtree.com).

Paul is regularly commissioned to produce sculptures like this that also incorporate habitat features, which offer suitable conditions for roosting bats and nest sites for birds, while the dead trunk provides a valuable food resource for fungi and invertebrates. Using sculpture in this way enables the safe retention of dead wood in a formal garden context, while also preserving the tree’s trunk as a historic feature of the area.

Meanwhile the continuity of the tree populations can be maintained by a replacement tree planted nearby.

The Honourable Profession of ‘Tree Hugger’ Every time I read ‘Tree Hugger’ I automatically reach for a pen in defence of this term. For me it obviously means people involved in tree conservation says Ted Green Ask yourself what other profession is totally and fundamentally concerned with tree conservation, but Arboriculture?

In fact the Arboricultural Association’s Logo goes as far as to say ‘Care for Trees’ which to a layman, like me, means conservation. Reading the article by Andrew Cowan in the last issue (no.133) of the Tree Newsletter, should we be asking ‘How can Arboricultural consultants have such opposite views about tree management in the 21st Century?’

My short adventure with arborists has led me to watch the rapid and ever changing world with great pleasure. With this great wealth of new knowledge and experience being driven by the likes of Mattheck, Pearce, Rayner and Shigo, to name but a few, the depth of arboricultural understanding is advancing at an ever increasing pace.

Watching the industry I have seen the modern arborists welcome these great advances in our understanding of the working of the individual tree. Sadly

TotalARB: a World of Trees April 2007

however with this great wealth of new information continuing to be released, it was inevitable that strong differing opinions would eventually be expressed in the media. Which keys the question does the qualification of consultant mean in any profession keeping abreast of current information? Imagine NHS surgeons not washing their hands prior to an operation or undertaking the procedure without anaesthetic, but this is equivalent to what some so called ‘Arboricultural’ consultants are now doing.

Meanwhile I also have great concerns about the increasing number of ‘foresters’ who are consulting on matters outside their area of professional expertise. As Andrew so eloquently says “Arboriculture has grown beyond the limitations of forestry, within which the implementation of silvicultural systems are designed to manage tree populations for the production of a timber resource, where decaying and dead trees are seen as no more than firewood”.

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I believe that the professional association between forester and arborist can be compared to that between the farmer and veterinarian. Whilst it is perfectly reasonable for a farmer with a keen interest in animal husbandry to acquire sufficient experience and complete the technical training necessary to become a vet, the transition from animal farmer to animal doctor is not an automatic right.

For a long time I have been of the opinion that there should be a new qualification of ‘Tree Ecologist’ to take into account the great differences between the honourable professions of Forestry and Arboriculture, that often appear distanced from Ecology.

To a layman such as myself the professions could not be more diametrically opposed and, as our knowledge about the individual tree increases, they are ever increasingly growing apart. This is echoed in Andrew’s comment “we need to adopt tree management techniques that improve the trees’ growing environment” and to do this arborists will have to embrace ecological ideas and practices.

To a layman the foresters grow trees, cut them down, produce timber and plants more trees, and they should be proud of it. Meanwhile arborists care for trees and today the modern arborist cares for dead trees too, managing them as an integral part of the system.

However, in today’s safety conscious society the evidence of perceived hazardous roadside trees and other alleged dangerous individuals just being felled without any consideration of possible management is ever increasing. I am continually upset and discouraged by the growing numbers of tree hazard assessments undertaken by forestry advisors, especially associated with roadside trees on the edge of woodland, where remedial work recommendations appear to be limited to the single option of ‘Fell’.

I wholehearted agree with Andrew when he says “it is time we recognised the fact that we (Arborists) are attempting to manage the complex ecosystems that support the tree”. Fungi are clearly the most significant component of the trees life support system, and are responsible for maintaining sustainability within arboreal ecosystems.

This dead cedar tree was reduced and retained as a standing dead tree (monolith) within a public park in Bromley. The residence were keen to keep it, because the local Sparrowhawk regularly used it as a hunting perch.

Arboriculture is about understanding and managing the complexity of living organisms growing within and surrounding trees.

The UK, even after the tragic loss of millions of magnificent Elms, then of thousands of miles of hedgerow and their trees and all the other causes of tree destruction still has a great treescape.

Be proud of it and please let’s care for it and that means our fungi too!

Ted Green, Fungi First, Ancient Tree Forum. www.ancient-tree-forum.org

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WHY WE NEED A CAMPAIGN What’s an Arborist? It’s the usual response from the general public, and the next question is: - why do I need to find one? A good question, and its up to our profession to promote an automatic answer, namely, we can save trees, money and in some cases, life and property. The answer is in our hands and we must get the answer across.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has focused on the Arboriculture Industry over the past few years. Alan Plom, Head of Safety for the Agriculture and Food Sector of the HSE recently stated:-

The “Find an Arborist” campaign is designed to help the general public resolve issues such as these, by offering them access to the correct advice from an Arborist anywhere in the country.

“Working with trees can be dangerous. It kills and seriously injures many people each year as well as causing damage to property, often at considerable cost to house owners and others. This is often due to inadequately trained and under-insured ‘tree-fellers’, offering to undertake work at ‘cut-down’ prices. HSE therefore, welcomes the aims of the ‘Find an Arborist’ Campaign, intended to raise awareness of the public and encourage the use of competent, trained and qualified Arborists, who will use safe methods to carry out their work, without endangering themselves or others.”

Getting the message over to the general public is a major challenge, which will require a focused approach over a long period of time. The find an arborist campaign has already started by establishing links with national and regional publications and obtained agreement to publish a series of articles that outline the benefits of trees and the need to have them cared for professionally. There are also plans to publicise arborists and consultants through Yell.com and Google. As the campaign gains momentum it will open doors to other ways to publicise its message.

An Arborist is, basically, a person who works with trees. However, in our complicated world this is like suggesting that the medical profession is just here to put on a band-aid! The role of the tree in our society is so important that proper care can be a matter of life or death, and not just for the tree! It is the role of the Arborist to ensure the safety, health and the legal position of trees in our urban environment.

All it takes is to log on-line to www.findanarborist.com and the expertise is at your fingertips. Obtaining and acting upon the correct advice from qualified professionals is the only way to show due diligence has been carried out when dealing with trees on your property.

There has been a change of emphasis in the preservation of trees. Legislative powers have been enacted to define responsibility of the home/land owner to ensure the safety of people and property from their trees both above and below ground. The implication for ignoring these new rules can be financially severe, hence the need for the qualified Arborist to guide and advise on any tree matters.

In our increasingly litigious society, the owners of trees must be aware of their responsibilities. Here are just a few points to consider:!

It is the responsibility of the landowner to ensure that anyone they employ to work on trees has both public and employee liability insurance. Failure to do so could result in legal action against the land/home owner in the event of accidents at the time of the work or in the future as a result of the work carried out. Further advice is available on-line www.findanarborist.com

!

Failure to check on the legal status of trees (Tree Preservation Orders) can lead to large fines for the land owner for unauthorised work up to £20,000 per tree. Your local Tree Officer will advise you on a great number of tree issues.

You can find your local Tree Officer and exactly how they can help at www.findanarborist.com

!

The Landowner is responsible for the damage caused by roots from their trees on adjoining properties.

! The Landowner is responsible for damage caused by his trees in respect of either branches or the entire tree falling down. The landowner can be held negligent if proper risk assessments have not been carried out on the fallen tree.

TotalARB: a World of Trees April 2007

If you manage a professional tree care company it is quick and easy to register on the Find an Arborist Campaign. www.findanarborist.com You will be asked to provide proof of adequate insurance, demonstrate that you are appropriately qualified and hold the right certificates to enable you to comply with relevant health and safety guidance and regulation.

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